February 2017
Update: SGA president vetoes election reform bill
A bill that was passed Tuesday night by the Student Government Association has been vetoed. The bill would have clarified the authority the election steering committee has over senators and executive team nominees. Twenty senators voted in favor of the bill. President Nathaniel Steinlicht said in an email to senators that it doesn’t make sense […]
Letter to the editor: Student majority not represented in recent GAF increase
On Feb. 7, 2017, the University of South Dakota Student Government Association voted to approve Senate Resolution 20, increasing and allocating funding to the General Activity Fee for FY18.The GAF is funded exclusively by students and after year one, will be required to pay an additional $9 per credit hour. Of the increased funding, $601,696 […]
Reusable K-Cups prove handy for college students
College kids run on coffee. It’s what keeps 8 a.m.-goers awake, it provides the afternoon with a boost of energy and it’s the best friend to the late night studier. But as final week approaches, and there’s no Flex to be found, the single serving Keurig machine comes in handy. But wait! K-Cups packs are […]
Past SGA presidents reflect on their time in office
The Student Government Association has a long history, with a list of past presidents that dates back to 1890. With the 2017 election coming up later this month, The Volante decided to reach out to a few alumni presidents for their memories, lessons learned and insights for this year’s candidates. 1975-76 Gerry Oligmueller, president in 1975-76, has […]
SGA executive team nominees talk platforms, campus involvement
Two teams, one goal. Junior Sadie Swier and sophomore Lucas Lund are running against junior Teagan McNary and sophomore Josh Anderson for the Student Government Association’s executive offices. Teagan McNary, a presidential candidate, is a Vermillion native and is double-majoring in political science and criminal justice. She’s been involved in the criminal justice club, political science […]
Two SGA debates to take place this year
With the Student Government Association executive elections coming up, in addition to the Cross Media Council Debate, SGA will be co-hosting its own debate with USD’s Speech and Debate team. The debate will take place on Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. in the Muenster University Center pit lounge. The CMC debate will be in the Al […]
SGA discusses making USD a sanctuary campus
The Student Government Association discussed a resolution on Tuesday night that would make USD a ‘sanctuary campus,’ which would shield undocumented students from immigration officials. Before discussion, Kade Lamberty, president of College Republicans, objected to the resolution as it was written. “The resolution supports the breaking of federal laws and this is the most unfair […]
USD replaces Starfish with Coyote Connections
USD has launched a new academic warning system to replace Starfish, the previous system that allowed professors to raise concerns about students’ academic well-being. The new system, called Coyote Connections, lets faculty warn students and their advisors about attendance, low scores and issues with participation in class. Part of the problem with Starfish was that USD […]
Chris Nilsen is making history
One track and field athlete is just getting started in a career already full of milestones. In just his first year of competition, freshman pole vaulter Chris Nilsen holds the nation-leading pole vault mark and has already won the Summit League Men’s Indoor Track and Field Athlete of the week five times. Nilsen set the […]
Professors reflect on policies barring electronics in classrooms
USD’s media and journalism department has formed a new informal policy barring students from using laptops and other electronic devices in class. The policy is voluntary, and most media and journalism professors have chosen to take part. Junior media and journalism major Kassidie Cornell said she was taken aback by the department’s decision to remove electronics […]