DSU offers virtual student union for online students
July 9, 2025
Last year, Dakota State University launched a Virtual Student Union to offer online students resources, interactive tools, and student support.
Recently, Sarah Rasmussen, director of online education, shared the success of that addition with attendees at the United States Distance Learning Association conference in St. Louis, Missouri.
She describes the new tool as “a great way to connect online students and help them feel like they are a part of the DSU community. “
Inside the Virtual Student Union (VSU), a variety of features are available, including tutoring, resume building, career advice, social connections, work/life balance solutions, and university-related livestreamed events.
“I love the idea that if they want to, they can livestream a football game or a speaker we have on campus,” she said.
Rasumussen collaborated with the Center for Teaching and Learning on campus to develop the VSU. Each student who logs in will find frequently used links, breakout rooms specific to their college, and discussion posts each week.
The goal of the breakout rooms is to foster peer interaction, share resources, and cultivate a sense of community and belonging.
Additionally, there is a pre-loaded calendar in the VSU that features club meetings, academic, cultural, and campus events.
Another unique feature is the online spirit wear store, so that online Trojans and their families can rep their school.
Feedback from students on the first year has been positive. “I’ve heard that it’s a very helpful resource to have it all in one place,” Rasmussen said.
She received similar feedback after presenting the VSU at the conference to others involved in online education. Rasmussen had several people from different universities speak with her, sharing that they felt it was a great idea. An attendee from an education technology company was impressed with the student focus and efforts to make the VSU unique to their experience based on their majors.
“It was nice to hear from somebody who does this for a living with great technology, that this is a really helpful tool,” she said.
But Rasmussen isn’t complacent just because of positive feedback; she’s already planning improvements, like online student testimonials and adding alumni connections, so current students can ask questions and network.