Monday Message, August 3
ϳԹs community,
Welcome to the month of August! It is one of my favorite times of the year at South Dakota State University. While campus has remained busy throughout the summer, there is a renewed sense of excitement as we prepare to welcome students back to Brookings and begin another academic year. In just a few short weeks, our residence halls will fill, classrooms will come alive and campus will once again be energized by our students.
As we prepare for the start of the semester, I hope you will join us for the annual Welcome Back Picnic on Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Club 71 in Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. The picnic is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, welcome new employees and celebrate the beginning of another academic year together. If you have not already done so, . I look forward to seeing many of you there.
Preparations also continue for Meet State 2026, which will take place Aug. 21-22. Meet State is one of our signature traditions and one of the first opportunities we have to welcome new students and their families to SDSU. Volunteer opportunities are still available, and I encourage you to consider lending a hand during move-in weekend. You will also find information below about Ask Me @ SDSU, a new initiative designed to help students connect with campus resources and encourage them to seek assistance early in the semester. Both programs play an important role in creating a welcoming, supportive environment for our newest ϳԹs.
Last week, members of my leadership team and I attended the July meeting of the South Dakota Board of Regents. I am pleased to share that the board approved several important academic programs for SDSU, including new Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and doctoral degree programs in artificial intelligence engineering beginning in fall 2026. These innovative programs position SDSU to prepare graduates for leadership in one of the fastest-growing fields in engineering while further advancing our research mission and supporting our continued pursuit of Research 1 status.
I also want to thank everyone who helped celebrate the opening of the Lucas P. Wintrode Learning Laboratory in Sioux Falls. Through the generosity of Paul and Maria Wintrode and our partnership with the Sioux Falls School District, this innovative learning laboratory will expand educational opportunities for students with autism and other disabilities, provide valuable hands-on experiences for SDSU students and create new opportunities for research and collaboration. It is another outstanding example of SDSU fulfilling its land-grant mission through meaningful partnerships that improve lives across South Dakota.
Additionally last week we celebrated another exciting milestone for ϳԹs Athletics , the future on-campus home of the SDSU soccer program. The ceremony brought together university leaders, student-athletes and our partners at Dakota Layers to celebrate a project that represents another investment in the student experience and the continued growth of our university. I want to thank Dakota Layers, Alison and Jason Ramsdell, and everyone whose vision and generosity helped make this project possible. We look forward to watching Dakota Layers Stadium become a place where future ϳԹs will compete.
Finally, I encourage faculty and staff to participate in the 2026 SDSU Fall Conference, "Student Learning and Success 360 Degrees: Connecting Across Curriculum, Value-Added Learning and Student Engagement," on Wednesday, Aug. 19, in the Volstorff Ballroom of the University Student Union. Sponsored by the Center for Professional Enrichment and Teaching Excellence in collaboration with the Office of Academic Affairs, the conference provides an excellent opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, exchange ideas and begin the academic year focused on student success. The is available online, and those planning to attend need to also .
Thank you for everything you do to make South Dakota State University a premier land-grant university. I look forward to seeing many of you in the weeks ahead as we welcome another outstanding class of ϳԹs and begin an exciting new academic year.
Barry H. Dunn
President
South Dakota State University
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.
There’s a lot that an SDSU student ID can unlock for our ϳԹs, including free food and personal care items for those in need. Jack’s Cupboard is a free, on-campus food pantry in Ben Reifel Hall.
At checkout, students don’t have to pull out cash or a credit card — just their SDSU ID.
Today, we’re recognizing the people who keep Jack’s Cupboard supplied and staffed all year-round, especially during the summer months.
Hunger doesn’t end with the academic calendar. That’s why Jack’s Cupboard doesn’t close when the last class lets out in the spring. In the summer, the pantry is open on Tuesdays from 2 to 5 p.m.
In the month of June, Jack's Cupboard served 1,654 household members across 753 household visits. Of those served, 70 were age 17 and younger, 1,582 were ages 18-59, and two were 60 or older.
