COVID-19

Fall 2020 Semester

The University of South Dakota will resume on-campus operations, including face-to-face instruction, this fall, as announced May 1 by the South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR).

USD President Sheila K. Gestring said the decision to return to campus this fall was made after careful consideration and following discussions with the regents and SDBOR staff, public university presidents and superintendents, public health authorities and state leadership.

SDBOR officials said they will be guided by safety, science, and the institutions’ educational mission, with a priority to balance the significant value of on-campus teaching and learning with an equal responsibility to protect community health and safety.

Since January, USD’s COVID-19 Task Force has focused on pandemic planning and response. Due to the fluid nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the university continues to prepare for a variety of contingencies and is equipped to act should there be changing circumstances on campus or in Vermillion.

Graduation Ceremonies

USD plans to host graduation ceremonies on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, at the Sanford Coyote Sports Center. Despite the challenging circumstances we currently face, the University of South Dakota is committed to celebrating our students’ accomplishments and providing them with a memorable graduation experience.

Learn More about USD's Commencement

USD CARES Act

The University of South Dakota has launched the USD Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, an emergency aid program for students who may be experiencing difficulties with expenses related to COVID-19 campus disruptions.

Learn More about the CARES Act and Eligibility Requirements

Face Masks

USD is asking for assistance in creating face masks for members of the Coyote and Vermillion community. To aid in this effort, USD has a large quantity of free, new, 100% cotton t-shirts that can be picked up at the Muenster University Center front desk and the Vermillion Public Library to be used to make DIY t-shirt masks.

Learn How to Make a DIY Mask

Remote Instruction

The University of South Dakota will continue remote delivery through the summer academic term, as announced by the South Dakota Board of Regents April 6.

Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, all South Dakota public universities transitioned to remote delivery March 23 for the remainder of the spring semester. The announcement, which supports continuing statewide efforts to reduce the spread of the virus, extends remote delivery through the universities’ summer term. USD’s summer programming begins May 18 and continues through Aug. 7. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out at president@usd.edu.

For a current count of cases in South Dakota, visit the South Dakota Department of Health website.