Monday Message, August 24
ϳԹs community,
Welcome to the first day of classes at South Dakota State University. There is always something special about this day. For some students, today marks the beginning of their SDSU journey. For others, it is another important step toward achieving their academic goals and ultimately walking across the commencement stage with an SDSU degree. It is also a special time for our faculty as the start of the semester brings energy and excitement for a new academic year.
Thank you to everyone for the tremendous weekend we had welcoming thousands of students and their families to campus during Meet State. An event of this size requires a true universitywide effort, and I cannot adequately thank the more than 825 volunteers who helped make the weekend such a success.
I do want to recognize Becky Peterson and the Housing and Residential Life staff; Jen Novotny and the University Student Union team; Jamison Lamp from my office for his work with convocation and other weekend activities; staff of Facilities and Services; our Sodexo and food service teams; and the hundreds of volunteers who directed traffic, greeted families, unloaded vehicles and helped students move into their rooms. Each of you demonstrated the welcoming and caring spirit that defines SDSU. Please look for next week’s Above and Beyond as we will thank even more who were involved, including members of the Meet State Committee.
As we begin classes, I encourage everyone to continue that same spirit of support. A friendly greeting, an offer to help or simply taking time to answer a question can make a meaningful difference for a student during these first weeks. Additional resources in these first few weeks are listed below as it is a critical time to give our students the resources and encouragement they need to be successful as ϳԹs.
We also have an exciting week of activities ahead. ϳԹs soccer hosts Western Illinois on Thursday, providing another opportunity to support our student-athletes. On Saturday, ϳԹs football opens its 2026 season against Stetson at 6 p.m. at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. SDSU Athletics is offering faculty and staff four complimentary general admission tickets for Saturday’s game. while supplies last.
Before kickoff Saturday, please join us for another important celebration of SDSU’s land-grant heritage. At 3:30 p.m., we will dedicate a sculpture honoring Edgar S. McFadden, a Webster native and pioneering wheat breeder whose development of Hope wheat significantly contributed to wheat production before and during World War II.
Located between the Raven Precision Agriculture Center and the Edgar S. McFadden Biostress Laboratory, the sculpture provides an appropriate connection between our agricultural heritage and the research and innovation continuing at SDSU today.
It promises to be a wonderful first week and weekend of the academic year as football Saturdays bring thousands more to our campus and provide us opportunities to connect with alumni and friends throughout the fall.
Thank you for everything you do to make SDSU a premier land-grant university. I hope everyone has a wonderful week.
Sincerely,
Barry H. Dunn
President
Above and Beyond recognizes individuals and groups of South Dakota State University employees, faculty and students for individual and team efforts that go Above and Beyond to make the campus community a better place.
Ryanna Clauson, Taylor Haring, Grace Hong, Ryan Johnson, Maggie Kamnikar, Aubrey Kooima, Orion McCartney, Alex Middendorf, Colton Schamber, Jessica Strobl and McKenna Walker traveled to sunny Los Angeles this spring.
They were the members of SDSU’s Student Collaboration for the Advancement and Promotion of Pharmacy who attended this year’s American Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting.
This student chapter represents the excellence of our pharmacy program and the exceptional service done by our students in their communities. The national organization took notice and recognized the group accordingly.
SDSU’s Student Collaboration for the Advancement and Promotion of Pharmacy was selected as the first runner-up in the AAA division based on its 150-page chapter achievement report for the 2024-25 academic year.
This report is submitted annually and was used by the association to evaluate chapter performance. SDSU was recognized for member engagement, community impact and collaboration with healthcare organizations.
The national association was especially impressed by the SDSU chapter’s:
- Activities for member recruitment
- Advocacy work to the South Dakota Legislature
- Medication reviews for guests of the Bishop Dudley House in Sioux Falls
- 350 patient screenings
- Interactions with 800 community members through educational events
SDSU’s chapter has been honored with this achievement before. Members received it for the 2023-24 and 2021-22 academic years. They also won first runner-up in the AA division in 2022-23.
In addition to the national award, the chapter was recognized at the regional level for its work promoting cardiac health in our community.
