Academics
Professors return from sabbatical leave
After coming back from an eight-month sabbatical, political science professor Eric Jepsen said he couldn’t wait to see all of the horse trailers pulling into Vermillion bringing students and their belongings, marking the beginning of another University of South Dakota school year. This time last year, Jepsen found himself in a much different setting in […]
Native studies struggles
When 57-year-old former U.S. Army Col. Mike McFarland arrived at the University of South Dakota, he brought along with him the hopes of immersing himself as a student in the native studies department. A wide variety of course choices, an array of speakers and the chance to experience Native American cultures first-hand is what McFarland […]
Science requirement in question
Faculty and staff at the University of South are seriously considering whether to alter the university’s institutional graduation requirements. As it stands, USD requires students seeking a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences degree to complete two consecutive science courses in the same discipline, such as astronomy, biology, chemistry or earth science. According to […]
Law school reaches out to students
It is never too early to begin searching for potential law students and the University of School at Dakota School of Law. The Law School will hold its Discover Law Day Feb. 27 on the campus of USD. Assistant Dean Thomas Sorensen, who helped foster the idea behind Discover Law Day, said the event welcomes […]
USD professor develops invisible QR codes
University of South Dakota professor Stanley May, along with researchers and engineers from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, have developed an “invisible” Quick Response code. They are hoping the new technology can help combat security counterfeiting and forgery. Over the past few years, May, who developed a clear ink solvent integrated with […]
Students adjust to professors’ sabbaticals
Every few years, professors at the University of South Dakota take sabbatical leaves, where they are paid full or half salary by the university to research, travel or study. This semester, six USD professors are on sabbatical leave, with some doing their research near Vermillion and others traveling overseas to conduct their work in a […]
USD debate team returns following five-year hiatus
For the first time in five years the University of South Dakota has a speech and debate team competing on a national circuit. USD’s debate team was forced to disband following their 2007 season due to disciplinary issues on trips and the lack of a coach. According to team adviser Shane Semmler, there was a […]
Alternative textbook sites on rise
The beginning of the academic semester is filled with a variety of stresses that each student must endure, like organizing class schedules, making sure financial aid is in order and determining where to buy textbooks. For professors, the purchasing of the courses’ required textbook or textbooks is essential in knowing and understanding the material, but […]
Native American retention rates soar
The trend of increased retention rates amongst Native American students at the University of South Dakota has held true for the 2012-13 academic year. Native American Student Services reports the retention rate for Native American students was 98 percent for 2012-13, which is a 13 percent increase from the 2011-12 academic year. With a retention […]
Fourth of students leave USD each year
One in four students do not return to the University of South Dakota every year on average, according to data by the university’s Institutional Research Department. The report, released Feb. 4, also indicates approximately 1,250 first-time, full-time students registered for the fall 2012 semester, an increase of 139 students from the year before. Of these […]