Kristin Marthaler

A proposal for a new campus building in Sioux Falls may detract from students going to SDSU.

Legislators have been talking about adding a new Sioux Falls campus to the already-growing population of USDSU. The new campus could have students from the SDSU, making it easier to attend campus from Sioux Falls.

“We want to make the point that USDSU will be focused on non-traditional students. They are the ones that need easier access to schooling in Sioux Falls,” said Mitch Fargen, Students’ Association senator and state and local government chairman.

What does this mean for SDSU? Will more students start transferring to USDSU because it will be more convenient? Gov. Mike Rounds does not think so. The point of this new building is to provide more space for students already on campus and working throughout the Sioux Falls area, not to cause a reason for students to transfer from SDSU to USDSU.

“We aren’t trying to make a seventh university, we are making sure that there will still only be six. This is one way to make sure that doesn’t happen,” said Ryan Brunner, SA president.

So far, the legislation has been getting a good response from the voters.

One of the issues in question is whether more students will want to transfer to USDSU. Some legislators seem to be concerned with the future of USDSU.

Between 2000 and 2005, headcount at USDSU rose 62 percent. Sioux Falls expects the number of students ot reach 300,000 by the year 2040.

Increases have already caused the campus to cancel 13 classes this spring.

Along with the need for a new building, a location by the interstate is needed for allowing easier commuting for traveling students. Due to this need, the DOT could sell the land around that area at market value.

The additional 50,000 square feet would provide needed room for students and physical resources for the rooms.

The majors offered at this campus are limited. Limited student services that are based on local student needs would be provided, and the location would not be accredited separately of SDSU.

On Jan. 25 the two bills dealing with campus expansion were referred to the House budget committee.