BROOKINGS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Mar. 24, 2020 – South Dakota State University will move its spring semester classes online for the remainder of the semester following Gov. Kristi Noem’s news conference today in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Classes were originally scheduled to resume on-campus April 6.Additionally, SDSU has determined commencement ceremonies will be postponed until further notice and there will be no campus activities or events through May 15.
“This is certainly a difficult time, and this is the right thing to do as we navigate this unprecedented situation and work together to change the course of this pandemic,” said SDSU President Barry Dunn. “We continue to follow the recommendations of public health officials and make determinations that are responsive to the health and safety of everyone in mind. Our faculty started online classes yesterday and are committed to finishing the semester by providing the best educational experience possible for our students for the remainder of the year.”
Students will receive partial refunds for housing, meal plans and parking.SDSU Housing and Residential Life has developed a plan for students to return to campus and remove their personal belongings from the residential life facilities.
The plan follows guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as it applies to social distancing and other best practices for cleaning and disinfecting.
“Everyone at SDSU is committed to coming through this pandemic a better, stronger university that will continue to provide countless opportunities for our students while serving the citizens of South Dakota,” Dunn said. “The educational mission and core values of this institution will remain unchanged. While there is some uncertainty about how the immediate future will unfold, we know that SDSU will continue its commitment to excellence, now and into the future, and be prepared to meet any new challenge that may emerge on the other side of this pandemic.”
For more information, visit the university’s COVID-19 webpage.
(SDSU contributed this report/news release.)
