Identity area
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Authorized form of name
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Description area
Dates of existence
History
South Dakota State University has maintained a long standing commitment to extending educational opportunities beyond the main campus through outreach, continuing education, and distance learning. These efforts developed to support working professionals, place bound students, and others seeking flexible access to university programs. Over time, off campus instruction expanded to include credit and non credit courses, workshops, conferences, short courses, and professional development offerings delivered through on site and distance formats.
Continuing and Distance Education evolved through several administrative structures. Previously known as Outreach Programming and later the Division of Lifelong Learning and Outreach, these functions were placed under the College of General Registration in 2000. In 2007, the Office of Continuing and Extending Education was established as an independent administrative unit with responsibility for coordinating off campus educational programs and overseeing distance education, including internet based courses and Digital Dakota Network offerings. Outreach sites have included the University Center in Sioux Falls, the West River Graduate Center in Rapid City, the Capital University Center in Pierre, and partnerships with institutions such as Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown.
The office coordinates state and self supported programs that align with the university’s land grant mission by delivering educational services statewide and beyond. Programs and services have included continuing education units, professional development and certification programs, Nursing RN Upward Mobility, University Week for Women, tax update workshops, and discipline specific training in areas such as nursing and agriculture. These activities reflect the university’s role in supporting lifelong learning, workforce development, and access to higher education through flexible delivery models.