We are committed to serving our students and providing them with an on-campus, classroom experience this fall. The Campus Reopen Plan document provides a snapshot of the planning that has taken place over a 10-week period. Hundreds of SDSU faculty and staff have worked countless hours to develop, prepare and implement these plans. We feel confident that our plans will give us the best opportunity to experience success during the upcoming academic year.
We know our campus will be impacted to some degree by COVID-19, but that working together, following health guidance and staying committed to doing the little things like washing hands and wearing face coverings are necessary to navigating the challenges and keeping our students in the classroom.
Please continue to reference this document or look to our JacksRBack website for more information about each plan. Together, we stand committed to looking out for each other, our university and the community of Brookings.
Approved Plans
Individual plans will be added to this site as they become available.
Academic Plan
Fall Semester 2020
South Dakota State University and its Office of Academic Affairs will provide central support for its colleges and academic support units while allowing for some flexibility in decision-making at the college and academic support unit level. Academic decision-making for Academic Year 2020-21 will be guided by the university’s commitment to high quality academic programs and the health and safety of the university community.
Course offerings during Fall Semester 2020 will include a limited number of entirely face-to-face courses, several courses being a combination of face-to-face instruction with online/virtual components and other courses being entirely online/virtual. Classes may be scheduled into the evening and on Saturday as feasible and necessary.
The Students Affairs Programming Plan is grounded in the SDSU Guiding Principles for Return to Campus, SDSU COVID-19 Protocols, and SDSU JacksRBack University Event Protocols. Individuals are required to follow the current university and SDBOR face covering protocols. While these protocols are specific to operations in a pandemic, it is important to note South Dakota Board of Regents policies, SDSU policies and procedures, local, state and federal law will be followed in addition to these protocols.
This plan includes a four-phase programming plan:
Phase 1/Red – 100% Virtual Programming: All interactions will happen on a virtual level.
Phase 2/Orange – Mostly Virtual, Limited Face-to-Face Interaction: Events may occur in person with appropriate limits on individuals present based upon SDSU JacksRBack University Events Protocols. Virtual options for attending events should be available for participants to promote access.
Phase 3/Yellow - Socially Distant: Events may occur in person with appropriate limits on number of individuals present based on the SDSU JacksRBack University Events Protocols. Virtual options for attending events are strongly encouraged.
Phase 4/Green – New Normal Operations: Most events will be able to return to normal with capacity limits. Some enhanced cleaning measures may remain in place. Monitoring of participants will not be as aggressive but education on safety guidelines and expectations will continue.
The Office of Admissions is a Student Affairs unit and will be adhering the general university guidelines for safe operation in a pandemic environment. These guidelines align with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH). Key concepts to mitigate against the spread of COVID-19, which will be observed in the Office of Admissions include but are not limited to the following:
Individuals are required to follow the current university and SDBOR face covering protocols;
Social distancing of not less than 6 feet;
Frequent hand-washing and use of hand sanitizers;
Proper cough and sneeze etiquette;
Self-monitoring for common COVID-19 symptoms.
Persons experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not enter the Office of Admissions. Signage indicating these guidelines will be posted throughout the Office of Admissions and referenced frequently in the plan detail to follow.
On-campus quarantine and isolation housing (QIH) will be available to students living both on and off campus if they meet one of three criteria:
Have been tested for COVID-19 and are presumptive positive until test results are received; or
Have receive a positive or inconclusive COVID-19 test from a medical professional; or
Have been notified by the South Dakota (or other state) Department of Health of potential exposure and need to self-isolate for 14 days.
Housing will be available in the Wecota Annex. Additional sites may be used if demand exceeds capacity available. In some apartment housing units, because of the configuration of the unit, it may be possible for the student to shelter in place. All accommodations are single occupancy only.
Facilities and Services will provide guidance, suggestions, and the implementation of measures to prepare administrative and office spaces for the return of faculty, staff and students during the summer and fall of 2020. This guidance’s takes into account a department’s ability to conduct their business combined with the health and safety of SDSU employees and visitors. This guidance is based on CDC guidelines, SD Department of Health guidelines, and SDSU JacksRBack task force input.
