North Dakota University System

08/11/2026

The $97 million facility on the west side of the NDSU campus was officially dedicated Monday, Aug. 10.

08/05/2026

"This academic expansion reflects our commitment to bridging the gap between classroom education and corporate strategy," said Holly Gruhlke, DSU Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. "From preparing secondary educators to equipping tech professionals to defend against AI-driven cyber threats, we are providing the practical skills necessary for our graduates to thrive immediately in a data-driven global economy".

08/03/2026

“This agreement is a wonderful example of what is possible when we work together on behalf of students,” said Lisa Karch, NDSCS interim president. “At NDSCS, we are proud of our longstanding leadership in career and technical education, and this partnership with VCSU creates an even stronger pathway for students to continue their educational journey and achieve their goals. By building on each institution’s unique strengths, we are expanding opportunities, keeping higher education accessible and affordable, and helping students pursue meaningful careers right here in North Dakota. Together, we are developing the next generation of career and technical educators while strengthening our communities, workforce, and state for years to come.”

VCSU is proud to partner with North Dakota State College of Science to create a seamless, affordable pathway for students pursuing a future in Career and Technical Education.

Through this new agreement, students can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree at NDSCS and transfer directly into VCSU's Career and Technical Education program to pursue a Bachelor of Science.

Read more 👇
https://vcsu.news/4hcG9Mh

07/30/2026

Reduced-credit bachelor’s degree programs are awarded upon a student completing 90-119 semester hours, according to Policy 409.1, which was passed earlier this year. The policy authorized eight of North Dakota’s 11 institutions to offer up to two reduced-credit Bachelor of Applied Science degrees.

The policy gives eight of North Dakota's institutions authority to offer two reduced-credit Bachelors of Applied Science degrees. https://mrf.lu/2cnDM

07/29/2026

ND University System Financial Aid Director Brenda Zastoupil accepted a $200K exceptional donation to the ND Careers Builders Program at the conclusion of the North Dakota Governors’ Cup event. Established in 2024, the North Dakota Governors’ Cup raises funds for the ND Career Builders Scholarship & Loan Repayment Program — helping qualified workers build their futures right here in North Dakota. Proceeds from the Governors’ Cup event go directly toward this mission, supporting our state’s efforts to grow, attract, and retain talent. Learn more here: https://ndgovernorscup.org

07/28/2026

Congratulations to the six graduates of Lake Region State College’s Surgical Tech Apprenticeship Program, who recently passed their certification exams! This allied health program with Altru Health System had its first iteration this academic year, beginning in Fall 2025. The certificate program offers online theory coursework paired with hands-on lab and clinical experiences inside Altru facilities, giving students the academic foundation and practical training needed for success in the field.

Lake Region’s allied health apprenticeship programs, including those in laboratory technology, respiratory therapy and ultrasound/sonography, help fill critical workforce gaps in the healthcare industry. These programs were partially developed using Workforce Education Innovation Funds appropriated by the North Dakota State Legislature during the 2023-25 legislative session.

Five of the six surgical tech program graduates intend on continuing work with Altru, both in Grand Forks and Devils Lake, North Dakota.

07/23/2026

Congratulations to the 42 outstanding students from Bismarck and Mandan high schools who have earned certificate and associate degrees from BSC before even receiving their high school diploma! 🎓

Following the Spring 2026 semester, these remarkable students graduated from BSC ahead of their high school graduation ceremonies. Even more impressive, 8 of these students earned 2 degrees, and 3 students graduated with 3 degrees. They all were recognized during BSC's 86th Commencement Ceremony on May 15 at the Bavendick Center, and you can meet them here:
https://lnkd.in/g6feB4wv

These students have already demonstrated their dedication and drive to succeed in college while still in high school. Their accomplishments are a testament to what is possible through BSC's Dual Credit/Early Entry program.

Through the program, high school sophomores, juniors and seniors can earn college credit while completing high school graduation requirements, giving them the opportunity to graduate from high school with a BSC certificate or associate degree already in hand.

Congratulations to each of these graduates and to the families and teachers who supported them along the way. We can't wait to see where your next chapter leads.

07/23/2026

We're adding 🆕 features in Compass to support colleges!

With the addition of the 11 North Dakota University System institutions and five North Dakota Tribal College System colleges to Compass, we're updating the platform.

New features include:

🪪Storing college IDs
👀Optimizing how student trends are displayed
✔️Allowing colleges to make and accept opportunity offers on behalf of students and employers
👏Adjustments to the job shadow process to better accommodate college use cases
📝A recommendation process for high school activities leading to a college program or career

Watch for more updates to Compass as we continue to expand the ecosystem!

07/22/2026

“One of the things I’m most excited about is to bring that campus perspective to the system office, so that the campuses and the campus issues and knowledge are always considered when we’re looking at system initiatives and activities,” she said. “I feel like I can be a great advocate for the campuses."

Mongeon-Stewart's last day at UND was Wednesday, July 15. She will be taking on the role of chief financial and administrative officer and deputy commissioner for the North Dakota University System. https://mrf.lu/2GRZd

07/21/2026