Overview
If you are graduating from Dakota State University (DSU), leaving the university, or are already an alumnus, you may have questions about how long your university account and online services will remain available.
DSU student and alumni accounts have different access and retention requirements. Graduating students who continue actively using their DSU account during the two semesters following graduation will automatically receive an alumni account.
The following frequently asked questions explain DSU email access, alumni accounts, Microsoft 365, Banner, tax documents, and Handshake.
Applies To
Before You Begin
Your DSU account access depends on whether you are currently enrolled, have graduated, or left DSU without graduating.
Graduating students: Continue actively using your DSU account during the two semesters after your graduation date to automatically receive an alumni account.
Important: Before your regular student account is removed, save personal files and information you are authorized to retain. Once an account is permanently deleted, its stored email and associated data cannot be recovered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my DSU account after graduation?
After graduation, you have a two-semester period during which continued active use of your DSU account qualifies you for an automatic alumni account.
If you have been actively using your DSU account during the two semesters following your graduation date, you will automatically receive an alumni account.
An alumni account provides continued access to DSU email through Exchange Online, but not the full range of services available to current students.
Can I keep my DSU email address after graduation?
Yes, if you qualify for an alumni account by actively using your DSU account during the two semesters following graduation.
Regular student email addresses use @trojan.dsu.edu. Alumni accounts retain use the designated alumni email address @trojans.dsu.edu.
Alumni accounts are limited to Exchange Online email access.
How do I keep my alumni account active?
You must access your alumni account at least once every 12 months to maintain it.
If your alumni account is not accessed for more than one year, it will be deactivated and removed according to DSU's account retention policy.
To maintain your alumni account, sign in to your alumni email regularly. Do not wait until the end of the one-year period.
What if I leave DSU without graduating?
If you attended DSU but did not graduate, your student account will be deactivated and deleted two semesters after the last semester in which you were enrolled.
Will I still have Microsoft 365 access after graduation?
Microsoft 365 applications are available while your regular student account remains active, subject to your student access and licensing.
When your account transitions to an alumni account, your access is limited to Exchange Online email.
Alumni accounts do not include the full Microsoft 365 application access provided to current students. Save personal files you are authorized to retain before your student access ends.
How do I access Banner or my unofficial transcript after graduation?
While your regular DSU student account remains active, you can use your student credentials to access Banner.
After your regular student account is removed, you will need to request an Official Transcript. You can also contact the Registrar's Office for more information.
Can I continue using Handshake after graduation?
Yes. DSU students and alumni may continue using Handshake.
If your DSU credentials are still active, you may use them to sign in to Handshake.
If your DSU credentials are no longer active, you may request Handshake access by creating an account using your personal email address as the username.
What should I do before my student account access ends?
- Continue actively using your DSU account during the two semesters following graduation if you want to receive an alumni account automatically
- Once your alumni account is available, access it regularly to prevent removal due to inactivity..
- If you no longer want to use or did not graduate from DSU:
- Save personal files and documents you are authorized to retain.
- Download any student records you may need while access remains available.
- Update external services that use your student email address for sign-in or account recovery.
Remember: Permanently deleted DSU accounts and their associated data cannot be recovered.
Still Need Help?
Contact the DSU Support Desk if you have questions about student account expiration, your alumni account transition, or access to university services after graduation.
If these instructions do not resolve the issue, contact the DSU Support Desk or submit a support request.