Curriculum Requests: Apparel Merchandising and Interior Design

Prior to 1960, the administration of academic programs and related issues at South Dakota State College was handled independently by individual departments and offices. As adminis-trative responsibilities grew, the position of Dean of Academic Affairs was established in 1960 to centralize oversight. In 1973, this title was changed to Vice President of Academic Affairs, reflecting the role’s increased significance within the university hierarchy. At the same time, the position of Vice President for Administration (formerly Assistant to the President) was cre-ated to oversee administrative offices and programs.

The Vice President for Academic Affairs reports directly to the university president and serves as the chief academic officer. All college deans answer to the Vice President, including those from Arts and Sciences, Agriculture and Biological Sciences, Family and Consumer Scienc-es, Engineering, Nursing, Pharmacy, General Registration, Education and Counseling, and the Graduate School. The Dean of Libraries also reports to this office.

The primary responsibilities of the Vice President for Academic Affairs include oversight of curriculum, faculty development, scholarship requirements, academic advising, honorary de-grees, and academic integrity appeals. This office plays a crucial role in shaping the academ-ic policies and standards of the university.