Monday Message, March 9
SDSU ĂŰĚŇÓ°Ďń,
I would like to begin by congratulating our ĂŰĚŇÓ°Ďń women’s basketball team on its in Sunday’s Summit League Conference Championship. The win marks the program’s fourth consecutive conference tournament title and the 13th Summit League postseason championship since 2009 — a remarkable run of sustained excellence.
With the victory, the Jackrabbits have earned the program’s 14th NCAA Division I Tournament appearance. Congratulations to Coach Aaron Johnston and the entire team on this accomplishment, and we look forward to cheering them on in the NCAA Tournament. The team will learn its opponent and tournament destination during the NCAA Women’s Selection Show on Sunday, March 15, at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN. It has been an exciting season for our student-athletes and the entire Jackrabbits community, and we wish them the best of luck in the NCAA Tournament.
This week SDSU will also welcome thousands of visitors to campus as we host the at First Bank & Trust Arena. Events like this provide a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase our campus and hospitality to students, families and fans from across the state. It will be a busy few days.
Spectators have been directed to park in Lot 159 across from the arena, Lot 160 near the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, and Lot 163 near the Miller Wellness Center. Anyone who typically use those commuter lots are asked to park in the lots located on the west side of Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium during the tournament. In addition, hours in the University Student Union will be expanded to provide dining options and amenities for visitors.
Thank you in advance for your flexibility and for helping create a welcoming environment for our guests. Hosting events like the state tournament reinforces SDSU’s role as a gathering place for communities across South Dakota and provides an opportunity for prospective students and families to experience campus firsthand.
I also want to share an opportunity to learn more about upcoming improvements and investments across campus. Dave Law, SDSU Facilities and Services director of project management and engineering, will present the university’s annual review and outlook for upcoming projects planned for this spring, summer, fall and beyond.
The presentation will be held live on (passcode 997387) on Thursday, March 26, at 10 a.m. and will provide an overview of projects designed to maintain and grow SDSU, as well as highlight how these projects may affect departments and campus operations. A recording will also be available online in the days following the presentation for those unable to attend.
Finally, next week will be spring break for students and faculty, bringing a quieter time to campus. I hope everyone enjoys the opportunity to rest and recharge. It is hard to believe that when we return, there will be just seven weeks remaining in the academic year.
Thank you for everything you do to make SDSU a premier land-grant university. I wish you a wonderful week.
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.
This week, we’re recognizing the students, faculty and staff who helped make the National Bison Association’s 2026 conference as yellow and blue as possible.
ĂŰĚŇÓ°Ďń is the first university in the nation to offer a minor and a certificate in bison studies. We’re also the proud home of the Center of Excellence for Bison Studies. The center was founded as part of a partnership between the university, the National Bison Association and the National Buffalo Foundation.
In January, Jackrabbits representing the center headed to Denver, Colorado, for the National Bison Association’s annual conference.
But they didn’t just attend the conference — they shaped it.
Our students, staff and faculty embedded themselves in the planning process for the event, served on various conference committees and were disproportionately represented in the presentation schedule.
The numbers speak for themselves:
- Our students presented six of the 12 total academic posters.
- South Dakota State gave six of the 16 lectures presented at the conference.
- SDSU and the Center of Excellence chaired three of the event’s sessions.
- Jackrabbits served on the winter conference planning committee and the photo contest committee.
Let’s recognize those whose work uplifted the university’s unique contributions to bison science and research on the national stage.
The students who attended the conference include:
- Bailey Rodriguez, who presented her poster on circulating minerals in bison and served on the photo contest and conference planning committees.
- Ekaterina Lopez-Bondarchuk, who discussed the development of the Bison Health Network led by SDSU.
- Garrett Weldy, who spoke about bison meat attributes.
- Kallen Kafka, who presented a poster on the pH of the bison rumen.
- Angie Lemminger, who presented a poster and spoke about the new bison body condition score rubric.
- Ashlynn Smith, who presented a poster about the new survey the center just launched to assess bison producers’ resource needs from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
- Alex Shupinski, who presented a poster about a new publication illustrating a shift in bison’s climate suitability that’s predicted to occur by the year 2100.
They were accompanied by this list of State’s stellar staff and faculty:
- Phil Urso, Amanda Blair and Kristi Cammack, who all spoke on the progress of the Center of Excellence for Bison Studies and gave updates on their research. Urso also served as the chair of the poster session and as a member of the conference planning committee.
- Jeff Martin and Rachel Short, who both spoke on the team's activities with the Center of Excellence for Bison Studies, including the work of the graduate students and postdoctoral associates listed above. Martin served as chair of the Decoding Bison mentoring session.
- Stacy Hadrick of SDSU Extension, as well as Short, presented a talk about the new survey for bison producers from the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Historically, bison and jackrabbits have had overlapping ranges. That continues today, now that our Jackrabbits are all over the bison industry.
It’s all thanks to the hard work of those above who have allowed the university to leave hoofbeats on the science, management and health of these iconic giants of the plains. Join the rest of ĂŰĚŇÓ°Ďń and me in celebrating the students, staff and faculty of the Center of Excellence for Bison Studies!
