Admission Appeals
At Dakota State University, we believe in second chances and student success. If your academic journey hasn’t gone as planned—whether you were denied admission or previously suspended—you may have options to move forward through an admission appeal petition.
Below you’ll find information on who should apply, what’s required, and how the process works.
Appeal Deadlines
- Spring term* - Two weeks prior to start of term
- Summer term* - Two weeks prior to start of term
- Fall term* - Two weeks prior to start of term
*Students who were currently or recently enrolled and are now suspended may be eligible to petition; however, the petition window is limited. These students are required to contact the Director of Admissions immediately to discuss timelines and eligibility.
Admission Petition
For students previously suspended from DSU or another South Dakota public university
If you were academically suspended, you must submit a petition for admission before being considered for enrollment.
Important Policy Information
- Students must sit out at least two full semesters before being eligible for admission per the policy requirement set by the SD Board of Regents
- In rare cases, immediate reinstatement may be considered if academic failure was significantly impacted by documented extenuating circumstances. Which should be fully outlined by the student in their petition documentation
Steps to Petition for Admission
- Apply for Admission - dsu.edu/apply
- Submit the Petition for Admission Form and supporting documentation
- Explain what led to your academic difficulties
- Describe how these challenges affected your academics
- Explain what has changed
- Outline your plan for future success
Review Process
- Your petition and academic history will be reviewed by the Academic Appeals Committee
- A decision may be made immediately, or you may be asked to meet with the committee to further explain your circumstances and plan for future success.
If a Meeting Is Required
- You must bring all verifiable documentation, such as:
- Medical documentation provided directly to dsu-ada@dsu.edu
- Counselor or advisor statements
- Letters from impacted individuals
- Other official supporting records
- Meetings are confidential
- Incomplete petitions or missing documentation will be rejected