Vocational Retraining Student Guide

Application & Enrollment 

Once approval is given for retraining, completing the school application online or at the school will begin the enrollment process. Specific items are required for a student’s file and may include: 

1. completed application 
2. high school diploma or GED verification 
3. immunization records 
4. application fee 
5. reciprocity approval – if applicable 

Entrance Assessment 

An assessment or entrance exam may be scheduled to determine skill levels in English, math, reading comprehension, and writing, as required. Completion of the exam is necessary for appropriate placement in specific classes. Additional classes may be recommended or required based on the results of the exam. Certain programs may require specific scores for enrollment (see the program advisor at the school for more information). 

Registration of Classes 

Once the application process is complete, students will be able to register for classes. An advisor or counselor at the school will assist with the registration process. Students should obtain a copy of the program curriculum along with a list of appropriate technical electives or general education electives. (See Curriculum Requirements.) 

Curriculum Requirements 

The curriculum is a list of classes each student must complete to earn a specific degree. It usually includes classes from 3 categories: 

1. Core classes – program specific classes required by all students 
2. Technical electives – classes to enhance the program or to emphasize different areas of the program 
3. General education electives – classes required in each of the following areas: communications, math, physical science, technology, social science, and humanities. See the school handbook for these requirements. 

Financial Aid 

Even though WSI is funding tuition, books, and fees, students should still apply for financial assistance through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Any grants awarded will be issued to the student for use as needed. Consent Forms Consent forms are used by schools to ensure a student agrees to release specific records to an individual or agency. The WSI school monitoring contact will request a signed consent form so records or information can be obtained. Records may include copies of schedules, grades, degree audits, individual curriculum plans, etc. Information from the instructor may include verification of attendance, midterm progress reports, and assistance with coordinating services. In some situations, the student may need to obtain the necessary information if the school will not release the records.

Attendance 

Attending class is the responsibility of students (injured employee). When a student is absent, they are missing important material being covered by the instructors. Failure to maintain good attendance can lead to non-compliance. Medical absences require a written excuse from the medical provider and students are expected to communicate with instructors and the school coordinator when missing class.

Tutoring/Accessibility Services

Schools provide services for students who may need extra help to understand material being taught. Most schools have a student success center or learning center for this purpose. An accessibility services office may also be available to coordinate services for academic and physical accommodations. Students should make contact with these offices right away so arrangements can be coordinated as soon as possible. 

Advisor Assistance 

An advisor is usually an instructor within a specific program at the school who works with students on a regular basis. The advisor will assist with scheduling classes and reviewing curriculum requirements. Scheduling time with the advisor each semester is important. 

Communication with the WSI School Monitoring Contact 

Communication with the WSI school monitoring contact each month is necessary to discuss progress and visit about concerns or questions. The WSI school monitoring contact is available to support students during the retraining program and may assist with coordinating various services. 

Progress Reports 

At the half-way point of each semester/quarter, WSI sends midterm progress forms to the student for distribution to instructors. The forms provide the WSI school monitoring contact with information on the student’s progress and include attendance, grades, and comments/concerns. The information is used to determine if tutoring assistance or other services are needed (if they have not been provided already).

Summer Sessions 

Attendance during the summer is required for students (injured employee). Students should plan to take 1 or 2 classes during the summer to stay on track with the program. Summer classes are faster paced since they cover a full semester of material in a shorter time period. Students should work with their advisor to determine the best options for classes during the summer

Prerequisites 

Some curriculum requirements may have a specific order in which classes need to be taken; one class must be completed before the next class can be started. These classes are called prerequisites, and they are required so a student has the skills and knowledge necessary to move into the next class. The program advisor at the school will assist in determining which classes need to be taken each semester. Course descriptions in the college catalog will note if prerequisites are required. Students should meet with the advisor each semester to be sure all prerequisites are met. 

Credits that Count

In some cases, students may be scheduled for classes they need but may not count toward the total credit requirements. For example, if a program requires intermediate algebra but the entrance assessment results determined a need for more math skills, a student may need to take introduction to algebra first. Introduction to algebra will prepare the student for the next level of math but most likely will not count toward the total program credits. Students should work with their advisor at the school to review which classes should be completed each semester to be sure credits that count are calculated appropriately.

Schedule Requirements 

By law, WSI can provide up to 104 weeks (2 years) for a retraining program. Most programs require approximately 15 credits each semester to finish a program within 2 years. To plan appropriate course loads, the school should provide the degree requirements by semester. Summer sessions may not be included on the outline, but taking classes in the summer is required and will lighten course loads in the future. 

