Your student is encouraged to take part in Virtual HOWL Day - an extension of the traditional on-campus HOWL Freshman Registration Program. During Virtual HOWL, students can participate in registration day activities remotely - including meeting with their advisor, learning academic expectations and becoming familiar with campus.
Videos
Welcome For Parents
Financial Aid Basics
Student FAQs
- Do I have to do both Virtual HOWL and On-Campus HOWL?
No, you don’t! It is up to you if you would like to attend an On-Campus HOWL or a Virtual HOWL. If you would like to attend both, you are able to do that. Your on-campus experience will include tours and getting to meet some of the people that you will interact with at Northern.
- When is On-Campus HOWL or how do I register for Virtual HOWL?
View and register for HOWL at https://apply.northern.edu/portal/howl.
- How do I sign up?
Email Megan Frewaldt or look for a registration postcard in the mail. If you have questions or need help, call 1-800-NSU-5330.
- What does HOWL cost?
There is no charge for this event.
- What is the immunization policy?
South Dakota state law requires all students to present proof of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) to enroll in classes.
- I am planning to live on campus. When do I find out who my roommate is?
All of this information will come from Marty Sabolo, our director of Residence Life. Watch your email around June 20. You will receive a copy of the Residence Life policy that will outline what you can and cannot bring to campus to have in your room. This information will also be in the Residence Life section of your Virtual HOWL.
Virtual Howl
- I missed the deadline for Virtual HOWL - can I still do it?
You can sign up for Virtual HOWL anytime, and you can take your time in completing it. We recommend trying to do it in a timely manner so that you can select your classes, but there is no time limit to get it done.
- How long will Virtual HOWL take?
This depends on you, but on average takes about three hours. Some have completed it in a morning, while others have spread it out and completed it at their own pace. You are free to do it as it works best for you.
- I completed all of the content on Virtual HOWL - why won't it let me register for classes?
You will need to meet with your academic advisor to register for classes. In the advising section is an advising inventory you will need to complete to schedule a meeting with your academic advisor. During this meeting, you will register for classes. Your advisor will make sure that you are taking what you need to stay on track for graduation. It may take up to five days after you complete the advising inventory to receive an email from your advisor with the next steps. This will come to your Wolves email, so be sure to be checking that regularly!
- I don't plan to be on campus before the semester starts - how do I order books?
No problem! You can order books and other course materials online and have them delivered through Northern's Online Bookstore. Details are available HERE.
On-Campus HOWL
- Should my parents attend On-Campus HOWL?
Parents/guardians are invited to attend. Special sessions designed just for parents will familiarize them with this new environment and show them ways they can support your success! Due to COVID-19 and abiding by CDC guidelines, this year we ask that you do not bring more than two guests with you.
- How long will On-Campus HOWL last? What's the schedule?
Plan to be here for a full day. If you need testing or want in-depth tours or appointments, please allow more time. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. and the program will last until 4:30 p.m. Lunch will be served during the program. You'll receive a confirmation packet with complete schedule details about a week before your chosen HOWL date. A full schedule also will be available at check-in on the day of the event. If you have already completed the Virtual HOWL, your day will look a little different. Due to COVID-19, this schedule is subject to change.
- How do I get to campus?
Aberdeen is at the intersection of highways U.S. 281 and U.S. 12. The NSU campus is between 12th and 15th avenues and Washington and State streets. Once on U.S. 12 - which is Aberdeen's main east-west thoroughfare, Sixth Avenue - turn south on Main Street, then east on 12th Avenue. The parking lot at Washington and 12th has designated visitor parking and will not be checked for parking permits on registration days. You'll find a campus map in your confirmation packet. Or, find a link to a printable map at Campus Map.
- How do I find out about overnight accommodations?
For lodging information in Aberdeen, please contact the Aberdeen Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-645-3851, or visit visitaberdeensd.com.
- Will I need a parking permit for HOWL?
Parking permits will not be required for students and parents attending a HOWL event. However, students bringing vehicles to campus for the academic year must purchase a parking permit to park in the campus lots. Permits can be purchased online or in person at the Physical Plant parking office.
- Is a schedule available for fall courses?
NSU's class schedules for current and future semesters are on the Class Schedules Page. Banner Self-Service (formerly WebAdvisor) also will show up-to-date offerings.
- What should I wear?
Dress casually and comfortably, but remember - your ID picture will be taken today if you did not complete Virtual HOWL!
- What should I bring?
- Questions for faculty and staff
- Any paperwork not already turned in
- Records of college credit you have earned or anticipate earning
- Money if you plan to eat on campus, test, or purchase items from the bookstore
Academic Topics
- How do I know what classes to take?
You'll meet with a professional advisor before registering for classes. The advisor will review general education and major requirements, help you select courses and walk you through the registration process. At the end of the advising session, you'll have a complete schedule for the fall semester and partial schedule for spring semester.
- How many credit hours should students enroll in?
Fifteen credits is the recommended load for undergraduates. Find more information in the NSU Course Catalog.
- When should I declare a major?
Still exploring potential majors? Our Advising Center will work with you! You're encouraged to take courses that align with your interests and work toward possible majors. Career Services is also a valuable resource for you. Most students will select a major by the end of the first year. If you ever want to change your major, you'll contact the Advising Center or your advisor.
- What help is available for students who aren't doing well in their classes?
Northern offers academic help free of charge to students through the Math and Writing centers, Supplemental Instruction (SI) and a program called TRIO Student Support Services. For more information, see Academic Support.
- Will students have an academic advisor? How is this person assigned?
As a new student, you'll be assigned an academic advisor before the semester starts. If you have questions, please visit Academic Advising.
- Will I recieve copies of my grades? Can you explain the educational privacy act for me?
Students can view their grades using Banner on myNSU. Students may request that official transcripts be sent to third parties for a fee.
Information pertaining to personal academic records will be released only to the student unless written permission has been given to make this information available to parents or other third parties specified by the student. For more information on the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) or to download the Release or Withhold forms, visit Student Privacy Rights.
The NSU Registrar's Office is located in Dacotah Hall 103. Please call 605-626-2012 or 1-800-NSU-5330 or email Stephanie Hawkinson if you have additional questions.
Find more HOWL information at:
Find general registrar's office information at: