Programs & Events
Annual Essay Competition
The 2012 Native American Essay Competition topic has been announced. Up to three USD scholarships will be awarded as prizes. First prize will be a scholarship of $1500. Any USD freshman, sophomore, or junior is eligible to submit an essay. The deadline is March 1, 2012.
Joseph Harper Cash Memorial Lectures
Part of the Institute of American Indian Studies mission statement directs that we organize "campus programs to promote education and awareness of American Indian culture, issues, and problems." Because of this charge, and after consultation with the Cash family, the annual lecture series was inaugurated in the fall of 1995. Featuring scholars in the fields of Indian studies, frontier, western, and mining history, the University community is annually enlightened on current scholarship in the respective fields. The four major areas of study reflect the interests of the late Dean Cash.
Ullyot Scholarship
The Ullyot Scholarship is supported by the Ullyot Lakota Education Endowment and is administered by the Institute of American Indian Studies.
Graduate Assistantship
The Institute of American Indian Studies offers the opportunity for Graduate Assistantships throughout the year to those who are qualified. This Research Assistant participates as an active staff member of the IAIS, in addition to reviewing and evaluating literature and program material and administrative tasks as assigned.
The assistantship begins this fall and continues through the spring semester. We are currently accepting applications for the position, which is open until filled. Compensation includes a financial stipend and tuition remission. Applicants must submit a letter of interest, a resumé and a minimum of two references. For more information, contact us at iais@usd.edu.