Packard Exhibition held as drive-in event

To work around the difficulties of hosting an art show during the pandemic, local artists Klaire Lockheart and Aaron Packard hosted the 2021 Packard Group National Exhibition as a drive-in event.  The event was the second of its kind. Lockheart conceived the idea of the exhibition last year when she decided the area didn’t have […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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PLAN partnership generates sustainable ideas for USD

With USD’s Aramark contract expiring in May 2022 and campus interest in sustainability on the rise, several students in the sustainability department have been working with the Post-Landfill Action Network (PLAN) to further USD’s commitment to preserving the environment. Anna Moore, a graduate student and USD recycling coordinator, calculated that from December 2018 (when single-stream […]

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People ages 16 and up can receive COVID-19 vaccine

The first wave of students eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine were students who worked in clinical care settings and those who had underlaying heath conditions. On Monday, statewide eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine was extended to all residents 16 and older, according to a press release from the USD COVID-19 Task Force. This includes all […]

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USD Greek Life adapts to restrictions on social gatherings

USD’s Greek Life organizations have seen a reduction in the number and types of official social events since the start of the pandemic last March. Laura Anderton, director of sorority and fraternity life at USD, said the university’s normal policy for approving social events for fraternities and sororities involves registration 10 business days prior to […]

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Graduation fair prepares seniors for the end of the semester

Charlie’s Bookstore hosted its first annual Graduation Fair March 23-24 in the MUC. The event prepared USD students for graduation with representatives from the registrar’s office, USD Alumni Association, graduate school, career services and Balfour, the graduation regalia partners of USD. Brittany Sage, manager of retail operations at Charlie’s, said in an email interview with […]

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Board of Regents announces intentions for “normal” fall semester

College life at USD saw many changes during the 2020-21 school year after a surge in the pandemic. Life on campus was full of mask-wearing students who were told to stay six feet apart at all times. For many of the students, a schedule full of Zoom classes became a new normal, but that is soon […]

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Festival of Nations creates togetherness during pandemic

The International Club hosted its biggest annual event, the Festival of Nations, March 21. The event typically has about 350 attendees, however, due to COVID-19, the MUC ballroom had limited seating of 100 people.  Senior medical biology and psychology major and International Club Vice President, Sara Lane, said Festival of Nations serves to embody what […]

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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 […]

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