Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Parallel form(s) of name
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
The Students’ Association at South Dakota State University was established in the early twentieth century as the official representative body of the student population. In its earliest form, student governance was carried out through a Board of Control, elected annually by students and advised by the Dean of Men and Dean of Women. The Board oversaw student activities, addressed campus issues, allocated student funds, regulated student councils, and managed student enterprises, including the student-owned bookstore.
Over time, the organization evolved in structure and scope, reflecting changes in student life and higher education governance. By the mid- to late twentieth century, the Students’ Association transitioned to a Student Senate model, expanding its role in advocacy, policy development, and shared governance. The Association increasingly served as a formal channel between students, university administration, the South Dakota Board of Regents, and state and national higher education organizations.
By the late twentieth century, the Students’ Association had assumed responsibility for administering student services and overseeing the allocation of student activity fees, while continuing to sponsor programs and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of student life. Today, the South Dakota State University Students’ Association functions as the university’s official student government, representing student interests, supporting student organizations and services, and participating in institutional decision-making.