January 2014
S.D. House Democrats focus on workforce development
“Education is the foundation of a strong workforce,” said Rep. Julie Bartling (D-SD). — Michael Geheren (@mgeheren) January 30, 2014
BRIEF: Electronic records coming from S.D. Circuit Courts
Electronic portals became available in all South Dakota circuit courts Wednesday. The portals will allow citizens and journalists to access court records in an electronic database as the S.D. court system moves to electronic filing. Electronic filing of court records will become mandatory for criminal cases by November 2014. Electronic filing of civil court records […]
Assessing salary disparity, committee to research gender salary equality among USD faculty
An in-depth study to assess the possible gender pay gap among faculty at the University of South Dakota is set to begin within the coming weeks. A seven-member faculty committee made up of four women and three men will be appointed by President James Abbott by the end of this week or early next, at […]
Bill 62 committee deadline extended additional week
The deadline for a task force committee to present their recommendation on Senate Bill 62 to the University of South Dakota’s Student Government Association has been extended an additional week to Feb. 4. A recommendation was scheduled to be presented to SGA Jan. 28, but the deadline has been extended to Feb. 4 due to […]
Webcam proctoring system under review
The South Dakota Board of Regents is considering the implementation of a webcam feature to be incorporated into the Lockdown Browser system as a way to deter students enrolled in any of the state’s public universities from engaging in academic misconduct. Eric Mosterd, assistant director for the Center of Teaching and Learning at the University […]
D2L to be required in courses, Faculty Senate to mandate online interaction
The University of South Dakota Faculty Senate is endorsing a new policy requiring all 100 and 200-level course instructors to use the Desire2Learn grade book feature and post a syllabus. According to the Faculty Senate minutes, the proposal was presented on behalf of the office of academic affairs and approved by the faculty senate at […]
Voices of Discovery provides safe space, intergroup discussion program sees increase in participation
A program to increase diversity dialogue between University of South Dakota students will see its membership more than double this semester. Voices of Discovery: An Intergroup Dialogue Program was started by Jesus Trevino, associate vice president for diversity, in spring 2013 to create a safe space for students to talk across their differences. “It’s small […]
Science sequence dropped
Next fall’s incoming first-years will no longer have to complete the previously required science sequence for graduation, due to recently passed legislation by the University of South Dakota Faculty Senate. Faculty Senate voted unanimously for the legislation Jan. 16 after the proposed change had gone through a year of research. Two semesters of science, including […]
USD endowments break into top 25 percent of national ranking
The University of South Dakota’s Foundation ranked in the top 25 percent in endowment earnings compared to 835 colleges and universities across the country. The 2013 survey puts the USD Foundation ahead of other participating South Dakota colleges and universities, according to a report by the National Association of College and University Business Officers. The […]
SD lawmakers say bill on clergy rights not needed
PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A South Dakota legislative committee has rejected a measure that would have allowed clergy and religious organizations to refuse to take part in gay marriage services. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 4-3 to kill the bill after opponents said the state and federal constitutions already let pastors and priests refuse to […]