Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1886-2013 (Creation)
Extent
0.84 linear feet (2 document cases)
Name of creator
Administrative history
.The Admissions Office at South Dakota State University originated in the institution’s early years following its establishment as Dakota Agricultural College in 1881. Initial admissions efforts in the late nineteenth century consisted primarily of catalog announcements and student classification records that outlined academic offerings and enrollment procedures. By the early twentieth century, the office began issuing more formal informational circulars and recruitment publications. Materials such as the Announcements for South Dakota Agricultural College (1894–1895) and student classification records (1890–1902) document these early processes.
During the mid to late twentieth century, admissions activities expanded to include viewbooks, fact sheets, and coordinated recruitment campaigns. Publications such as the SDSC View Book (1935), You Can Attend SDSC (undated), and later You Can Go Anywhere from Here! (2002, 2005) reflect changes in outreach strategies. By the early twenty first century, the office incorporated orientation programming, campus visit events, early registration materials, and digital communication tools into its operations. These developments illustrate the evolution of admissions practices alongside the broader growth and administrative development of the university.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
The Admissions Office Records document the student recruitment, enrollment procedures, and promotional activities of South Dakota State University (SDSU) from the late 19th century through the early 21st century. The materials reflect the office’s evolving role in attracting prospective students, facilitating application and admission processes, and promoting the university's academic and social environment.
This collection offers a view of how SDSU developed and communicated its institutional identity over time. From early bulletins issued by the South Dakota Agricultural College to modern recruitment media, the records show shifts in marketing strategies, outreach to diverse student populations, and growing emphasis on personalized admissions experiences. They are a valuable resource for researchers studying higher education marketing, enrollment trends, and student engagement in a land-grant university context.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
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In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use. .sdstate.edu/sdsu-archives-and-special-collections/researcher-registration-form)
The collection is open for research, but please note that the materials in the Archives do not circulate and can only be used In the SDSU Archives and Special Collections Reading Room.
Please contact us in advance so we can prepare for your visit.
If you cannot visit the Archives in person, please reach out to us. We will do our best to help you find the information you need.
In most cases, the materials in this collection have not been digitized and are not available online.
South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections supports access to the materials in its collections. However, access to some items may be restricted due to their fragile condition, donor agreements, or other considerations.
If you would like to know more about the contents of the collection, please contact the SDSU Archives at: Telephone: 605-688-5094 Email: arcrefs@sdstate.edu
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
Reproduction of materials from the collection is subject to the following conditions:
- Permission: Written permission must be obtained from the SDSU Archives for any reproduction, publication, or quotation of materials.
- Copyright: Users are responsible for complying with copyright laws and securing any necessary permissions from copyright holders.
- Fragile Materials: Some items may not be reproduced due to their fragile condition.
- Charges: Reproduction charges may apply, and users will be informed of any costs in advance.
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Acknowledgment: Any reproduced material must include proper acknowledgment of the South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections as the source.
For more information or to request permission, please contact the SDSU Archives.
Languages of the material
English
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Immediate source of acquisition
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
Related descriptions
Notes element
General note
Copyright and Use Statement
In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.