Economic survey estimates universities’ impact on South Dakota

The Board of Regents recently commissioned USD economics professors Mike Allgrunn and Travis Letellier to conduct a study centered around the economic impact of the South Dakota public university system. The study concluded that 67,850 people are living in South Dakota as a result of the economic activity created by the universities. To conduct the study, a […]

4 mins read

Almost one in three South Dakota first-years must take a remedial course

In South Dakota, roughly 30 percent of all first-year college students are deficient in their mastery of math or English or both, in many cases. Governor Daugaard addressed this issue in his State of the State Address, calling students’ unpreparedness for college coursework a “persistent problem.” Having to take remedial courses, Daugaard said, is a “lose-lose,” because […]

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Sexual assault update: No continued threat suspected

Though Matt Betzen, Chief of the Vermillion Police Department, couldn’t provide any more details regarding the investigation of a reported sexual assault that happened on-campus last week, he was able to confirm that there is no ongoing threat to the community. “The investigators have no reason to believe there’s a continuing danger to the public,” […]

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Board of Regents request more than $3.6 million for cybersecurity upgrades as institutions try to protect student data

Like an invading army using battering rams to break down the gates of a walled city, the relentless cyberattacks come every day on hundreds of USD-owned IP addresses, trying to break down firewalls and other security measures to steal a wealth of data, for which it is important to understand OT security definition and install […]

6 mins read

Groundwork for Discovery District laid, construction to begin in spring

After more than two decades of talk about building a research park in Sioux Falls, construction on the USD Discovery District is slated to begin next semester, combining business and innovation on one campus. The 80-acre corporate and academic research park was recently awarded a $755,000 grant by the U.S. Economic Development Agency for infrastructure […]

5 mins read

Student activity fee increase put on hold in light of tuition freeze

Because of wariness from the South Dakota Board of Regents to allow an increased student activity fee in the same year that in-state tuition was frozen, USD’s General Activity Fee will not continue to rise as originally anticipated. SGA President Nathaniel Steinlicht said the reason for the SDBOR’s hesitation stemmed from the fact that they didn’t like the […]

4 mins read

USD awaiting approval to offer in-state tuition to future Iowa students

Iowa residents who choose to attend USD could see a decrease in tuition prices if a new agreement between USD and Iowa is approved by South Dakota higher education officials. USD is awaiting approval from the South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR) to offer in-state tuition to all incoming Iowa students beginning next fall. The […]

3 mins read

SDBOR considers allowing alcohol to be served at university events

USD event-goers may have the opportunity to order a beer alongside their Dome Dogs, but likely not for another year. A South Dakota Board of Regents task force that was formed last month is collecting data and research to explore the possibility of selling beer and wine on public university campuses during athletic events and […]

5 mins read