Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 2003-2009 (Creation)
Extent
0.21 linear feet (1 half-document case)
Name of creator
Administrative history
The University Center in Sioux Falls, formally known as the South Dakota Public Universities and Research Center, emerged from a practical idea with statewide ambition: bring public higher education directly to South Dakota’s largest city without duplicating entire campuses. Established under the direction of the South Dakota Board of Regents, the Center was designed as a cooperative site where multiple public universities could offer degree programs in one shared facility.
In its early years, the site was often informally referred to as “USDSU,” reflecting the strong presence of both University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University programming in Sioux Falls. Over time, the collaborative model expanded to include additional institutions such as Dakota State University, Black Hills State University, Northern State University, and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.
The Center became a vital access point for place-bound students, working adults, and degree-completion learners in the Sioux Falls region. Through this shared-campus structure, students could earn accredited degrees from South Dakota’s public universities while remaining in the state’s primary economic hub.
In 2019, the Board of Regents approved a restructuring plan to transition the University Center into a branch campus of the University of South Dakota, marking a new chapter in its evolution. Throughout its history, the University Center has reflected South Dakota’s pragmatic approach to higher education: collaboration over competition, access over distance, and statewide service anchored in Sioux Falls.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
This collection is composed of class schedules, student handbooks, advertisements, and a newspaper article titled USDSU plan to expand published by the Argus Leader. The class schedules likely reflect course offerings and institutional calendars for the University Center campus in Sioux Falls, while the student handbooks provide policies, academic regulations, and student resources. The included advertisement and article document public discourse surrounding the expansion of South Dakota State University's presence in Sioux Falls under the USDSU initiative, offering contextual insight into regional higher education planning and institutional development.
The collection provides a view of academic operations, student life, and institutional outreach associated with SDSU’s activities in Sioux Falls. It reflects broader discussions about access to public higher education in South Dakota and the state’s efforts to expand degree offerings beyond the Brookings campus. The inclusion of class schedules and student handbooks documents the services and structure of the University Center, while the press coverage adds a valuable public perspective on its expansion and strategic importance.
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.
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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.