USD classes remain online through the summer term

On Monday in a press release, USD announced summer classes will remain online for all South Dakota public institutions. USD’s announcement came after the South Dakota Board of Regents decision was announced the same day.   This decision, according to the press release, is in response to South Dakota’s continued effort to reduce the spread of […]

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South Dakota reaches 320 cases of COVID-19; Noem issues limited stay-at-home order

The number of COVID-19 cases in South Dakota has risen to 320 as of April 7, including 98 recovered cases and six deaths, according to the South Dakota Department of Health website. Minnehaha county continues to lead in number of cases, which rose from 31 last Tuesday to 165 by April 7. Lincoln county, which […]

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How COVID-19 compares to past pandemics

Correction: The graph and previous version of the article state that the Swine Flu of 2009 caused 151 million deaths, when there were actually 151,700-575,400 death according to the CDC. The Volante regrets this error. COVID-19 first appeared in Wuhan, China in December of 2019. Since then, the disease has spread to more than 600,000 […]

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The importance of consumption: Lack of revenue causes the economy to plummet

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial issues for people around the world.  As college classes are moving online, businesses are closing and people are staying home, the United States economy is taking a large hit.  Around 70% of the U.S. economy is made up of consumption, Travis Letellier, USD visiting economics instructor, said. Letellier explained consumption […]

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International Office services still available to USD students

USD is home to many international students. But with the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic, all means of international travel have been impacted.  For some international students, this situation presents challenges with living on-campus, returning to their home countries or continuing their education at USD. Patrick Morrison, associate director of the USD International Office, said all […]

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PAVE continues promoting remote resources for victims

Since the cancellation of all USD-hosted events until April 30, all student groups are coming to a close sooner than expected. For some clubs, they are creating new ways to help USD students remotely.  April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and USD’s Promoting Awareness Victim Empowerment (PAVE) canceled over ten events on campus this spring. […]

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Letter from the editor: turn to trusted news sources in times of confusion

In times of confusion and uncertainty, I encourage you to turn to trusted news outlets — and I hope The Volante can serve as a reliable local news source.  While it’s easy to believe everything on Twitter or Facebook, that’s not always accurate news. Social media is an amazing place to get information, but it shouldn’t […]

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‘I have not been coping with this very well’: Students prepare for online learning in hands-on majors

USD President Sheila Gestring announced on Tuesday that USD and all South Dakota public institutions will finish the spring semester online.  While universities across South Dakota and the nation make the switch to online learning, students in a variety of majors find themselves questioning how their studies would fit an online format.  “We know it […]

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Coronavirus pandemic cuts study abroad programs short

When senior sociology major Brady VanLoan traveled to China at the beginning of the spring semester, getting sent home early was the last thing on his mind. After a month of studying in Shanghai and the rapid spreading of the coronavirus, VanLoan — along with many students — was required to return home immediately. VanLoan […]

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‘We’re just going to keep pushing through’: How local businesses combat COVID-19

The risk of COVID-19 has impacted the number of customers at some Vermillion restaurants. But businesses are teaming up to power through the coronavirus with cleanliness and cooperation. Brickhouse general manager Josh Scherrer said the restaurant has started making their own hand sanitizer due to shortages. They’re also spending more time cleaning tables and chairs, […]

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