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.
Volunteers Needed for SDSU Commencement 2026
ĂŰĚŇÓ°Ďń’s 2026 commencement ceremonies are quickly approaching, and volunteers are needed to help ensure a memorable and successful experience for our Jackrabbits graduates and their families and friends.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to consider volunteering their time and talents to support this important celebration. Commencement is one of the university’s most meaningful traditions, and the success of our on-campus ceremonies depends on the support and participation of the campus community.
Please take a few minutes to review how and when you may be able to assist and consider encouraging colleagues to do the same. Your participation helps create a welcoming and celebratory environment for our graduates and their guests.
To indicate your availability, please complete the . If you have questions about volunteering, please contact Regen Wiederrich
Thank you in advance for helping make SDSU’s 2026 commencement ceremonies a success.
Professional Advisor Awards
Nominations are now open for ĂŰĚŇÓ°Ďń’s Professional Advisor Awards, which recognize the outstanding work of professional academic advisors and student success advisors who support student success across campus.
Two awards will be presented:
- Professional Advisor Award for Excellence in Advising for advisors with two or more years of experience.
- Emerging Professional in Advising Award for advisors with one to four years of experience.
Any Professional Academic Advisor or Student Success Advisor who meets the eligibility criteria may be nominated. Details about the awards, including the nomination process, selection criteria and a link to the nomination form, are available on the on InsideState.
Please consider nominating an advisor from your area who demonstrates excellence in supporting and guiding SDSU students.
Nominations are due by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17. Award recipients will be recognized during a ceremony in May.
Daschle Dialogues
Presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham headlines this year’s Daschle Dialogues on April 7 on the ĂŰĚŇÓ°Ďń campus. This year’s event is being held in First Bank & Trust Arena.
, and they are going fast. Tickets are available to the general public at a cost of $15 per ticket, with all proceeds going to support general scholarships at SDSU.
Meacham is considered one of America’s foremost public intellectuals. His body of work includes biographies of George H.W. Bush, Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson. His bestselling books include “And There Was Light” (a portrait of Abraham Lincoln), “The Soul of America” and “His Truth Is Marching On” (a biography of John Lewis). His latest book, “American Struggle,” covers a wide spectrum of history, from 1619 to the 21st century.
Daschle Dialogues is the public component of the Thomas A. Daschle Congressional Research Study. Daschle, a 1969 SDSU graduate, served in Congress for 26 years. He was one of the longest-serving Senate democratic leaders in history and one of only two to serve twice as both majority and minority leader.
Meacham is a distinguished visiting professor at Vanderbilt University and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Biden in 2024.
Private donations to the SDSU Alumni & Foundation for the Daschle endowment are used to underwrite the Daschle Dialogues program.
Information on the event and logistics can be directed to Steve Erpenbach, CEO of the SDSU Alumni & Foundation, or Megan Nelson, administrative and guest experience manager of the SDSU Alumni & Foundation, or by calling 605-697-7475.
Jack’s Cupboard Spring Break Volunteers Needed
Jack’s Cupboard, the student food pantry at ĂŰĚŇÓ°Ďń, is seeking faculty and staff volunteers to help keep the pantry open during spring break.
During the academic year, Jack’s Cupboard is staffed and managed by a registered student organization. However, during academic breaks — including spring break, summer break and winter break — the pantry relies on faculty and staff volunteers to maintain operations and continue supporting students who depend on this important campus resource.
No prior experience is necessary, and volunteers will receive guidance on how to assist during their scheduled time.
If you are interested in helping, please . Your support helps ensure that SDSU students have continued access to food and essential items during the break.
Thank you for helping keep this critical campus resource available to those who need it.
University Participation in SBIR/STTR Workshop
Faculty, researchers and staff are invited to participate in an upcoming workshop titled “University Participation in SBIR/STTR: Pre-Submission to Post-Award.” The session will explore key considerations for universities during the development of an SBIR/STTR proposal and after an award has been received.
The training webinar will be presented by BBC Entrepreneurial Training & Consulting and will focus on the university perspective when navigating Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer opportunities.
Date: Thursday, April 23
Time: 12-1:30 p.m. CT (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. MT)
Participants may attend in person at locations across South Dakota or join virtually. South Dakota Biotech will sponsor lunch at all in-person locations.
In-Person Locations (registration required by April 9):
- Sioux Falls: Discovery District, Conference Room 104, 4600 Nobel St.
- Rapid City: Vanderboom Laboratory for Entrepreneurial Research (V-Lab), Room 109, 501 E. St. Joseph St.
- Aberdeen: Barnett Center, Kessler’s Champion Club, 1200 S. Jay St.
- Brookings: University Student Union, Dakota A and C, 1421 Student Union Lane
- Vermillion: Slagle Hall, Room 107, 414 E. Clark St.
Virtual Option: Registration is open through April 23. Please see the registration links online secure your spot.
SDSU Ambassador Selection
The SDSU Admissions Ambassadors program is a fantastic opportunity for students who are passionate about sharing their SDSU experience. The Office of Admissions is looking for students to be ambassadors during the 2026-27 academic year. Admissions Ambassadors are hired to represent and promote SDSU to prospective students, their families and the general public. Please encourage students who you think would be good in this role to apply online.
