Agreement to Terms
By accessing or using the North Dakota Southeast Regional Science & Engineering Fair (“ND SERSEF”) website at ndsoutheastsciencefair.com and participating in our programs, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our website or participate in our programs.
About ND SERSEF
ND SERSEF is a regional science and engineering fair competition for K-12 students in southeastern North Dakota. We operate as an affiliated fair of the Society for Science & the Public’s Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (Regeneron ISEF).
Eligibility
Student Participation
- Students must be enrolled in grades K-12 in one of the following North Dakota counties: Barnes, Cass, Dickey, Eddy, Foster, Griggs, Kidder, LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele, Stutsman, and Wells Counties
- K-5 students participate by submitting video presentations
- 6th-8th grade students compete in the Junior Division (individual or team)
- 9th-12th grade students compete in the Senior Division (individual only)
- Students must obtain parental consent for participation
Age Restrictions
Minors under 18 must have parent or legal guardian consent to participate and use the website.
Registration and Participation
Registration Requirements
- All registrations must be submitted by the stated deadline
- Registration fees must be paid at the time of registration
- All required forms must be completed and submitted according to guidelines
- Project research plans must be approved before experimentation begins
Project Requirements
Participants agree to:
- Follow all Regeneron ISEF rules and guidelines
- Submit accurate and complete documentation
- Conduct original research
- Adhere to ethical standards for human subjects, animal research, and hazardous materials
- Follow display and safety regulations
- Present their project in person at the fair (except in cases of approved extreme circumstances)
Fair Conduct
Participants must:
- Attend the fair on the scheduled date and time
- Set up displays according to guidelines
- Be available for judging interviews
- Conduct themselves professionally and respectfully
- Follow all Fargodome venue rules and regulations
Scientific Review and Approval
All projects involving human subjects, vertebrate animals, potentially hazardous biological agents, hazardous chemicals, or controlled substances must receive Scientific Review Committee (SRC) approval before experimentation begins. Projects that do not receive approval or fail to submit required documentation may be disqualified.
Intellectual Property
Student Work
Students retain ownership of their research projects and findings. By participating, students grant ND SERSEF a non-exclusive license to:
- Display project materials at the fair
- Share abstracts and project information with affiliated organizations
- Use project information for educational and promotional purposes (with consent)
Website Content
All content on the ND SERSEF website, including text, graphics, logos, and images, is the property of ND SERSEF or its licensors and is protected by copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without written permission.
Trademarks
“ND SERSEF,” “North Dakota Southeast Regional Science & Engineering Fair,” and associated logos are trademarks of our organization. Unauthorized use is prohibited.
Photography and Media Release
By participating in ND SERSEF, participants consent to:
- Being photographed or recorded during the fair
- Having their names, schools, and project titles published in fair materials
- Having their images used in ND SERSEF promotional materials, website, and social media
Parents/guardians may opt out by notifying ND SERSEF in writing prior to the fair.
Awards and Advancement
Awards
- Awards are determined by qualified judges
- Judging decisions are final
- Awards may include monetary prizes, certificates, scholarships, and recognition
- ND SERSEF reserves the right to modify award categories and amounts
Advancement Opportunities
Top finishers may advance to:
- North Dakota State Science & Engineering Fair
- Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
Advancement is subject to availability and meeting all requirements of the subsequent competitions.
Fees and Payments
Registration Fees
- Registration fees are non-refundable except in cases of fair cancellation
- Fees must be paid by the registration deadline
- Failure to pay fees may result in disqualification
Refund Policy
ND SERSEF does not provide refunds for registration fees if a student withdraws or is unable to participate, except in the case of fair cancellation due to circumstances beyond our control.
Liability and Disclaimers
Limitation of Liability
ND SERSEF, its directors, volunteers, judges, and sponsors shall not be liable for:
- Any injuries, damages, or losses incurred during participation
- Lost, damaged, or stolen project materials or personal property
- Errors or omissions in judging
- Website interruptions or technical issues
- Actions of other participants or third parties
Assumption of Risk
Participants acknowledge that participation in the science fair involves inherent risks and voluntarily assume all such risks.
Indemnification
Participants agree to indemnify and hold harmless ND SERSEF, its organizers, volunteers, and sponsors from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from their participation or conduct.
Disqualification
ND SERSEF reserves the right to disqualify participants who:
- Violate Regeneron ISEF rules or ND SERSEF guidelines
- Submit fraudulent or plagiarized work
- Engage in misconduct or unsafe behavior
- Fail to meet deadlines or requirements
- Violate these Terms and Conditions
Cancellation or Modification
ND SERSEF reserves the right to:
- Cancel, postpone, or modify the fair due to circumstances beyond our control
- Change rules, deadlines, or requirements with reasonable notice
- Modify these Terms and Conditions at any time
In the event of fair cancellation, ND SERSEF will make reasonable efforts to notify participants and may offer alternative arrangements if feasible.
Privacy
Use of our website and participation in our programs is also governed by our Privacy Policy. Please review our Privacy Policy to understand our data collection and use practices.
Third-Party Services
Our website may link to third-party websites or services (including registration platforms, Society for Science resources, and educational materials). ND SERSEF is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or practices of third-party sites.
Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the State of North Dakota, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes shall be resolved in the appropriate courts of North Dakota.
Severability
If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
Entire Agreement
These Terms and Conditions, together with our Privacy Policy and any posted rules and guidelines, constitute the entire agreement between you and ND SERSEF regarding participation in our programs and use of our website.
Contact Information
For questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact:
North Dakota Southeast Regional Science & Engineering Fair
Email: marissa.oestreicher@k12.nd.us
Website: ndsoutheastsciencefair.com
Acknowledgment
By registering for and participating in ND SERSEF or using our website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
Last Updated: November 2025