Academics
Task force makes decision on law school move
A dual-location law school is the recommendation of a task force established by President James Abbott to investigate a potential move of the law school. The 13-member task force had their third meeting today, where they passed motions to recommend that the law school open a new facility in Sioux Falls. Classes and programming will […]
Updated: Law students torn about potential move
The possible move of the South Dakota School of Law has prompted discussions and some concerns among current law school students. Morgan Nelson, a third-year law student and president of the Student Bar Association, said she’s in favor of the move. “As a task force member, I’m leaning towards relocation, but that doesn’t mean that […]
New arts and sciences dean looks to expand department
USD’s new Arts and Sciences dean is looking to lead the college to success. Dean Michael Kruger came to USD over the summer. He has 24 years of experience in higher education, and 13 years in administration. Kruger said his previous experience as associate dean of Arts and Sciences at University of Missouri-Kansas City has helped […]
New political science chair looks forward to USD position
Among some of the new faces to campus this fall is David Earnest, the new political science department chair. Earnest started his new roles of chair and Odeen-Swanson distinguished professor in August. Before coming to USD, Earnest was the associate dean at the College of Arts and Letters at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. “When […]
CAGE aiming to increase student interest
The Center for Academic and Global Engagement (CAGE) staff is hoping to increase enrollment in global learning programs by 10 percent this year. Virginija Wilcox, assistant director of study abroad and National Student Exchange, said she’s going into this school year with a new purpose. “We’re thinking about getting out of our offices and being in different […]
Task force caucuses on fate of law school
The fact-finding continues after a task force established to investigate the possible move of the South Dakota School of Law met Sept. 6 in Sioux Falls. The 13-member task force had its second of three meetings at the Sioux Falls School for the Deaf, where they heard testimony from USD students and faculty and community […]
Theater department experiencing long-standing gender role disparities
Two-thirds of USD’s theater department has found that it can be hard to catch a break. For years, college theater departments across the nation, including USD’s, have all been facing the same problem – a lack of female roles in productions. Right now, USD’s theater department is made up of 66 percent women and 34 […]
Jolley Elementary awarded Bush Foundation grant
The Vermillion Public School District is teaming up with USD to better focus on elementary students’ strengths. In 2016, the district was awarded a Bush Foundation grant to establish a professional development partnership between Jolley Elementary and the USD School of Education. The grant was given through the Bush Foundation’s Teacher Effectiveness Initiative. According to the […]
Course evaluations moving online this spring
Beginning this semester, course evaluations at USD will move from paper forms to a new online program called Campus Labs. Campus Labs allows evaluations to be done on laptops, tablets or smartphones. There will still be class time set aside to complete the evaluations toward the end of the semester. Lindsay Hayes, USD’s coordinator of […]
Family of USD alumnus gives millions to medical biology
USD’s medical biology program is about to be the beneficiary of a huge cash infusion, courtesy of the family of an alumnus. Keith Nolop, a former Volante editor, graduated from USD in 1975 and spent decades working in pharmaceutical development. According to his obituary in the New York Times, he worked on drugs to treat […]