Student Life
Decrease in Covid-19 cases on-campus brings questions about the future
For students in need of COVID-19 testing in Vermillion, USD Student Health Services is offering tests paid for by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Kevin O’Kelley, the head of USD’s emergency planning group, said if students need or think they need to be tested for COVID-19 they should reach out to […]
Gallagher Center cancels Study Abroad program for fall semester
USD’s Study Away program hasn’t taken a break from their travels — despite the current pandemic. The program continues to welcome USD students interested in traveling and studying at universities across the country. Study Away is one of several programs housed by the Gallagher Center for Experiential Learning and Education Abroad. Program Coordinator Holger Oswald […]
Programming changes come to USD
With social distancing guidelines — mask requirements and limited capacity in spaces across campus — event programming at USD is looking different this year. The university will continue to host events both large and small, but the styles of programs are changing in order to conform to safety guidelines. Doug Wagner, director of the Muenster […]
UNASD sets sustainability goals for local, national levels
A new organization, United Nations Association for Sustainable Development (UNASD), is working towards eco-friendly goals at local and national levels. Breana Spinler, president of USD’s UNASD chapter, said she looks to educate students about sustainable development goals and why they’re important. The United Nations has a list of seventeen sustainable development goals. University chapters and […]
Students reflect on their personal experiences with COVID-19
The effects of COVID have rippled throughout campus, but they have looked different for every student. For some students, the virus has been a looming threat with little meaning in their lives, but for others, it has changed their life. Freshman Brooke Loutsch’s uncle contracted COVID from his job at the Tyson Foods plant. He then passed it onto Loutsch’s aunt. Loutsch […]
Environmental impact of COVID-19
While the world continues to fight against the spread of COVID-19, there is a more long-term battle continuing throughout the pandemic. Climate change and recycling are not new concepts, but with a brand new world in the midst of the pandemic, environmentalists and others who are trying to be more eco-friendly are having to rethink […]
Cook House offers Telehealth therapy during pandemic
The Cook House transitioned to Telehealth remote counseling services due to COVID-19 last spring. Now, even with students back on campus, the same Telehealth services are being offered amidst the pandemic. Michele Turner, USD staff counselor said telehealth allows the counselors at the Cook House to stay connected with the students while social distancing practices […]
University Housing offers alternative on-campus living options
While the hallways of North Complex are usually full of students socializing, this semester, on-campus housing looks a little different. From campus-wide mask-wearing to isolation housing, there are many new rules and regulations in place to keep students in on-campus housing safe this semester. Unlike previous years, move-in weekend was spread over three days with […]
AWOL Serve and Learn engages freshmen in community service
The Alternative Week of Off-campus learning (AWOL) hosted its annual Serve and Learn event on Aug. 28 and 29 to introduce new freshmen to the community that surrounds USD. Traditionally, Serve and Learn takes place on move-in week, allowing new participants to move in early. However, this year they moved the date back due to […]
COVID-19 task force re-evaluates pandemic policy
Five and a half months after students and staff were sent home, classes are back in full swing. However, after 235 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the USD community and 637 students and staff quarantined in the first two weeks of classes, USD is making adjustments in COVID-19 policy to avoid sending students home once again. […]