Monday Message, Feb. 9
SDSU ĂŰĚŇÓ°Ďń,
As we begin another week at ĂŰĚŇÓ°Ďń, we are fortunate to be experiencing some unseasonably warm temperatures. While winter is certainly not over, the break in the cold weather starting last week is a welcome change and provides a great opportunity to enjoy our beautiful campus and community.
Today, some members of the SDSU team will be in Pierre for legislative committee meetings to discuss House Bill 1118 and Senate Bill 117. These two bills are important to our continued growth and service to the state. would authorize construction of an addition to the Swine Education and Research Facility, allowing us to expand research capacity in support of South Dakota’s growing swine industry. would authorize the design and construction of a new on-campus soccer facility, which would enhance student-athlete experiences while supporting recruitment and community engagement. Both projects will be 100% paid for by donated dollars and represent meaningful investments in SDSU’s mission and the future of our students, industries and state partnerships.
Last week, we were also in Pierre for our annual presentation before the Joint Committee on Appropriations. This meeting provided an opportunity for SDSU, along with our fellow regental institutions and the South Dakota Board of Regents, to discuss priorities and share how we are serving the state through education, research and outreach. The presentation was well received, and we appreciate the thoughtful conversations with legislative leaders. However, we remain aware that funding for higher education will continue to be challenging given current financial forecasts at both the state government level and within the Board of Regents system. We will continue to advocate for SDSU and the important role higher education plays in workforce development, economic growth and community well-being.
As part of our continued effort to be responsible stewards of university resources, last fall we implemented an initiative asking departments to carefully evaluate travel expenses. This effort was designed to provide one-time funding flexibility as we prepare for upcoming budget considerations. I want to thank departments and supervisors for their thoughtful approach to this initiative. As we move forward, I ask all employees to continue working with their supervisors to ensure travel is necessary and aligned with university priorities before approval is granted. These collective efforts help position SDSU to remain strong and financially sustainable.
I would also like to remind the campus community that the university will be closed next Monday in observance of Presidents Day. When we return the following Tuesday, we will gather to celebrate one of our most meaningful traditions — the Celebration of Faculty Excellence. This event recognizes the outstanding teaching, research, creative activity and service provided by our faculty, and it is always a wonderful opportunity to honor colleagues who exemplify the best of SDSU. I encourage faculty members and university leadership to be as engaged as possible in these events.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our students, our mission and one another. Your work strengthens SDSU every day, and I am grateful for all that you do.
Go Jacks!
Sincerely,
Barry H. Dunn
President
ĂŰĚŇÓ°Ďń
Above and Beyond recognizes individuals and groups of ĂŰĚŇÓ°Ďń employees, faculty and students for individual and team efforts that go Above and Beyond to make the campus community a better place.
Today, we’re going to take a moment to celebrate an exceptional South Dakota State academic program, albeit a few days late. Last week was National School Counseling Week, so please join me in recognizing the school counseling students and faculty of our School of Education, Counseling and Human Development.
National School Counseling Week celebrates everything these counselors do to elevate student well-being and academic achievement. It is always the first full week of February as designated by the American School Counselor Association.
The theme this year was “School Counselors Amplify Student Success.”
ĂŰĚŇÓ°Ďń offers a master’s degree in counseling and human resource development with a school counseling specialization. Students can pursue this degree through on-campus coursework at our sites in Brookings and Rapid City. The program includes field-based practicum and internship experiences under supervision at K-12 schools in the area.
Every faculty member in the counseling program works with our school counselor students and deserves to be recognized. Professor Hande Briddick, however, deserves special recognition.
She leads the school counselor graduate program with her expertise in the field and passion for the profession.
“School counselors work proactively with students, families, teachers and administrators to remove barriers to learning, promote fairness and access and help students build critical life skills such as goal setting, problem-solving, empathy and self-advocacy,” Briddick said.
School counseling is the second-largest specialization within the counseling program and has approximately 19 enrolled students.
The program has a lot to boast about:
- Program completion rate: 100%
- Placement rate: 100%
- National Counselor Examination pass rate: 100% (national pass rate is 91%)
During National School Counseling Week, SDSU’s program was recognized in education and counseling Jackrabbits classrooms through discussions on the role of school counselors in the educational system and how they uplift students.
