All distance learners must comply with the following minimum requirements: All users of VCSU computer and network capabilities are required to comply with NDUS (North Dakota University System) and VCSU procedures established in compliance with SBHE (State Board of Higher Education) Policy 1201.2. Computer and Network Usage Policy Technical Skills: All first-time online learners at VCSU must complete the VCSU online orientation course before beginning their first online course at VCSU. Internet Access: Distance learners must secure their own internet service. Free access may be available via local schools, libraries, cafes or other public locations. To secure a more convenient personal and private service, consult local listings for "Internet Access Providers" or "Internet Service Providers". Minimum Requirement: 1.0 Mbps (typically offered as an economy speed by DSL and Cable Service providers) Recommended Service: 5.0 Mbps or higher (higher speed internet service offered via DSL or Cable Service, and some wireless services) Computer Access: VCSU provides laptop computers to qualified distance learners upon request. The cost varies depending on the amount of mandatory technology fees accessed as part of the normal course tuition and fees. Some distance learners may be entitled to a VCSU laptop at no extra charge! Consult the following document related to eligibility, costs and procedures: Rental & Buyup Procedures If a VCSU laptop is not used, the computer must be either a Windows or Macintosh based computer. The following table lists our minimum and recommended hardware and software computing requirements. We feel these requirements will give the user an overall better experience while taking an online class with VCSU. Please feel free to contact the VCSU Technology Service Desk at 701-845-7340 to discuss any computing questions you may have prior to enrollment. Note: We do not support Chromebooks, computers running the Linux operating system only, or mobile devices used as replacements for a computer. Hardware/Software Requirements for Online Courses PC Minimum configuration: Operating System: Windows 10 or later (Windows 10 recommended) CPU: Intel Core i5 (5th Gen) processor or equivalent AMD processor Memory: 8GB RAM (16GB or higher recommended for better performance) Hard drive: At least 256GB SSD (Solid State Drive) for better speed and performance with 50GB free Webcam and Microphone are needed for online meetings and video recording Software: Microsoft Office 365 or equivalent suite (Microsoft Office 365 recommended) Browsers: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox (Latest versions recommended) Browser plugins: Adobe Reader, Java (latest versions) Audio Recording/ Video Editing: Depends on the requirements of the course Class specific software: Please contact professor for needed applications Macintosh Minimum configuration: Operating System: macOS Catalina (10.15) or later CPU: Intel Core i5 or Apple M1 Memory: 8GB RAM (16GB or higher recommended for better performance) Hard drive: At least 256GB SSD (Solid State Drive) for better speed and performance with 50GB free Webcam and Microphone are needed for online meetings and video recording Software: Microsoft Office 365 or equivalent suite (Microsoft Office 365 recommended) Browsers: Safari (latest version), Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox (Latest versions recommended) Browser plugins: Adobe Reader, Java (latest versions) Audio Recording/ Video Editing: Depends on the requirements of the course Class specific software: Please contact professor for needed applications

Out of State Students Interested in a VCSU Online Degree Program State and Federal laws require colleges and universities to be authorized to offer online degree programs in states other than their own. Below is a list of states where Valley City State University is authorized to offer online degree programs and the status of pending authorization requests. Please pay careful attention to the programs available in your state. By Level of Authorization Full Authorization States Alabama Nebraska Alaska Nevada Arizona New Hampshire Arkansas New Jersey Colorado New Mexico Connecticut New York Delaware North Carolina District of Columbia North Dakota Florida Ohio Georgia Oklahoma Hawaii Oregon Idaho Pennsylvania Illinois Rhode Island Indiana South Carolina Iowa South Dakota Kansas Tennesee Kentucky Texas Louisiana Utah Maine Vermont Maryland Virginia Michigan Washington Minnesota West Virginia Mississippi Wisconsin Missouri Wyoming Montana Approved for Only 100% Online Coursework/Programs California Massachusetts