That was part of Operation Heart, the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists’ national community care project. SDSU students earned accolades for their work on collaborative screening and educational events with the South Dakota Cardiovascular Collaboration, which gave students hands-on experience providing community education and cardiac and wellness screenings.
Take a moment to join me in applauding the executive board, committee chairs and members of the Student Collaboration for the Advancement and Promotion of Pharmacy for the good they do for the health of the whole community — and for getting the recognition they rightly deserve.
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.
Student Essential Needs Hub
The Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management has launched the Student Essential Needs Hub, or The Hub, to help students access resources that address essential needs and support their academic success.
The Hub provides a centralized, student-focused resource connecting students with food assistance, emergency aid, clothing, transportation support, household essentials, financial wellness education and university and community services.
Initially, The Hub will bring together existing resources and services in one online location, making it easier for students to identify and access available support. As additional resources are secured and a permanent location is established, The Hub will continue to expand its services.
Learn more, access resources and find opportunities to get involved by visiting the Student Essential Needs Hub webpage. Updates are also available through The Hub’s and accounts.
CommUNITY Meetings: Connection, Constitution and Civic Engagement
CommUNITY Meetings: Connection, Constitution and Civic Engagement – Two upcoming CommUNITY Meetings will provide opportunities to connect with others, strengthen community and participate in civic engagement.
On Sept. 14 from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Volstorff Ballroom, Kim Bartling and the Humanity Launch will present “It’s More Important to Be Interested than to Be Interesting.” The interactive program will explore how curiosity and meaningful interpersonal communication can create deeper connections, build stronger communities and foster a sense of belonging.
In celebration of Constitution Day and National Voter Registration Day, “From the Constitution to the Ballot Box” will be held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on the second floor of Lincoln Hall. Activities will include voter registration, voting rights trivia, pizza and guest speakers discussing information voters should know before participating in an election.
The events are presented through partnerships involving Student Connection and Engagement, the Student Engagement Center, the School of American and Global Studies, Jacks Stand Together, Yellow, Blue & You and the Humanity Launch.
One Day for STATE – Sept. 10
The SDSU Alumni & Foundation will host its 10th annual One Day for STATE on Sept. 10. This 24-hour celebration of philanthropy brings ϳԹs together to demonstrate their SDSU pride and support the university.
This year’s goal is to rally 5,000 donors, whose gifts can help unlock more than $700,000 in additional challenge funds.
Activities begin Sept. 9 with Jack’s Journey and continue throughout One Day for STATE on Sept. 10. Events include a lunchtime patio party at the University Student Union and the Yellow and Blue Block Party on the Alumni Green.
through the SDSU Alumni & Foundation.
They Were There: Witnesses from Sept. 11
As the nation marks 25 years since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States, SDSU’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences will present “They Were There: Witnesses from Sept. 11.”
The public panel will feature firsthand accounts from individuals who were present during critical moments of response, reporting and national defense. Panelists will share their experiences and perspectives on what it meant to witness the events of Sept. 11 as they unfolded and reflect on their lasting impact.
The event will be held Friday, Sept. 11, at 10 a.m. in Larson Memorial Concert Hall at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center.
The event is free and open to the public. .
Yellow, Blue & You
Yellow, Blue & You is South Dakota State University’s first six weeks initiative, designed to help students successfully transition to college and find their place within the ϳԹs community.
Rather than creating a new series of events, Yellow, Blue & You brings together existing programs, activities and experiences from across campus under one shared framework. Weekly themes make it easier for students to discover opportunities, connect with campus resources and become engaged early in the semester.
The initiative focuses on helping students understand where to go, who to connect with and how to get involved. Through partnerships across campus, Yellow, Blue & You promotes opportunities that foster belonging, academic success, personal well-being and ϳԹs pride during the important first six weeks of the academic year.
SDSU Employees Free Access to Miller Wellness Center
SDSU employees and their families can enjoy free access to the Miller Wellness Center from Sept. 20-27. Employees simply need to present their employee ID for access.
Employees who join the Miller Wellness Center during the free access week can also have their initial membership cost waived when enrolling through payroll deduction or electronic funds transfer. Membership must remain active for at least six months to qualify.
For questions or additional information, contact the Miller Wellness Center membership office at 605-688-5521.
