Over 300 Students Benefit From Coyote Assistance in Program’s First Semester
Introduced in the fall 2023 semester, Coyote Assistance was created in response to changing student demographics and an increased need for transportation, said Kasie Heiden, assistant director of the Gallagher International Center.
“Over the past year, we have recognized that more students are arriving to campus without vehicles,” said Heiden. “We want students to feel rest assured that they’re able to access and purchase food and essential items. Our student population is growing and evolving, and we saw this as an opportunity to be comprehensive in our services.
“As South Dakota becomes on attractive option to live and study for more students, we saw an opportunity to provide a university-wide service that makes it easier for students to say, ‘Yes’ to USD,” she continued.
Coyote Assistance's ride service is offered twice a week – Sundays from 5-6 p.m. and Wednesdays from 5:30-7 p.m. With limited vehicle space available, students are required to RSVP in advance for a time slot on USD Involved. Rides leave from the Burr House on campus, home to the Gallagher International Center, and travel to Walmart and Hy-Vee.
Kriti Chitrakar, a master’s student pursuing a degree in chemistry, has utilized the service and said, “I am very grateful to USD for caring about international students like me and reaching out to us with Coyote Assistance.
“It has been a wonderful experience being able to get groceries with ease and comfort without worrying about walking an hour to and from the grocery store, paying for public transit or bothering others for a ride, especially during the winter,” Chitrakar continued. “This act of kindness from the organizers, coordinators and employees is extremely valuable to me, and I do hope this service will be continued into the future.”
Coyote Assistance is offered in partnership through the Gallagher International Center and the Opportunity Center.
“This program speaks well to USD’s response to student needs as well as interdepartmental collaboration,” said Melissa Tabke, coordinator of the Opportunity Center. “Staff and faculty are really willing to listen to problems students communicate to us and create services that help solve those problems on a timeline that shows students who raised the initial concerns that their voices matters.
“This program has been used by students from all areas of campus, which truly demonstrates the universal importance of having this service available,” she continued.
Questions about the program can be emailed to [email protected].
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