Take a moment to recognize the students, staff and faculty who have been behind the counter all year and have made sure there’s always a smiling face at the pantry. Thirty-two volunteers have worked shifts this summer alone. During the school year, we have mainly student volunteers with staff stepping up in the summer.
We’d like to especially recognize Yashar Askarzadeh for his willingness and commitment to volunteering. He worked a total of 21 shifts in the past few months!
There are several open slots to volunteer at the pantry on Tuesdays or for restocking opportunities on Thursdays. They’re always looking for more volunteers.
You can .
If you have food or personal care items you’d like to put on Jack’s Cupboard’s shelves, donations are accepted at the pantry during its normal business hours. They’re looking for:
- Blocks of cheese, cream cheese and butter
- Frozen products such as pizzas, frozen dinners and meat options
- Canned soup or bagged soup mixes
- Pasta and pasta sauces
- Bread, rice and other grains
- Evaporated, powdered and boxed milk
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Dried fruits
- Cereal and oatmeal
- Canned chicken and canned tuna
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Condiments
- Prepackaged snack items
- Cake, brownie and pancake mixes
- Baking items (baking soda, baking powder, salt, etc.)
- Personal care items (toothbrushes, toothpaste, tampons, pads, shampoo, body wash, laundry detergent, toilet paper, etc.)
Or you can through the SDSU Alumni & Foundation.
Thank you to all the volunteers who have lifted up our ϳԹs this summer and beyond. And thank you for considering an impactful donation of food, money or your time now or during the school year.
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.
Meet State 2026 Volunteers Needed
Meet State 2026 will take place Aug. 21-22, and volunteers are still needed to help welcome new and returning ϳԹs to campus.
Volunteers assist with directing traffic, greeting students and families, and, if able, helping students move into their residence halls. Meet State is one of SDSU's signature traditions and provides an opportunity to create a welcoming first impression for our newest students and their families.
The event is made possible by the hundreds of faculty, staff, students and community members who generously volunteer each year. If you are able to help, please consider signing up. The is available online.
Ask Me @ SDSU Volunteers Needed
This fall, SDSU is launching Ask Me @ SDSU, a new initiative designed to create a welcoming campus environment and encourage students to seek assistance early in the semester.
Ask Me stations will provide students with a convenient place to ask questions, receive directions, learn about campus resources and connect with individuals who can help them navigate their SDSU experience. While the program is designed primarily for new and transfer students, all students are welcome to visit an Ask Me station.
Faculty, staff and student ambassadors are invited to volunteer during the first week of classes at one of three outdoor locations:
- Near the Dairy Bar
- Near Chicoine Architecture, Mathematics and Engineering Hall
- Near Wagner Hall
Additional volunteer opportunities will be available in the University Student Union during the second week of the semester.
Volunteers will receive resource materials and referral information — no prior knowledge of every campus service is required.
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Thank you for helping make SDSU a welcoming place where students feel comfortable asking questions and confident that support is available.
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 on 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 directed to the International Student and Scholar Engagement office at sdsu.intlsupport@sdstate.edu, via phone at 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.
Your partnership is critical in helping us provide clear, coordinated support during this transition.
Jack’s Cupboard Summer Volunteer Opportunity
Jack’s Cupboard, SDSU’s free on-campus food pantry for currently enrolled students, is seeking faculty and staff volunteers to help support operations this summer.
The pantry will be open on Tuesdays from 2-5 p.m., with additional opportunities to assist with restocking on Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. During the 2025-26 academic year, Jack’s Cupboard served a record number of students and will continue supporting students throughout the summer months.
Volunteers will assist with checkout, restocking, light cleaning and helping create a welcoming environment for students.
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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, and 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 painting, sculpture, 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.
There will also be a reception for “America in Art” and “New Arrivals” on Friday from 5-6:30 p.m. before the Garden Party at McCrory Gardens. The reception will be held in the art museum.
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.
