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As the spring semester enters a busy and demanding stretch, the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, in partnership with campus and community organizations, continues to offer programs that reflect �ձ�av��Ƶ’s commitment to safety, respect and community.

These efforts emphasize that Jacks Stand Together — to see, learn from and support one another — while fostering meaningful connections across campus.

This week’s events include:

• Listening Lunch – Friday, April 10, noon-1 p.m., Jackrabbit Room, University Student Union
• Student Belonging Poster Contest – Open through April 23 (For more information, contact Carolyn Killefer.)

All are welcome to participate. These programs are designed to create space for dialogue, build understanding and strengthen the �ձ�av��Ƶ community during a critical time in the semester.

Additional events and updates will continue to be shared through campus communications, including the Monday Message.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family and Community Awards, a long-standing program established in 1927. The awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated a lifetime of leadership and service benefiting the agriculture industry, families and communities across South Dakota.

The awards are presented jointly by the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and the College of Education and Human Sciences.

Nomination forms and instructions are available online. To request a printed copy, please contact Angela Loftesness at 605-688-6732 or Angela Loftesness.

Nominations are due May 1.

Join a community gathering exploring more than . As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, this interactive presentation will examine how civics and communication organizations — from Revolutionary War-era publications to modern-day media and podcasts — have shaped the nation’s history.

The event will be held April 14 from 6-7 p.m. in Woster Celebration Hall at the �ձ�av��Ƶ Alumni & Foundation building (815 Medary Ave.).

Presenters include Jon Ruff, assistant professor of political science in �ձ�av��Ƶ’s School of American and Global Studies, and Carson Walker, CEO of South Dakota News Watch.

This event is part of a civics and news series launched in 2024 through a partnership between South Dakota News Watch and South Dakota Public Broadcasting, with additional support from the League of Women Voters of South Dakota, the Chiesman Center for Democracy at the University of South Dakota, and the Mike Huether Public Service Academy at �ձ�av��Ƶ.

All are welcome to attend.

Property Management, in partnership with the Wellness Center and Residence Life, will host a surplus rummage sale on April 17 from 1-5 p.m. in the Surplus Shed.

This is one of only two opportunities this year for individuals to purchase surplus items for personal use. A variety of items will be available, and the event is open to the public.

Don’t miss this chance to explore available surplus inventory. For more information, please contact Property Management.

In recognition of Financial Literacy Month, University Wellbeing will host a virtual panel titled “Level Up Your Money: College Finance” on Wednesday, April 15, from noon-1 p.m. .

he panel will feature �ձ�av��Ƶ experts:

• Kevin Fullerton, Career Services director
• Beth Vollan, Financial Aid director
• Bruce Johnson, business management instructor

Topics will include managing money while in college; understanding financial aid, loans and debt decisions; preparing for income and career transitions; building long-term financial confidence; and protecting yourself financially.

All are encouraged to attend and gain practical tools to support financial well-being.

The South Dakota Art Museum is preparing for its upcoming exhibition, “America in Art,” which will be on view June 13, 2026- Jan. 2, 2027. Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, the exhibition will explore the promise and paradox of the nation’s legacy, examining the ideals, struggles, freedoms and contradictions that define it.

To help guide the curatorial direction of the exhibition, the museum is seeking input from the campus and broader community. Feedback will help ensure the exhibition reflects a wide range of perspectives and resonates with audiences.

. Your input will play an important role in shaping this meaningful exhibition.

The South Dakota Board of Regents has engaged CampusWorks, a higher education consulting firm, to conduct a systemwide Information Technology assessment across the Board office and all six public universities. This work is part of a broader effort to ensure the Regent system is positioned with a future-ready, sustainable and well-governed IT operating model(s) that can support institutional priorities over the next decade.

The CampusWorks engagement will run from now through Dec. 2026 and is focused on:

• Developing a clear understanding of the current IT environment across central and campus IT
• Identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, service effectiveness, governance and coordination
• Defining a future-state IT operating model and roadmap, including alignment with anticipated Banner SaaS operating expectations
• Supporting long-term sustainability, risk management and systemwide initiatives while respecting campus-specific missions and realities

This is a forward-looking assessment, not an audit. The goal is to collaboratively define where IT across the Regent system needs to be and the practical steps to get there.

I would encourage you to seek out one of the opportunities listed below to share your valuable insights directly with the CampusWorks team. Forums will be held at the University Student Union in the Pioneer Room #265.

• Faculty Forum: 9:30-10:15 a.m.
• Open Forum: 4:15-5 p.m.

Also, be on the lookout for additional communication throughout the year to stay informed of the progress of this activity.

Campus input will directly inform:

• Recommendations related to service delivery models, staffing, governance and shared services
• A clearly defined future-state IT operating model
• A phased, prioritized roadmap that balances near-term improvements with long-term strategic goals
• Guidance that respects campus mission, scale, and operational context

Thank you for your participation.

The �ձ�av��Ƶ Alumni & Foundation recognizes a class of Distinguished Alumni each year, honoring individuals whose outstanding achievements, service and leadership have made a lasting impact in their professions, communities and at �ձ�av��Ƶ.

