Earlier today, Tuesday, March 24, the South Dakota Board of Regents announced effective immediately, all public universities will complete the rest of the Spring 2020 semester online.

SDBOR has also decided to postpone the Spring 2020 commencement ceremony. All campus events have been postponed through May 15. The spring semester is scheduled to end May 8.

“This is certainly a difficult time, and this is the right thing to do as we navigate this unprecedented situation and work together to change the course of this pandemic,” SDSU President Barry Dunn said in a press release. “We continue to follow the recommendations of public health officials and make determinations that are responsive to the health and safety of everyone in mind. Our faculty started online classes yesterday and are committed to finishing the rest of the semester by providing the best educational experience possible for our students for the remainder of the year.”

Gov. Kristi Noem announced in a press conference Tuesday, March 24 that there are an estimated eight weeks until South Dakota reaches its peak infection rate. As these concerns regarding COVID-19 continue to rise, university officials deemed it best to continue social distancing and not resume face-to-face classes until the Fall 2020 semester.

A refund policy was enacted for students who do not withdraw from classes by March 28. Students will qualify for credit on their accounts for 50% housing credit, pro-rated credit for meal plans not utilized and full credit for unused flex dollars. However, students who were approved for emergency housing at the end of spring break will not be eligible for a refund.

All students with parking permits will receive a pro-rated credit for that is equal to 50% of the spring semester parking fee.

A plan for residence hall move out has been announced, and information can be found here.