Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1917-1964 (Accumulation)
Extent
0.84 linear feet (2 document cases)
Name of creator
Administrative history
When World War I broke out in 1917, students began leaving college for the service. After November 11, 1918, when the armistice was signed, many of the discharged servicemen found their way back to the college campus. The people and the Legislature of South Dakota felt there was a responsibility of the state to give these people financial assistance. The South Dakota Legislature of 1919 passed what become known as the "Veteran's Free Tuition Law," with appropriation of $15,000 to pay the veterans tuition. This support continued through 1920.
On December 8, 1941, the United States entered World War II. A large number of the students were once again leaving college and going into military service. While crucial battles of the war still raged on the world fronts, the first servicemen began appearing on the campus during the spring of 1944. The G.I. Bill (Public Law 346) became effective June 22, 1944. Under this law, veterans who met eligibility requirements could receive education or training at government expense, readjustment allowances for unemployment and self-employment, and guaranteed or insured loans for homes, farms, or businesses. The G.I. Bill benefited millions of veterans in their efforts to readjust successfully to postwar living. The education and training program reached its cut-off point on July 25, 1951. Only veterans actually in training on that date or those who had interrupted their training for valid reasons were allowed to continue afterward. Under the program, WWII veterans could go to school or college, or train on-the-job or on the farm, with the Government paying all expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and supplies. G.I. Bill training for WWII veterans came to an end in 1956. On July 16, 1952, a new G.I. Bill was passed, providing benefits for veterans who served during the Korean conflict period.
The Vocational Rehabilitation Act (Public Law 16) came into effect on March 24, 1943. It provided an opportunity for disabled WWII veterans to train for jobs that they could hold. Veterans training under this act received the same rates of subsistence as those under the G.I. Bill. Disabled veterans were able to start training any time after discharge, but had to complete it by July 25, 1956.
South Dakota State University had many students who were affected by the passage of the above laws. The Veterans Advising office was set up following World War II to assist the veterans in making the transition to college, as well as assist them with paperwork and monetary support.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
This collection is composed of certificates for tuition and records of tuition waived for war veterans.
The certificates for tuition are for veterans of World War I and state the amount due for tuition. These certify that a veteran was discharged honorably from the service and performed services outside the borders of the state of South Dakota during the period of the world war and was at that time a legal resident of the state. They also stated that the veteran had attended and pursued a course of instruction at South Dakota State College [SDSC] without the payment of tuition and there is now due a sum of money.
The records of tuition waived consist of 575 cards that note the period for which a veteran attended courses at SDSC and the amount of tuition paid. These state the name and address of the veteran, the date and location he entered the service, his discharge date and evidence of the discharge, the date he entered college and whether or not he was under the Veterans Administration, and finally whether he continued after his entitlement expired.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
This collection is open to researchers without restrictions.
The materials in the Archives do not circulate and may be used in-house only.
Researchers conducting extensive research are asked to make an advance appointment to access archival material. Please call or e-mail prior to visiting the collection and indicate as much detail as possible about a particular topic and intended use.
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
South Dakota State University supports access to the materials, published and unpublished, in its collections. Nonetheless, access to some items may be restricted as a result of their fragile condition or by contractual agreements with donors.
Languages of the material
- English