Honorees are nominated by members of the �ձ�av��Ƶ community and selected by a committee that considers their impact on the history of �ձ�av��Ƶ, their contributions to the state of South Dakota and their demonstrated spirit of service throughout their lives and careers. Recipients will be recognized at the 2026 Legends & Leaders banquet on the eve of Hobo Day.

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The �ձ�av��Ƶ Alumni & Foundation, in partnership with Jackrabbit Central, is hosting the .

From now through April 28, gently used Jackrabbits apparel and gear may be donated at the Jerome J. Lohr Building or either Jackrabbit Central location during normal business hours. Donated items will be made available for purchase at the Jacks Gear Sale on May 5, with all proceeds supporting Jack’s Cupboard and its efforts to serve �ձ�av��Ƶ students.

Please consider donating gently used �ձ�av��Ƶ gear to support this important campus resource.

�ձ�av��Ƶ’s 2026 commencement ceremonies are quickly approaching, and volunteers are needed to help ensure a memorable and successful experience for our graduates and their families and friends.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to consider volunteering their time and talents to support this important celebration. Commencement is one of the university’s most meaningful traditions, and the success of our on-campus ceremonies depends on the support and participation of the campus community.

Please take a few minutes to review how and when you may be able to assist and consider encouraging colleagues to do the same. Your participation helps create a welcoming and celebratory environment for our graduates and their guests.

To indicate your availability, please complete the . If you have questions about volunteering, please contact Regen Wiederrich.

Thank you in advance for helping make �ձ�av��Ƶ’s 2026 commencement ceremonies a success.

Faculty, researchers and staff are invited to participate in an upcoming workshop titled “University Participation in SBIR/STTR: Pre-Submission to Post-Award.” The session will explore key considerations for universities during the development of an SBIR/STTR proposal and after an award has been received.

The training webinar will be presented by BBC Entrepreneurial Training & Consulting and will focus on the university perspective when navigating Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer opportunities.

Date: Thursday, April 23

Time: 12-1:30 p.m. CT (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. MT)

Participants may attend in person at locations across South Dakota or join virtually. South Dakota Biotech will sponsor lunch at all in-person locations.

In-Person Locations (registration required by April 9):

• Sioux Falls: Discovery District, Conference Room 104, 4600 Nobel St.
• Rapid City: Vanderboom Laboratory for Entrepreneurial Research (V-Lab), Room 109, 501 E. St. Joseph St.
• Aberdeen: Barnett Center, Kessler’s Champion Club, 1200 S. Jay St.
• Brookings: University Student Union, Dakota A and C, 1421 Student Union Lane
• Vermillion: Slagle Hall, Room 107, 414 E. Clark St.

Virtual Option: Registration is open through April 23. Please see the registration links online secure your spot.

Faculty members interested in developing compelling proposals for external funding and building connections with potential collaborators across disciplines are invited to the 2026 Grant Camp hosted by the Division of Research, May 18-21. The event will be held in the Pioneer Room (SSU 265) in the University Student Union.

Grant Camp is designed to demystify the grant application process for �ձ�av��Ƶ researchers. While the program is particularly beneficial for early-career faculty, seasoned researchers seeking greater familiarity with external funding opportunities are also encouraged to apply. The program is open to research-active faculty in all disciplines and at all ranks, regardless of tenure status.

Participants must:

• Be research-active
• Commit to attending the sessions (May 18-21, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.)
• Agree to submit a proposal for external funding by the end of the 2026-27 academic year

Applications may be submitted through InfoReady by April 6: .

Registration is now open for Student Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Day, which will be held Tuesday, April 14, in the University Student Union. The new event merges the events formerly known as Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Day and Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Day into one daylong event celebrating and promoting student involvement in research and creative activity at �ձ�av��Ƶ. The schedule and more information about the event can be found on the Student Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Day website.

All students enrolled at �ձ�av��Ƶ are encouraged to participate. There are separate registration forms for the undergraduate and graduate poster showcases, and those links can be found on sdstate.edu along with an agenda of events. Both events are limited to the first 100 students who register.

In celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States, the �ձ�av��Ƶ School of Performing Arts will host “Sousa in South Dakota: A Symposium” on April 10-11.

This two-day event will honor the life and legacy of composer and conductor John Philip Sousa (1854-1932), an American icon best known for “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” the national march of the United States.

The symposium will highlight Sousa’s lasting influence on American music and culture, offering opportunities for learning, engagement and appreciation of his work. Additional information is available online.

�ձ�av��Ƶ has completed a review of the Hobo Dough program and its payment service partnerships. As part of this evaluation, �ձ�av��Ƶ will discontinue the off-campus merchant portion of the Hobo Dough program, effective May 15.

What is not changing

The Hobo Dough program will continue to operate on campus. Students, faculty and staff may still use Hobo Dough at all participating �ձ�av��Ƶ locations, including dining services, vending, printing, Jackrabbit Central and other campus services. On-campus functionality remains unchanged.

What is changing

After May 15, Hobo Dough will no longer be accepted at off-campus businesses. �ձ�av��Ƶ is working directly with participating merchants to ensure a smooth transition.

Why this change is happening

This update reflects �ձ�av��Ƶ’s efforts to streamline payment services, adapt to current usage trends and ensure program resources best support campus needs.

Questions?

For additional information, please contact Card Services at 605-688-6943.

Thank you for your understanding as we implement this change.

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.