COVID-19
USD implements random COVID-19 tests for asymptomatic campus population
To assess whether it needs to implement further safety measures on campus, USD has begun weekly COVID-19 surveillance testing of asymptomatic students and staff. Kevin O’Kelley, member of USD’s COVID-19 task force, said the testing of asymptomatic students and staff is one of three COVID-19 testing programs on campus. The second is the testing of […]
Strollers organization introduces diversity training
Changes are coming to campus for the Strollers organization this year. With new plans, training and volunteer opportunities, Strollers is implementing a new way to run their organization. Keeley Rexwinkel, senior nursing major and a member of the Strollers organization, said changes are being made to the organization and new policies are being enforced. “The […]
The Boathouse brings ‘something to do’ to South Dakota
The Boathouse in Yankton SD, held its grand opening on March 28 — two days before the city of Yankton decided to close the city due to COVID-19. Chris Hunhoff, owner of the Boathouse, said it was frustrating having to close their doors immediately after finishing construction, but he said it allowed them time to […]
Latte Da serves customers despite challenges
Coffee is an essential part of many college students’ morning routines. However, if students prefer to buy their coffee, COVID-19 might have created difficulties. Despite this, some shops have thrived. Sandy Marker, the owner of Latte Da, became concerned for her safety in March after students were sent home for the semester. Marker lost her only employee and had […]
Student services provides free laptops for USD students
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, also known as CARES Act, has helped provide eligible USD students with free computers. USD Student Services has been aiding students with free computers who have applied for financial aid, are Pell Grant eligible and have been affected in any way by COVID-19. They had purchased it through […]
Environmental Law Society promotes sustainability
Law students at USD can get involved in sustainability projects through the Environmental Law Society (ELS), which seeks to raise awareness of environmental issues while also pointing them to environmental law as a potential career track. Berkley Fierro, ELS president, has been involved with the group for three years. Fierro said the group seeks to […]
State’s Only AI Program to come to USD
USD will now be the first university in South Dakota to offer a certificate and specialization in artificial intelligence (AI). The new program will allow undergraduate and graduate students of all majors to get the certificate or specialization. KC Santosh, USD’s Chair and Associate Professor of the Department of Computer Science Program, said AI is […]
Wellness Center launches new fitness app to provide easy access to services
For students looking to stay informed and in shape on campus, the Wellness Center is offering a new resource. The USD Fit App launched on Aug. 12, and is a way for students, faculty and local community members to be aware of the daily events and activities going on at the Wellness Center. Steve Mayer, […]
New CARE Team collects research to aid in USD’s, South Dakota’s COVID-19 response
USD’s School of Health Sciences has created the Community Action Response Epidemiology (CARE) team to partner with the South Dakota Department of Health and the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Health Board to provide contact tracing, health promotion and comprehensive services to the state of South Dakota. Susan Puumala, the project director of the CARE team, […]
New FAR appointed amid pandemic
Tucked away in Noteboom Hall, room 317, Jessica Messersmith — the newly appointed Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) — is deciding what the best course of action is to help all student-athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a normal year, Messersmith’s job would include keeping student-athletes on track while they balance their academics and athletics. She […]