USD professors prepare for fall semester

Just like students, USD professors have adapted to the changing year, involving hybrid and distanced instruction as the pandemic has played out, and are preparing to come back to campus normally next fall.  Lori Costello, USD assistant professor, said this past year has been tough. These past two and a half semesters, more students have […]

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Symphony Orchestra to hold final concert of semester

The final USD symphony concert will be held April 23, and it may be the last time these musicians will have to play while social distancing. Last semester, the number of students allowed to play in the symphony was limited due to COVID-19 concerns, and Luis Viquez, conductor of the orchestra, chose pieces suited for […]

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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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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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Writing Center spring hours include expanded Zoom sessions

Over the past year, USD’s Writing Center has adapted to the COVID-19 by increasing opportunities for students to receive assistance virtually while maintaining in-person meetings. Emily Kluin, a writing consultant at the Writing Center, said the center helps students with all stages of writing, from citation styles to formulating a rough draft to offering guidance […]

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Vermillion area Toastmasters adapts to remote events

The USD-Area Yappin’ Yotes, a local chapter of the nearly 100-year-old public speaking club Toastmasters, has had to find ways to combat COVID-19 regulations and technical challenges. Officers in Toastmasters chapters serve one year terms. Steven Thum, the current sergeant at arms for the Yappin’ Yotes, said his job, which normally involves setting up physical […]

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Photography professor receives Governor’s Awards in the Arts

The grandson of Polish and Ukrainian immigrants and the son of a blue-collar family, Professor John Banasiak has used his upbringing as a driving force in his love for the arts. This love led him to be a recipient of the Governor’s Awards in the Arts in regard to his “Outstanding Service in Art Education.” […]

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Greening Vermillion makes tentative plans for Earth Days

In celebration of Earth Day 2021, Greening Vermillion–an organization dedicated to making Vermillion the greenest town in South Dakota–has begun tentatively planning for Vermillion Earth Days, a week of events which promote sustainability. Mark Sweeney, a USD professor and board member of Greening Vermillion, said the 2020 Vermillion Earth Days were intended to kick off […]

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Honors thesis defense moves to Zoom

While USD has used a combination of remote and in-person classes this year, honors thesis defense has been moved entirely online since the spring semester of 2020. An honors thesis defense comes at the end of the honors program at USD. A student in the honors program researches a topic and prepares a thesis which […]

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