International Student and Scholar Federal Regulatory Change
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has amended regulations relating to international students and scholars and duration of status that will impact members of our university community.
Changes go into effect Sept. 15. As a university, we remain committed to supporting our international students and scholars and ensuring they have access to accurate information and appropriate resources as they navigate these changes.
To ensure that students, faculty, staff and administrators have access to the most current and accurate information, an International Student and Scholar Federal Regulatory Change webpage has been created and will serve as the central source for updates, guidance and frequently asked questions. Given the complexity and evolving nature of federal immigration regulations, we ask that you direct any impacted individuals to this webpage. Using a single, centralized resource will help ensure consistent communication, reduce confusion and provide students with reliable information as quickly as possible.
Questions related to specific student and scholar situations that are unable to be answered through the International Student and Scholar Federal Regulatory Change webpage should be emailed directly to the International Student and Scholar Engagement office, call 605-688-4122 or in person to Hilton M. Briggs Library 119.
For questions specifically related to full-time (nonstudent) employment authorization, hiring or employment-related implications, please direct inquiries to Colleen Butler, international employment manager, at Colleen Butler.
Your partnership is critical in helping us provide clear, coordinated support during this transition.
Downtown at Sundown: SDSU Night
Join the Brookings community for SDSU Night at Downtown at Sundown on Thursday, Aug. 27. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with local vendors, family-friendly activities and opportunities to connect with SDSU programs and organizations. Live music by Devon Worley begins at 6 p.m.
Featured SDSU participants include the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering, SDSU Alumni & Foundation, Hobo Day Committee and SDSU Athletics. SDSU ice cream will be served while supplies last.
Faculty, staff, students and community members are encouraged to attend. Additional event details are available on the Downtown at Sundown website.
IDS Fall Training Schedule
Instructional Design Services has released its , featuring sessions focused on digital accessibility and teaching in the artificial intelligence era. Workshops include refresher sessions on creating accessible D2L courses, AI prompting strategies for course development and using the Copilot Create Agent for content creation.
New this fall is the Friday Faculty Drop-in, a casual Zoom session held every other Friday from 12:10-12:50 p.m. Faculty can stop by for quick support, course feedback or assistance with eLearning applications from an IDS team member.
Training opportunities also include eLearning workshops and the SDSU Online Instructor Certification Program, which is open to faculty, academic staff and graduate teaching assistants.
For the complete training schedule, visit the IDS 2026 fall schedule. Questions may be directed to Instructional Design Services. IDS looks forward to supporting faculty and staff throughout the semester.
Theatre: A New Brain
The School of Performing Arts, Department of Theatre and Dance, opens its 2026-27 season, “Second Chances,” with the musical “A New Brain” by William Finn and James Lapine.
Known for its quirky humor and poignant storytelling, “A New Brain” follows a children's television composer who, after being diagnosed with a life-threatening brain condition, confronts his mortality, relationships and the meaning of art.
Please note: This production contains mature language and themes.
Performances will be held in the Oscar Larson Theatre:
- Oct. 8-10 at 7 p.m.
- Oct. 11 at 2 p.m.
Tickets and additional information are available through the School of Performing Arts.
South Dakota Art Museum Exhibitions
The South Dakota Art Museum invites the campus and community to explore three featured exhibitions this fall.
“Flyover” brings together six longtime friends and artists from Flyover Country, showcasing individual works alongside collaborative pieces created through a unique process of shared artistic expression. Participating artists include Roger Broer, Bill Fleming, Dale Lamphere, Kenny Putnam, Susan Turnbull and Ray Tysdal. The exhibition celebrates friendship, experimentation and creative exchange and will be on display through early October.
“New Arrivals” highlights recent additions to the museum's permanent collection, many of which are on public display for the first time. The exhibition features paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photography and textiles by artists including Harvey Dunn, Signe Stuart, Skye Gilkerson, Dyani White Hawk and others, reflecting the museum's commitment to preserving and expanding artistic voices.
“America in Art” commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States by exploring the promise and paradox of the nation's history. Through works that examine America's ideals, struggles, freedoms and contradictions, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the country's past while considering its future.
Faculty, staff, students and community members are encouraged to visit the South Dakota Art Museum and experience these thought-provoking exhibitions.
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.
