Plans are to return to normal settings for Fall 21

March 17, 2021

Dakota State University is planning to return to a more normal academic setting for Fall 2021. DSU joins the other state regental institutions in this aim.

“Our goal is to return campus life this fall to a setting that looks much like it was before the COVID-19 pandemic,” said South Dakota Board of Regents Executive Director and CEO Brian L. Maher.

“Dakota State was well-positioned to embrace virtual formats last spring when the pandemic hit,” said DSU President José-Marie Griffiths, “and yet, throughout the past year we have learned many things about operating a university in a more virtual format.”

She stated that “while there will be some virtual best practices the university will continue to incorporate, we look forward to returning to a more traditional face-to-face format for most classes, and to be able to hold more in-person events.” One such event will center around the planned August opening of the university’s newest residence hall, Residence Village.

Given the availability of vaccines, and the adoption of effective mitigation efforts on the part of Trojan students, faculty and staff, and the Madison community, this should be a very reachable goal, Griffiths said.

However, “one of the lessons learned during these last 12 months has been the importance of flexibility, so we will continue to be diligent as we monitor the pandemic. I am confident that our Trojan family will be able to adapt to any changes and be fully successful in their endeavors.”