Monday Message, Dec. 15
SDSU Community,
A brief Monday Message greets us as we move through the last few days of the fall semester. I want to recognize the focus and dedication across campus as our students complete final exams and projects this week. It has been a demanding time, and I am grateful to our faculty and staff for the care and support you provide to help students finish the semester strong.
I also want to thank our faculty and staff for completing all your required trainings throughout the fall semester. While they were numerous, these important trainings are critical in our commitment to SDSU's core values.
With the semester coming to an end, many of us are looking ahead to a well-earned holiday break. I hope this time allows you to rest, reconnect with family and friends and reflect on the meaningful work happening across SDSU. Thank you for the commitment you bring to our university each day, and I wish you and your loved ones a safe, restful and joyful holiday season. You all have an important and critical role in making South Dakota State University a premier land-grant university in our region and beyond.
Thank you, also, to everyone who contributed to last week’s South Dakota Board of Regents meetings. The preparation and collaboration involved are significant, and SDSU was well represented. I am especially pleased with the approval of the new degree in finance. This degree positions SDSU to provide our state and region high-quality academic degrees in important business-related fields and creates new opportunities for our students. Thank you to Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dennis Hedge and Ness School of Management and Economics Director Joe Santos for their leadership.
As we look ahead to the start of the spring semester, we will also be entering the opening days of the 101st South Dakota Legislative Session. The governor’s budget address, delivered two weeks ago, highlighted his priorities for the state of South Dakota. We look forward to working closely with the Board of Regents and our state partners to advocate for higher education and advance SDSU’s land-grant mission with the resources available. We will keep the campus community informed as the legislative session unfolds.
With the impending winter break for our students and faculty, the Monday Message may be less frequent during the next few weeks, but please be assured we will notify you with any critical updates. Do not hesitate to reach out with important questions or information.
Thank you again for your dedication to our students, our mission and each other.
Sincerely,
Barry H. Dunn
President
South Dakota State University
Above and Beyond recognizes individuals and groups of South Dakota State University employees, faculty and students for individual and team efforts that go Above and Beyond to make the campus community a better place.
This week’s Above and Beyond recognizes the American Indian Science and Engineering Society chapter here at SDSU.
SDSU has long been aware of how exceptional this group is, and now the national organization knows it, too.
The SDSU chapter attended the National AISES Conference in neighboring Minnesota this October. There, members were awarded the Stelvio J. Zanin Distinguished Chapter of the Year Award and recognized for exemplifying excellence in STEM.
SDSU’s chapter won this award out of more than a hundred other chapters at universities across the U.S. and Canada. This was also the fifth consecutive year that the chapter received an award or recognition from the national organization.
A big shoutout goes to the chapter’s advisers last year, Paige Cain and Larry Browning, who are some of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society’s biggest supporters.
And please join me in recognizing former and current members of the SDSU chapter who received this award:
- Savanah Crowe, current president and last year’s social media chair
- Katherine Charging and Morgan Curd, last year’s presidents
- Taylor Even, current and last year’s vice president
- Hadleigh Hoos, current secretary
- Mariah Morrow, last year’s secretary
- Delaney Wilson, current and last year’s treasurer
- Alejandra Juarez, current tribal outreach chair
- Riya Ketelsen, current and last year’s JEC representative
- Megan Begeman, current social media chair
- Michael Hall, former member
- Michael Little Eagle, former member
- Cierra Sazue, former member
- Ava Young, former member
- Madeline Hopkins, former member
Also, thanks to the many other members who showed up throughout this past year.
This week, we’re recognizing that a Chapter of the Year can only be made up of students of the year.
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.
Final Grades Due
The fall 2025 semester is ending soon, and final grades must be submitted by Monday, Dec. 22, at 11:59 p.m. Please review the steps below to ensure a smooth grading process.
Verify your course sections: Please take the following steps immediately to verify you have access to all courses you are teaching this fall.
- Go to . Select Roster/Grades from Faculty Links.
- Click Final Grade Entry.
- In the search field, enter 202580.
- If sections are missing:
- Confirm with your department/school that you are listed as instructor of record.
- If confirmed, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Use Chrome and .
- If you are using a Mac, try using a PC.
- Check for multiple pages and adjust course display (default is 10).
