Monday Message, Feb. 24
SDSU Community,
Good afternoon, everyone. We are welcomed by a week of warm temperatures, a dramatic change from just a few days ago.
We continue to navigate interesting and challenging times, with varying levels of uncertainty based on available information. My senior team and I remain committed to keeping you informed as developments unfold. The landscape around us continues to shift, but together we are resilient and prepared to adapt to the changes ahead.
On the local front, one of the key developments we are monitoring is the ongoing legislative session in South 啵啵直播秀. Last week, HB 1193 鈥 a bill that would have prohibited the Board of Regents and institutions under its control from requiring students to reside in on-campus housing or purchase meal plans 鈥 failed in the House by a vote of 28-42.
Research over the years consistently shows the significant benefits students have by living on campus during their first two years. Not only do students who live on campus perform better academically, but they also have access to vital resources and social connections that enhance their overall college experience and contribute to their long-term success. We will continue to advocate for policies that support student success and well-being.
Another bill under consideration is SB 100, which aims to limit restrictions on carrying a concealed pistol and other self-defense items on public higher education campuses. The bill has been assigned to the House State Affairs Committee, though a hearing has not yet been scheduled.
We will continue to monitor all South 啵啵直播秀 legislation impacting SDSU and provide updates as they become available.
Finally, I am excited to share that this week we will host the 2025 Griffith Honors Forum Lecture. The event will take place on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Larson Memorial Concert Hall at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center. The Griffith Lecture is one of our most significant annual events, often drawing more than 900 attendees. This year鈥檚 distinguished speaker is Erin Gruwell, author of 鈥The Freedom Writers Diary.鈥 We look forward to welcoming Erin to our campus and engaging in what promises to be an inspiring discussion.
Thank you for your continued dedication to making SDSU a premier land-grant university. Your contributions are invaluable, and I appreciate all that you do. I hope you have a productive and fulfilling week ahead!
Go Jacks!
Sincerely,
Barry H. Dunn, President
Above and Beyond recognizes individuals and groups of South 啵啵直播秀 State University employees, faculty and students for individual and team efforts that go Above and Beyond to make the campus community a better place.
SDSU is home to over 250 student organizations. Each gives students the opportunity to develop leadership skills and build community across campus. This week we feature a student leader whose involvement is making an impact.
The Pride of the 啵啵直播秀s Marching Band is a time-honored tradition at South 啵啵直播秀 State University. Abby Connor, a senior agricultural systems technology major, is a co-captain for The Pride鈥檚 color guard.
In her role as a captain, Connor assists with choreographing routines and preparing the 25-member color guard for performances.
She said being a part of The Pride has brought her to part of campus she otherwise might not have experienced as an agricultural systems technology student.
The Pride of the 啵啵直播秀s accepts members from all majors, something Connor said creates a unique family environment between the various components of the band.
Family tradition is among the reasons Connor decided to attend SDSU. Her dad, three of her uncles and her older brother all attended SDSU. She also appreciates that she can go home to help on the farm as her hometown is just under an hour away from campus.
Connor said she has developed an interest in precision agriculture while at SDSU, but she鈥檚 not quite sure what鈥檚 next after graduation in May. She鈥檚 considering a master鈥檚 degree, but she knows she wants to end up in a career that helps farmers maximize their investments.
The Monday Message appears weekly during the academic year and less frequently during the summer months and holiday breaks.
Information for the Monday Message, including nominations for Above and Beyond, can be submitted online.
LeadState Nominations
The Office of Student Union and Activities is seeking nominations for LeadState, a semester-long program for sophomore students that will take place during the fall 2025 semester. The program helps students identify and build on their leadership strengths, identify and lead with values, be a catalyst for social change, connect with campus and community leaders, and engage in community service.
Additional information about LeadState can be found on sdstate.edu.
Faculty and staff who have students they would like to nominate for LeadState should send each student鈥檚 name, student ID number and email address to Seth Daughters by April 4.
2025 Distinguished Alumni Nominations
The SDSU Alumni Association is seeking nominations for the 2025 Distinguished Alumni awards. .
SDSU Admissions Ambassador Selection
The Office of Admissions is currently taking applications for 2025-26 Admissions Ambassadors.
Admissions Ambassadors are hired to represent and promote SDSU to prospective students and their families, as well as the public. They are critical to the successful recruitment of students to SDSU. Ambassadors are often the first and possibly the only student that a prospective student and their family may meet during the college search process. The public will form lasting impressions about SDSU based on the information Ambassadors provide.
Admissions Ambassadors are selected through a competitive application and selection process. Positions are offered to current SDSU students who will have completed at least one year as a full-time college student at SDSU when they start their position.
Information Sessions (Enrollment Services Center):
Tuesday 鈥 4-5 p.m.
March 5 鈥 4-5 p.m.
March 20 鈥 3-4 p.m.
Application reviews begin March 21 with interviews scheduled for March 25-26.
Summer Term Compensation Open Forums
Continuing and Distance Education, Academic Affairs and Human Resources are hosting an open forum for departments, schools and faculty regarding summer term compensation.
Nine- and 10-month faculty who may be teaching, conducting research and providing service during the summer term are invited to join us to learn about summer term compensation, related processes and important dates.
Tomorrow 鈥 Summer term faculty open forum from 2-3 p.m., University Student Union Room 253, Pheasant and Crest (A, B and C).
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March 19 鈥 Summer term faculty open forum from 1:30-2:30 p.m., University Student Union Room 169, Campanile and Hobo Day Gallery (A and B).