CommUNITY Meeting: Wacipi 101
Join the American Indian Student Association president, vice president and Wacipi (powwow) chair for Wacipi 101, an informative session designed to deepen understanding of this important cultural tradition. Participants will learn what a wacipi is, why it matters, and how understanding its traditions and protocols can make attending a wacipi meaningful and respectful.
The informative session will be held March 10 from 3-4 p.m. in the Pheasant and Crest rooms (SSU 253) in the University Student Union.
The presentation will also provide a behind-the-scenes look at how the student organization coordinates and hosts this large-scale cultural event.
Wacipi 101 serves as a guide to attending with knowledge and appreciation ahead of the annual Wetu Wacipi (Spring Powwow) on March 28-29.
Tackling Burnout: Tips and Tricks from Experts – Event Recording Available
The Wellness Advisory Committee recently hosted Tackling Burnout: Tips and Tricks from Experts, a panel discussion focused on workplace well-being and burnout.
Moderated by Mary Anne Krogh, the panel featured campus professionals Andrea Bjornstad, Becky Jensen, Whitney Keller-Reetz and Stephanie Johnson-Kayne. Panelists explored how burnout differs from everyday stress, its common causes and its impact on individuals, teams and organizations.
The discussion highlighted practical, research-informed strategies for prevention and recovery, including organizational interventions, personal coping tools and the role leadership and policy play in supporting sustainable and healthy work environments. Wiyaka His Horse Is Thunder served as chat and Q&A monitor, helping facilitate audience engagement and discussion.
is now available for those who were unable to attend or who would like to revisit the conversation.
Acclaimed Author Amara Lakhous Talk: “How Stories Save Us”
Grant Camp 2026 – Call for Applications
Faculty members interested in developing compelling proposals for external funding and building connections with potential collaborators across disciplines are invited to the 2026 Grant Camp hosted by the Division of Research, May 18-21. The event will be held in the Pioneer Room (SSU 265) in the University Student Union.
Grant Camp is designed to demystify the grant application process for SDSU researchers. While the program is particularly beneficial for early-career faculty, seasoned researchers seeking greater familiarity with external funding opportunities are also encouraged to apply. The program is open to research-active faculty in all disciplines and at all ranks, regardless of tenure status.
Participants must:
- Be research-active
- Commit to attending the sessions (May 18-21, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.)
- Agree to submit a proposal for external funding by the end of the 2026-27 academic year
Applications may be submitted through InfoReady by April 6: .
SDSU Research and Incentive Program
The SDSU Research and Scholarship Incentive Plan has been developed to enhance sponsored research and scholarly activities. By providing the opportunity for faculty and research staff to be eligible for one-time payments, the program provides incentive options to secure externally funded research grants and contracts.
All faculty members on a tenure track and term appointments are eligible for the program. The program is in addition to and complements existing summer salary policies and procedures for nine-month faculty. Professional staff (i.e. non-faculty exempt staff) whose base salary is paid by state general funds or tuition and fees are also eligible for the incentive program. Incentive payments shall not be paid from grant/contract funds and will be paid from institutional accounts such as state general funds, tuition and fee accounts, and recovered F&A costs allocated to the colleges and units.
. Deadline is March 15.
Employee Access to the Miller Wellness Center – Spring Break
The Miller Wellness Center will offer free access to all ĂŰĚŇÓ°Ďń employees and their families during spring break, March 14-22.
Employees and their immediate family members are invited to take advantage of the Wellness Center facilities during this time at no cost. This is a great opportunity to stay active and prioritize wellness while campus activity is lighter during the break.
Employees must present a valid SDSU employee ID at entry.
For additional information about hours and facility guidelines, please visit the Miller Wellness Center webpage.
Student Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Day
Registration is now open for Student Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Day, which will be held Tuesday, April 14, in the University Student Union. The new event merges the events formerly known as Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Day and Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Day into one daylong event celebrating and promoting student involvement in research and creative activity at SDSU. The schedule and more information about the event can be found on the Student Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Day website.
All students enrolled at SDSU are encouraged to participate. There are separate registration forms for the undergraduate and graduate poster showcases, and those links can be found on sdstate.edu along with an agenda of events. Both events are limited to the first 100 students who register.
LeadState and Huether Public Service Academy Nominations
LeadState is proud to partner with the Mike Huether Public Service Academy, a nationally networked program housed in the School of American and Global Studies. The academy is a selective, cohort-based program that prepares exceptional leaders with the passion to solve problems and serve something larger than themselves.
LeadState provides the leadership development foundation for Mike Huether Public Service Academy scholars, while academy students bring their public service focus and commitment to the LeadState cohort. Faculty who have any current first-year or second-year students who may be interested in LeadState should invite them to participate. Please be selective in your nominations and consider those who would truly benefit from this program. To nominate students, please send each student's name, student ID number and email address to Seth Daughters by Thursday, April 2.
To learn more about LeadState, please visit sdstate.edu. For more information about the Huether Public Service Academy, contact Jon Ruff.
Judges needed 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.
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
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.