Upon receiving University approval to travel, individuals should review current CDC guidance for additional information, particularly as it relates to travel considerations, return policies and preventive measures you should take to protect yourself and those around you. In addition to the CDC guidance the University also recommends the following consideration be made related to travel and transportation.
The SDSU events protocols are grounded in the SDSU Guiding Principles for Return to Campus and SDSU COVID-19 Protocols. While these protocols are specific to operations in a pandemic, it is important to note that South Dakota Board of Regents policies, SDSU policies and procedures, local, state and federal law will be followed in addition to these protocols. In addition, the following event specific guiding principles have been developed:
For purposes of this guidance, an “event” is defined as any planned gathering of attendees, either indoors or outdoors, regardless of the number of attendees, that is considered a special public or social occasion and is not an integrated part of a unit’s routine campus operations. This definition includes performing arts performances and athletic competitions.
Unit leaders are responsible for scheduling regular meetings that are traditionally integrated into the unit. Once non-campus external individuals are included, the meeting becomes an event. Affiliated organizations, as defined by facility use policy, and contractors in their performance of their contract at SDSU would be considered internal for this definition.
Student organization official meetings where business is conducted would not be considered an event.
The higher the level of community transmission in the area that the gathering is being held, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spreading during a gathering.
The University Student Union (USU) is a Student Affairs unit and will adhere to the general university guidelines for safe operation in a pandemic environment. These guidelines align with guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH). Key concepts to mitigate against the spread of COVID-19, which will be observed in the USU include, but are not limited to, the following:
Individuals are required to follow the current university and SDBOR face covering protocols;
Social distancing of not less than 6 feet;
Frequent hand-washing and use of hand sanitizers;
Proper cough and sneeze etiquette; and
Self-monitoring for common COVID-19 symptoms.
Individuals are required to follow the current South Dakota State University and SDBOR face covering protocols. Persons experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not enter the USU. Signage indicating these guidelines will be posted throughout the USU and referenced frequently in the plan detail to follow.
The South Dakota Art Museum will adhere to South Dakota State University guidelines for safe operation in a pandemic environment. These guidelines align with guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH).
The American Indian Student Center (AISC) is a Student Affairs unit and will be adhering the general university guidelines for safe operation in a pandemic environment. These guidelines align with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the South Dakota Department of Health (SDDOH). Key concepts to mitigate against the spread of COVID-19, which will be observed in the AISC, include but are not limited to the following:
Individuals are required to follow the current university and SDBOR face covering protocols;
Social distancing of not less than 6 feet;
Frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizers;
Proper cough and sneeze etiquette; and
Self-monitoring for common COVID-19 symptoms.
Persons experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not enter the AISC. Signage indicating these guidelines will be posted throughout the AISC and referenced frequently in the plan.
The Multicultural Center is a Student Affairs unit and will be adhering to the general University guidelines for safe operation in a pandemic environment. These guidelines align with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC and the South Dakota Department of Health (SDDOH). Key concepts to mitigate against the spread of COVIC which will be observed in the Housing and Residential Life department include but are not limited to the following:
Individuals are required to follow the current university and SDBOR face covering protocols;
Social distancing of not less than six feet;
Frequent hand-washing and use of and sanitizers;
Proper cough and sneeze etiquette;
Self-monitoring for COVID Symptoms.
Signage indicating these guidelines will be poster throughout the Multicultural Center and referred to frequently in the plan detail to follow.
The Veteran’s Affairs Office and Veterans Affairs Resource Center (VARC) are Student Affairs units and will be adhering the general university guidelines for safe operation in a pandemic environment. These guidelines align with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the South Dakota Department of Health (SDDOH). Key concepts to mitigate against the spread of COVID-19, which will be observed in the VARC, include but are not limited to the following:
Individuals are required to follow the current university and SDBOR face covering protocols
Social distancing of not less than 6 feet
Frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizers
Proper cough and sneeze etiquette
Self-monitoring for common COVID-19 symptoms.
