Drone image of campus at sunset

Parents and Families

We're glad your family is a part of our Coyote community! Review the resources and Q&A below to learn more about the university, opportunities available to your student and ways your family can get involved.

 

 Three Things To Know Right Now

As the parent of high school and college students, we know you have a lot going on in life. This section is your quick guide on what is most important. When you have more time, we encourage you to explore our website and everything there is to know about the Yote Life, but in the meantime, here are your top three things to know right now.
  1. Students can now apply for admission to USD for the fall 2024 semester. If your student is still considering enrolling at USD for the summer 2024 term, encourage them to apply now.
  2. This is a great time to come and explore the USD campus.
  3. Dual credit is a great opportunity for your student to get a head start on their college degree before graduating high school! The application is open for summer 2024 dual credit enrollment.
  1. As your student starts their spring semester at USD, this is a great time to check in and ensure they understand how to access the resources available to them. The Opportunity Center can connect your student with services across the university; encourage your student to visit with the Opportunity Center staff on campus in Vermillion, in Sioux Falls or virtually. We’re here to help!
  2. Have questions about billing? Our Business Office is here to help. You can find resources and SDePay instructions on our Billing and Payment webpage.
  3. We have a new email list for parents and families! You can sign up here. Soon we’ll send you a newsletter with updates about life at USD.
  1. USD's career and internship support does not stop at graduation; our Academic & Career Planning Center offers support services to alumni as well. Graduates can reach out to this office for assistance with interviews, resumes and more.
  2. Students who are interested in continuing their education can consider graduate programs at USD. Our Graduate Admissions Office is available to help students navigate the opportunities that are available to them. Students can email our team at gradadmissions@usd.edu or learn more and apply on our website. 
  3. USD's community of alumni and friends is over 70,000 strong. We encourage graduates to stay connected through the USD Alumni Association.  
Congress recently passed the FAFSA Simplification Act, aimed at streamlining the financial aid process for students and their families. Due to this change, the 2024-25 FAFSA will not be accessible on the usual timeline. The 2024-25 FAFSA will launch on Dec. 31, 2023. Before then, your student can start by setting up an account and getting their FSA ID; visit StudentAid.gov for instructions. You can learn more about changes to the FAFSA on USD's website, and keep an eye on StudentAid.gov for the most current FAFSA information.
 

Sign Up for the Parent
& Family Newsletter

We're glad you're a part of our Coyote community! Stay connected by joining our email list. We'll send you updates about life on campus, upcoming events and important information to know throughout the year.

Ways to Get Involved

Your family is a part of our Coyote community, and we’d love to see you here on campus. From our annual Dakota Days celebration to our summer camps for younger Coyotes, there’s something for everyone.

Getting Started at USD

Financial Aid and Billing

Important Dates and Events

Student Life

Support and Safety

Joining the Coyote Family

Success story Shane Bork smiling.
It was always a dream of mine that one of my kids would get the "Verm" experience and I know she’s going to love it. I gained lifelong friends at USD and now she will too. For years we’ve taken family trips to Vermillion each year to watch Coyote athletics, now we’ll make even more trips!

Shane Bork

B.S. HPER - Recreation, with Coaching Endorsement '98
Remsen, Iowa

Departments & Facilities

Learn more about the departments and facilities that contribute to student success at the University of South Dakota.
Exterior of Slagle Hall

Academic Affairs

Leading the way for academics at USD.

Advisor Meeting with Student.

Academic & Career Planning Center

Every step of your college journey, USD has the resources that will help you navigate the unknown and be successful. Our services are designed to help students reach their potential personally, academically and professionally.

Exterior of Slagle Hall.

Business Office

Providing financial services to our students and university departments.

A top down view of students studying in the library together.

Dean of Students Office

The Dean of Students works with many non-academic services and programs that are focused on providing student development activities and services that will enhance student learning and success. Included is the USD student handbook.

Exterior of Belbas Center.

Financial Aid

The Office of Financial Aid works with students and parents to explore the many resources available to help make your college education even more affordable.

The Muenster University Center exterior during a summer evening.

Opportunity Center

The USD Opportunity Center offers a central connection point for campus resources that are designed specifically for student success.

Students Studying in the Library.

Registrar

The Office of the Registrar serves as the institutional guardian for official academic information and records in supporting the faculty, staff and students of the University of South Dakota.

Continue Exploring In Parents and Families

Parent & Family Council