- Use the Filter box with the course CRN (five-digit number).
- Still missing? Email SDSU Registrar.
- If not listed as instructor, submit a .
Enter final grades:
- Resources are available on :
Digital Accessibility Listen and Learn Sessions
As shared in a campus email last week, the university is offering a series of “Listen and Learn” sessions designed to build awareness, understanding and confidence around digital accessibility. Upcoming sessions include:
- Monday, Dec. 15, from 1:30-3 p.m. on and in Rotunda B
- Thursday, Feb. 5, from 9-10:30 a.m. on
Commencement Speakers
South Dakota State University is seeking graduating students to serve as featured commencement speakers at each commencement ceremony May 9. Nominations are being accepted for exceptional students who would be strong candidates for this honor and who demonstrate the ability to craft and deliver a meaningful commencement address.
Qualification requirements:
- Graduating senior or master’s/doctoral student (summer 2025, fall 2025, spring 2026).
- A record of academic excellence (please indicate cumulative GPA).
- Ability to speak effectively to a large audience.
- Demonstrated leadership in student organizations, student activities, public service, etc.
- Representative of the best qualities of a SDSU graduate.
Nominations should include the nominee’s name, major, academic college(s) and a brief bulleted list of how they meet each of the qualification requirements above.
Commencement is May 9, 2026. Please submit your nominations to Neethesh Chakkingal by Feb. 1, 2026.
Briggs Library Holiday Party
Briggs Library will host a holiday party Thursday, Dec. 18, from 2-4 p.m. The event is hosted by the faculty and staff of Briggs Library, Education Abroad, International Student and Scholar Engagement, the Center for Professional Enrichment and Teaching Excellence and the Writing Center. Come enjoy refreshments, good company and a festive atmosphere as we celebrate the season with colleagues.
Jack's Cupboard Volunteers
Jack’s Cupboard, the on-campus food pantry at SDSU, is looking for volunteers to help the pantry stay open this winter break. During the academic year, Jack’s Cupboard is staffed by student volunteers, but over the winter and summer breaks it relies on faculty and staff volunteers to help keep operations going.
There are a variety of slots and times that Jack’s Cupboard needs volunteers for during the break, . Question may be submitted to the Jack's Cupboard email.
Presidential Awards of Excellence and the Rising Star Award
The Professional Staff Advisory Council is seeking nominations for the 2025-26 Presidential Awards of Excellence and the Rising Star Award.
All nominations are due Jan. 23 at 5 p.m. is available on InsideState.
United Way Campaign
The Brookings Area United Way is celebrating 70 years of making an impact in Brookings County. The United Way raises funds for nearly 50 local nonprofits and programs that impact one out of every three people — including SDSU students and staff.
From helping fund public transportation to the abuse shelter, from the food pantry to after-school programs — the organization has likely made a difference for you or someone you know. Please consider visiting to learn more.
The campaign page has multiple methods for individuals to donate to show support:
- Donate online. Set up a monthly or one-time gift.
- Payroll deduction. Fill out the online form with your automatic payroll deduction. Make sure to include your employee number.
- Download a pledge card. Print out a pledge card to make a donation via personal check or cash.
As you can imagine, the need has increased in our community over the years. Now, more than ever, Brookings Area United Way is counting on your support to continue the vital programs that make our campus and the community so special.
If you have questions or would like campaign pledge cards delivered to your department, contact Mike Lockrem, SDSU’s United Way board member, for assistance.
Nordic Yule Market
The South Dakota Art Museum will host the Nordic Yule Market through Jan. 10. The market is inspired by traditional Nordic and German holiday markets and includes:
- Handcrafted gifts from Nordic and local artists
- Special events including live music, sip and shop, and family-friendly activities
- Meet and greets with your favorite characters
- Free gift wrapping on select days
All purchases support museum exhibitions and programming.
Oakwood Literary Magazine Submissions
The Oakwood literary magazine is seeking submissions. Writers are asked to submit their poetry and prose as well as visual art by the Jan. 31, 2026, deadline.
Additional information is available on sdstate.edu.
Undergraduate students are invited to for consideration. The top three student entries will receive cash awards and publication in the April 2026 issue of Oakwood magazine.
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.
