Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1995, 1997, 2007 (Creation)
Extent
0.21 linear feet (1 half-document case)
Name of creator
Administrative history
The Physics Department at South Dakota State University has long served three primary objectives: to support students pursuing careers in engineering, to provide foundational physics instruction for students across disciplines, and to prepare students for professional careers in physics. Historically, the department offered two main academic tracks: Engineering Physics, which combined a core of physics courses with mechanical or electrical engineering coursework; and a more flexible Physics curriculum designed for students pursuing diverse career paths, including graduate study, medical school, education, and meteorology. Both tracks emphasized strong foundational training supported by qualified faculty and dedicated facilities.
In recent years, the department has expanded its offerings and infrastructure while continuing its foundational mission. Now housed in Daktronics Engineering Hall, the department supports advanced instruction and research in areas such as optics, renewable energy, and nuclear physics. The curriculum remains rooted in core physics while allowing students to specialize through electives and minors, including a Nuclear Engineering minor. Undergraduate research is a key component, with students actively participating in faculty-led projects and events like the Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity Day (URSCAD). The department also collaborates with the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) and engages in statewide outreach through public events and STEM education initiatives.
Today, the Department of Physics, located administratively within the College of Arts and Sciences, continues to prepare students for careers in industry, research, and education by combining rigorous academics with hands-on research and public engagement.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
This collection consists of records from the Department of Physics at South Dakota State University through June 30, 2018, when the department was administratively reassigned to the College of Natural Sciences. Materials include a sabbatical report from Dr. Joel Rauber during the spring 2007 semester, along with supporting documentation such as the initial sabbatical leave request and a revised edition of the Physics 211 Laboratory Manual. Dr. Rauber’s sabbatical work involved updating laboratory experiments to reflect current equipment and teaching practices. Additional items include a department brochure and an alumni directory covering the years 1927 to 1995.
These records document administrative, curricular, and instructional developments within the Department of Physics over time. Dr. Rauber’s sabbatical work reflects a continued emphasis on instructional quality and modernization, while the alumni directory provides historical context regarding departmental growth and the career trajectories of its graduates.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
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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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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.