As for how these professionals specifically amplify student success, Briddick said:
“They amplify student success by delivering comprehensive, data-informed programs that support students’ academic achievement, college and career readiness and social-personal development.”
Everyone working or studying at ĂŰĚŇÓ°Ďń likely has a strong belief in the power of education to unlock potential. Today, remember the powerful role that school counselors at all educational levels play in helping students realize their best academic and personal selves.
The Monday Message appears weekly during the academic year and less frequently during the summer months and holiday breaks.
Information for the Monday Message, including nominations for Above and Beyond, can be submitted online.
Judges need for the Eastern South Dakota Science and Engineering Fair
Volunteer judges are needed for the Eastern South Dakota Science and Engineering Fair — an annual event on the SDSU campus that brings more than 500 middle and high school students from the region to showcase their research and creativity in STEM. It is an opportunity to encourage the next generation of scientists and engineers while spending a rewarding day on campus.
- Tuesday, March 31
- Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium – Club 71
- Main judging: 9-11:30 a.m. (orientation at 8:15 a.m.)
- Grand awards: about 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
- Undergrad volunteers: all day
Opportunities:
- to share personal expertise and inspire students.
- — Advisers of student groups and invite them to volunteer.
- Sponsor an award — Email fair director Brad Blaha.
Judging is flexible, meaningful and a great way to give back to STEM education.
CommUNITY Meeting – Power of Peaks: Adventure as a Path to Healing
Veterans Services and Engagement, the Armed Forces Association and Student Engagement with host the next CommUNITY Meeting – Power of Peaks: Adventure as a Path to Healing, Feb. 19 from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Pheasant and Crest rooms at the University Student Union.
Brookings native Stacy Bare, a combat veteran, Bronze Star recipient and outdoor adventurer, will be the speaker. Through climbing, skiing and exploration, Bare discovered the healing power of nature and built a life beyond trauma.
Celebration of Faculty Excellence
The annual Celebration of Faculty Excellence will be held Feb. 17. The event provides an opportunity to recognize the outstanding teaching, research, creative activity and service demonstrated by our faculty.
The celebration is central to our land-grant mission and plays a vital role in student success, scholarly achievement and community impact across South Dakota and beyond.
Additional information about the event is available on sdstate.edu.
Parking Services Newsletter
Digital Accessibility Training
The April compliance deadline for universitywide digital accessibility is approaching quickly, and the efforts to ensure digital content is accessible continues to be shared responsibility.
Several training opportunities are available throughout the semester to support this effort.
Information about training sessions, resources and expectations can be found online.
Undergraduate Research Funding Application
Applications are now open for select summer undergraduate research programs at SDSU. Students can submit one application for research support from a variety of different funding sources, including the Joseph F. Nelson Mentorship and the Honors College Undergraduate Research Fund.
Faculty and staff should encourage students from all disciplines to submit their research interests for possible funding. Awards will be competitive and based on the design of the proposed studies, quality of the application and potential for project success.
Completed applications, including a mentor assessment of the applicant, must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Feb. 22.
Schultz-Werth Award Competition Application
The application portal for the Schultz-Werth Award Competition is open. Faculty and staff should encourage senior undergraduate students from all disciplines to submit their scholarly or creative projects for consideration. Awards up to $2,500 per winning student will be awarded at the end of the academic year. The deadline to submit a paper for the Schultz-Werth award is March 1.
Interdisciplinary Research Clusters
SDSU’s Multidisciplinary Research Initiative Task Force invites applications for the establishment of interdisciplinary research clusters to develop and submit major federal center grant proposals that focus on one of SDSU’s priority research areas:
- Bioproducts innovation
- Rural health and well-being
- Agricultural technology innovation
Associate or full professors may submit a one-year proposal for up to $30,000 to support center planning and pilot activities. Each proposed center must include key personnel from at least two different SDSU departments.
Timeline and information on how to submit a proposal can be found on sdstate.edu.
Updated Policies
New and updated university policies continue to be adopted and published. For the most recent updates, visit the New and Recently Revised Policies page on sdstate.edu.
