April 2016
Editorial: USD should implement efficient recycling procedure
College campuses need to recycle, plain and simple. When considering the amount of waste produced in college, whether it’s food, paper, aluminum cans or the like, it’s impossible to ignore the benefits that recycling would yield. Some of these benefits, as outlined by a Princeton University reports, include saving trees, protecting wildlife, curbing global warming, reducing water pollution and reducing […]
USD professors should ease stress on students during finals week
The week all college students dread is slowly making its approach — finals week. The week when the terms “stressed” and “overwhelmed” become the two most used words in their vocabulary. Stress tends to consume students over the next few weeks, and not just because they’re worried for exams, but more so because they’re juggling […]
Biology class to embark on ecology research trip to Costa Rica
Seven USD students are heading to “one of the most bio-diverse places in the world” for two weeks of learning, researching and jungle trekking. A biology class led by professor Jacob Kerby will be traveling to Costa Rica for two weeks starting May 8 to study ecology and learn how to do research in the field. The […]
Vermillion City Council indefinitely tables chicken ordinance in close vote
Residents living in Vermillion who want the option of gathering fresh chicken eggs from their backyards will have to consider other alternatives. In a 5-4 vote Monday evening, the Vermillion City Council moved to indefinitely table a proposed ordinance that would allow residents to keep up to four chickens in backyard coops within city limits. […]
IdeaFest: One student’s pursuit to change how USD handles disabilities
While some students use IdeaFest as a way to prepare for future presentations, others see it as a step towards societal change. Hosted by USD on April 13 and 14, IdeaFest is an annual event that allows both undergraduate and graduate students to present their research. Students lined on each side of the MUC to present their work […]
Republican and Democratic primary systems both have flaws
The United States tries to pride itself on being the greatest democracy in the world; however, both major parties use broken primary systems. The purpose of a primary is for voters to determine who should represent their respective parties in the general election in November. But this year’s primary cycle has exposed some critical democratic […]
Pedestrians shouldn’t have to compete with bikers and skateboarders for sidewalk usage
Some of USD’s walkways are as small as five feet in width. This is too small for bikers, skateboarders and pedestrians to coexist during busier times of day. As far as I can tell, there aren’t laws or rules regarding skateboarders or bikers on campus. I went to UPD, SGA, the State of South Dakota codified […]
Weighing options for majors a helpful tool for students entering college
When I was first applying for college in 2013 and got my acceptance letter from USD, I remember distinctively choosing the school because it had a creative writing major. This was the most important thing for me because I was adamant on studying creative writing, so I was pleased to know USD wasn’t only close, but […]
USD celebrates Earth Day with week of activities
Earth Day will be more than just 24 hours in Vermillion for the third year in a row. This week a slew of events to spread awareness and knowledge about sustainability has been planned for “Earth Week.” USD’s sustainability program and Greening Vermillion are working with the Vermillion community for this week’s events. “The events […]
Letter to the Editor: Literature classes not a waste of taxpayer dollars
I politely disagree with Mr. Clay Conover’s assessment in the April 6 issue of The Volante that “high school literature classes are a waste of taxpayer dollars.” One of my undergraduate majors is in English and after 10 years in the banking industry, I decided to pursue my dream of teaching high school English — […]