COVID-19
Prospective students view campus virtually and in-person
In March, USD first shut down due to COVID-19 and virtual college tours became the only way potential students had an opportunity to visit the university. The virtual college visits are still available today, though in-person college visits resumed on Aug. 3. Ethan Young, a junior nursing major, has been a student ambassador for a […]
SGA passes resolution to encourage time off for voting
The USD Student Government Association (SGA) hosted Jessica Preister and Jared Heiden of university financial services at this Tuesday’s meeting. SGA also passed a resolution encouraging the South Dakota Board of Regents to cancel classes on future federal election days and introduced a resolution regarding the Green Initiative Fund. Preister, Assistant VP at USD Financial […]
USD offers additional COVID-19 testing
USD’s Sentinel Testing program is now allowing up to 100 volunteers per week to participate in COVID-19 testing in addition to randomly selected students, faculty and staff. The change to the program came in response to numerous requests for volunteer testing, according to an email sent to the student body. Anyone who is asymptomatic, has […]
USD, Department of Health partner to monitor COVID-19 cases on campus
As of Oct. 20, the USD COVID-19 dashboard was reporting 41 active cases among students and faculty, with 174 individuals in quarantine or isolation. All statistics provided in the dashboard are self reported, and there are no requirements in place for USD students to report if they have contracted or been exposed to COVID-19. Kevin […]
Survey shows approval for USD COVID-19 response
A USD survey of students who tested positive for COVID-19 or spent time in isolation or quarantine showed students have had a positive experience with the university’s response to the pandemic this semester. The survey, conducted between Sept. 14 and Sept. 28 by the USD COVID-19 Task Force, showed almost unanimous approval of the university’s […]
Making internet connections: Honors common read event moved online
Incoming freshmen in the honors program each year participate in the honors common read event. For this, the class is assigned a book to read over the summer and then meet for an event usually during the first few weeks of class to have a discussion with honors professors and peer mentors on the book. […]
Gestring reveals university’s 5-year strategic plan
After the delay of the announcement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, President Sheila Gestring revealed USD’s 5-year strategic plan during USD’s 2020 State of the University Address. Gestring outlined the plan’s six strategic themes at the event: Academic Excellence, Engagement, Facilities and Infrastructure, Diversity, Serving South Dakota and Affordability, The plan, set to go through […]
CAB reimagines Halloween festivities
With Halloween just around the corner, the Campus Activities Board (CAB) is working to make this season as spooky as possible — all while keeping students safe. While this month usually kicks off with the annual fall concert, followed by costume parties and pumpkin carving, CAB is reimagining what Halloween will look like this year. […]
Dakotathon Has a Full Schedule of Events Planned For the Semester
Dakotathon is prepared and ready to fundraise despite the unprecedented year. The Dakotathon team has the semester packed full of events and fundraisers for the Miracle Network kids. Jacey Feyereisen, a member of Dakotathon and in the nursing program said Dakotathon’s main focus for the semester is the health and safety of the miracle kids. […]
SGA passes resolutions to support sexual assault prevention measures and COVID surveillance testing
Kate Fitzgerald, USD Director of Housing, spoke at the Student Government Association (SGA) meeting this Tuesday about the procedures around isolation and quarantine rooms for students living on campus. SGA also passed two resolutions and introduced a bill to restructure the Green Initiative Fund. Fitzgerald said students who choose to stay in isolation rooms on […]