Grade Requirements

Each school sets a specific standard to determine a student’s academic standing/academic progress. WSI expects students to meet these standards as well and requires a 2.00 grade point average (GPA) each semester to be in good standing. Some programs may require a higher GPA (see the advisor for more information). Failure to maintain appropriate grades may lead to academic warning, probation, or suspension. Benefits from WSI may be jeopardized if a student is not meeting satisfactory academic progress as outlined by the school

Online Classes/Programs 

Careful consideration should be made if choosing to take online classes. Online classes or programs may be the only option for retraining in some cases; however, they require a great deal of motivation, dedication, and hard work. Students taking online classes must have appropriate computer skills and must be sure the computer being used meets necessary software requirements. 

Withdrawing/Dropping Classes 

Schools set a deadline each semester for students to withdraw or drop a class if they are not doing well and want to avoid a failing grade. If a class is not properly dropped, the class will remain on the student’s schedule and a failing grade will be issued. Withdrawing/dropping a class must be approved by WSI. If approval is given, the student must follow the appropriate process to drop or withdraw from a class. The Registrar or Enrollment Services office can assist with the process.

Non-Compliance Issues 

If a student is not meeting the standards required for retraining, non-compliance may be issued. Non-compliance is most likely the result of failing grades, poor attendance, lack of communication, withdrawing from classes without approval, etc. When non-compliance is established, disability benefits can be discontinued until compliance is reestablished (improvement is made with grades, attendance, communication, etc.) It is important to notify WSI’s school monitoring contact to discuss questions, concerns, absences, etc. to avoid being deemed non-compliant.

Graduation Application 

As a student approaches completion of program requirements, they will need to submit a graduation application. The Registrar will audit a student’s file to be sure all requirements have been met. The typical deadlines for submitting a graduation application are a semester/quarter before graduation or at the start of the graduating semester/quarter. 

Preparing for Graduation 

During the last semester/quarter of classes, students should begin work-search activities. Activities may include contacting employers about job openings, attending job fairs on campus or in the community, meeting with the school’s career/placement office, and utilizing the local Job Service for assistance with cover letters, resumes, job applications, mock interviews, etc.

Travel Allowance 

Students traveling more than 10 miles round trip from their residence to the school are provided with an additional rehabilitation allowance as determined below: 

Under 10 miles 0% increase

10-30 miles 10% increase

 31-49 miles 20% increase

 Over 50 miles 30% increase 

Distance is determined with Google Maps driving directions using the shortest route available for the calculation. If there is a change in mileage at any time due to moving or taking online classes, the student must contact WSI

Expenses & Supplies 

WSI provides $30 per semester or $25 per quarter for school supplies such as notebooks, pencils, highlighters, etc. This allowance is automatically issued approximately two weeks before every fall and spring semester/term. Supplies or requests for expenses exceeding the provided allowance will require approval. For WSI to consider reimbursement of additional supplies, verification is needed showing all students in the class or program must be required to obtain the additional materials. 

Education Scholarship 

WSI offers graduating students an opportunity to apply for a scholarship if the student is interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree or an additional degree/certificate enhancing the program completed through retraining. Information on the scholarship will be sent to the student during the last semester of the retraining program. 

Preferred Worker Program 

WSI offers the Preferred Worker Program (PWP) to encourage the re-employment of North Dakota's injured employees. It offers cost-saving incentives to participating employers and benefits for preferred workers. Information on the PWP will be sent to the student during the last semester of the retraining program.

The following information is a list of expectations for students sponsored by WSI for a retraining program: 

• Contact with the WSI school monitoring contact at least once per month to discuss grades, attendance, progress, and concerns. Inform the WSI school monitoring contact of any medical problems interfering with school. 
• Maintain regular attendance and report any absences within 48 hours. Provide a medical excuse from the treating provider if missing more than a full day of class for a medical reason. 
• Maintain a grade point average (GPA) of at least a 2.0 or the GPA required by the class/school for each semester/quarter. 
• Keep a full schedule of classes with the credit load required by the training program. Contact the WSI school monitoring contact with any school problems and attend tutoring or other services needed to be successful. 
• Meet with the advisor each semester/quarter to review progress. Notify the WSI school monitoring contact of any problems or changes in the academic plan by providing written documentation from the advisor. 
• Provide copies of class schedules, midterm grades, and school transcript to the WSI school monitoring contact as requested. 
• Contact the WSI school monitoring contact before dropping any classes and/or before making changes to the approved program