PIERRE, S.D. – All South Dakota university classes will be temporarily moved online beginning Monday, March 23.
The state Board of Regents said, in a news release, that this is an effort to keep students and staff safe and healthy. Spring break was already extended through Friday, March 20.
On-campus classes are currently scheduled to resume Monday, April 6. However, this is an evolving situation and could be re-evaluated at any time.
The Regents ask that students go to university websites to stay up-to-date on the status of campus operations.
The South Dakota Board of Regents will revisit the situation on March 27.
Here is the release on the situation from Black Hills State University:
Black Hills State University, along with the five other South Dakota Board of Regents schools, extended spring break through this week, and for the next two weeks classes will be taught online.
It has been an unprecedented time in our state, country, and world as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and make decisions that are in the best interest of everyone in the South Dakota Board of Regents’ system. The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff throughout the state are our top priorities, and we continue to monitor the situation around the clock.
Beginning Monday, March 23, all classes will be temporarily moved online. On-campus, in-person classes are currently scheduled to resume on Monday, April 6.
This is an evolving situation and the BOR will revisit this situation and communicate any changes in course delivery again on Friday, March 27.
As leaders in higher education, we are thankful for our university presidents and their staff, who have worked tirelessly the past several weeks, providing wisdom and knowledge to help navigate these difficult times that still include a level of uncertainty.
BHSU President Laurie Nichols noted that that the changes have been communicated to students and faculty.
“I appreciate the faculty and students’ willingness to adapt to this unprecedented situation,” Nichols said. “Together we will work through the challenges and find solutions to ensure classes can continue and students are able to complete this semester on schedule.”
And the release from the South Dakota School of Mines:
Effective Monday, March 23, 2020, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology will transition to online delivery for all courses for period of two weeks. Course delivery will occur primarily through the Desire2Learn management system and the Zoom video conferencing platform.
Given the fluid situation and recent guidelines from the CDC, the Board of Regents and campus presidents will review the situation weekly and decide whether to extend the online delivery for an additional time. We plan to allow faculty, staff, and students a two-week notice before face-to-face classes resume.
“We are facing a situation that is unprecedented in recent history,” says Mines President Jim Rankin. “We recognize the move to online classes poses challenges for many. We will strive to provide a top-quality education to all students despite these challenges. As scientists and engineers, we pride ourselves in tackling difficult problems. We hope the Mines community can come together, be patient, and work to build the best outcome possible in this difficult time.”
This week, March 15-21, we have suspended most campus operations per Governor Noem’s recommendations and directed non-essential personnel to work remotely. Campus is now closed to the public. Mines is reopening, without face-to-face classes, on March 23 to ensure the university is able to fulfill its educational and research mission. Faculty, staff, and researchers should report to work as usual on Monday March 23.
The university is diligently working to enforce the latest CDC recommendations for social distancing. Students who are living off campus for the extended spring break are being strongly encouraged to stay where they are until face-to-face classes resume. Students will have access to tutoring, counseling and library services via phone or the Zoom platform. Dining services will continue for those students who are already on campus and who have no other alternatives.
All Mines personnel are being reminded of the latest CDC guidelines and general precautions to remain healthy, and to keep the community healthy, including staying home when sick. Campus facilities staff have increased routine cleaning of high traffic areas in accordance with guidelines from the CDC.
The semester will end at the previously scheduled time of May 8.
