The Future of Enrollment and Housing at USD

As the 2022 academic year wraps, USD has seen continued heavy enrollment trends coupled with limited housing options both on and off campus. Mark Petty, the Dean of Enrollment at USD, expects another increase in freshman enrollment similar to Fall 2022. “We’re pretty optimistic that our freshman class will be larger than it was last […]

5 mins read

Muslim Students Struggle to Find Dining Options During Ramadan

With dietary restrictions during the month of Ramadan, USD’s Muslim students are struggling to adhere to their religious obligations with the current dining options on campus. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a time of fasting and prayer for Muslims worldwide. Muslims are not permitted to eat or drink from sunrise […]

2 mins read

Increase in Bar Checks Causes Controversy

Bar checks are on the rise in Vermillion. In the first three months of 2023, underage drinking arrests rose by 300% compared to this time last year. Likewise, arrests for fake IDs are up 271%.  According to Vermillion Police Chief Crystal Brady, bar checks have increased due to recent officer hirings after years of short-staffing. […]

3 mins read

USD Symphony Orchestra Performs Beethoven’s 5th

The USD Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Luis Viquez performed Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor Op.67 and an original composition by USD associate professor Dr. Paul Lombardi in a concert on Feb. 26.  Symphony No. 5 is one of Beethoven’s best known works with the first movement containing one of the […]

2 mins read

SGA Runs Unopposed in Leadership Election

BY: Charles Streeter and Jozie Kumm As SGA elections are under way, Caleb Swanson and Elizabeth Brust have announced their run for president and vice president, respectively. Swanson and Brust faced no opposition in this election. Their platform consists of a three-pillar platform of service, support and sustainability.  “We like students to know that we’re […]

3 mins read

Title IX Office: A Free Resource for On-campus Assaults

Many students don’t know that USD has an office dedicated to ensuring that every student is protected against discrimination on campus. Title IX is a section of U.S. law that protects students on college campuses from discrimination based upon race, sex, religion and other factors. In particular, Title IX extends the discrimination upon sex to […]

3 mins read

Club to Celebrate Culture with Food

The International Club invites all of campus to their annual Festival of Nations this weekend. The Festival of Nations will begin at 5 p.m. and end at 8 p.m.  in the MUC Ballroom on Sunday, March 5. According to Andreea Picioroaga, the International Student Advisor for the Gallagher International Center, the Festival of Nations is […]

2 mins read

Additional Funding Requested for Students Groups at SGA Meeting

Tuesday’s meeting was characterized by requests for additional funding and reports by organizations about upcoming events for students at USD. Jordan Bonstrum, Director of the Opportunity Center, spoke as the special guest of the evening, inviting SGA to attend a mental health talk given by Darryll Stinson on Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the […]

1 min read

Suspension Over for Sen. Frye-Muller

After being placed on indefinite suspension, the South Dakota Senate voted to reinstate Sen. Julie Frye-Mueller following the recommendation of a committee regarding her comments to a staffer. This follows a complaint made on Jan. 25 against the Rapid City senator by a Legislative Research Council staffer in the wake of a conversation between her, […]

2 mins read

Bill to Restrict Medical Treatments for Transgender Adolescents Passes Committee

As the legislative session in Pierre heats up, a bill aimed at blocking minors from receiving certain medical and surgical procedures causes controversy. Rep. Bethany Soye introduced House Bill (HB) 1080, which would ban healthcare professionals from “attempting to alter the appearance of a minor’s sex… if that appearance or perception is inconsistent with the […]

3 mins read