Academics
USD professors prepare for fall semester
Just like students, USD professors have adapted to the changing year, involving hybrid and distanced instruction as the pandemic has played out, and are preparing to come back to campus normally next fall. Lori Costello, USD assistant professor, said this past year has been tough. These past two and a half semesters, more students have […]
COVID-19 on campus: looking back, looking forward
The tide may be turning on the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, with a decline in new cases nationally and regionally and with South Dakota’s Board of Regents seeking a more “normal” fall semester on USD’s campus. In response to this, USD student organizations, Vermillion businesses and local government leaders are looking to bring […]
SDBOR tuition increase set for the fall
Tuition rates for USD will rise by one percent this coming fall. Jessica Preister, assistant vice president of financial affairs, said the increase comes to cover salary increases passed by the legislature. “The governor recommends a salary policy increase and the legislature approves that which was the case this year. They provide only the portion […]
USD Pre-Med Society continues to grow despite COVID-19
USD’s Pre-Med Society has kept busy even despite COVID-19. Tanner Nordseth is the Pre-Med Society President. Nordseth said the goal of the society is to give pre-med students the resources they need to succeed from their freshman year all the way until they take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) and apply to medical school. […]
Study Abroad continues to encourage student travel
Students at USD have several opportunities to travel while continuing their education. One way to do this is with the Study Abroad program through the Gallagher Center for Experiential Learning & Education Abroad. The Study Abroad program has implemented several precautions regarding COVID-19 and are doing programs on a case-by-case basis. “We’re not saying no […]
USD’s IdeaFest held virtually for the second time
USD’s IdeaFest is being held virtually this year, much like the event last April. IdeaFest is a showcase for undergraduate and graduate students at USD to display research projects they work on as part of their studies at USD. Kurt Hackemer, USD provost and vice president for academic affairs, said his office is involved in […]
Dean of Arts & Sciences resigns, interim dean named
After serving as dean of the College of Arts & Sciences since 2017, Michael Kruger has stepped down from his position. Kruger is departing USD to become dean of the College of Science and Engineering at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. USD Provost and Vice President for Academic affairs Kurt Hackemer said John […]
New Freedom Scholarship is state’s first need-based scholarship
During South Dakota’s 2021 legislative session, the South Dakota legislature passed and Gov. Noem signed Senate Bill 171, which appropriated $50 million to contribute to the Freedom Scholarship fund. With the state’s funds in addition to other donors, the Freedom Scholarship endowment currently has $175 million of its $200 million goal. The Freedom Scholarship is […]
Remote learning poses challenges for USD nursing students
COVID-19 brought many challenges to USD’s nursing program. USD students found difficulties in the switch to remote learning brought on by the pandemic, including the need to quarantine for two weeks when exposed to COVID-19, leading students to fall behind, a lack of opportunities for clinical practice and a reduction in activities. Anne Pithan, the […]
Lecture teaches about the history of voting rights for Black women
USD’s History Department and the Knudson School of Law hosted the Vanguard Voting Rights Lecture March 18. The lecture was a joint Shell Lecture, which the History Department usually hosts in the fall, and School of Law’s Gunderson Lecture, in honor of Women’s History Month. The lecturer, Martha Jones, a professor of history and the […]