University Marketing and Communications Records

5.75 linear feet [4 record boxes, 1 oversize flat box]

This collection consists of publications and printed material produced by the South Dakota State University (SDSU) Marketing and Communications unit, formerly known as University Relations. The records span several decades and reflect the unit's central role in internal and external university communications. The materials document institutional messaging, campus updates, and promotional efforts intended for various audiences, particularly faculty, staff, prospective students, alumni, and the public.

Major components of the collection include high-frequency campus communication pieces such as Today at State, Faculty Bulletin, University Bulletin, SDSU Update, E-Connect, and SDSU Newsline. These serials provided regular updates on lectures, events, job postings, policy changes, and campus news. They underwent several title and format transitions reflecting changes in communication technology and strategy:

• 1944–1970: Faculty Bulletin
• 1971–1977: University Bulletin
• 1978–2004: SDSU Update
• 2000–2004: E-Update (briefly printed, then online)
• 2004–2007: E-Connect (online only)
• 2007–present: SDSU Newsline (emailed and web-published)

Today at State, a daily bulletin printed during the academic year from 1971 to 2007, was directed toward campus faculty and staff, serving as a primary channel for time-sensitive updates.

Additional materials in the collection include Calling Home from South Dakota State University, Impact State, Arts at State newsletters, research and promotional reports (e.g., SDSU Marketing Strategy, Graphic Identity Manual), event guides, market research, and publications related to specific colleges and campus initiatives. Issues of College Home from SDSU Magazine, special event planning documents, donor recognition materials, and visual promotional content such as postcards, banners, and merchandise catalogs further illustrate the university’s evolving branding and outreach strategies.

This collection also includes content documenting significant institutional moments such as the SDSU Centennial, branding initiatives, and building dedications. It offers insight into how SDSU has communicated its mission, academic offerings, and institutional priorities to various stakeholders over time.

This collection is a resource for their comprehensive documentation of South Dakota State University’s official communications, branding evolution, internal messaging, and public outreach. They reflect administrative priorities, institutional culture, and university-community relationships. These materials are particularly useful for researchers studying higher education marketing, land-grant university identity, and institutional communication trends over the 20th and 21st centuries.

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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

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.

• 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.

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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.