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International Women's Day Celebration
Celebrate International Women's Day with coffee, tea and treats, March 7 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in University Student Union, Room 271.
China Night
The Chinese Students and Scholars Association will host China Night March 23 at 6 p.m. at the Dacotah Bank Center. The event features authentic Chinese food and cultural performances, including a lion dance, a fashion show, instrumental music, vocal selections and much more.
Dinner includes chongqing spicy chicken, cumin beef, fried dumplings, mapo tofu, red bean paste sesame balls, three delights of the earth and white rice. .
The Summit League Food Fight
The SDSU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is collecting food and monetary donations as part of The Summit League Food Fight to help support Jack's Cupboard, Brookings County Food Pantry, Feeding Brookings and the Brookings Backpack Project.
A $1 donation equals five pounds of food. The committee is collecting donations until Friday.
Individuals interested in donating may do so with:
- An
- A check made payable to Brookings County Food Pantry dropped off at First Bank & Trust Arena (Room 262) or mailed to: SDSU 鈥 Attn: SAAC Food Fight, Stanley J. Marshall HPER Center 251, Box 2820, Brookings, SD 57007.
Questions may be directed to Holly Van Vlymen.
Research Funding Beyond USDA and NSF
The Division of Research and Economic Development will host a , March 6 from 9-10 a.m. to discuss funding opportunities beyond USDA and NSF.
Additional information about the webinar can be found on sdstate.edu.
Wellness Center Free Access
SDSU employees and their families will have free access to the Miller Wellness Center recreation and fitness areas from March 8-16. Employees must present employee ID at check in.
Warrior Wellness Week
Warrior Wellness Week is a university event that brings together student leaders, campus partners and community organizations to promote overall well-being. Each day during the week features a different dimension of wellness with programs designed to empower participants to be proactive in caring for themselves and others. During this week, faculty and staff also have free access to the Miller Wellness Center.
Events during Warrior Week include:
- Today 鈥 Physical and environmental wellness
- Tuesday 鈥 Financial wellness
- Wednesday 鈥 Emotional wellness
- Thursday 鈥 Digital and occupational wellness
- Friday 鈥 Social and mindful wellness
Additional information about Wellness Week is available on sdstate.edu.
Eastern Science and Engineering Fair Judges
The Eastern South 啵啵直播秀 Science and Engineering Fair will be held March 25 in Club 71 at the Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. The event invites middle and high school students to campus to showcase their research. The success of the event depends on a group of judges helping interview students for a variety of awards and prizes.
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The majority of the judging occurs from 9-11:30 a.m., with a judges training starting at 8:15 a.m. Some judges are also needed for the Grand 啵啵直播秀s from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. If you are interested in serving as a Grand 啵啵直播秀s judge, please email Brad Blaha. Grand 啵啵直播秀s judges generally have judging experience and an interest in a broad range of subjects.
Faculty who work with undergraduate students that may be interested in helping serve as volunteers . Colleges and departments interested in sponsoring an award should email Brad Blaha.
Soul Food Luncheon
Celebrate Black History Month by experiencing southern cuisine with the Soul Food Luncheon, sponsored the Black Students Alliance, Office of Multicultural Affairs and Accessibility and Sodexo.
The event will be held Friday in the Multicultural Center, Room 271 in the University Student Union, at 11:30 a.m.
Jacks Virtual 5K
The South 啵啵直播秀 State Alumni Association will host the Jacks Virtual 5K to benefit Jack鈥檚 Cupboard, SDSU's free on-campus food pantry for students experiencing food insecurity, during the month of April. A virtual 5K is a race that can be run or walked from any location, any day or any time that you choose during the month of April. Additional information about the event and how to enter is available on the .
Undergraduate Research Funding Application
Applications are open for select summer undergraduate research programs at SDSU. Students can submit one application for research support from a variety of different funding sources, including the Joseph F. Nelson Mentorship and the Honors College Undergraduate Research Fund.
Faculty and staff should encourage students from all disciplines to submit their research interests for possible funding. 啵啵直播秀s will be competitive and based on the design of the proposed studies, quality of the application and potential for project success.
Completed applications, including a mentor assessment of the applicant, must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. March 1.
Schultz-Werth 啵啵直播秀 Competition Application
The application portal for the Schultz-Werth 啵啵直播秀 Competition is open. Faculty and staff should encourage senior undergraduate students from all disciplines to submit their scholarly or creative projects for consideration. 啵啵直播秀s up to $2,500 per winning student will be awarded at the end of the academic year. The deadline to submit a paper for the Schultz-Werth award is March 1. More information can be found on sdstate.edu.
Griffith Honors Forum Lecture
The 2025 Griffith Honors Forum Lecture will take place in the Larson Memorial Concert Hall of the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Griffith Lecture is historically one of the largest campus events every year, often drawing more than 900 attendees. This year the speaker is Erin Gruwell, author of the 鈥淭he Freedom Writers Diary.鈥 Tickets are available online.
IDS Spring 2025 Training Schedule
Instructional Design Services will host training seminars during the spring 2025 semester.
The trainings will include online community building, accessible eLearning and teaching in the generative AI era. Some featured workshops include the D2L accessibility checker (Panorama) and the newly added D2L gradebook feature allowing instructors to publish grades directly to Banner.
These workshops, eLearning applications, weekly webinars and the Online Teaching Certification Program will help prepare for successful teaching in spring 2025.
All SDSU faculty, academic staff and graduate teaching assistants are encouraged to attend these training sessions. .
Updated Policies
New and updated university policies continue to be adopted and published. For the most recent updates, visit the New and Recently Revised Policies page on sdstate.edu.
