FAQs | Bismarck State College

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FAQs

When does registration begin?
As soon as a course is published online or in print, you may register. Registration for continuing education courses is an ongoing process as new courses are beginning all the time. At any given time, there will be a number of classes for which you can register-and in many cases up to the day before the class starts. Many of our classes are popular and fill quickly, so the sooner you register, the better.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation at the email address listed in your registration. Confirmations will be sent to the mailing address listed if no email address is provided. Certain courses may require special supplies and/or supply fees in addition to the registration fee. These requirements will be listed in the confirmation letter, please bring required fees and/or supplies to the first scheduled class.

What is an online course?
Online courses are conducted over the Internet and typically do not have regular meetings in a physical space. Bismarck State College, in partnership with Ed2Go (formerly Gatlin Education Services), offers over 100 online open enrollment programs in a wide spectrum of categories designed to provide the workforce skills necessary to enter a new field or advance your current career. For your convenience, registration and payment for Ed2Go and Gatlin classes are through this website.

Is there an age minimum for people taking Enrichment classes?
Enrichment classes are geared toward an adult audience, so typically the minimum age is 16. A few classes have a minimum age of 21, whereas some classes are open to younger students. Please read the course description carefully for age restrictions.

How do I know if there is space available in the class?
If a class is already filled, there will be a "Waiting List" button rather than an "Add to Cart" button to the right of the class listing. Click on the "Waiting List" button or call (701) 224-5600 to be placed on the waiting list. If there is a cancellation, we contact those on the waiting list in the order listed. On some occasions, the waiting list is long enough to warrant opening another section of the course. If you register for a different offering date, you can be transferred.

What are the ways I can register?
Registration is easy. You may register four ways:
On the internet:
To register for a Bismarck State College continuing education offering you must sign in. If you are new to our site and would like to register for an offering, you will need to create a profile. If you already have a profile, click on "Sign In" on the menu bar to the left and follow the prompts. Click on the "Courses & Conferences" link to browse through our offerings. When you find classes that you want to register for, add them to your shopping cart. When you are done shopping, click "Checkout" on the shopping cart (right side of screen) and then complete your order via our secure server.

By mail:
Mail your completed registration form with check or money order to: BSC Continuing Education, Training & Innovation, PO Box 5587, Bismarck ND 58506-5587.

In person:
You may register in person. The Continuing Education Training & Innovation office is located in the BSC National Energy Center of Excellence Building, Room 107 (south entrance - 1st floor), 1200 Schafer Street, Bismarck. The office hours are Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Payment may be made by cash, check, money order or credit card.

By phone:
You may register over the phone in most cases. Call the Continuing Education Training & Innovation office at (701) 224-5600 or (877) 846-9387 during business hours. The office hours are Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Payment may be made by debit or credit card.

What are your policies for payment of fees?
Full tuition must accompany your registration. To guarantee placement in the course, online payment may be made by Visa, Discover, MasterCard, American Express or personal check through our secure electronic payment site. 

If your registration will be paid by an employer or other agency, you may register and request payment but you are not guaranteed a place in the course until payment is authorized by that party. Contact our registration staff at (701) 224-5600 or (877) 846-9387 with any further questions.

How will I know if I get into a class?
If you register yourself online, you will be able to see whether there is still space available in a class. Once you complete the necessary payment information, you are registered. You will receive an email confirmation within 24 hours. If you register by mail or call in, you will receive confirmation after we process your registration.

Please review your confirmation.  Certain courses may require special supplies and/or supply fees in addition to the registration fee. These requirements will be listed in the confirmation letter, please bring required fees and/or supplies to the first scheduled class.

What if I cannot attend a course as planned?
If you need to withdraw or change your registration in a class, you must call our registration staff at (701) 224-5600 or (877) 846-9387 at least two (2) business days before the class starts. You will receive a refund according to the refund policy of that class and through the same method in which the class was paid. There are no refunds or transfers allowed if you notify us fewer than two days before the class starts.

What is the refund/drop policy?
For Personal Enrichment classes:
Refunds granted at the participants' request will incur a $15 processing fee per class to be deducted from the amount refunded. All refunds are made by mail unless paid with a credit card or electronic check; in which case the card or account is credited. Please allow four weeks to process refunds. If cancellation is less than five (5) business days prior to the first session no refund is available. Full refunds are guaranteed if BSC Continuing Education, Training & Innovation cancels a course.

For Professional Development classes:
Learners/students must contact the BSC Continuing Education, Training & Innovation office at least 5 business days prior to the start of class for a refund (701-224-5600). A $25 processing fee will be deducted from the amount refunded. If a learner/student cancels less than 5 business days prior to the start of class, the entire registration is forfeited. There are no refunds if an on-line course has been accessed. All refunds are made by mail unless paid with a credit card or electronic check; in which case the card or account is credited. Please allow 3 weeks to process refunds.

Can a class be cancelled because of low enrollment?
If we have to cancel a class due to low enrollment, we will notify you as soon as possible before the class is scheduled to begin. You will receive a full refund of your tuition or transfer to another course of your choice, space permitting.

How do I know if a course is canceled?
In the event a class must be canceled, participants will be notified prior to the start of the class. In case of inclement weather, please check local radio and television stations for class cancellation announcements. 

What happens in case of inclement/severe weather?
Announcements regarding closings are broadcast on local radio and television stations. Closings of state offices/agencies include Bismarck State College. You can also check our website at Bismarck State College for closings or cancellations. We will make every effort to reschedule such classes.

Where do classes meet?
Most classes meet on the beautiful Bismarck State College campus. Some classes meet offsite at locations in and around the Bismarck-Mandan area. Class locations and directions will be noted in the course description and on your confirmation.

Are your classrooms accessible?
Bismarck State College is committed to making its classes accessible whenever possible. For clarification about accessibility, please call our registration staff at (701) 224-5600 or (877) 846-9387 

Is the campus tobacco-free?
Bismarck State College is a tobacco-free campus. Smoking and the use of chewing tobacco are prohibited anywhere in BSC buildings, on BSC property and/or BSC rented property by employees, students and visitors. 

Does the College endorse its instructors?
Some Enrichment classes are taught by independent business professionals and are intended to provide information. We do not endorse any opinion, product, or suggestions expressed in these classes.

I have a question and would like to speak with someone. Who can I call?
We want to hear from you and are happy to answer any questions you might have. Give our office a call at (701) 224-5600.

How can I get a copy of the Enrichment for You catalog?
Students who have taken a class within the last year will automatically receive in the mail the Enrichment for You catalog. If you did not receive one or would like to order a free copy for a friend, phone us at (701) 224-5600 or clickhere.  It's free!