Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1889-2008 (Creation)
Extent
1.0 linear feet (1 records box) photographs
Name of creator
Administrative history
Student organizations at South Dakota State University have been active since the institution’s early years following its establishment in 1881. By the late nineteenth century, students had formed literary societies and academic clubs to promote debate, public speaking, and professional development. As academic programs expanded, discipline specific organizations emerged, supporting applied learning and student engagement. Over time, additional organizations developed to address cultural, social, and service interests, reflecting changing student populations and campus priorities.
Several long standing organizations and traditions have shaped student life. The Students’ Association has served as the official student government, representing student interests and coordinating governance activities. Hobo Day, first held in 1912, became an annual campus tradition featuring parades and student participation. Fraternities and sororities have been formally organized on campus since the mid twentieth century. In 1992, the Native American Club was established to support Indigenous students and promote cultural awareness, later becoming the American Indian Student Association. Through these and other organizations, students have contributed to leadership development, campus programming, and community building.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
This collection documents the activities and presence of a wide range of student organizations at South Dakota State University, representing academic, professional, cultural, religious, political, and recreational interests. Materials span more than a century of student life and showcase the diverse extracurricular landscape of the university.
This is an artificial collection composed of ephemeral and documentary material related to SDSU student organizations. It includes flyers, newsletters, charters, constitutions, programs, brochures, clippings, correspondence, and award certificates. The collection is not comprehensive, and materials have been added informally as discovered. Some items date as far back as the Class of 1891, while others represent 20th and 21st-century groups, such as cultural associations (e.g., Chinese Student Association, Black Student Alliance), professional and academic clubs (e.g., Agronomy and Conservation Club, Sigma Tau Delta), Greek organizations, and recreational or service groups (e.g., Habitat for Humanity, Karate Club). File size and completeness vary greatly across organizations.
This collection offers a snapshot of student engagement at SDSU across generations. It reflects changing student interests, identities, political affiliations, and social movements. Particularly valuable for those studying student activism, campus culture, and organizational development, it captures the evolving role of student leadership and extracurricular involvement in shaping the university's history.
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.