Persons experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not enter the VARC. Signage indicating these guidelines will be posted throughout the VARC and referenced frequently in the following plan.
Student organization members and student leaders serve as role models on campus. To support a healthy learning environment, student organization members are asked to follow specific guidelines in order to maintain a healthy campus.
Plan for Printing of The Collegian newspaper during fall semester 2020:
The Collegian plans to print its regular run of 2,000 copies while in orange, yellow and green phases of pandemic. In red, The Collegian will be available online only. The Collegian is delivered on campus and throughout the Brookings community. No delivery will be made to the residence halls, which total 50 copies, in order to limit exposure to new people entering those spaces.
The Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center (OLPAC) hosts concerts and events in the Larson Memorial Concert Hall and Founders Recital Hall, theater productions and events in the Fishback Studio Theatre, banquet and programs in several lobbies and theatrical performances in the Oscar Larson Theatre. The OLPAC will be adhering to the general guidelines for safe operation in a pandemic environment. These guidelines align with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the South Dakota Department of Health (SDDOH). Key concepts to mitigate against the spread of COVID-19, which will be observed in the OLPAC, include but are not limited to the following:
Social distancing of not less than 6 feet;
Frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizers;
Proper cough and sneeze etiquette; and
Self-monitoring for common COVID-19 symptoms.
Individuals are required to follow the current University and SDBOR face covering protocols. Exceptions to face covering protocols are when a person is engaged in activities that make wearing a face covering impractical such as playing an instrument, performing in a theatre production, ASL signing, eating and/or drinking. Persons experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not enter the OLPAC. Signage indicating these guidelines will be posted throughout the OLPAC and referenced in the plan.
This plan is grounded in the SDSU Guiding Principles for Return to Campus and SDSU COVID-19 Protocols.
The SSU Rodeo Team members, Coach Ron Skovly, and Faculty Advisor Dr. Joe Cassady will adhere to South Dakota State University guidelines for safe operation in a pandemic environment. These guidelines align with guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the South Dakota Department of Health (SDDOH).
The SDSU Livestock Team members and Coach Brady Jensen will adhere to South Dakota State University guidelines for safe operation in a pandemic environment. These guidelines align with guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the South Dakota Department of Health (SDDOH).
The Financial Aid and Scholarship Office (FAO) is a Student Affairs unit and will be adhering the general university guidelines for safe operation in a pandemic environment. These guidelines align with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the South Dakota Department of Health (SDDOH). Key concepts to mitigate against the spread of COVID-19, which will be observed in the FAO, include but are not limited to the following:
Individuals are required to follow the current university and SDBOR face covering protocols
Social distancing of not less than 6 feet
Frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizers
Proper cough and sneeze etiquette
Self-monitoring for common COVID-19 symptoms.
Persons experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not enter the FAO. Signage indicating these guidelines will be posted throughout the FAO and referenced frequently in the following plan.
Using the Hierarchy of Controls model to protect Testing Center staff, the following plan is the phased response to COVID-19 regarding opening the Testing Center.
This plan covers operational plans for the following phases:
University Dining Services General Operations/Aramark Plan
Fall 2020
Dining Services is a Student Affairs unit (provided through a contracted third party, Aramark) and will be adhering the general University guidelines for safe operation in a pandemic environment. These guidelines align with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH). Key concepts to mitigate against the spread of COVID-19, which will be observed throughout all dining sites including, but are not limited to: Individuals are required to follow the current University and SDBOR face covering protocols; individuals will practice social distancing of not less than 6 feet; frequent hand-washing and use of hand sanitizers; proper cough and sneeze etiquette; and self-monitoring for common COVID-19 symptoms. Persons experiencing COVID symptoms should not enter SDSU dining facilities. Signage indicating these guidelines will be posted throughout SDSU dining facilities and referenced frequently in the plan detail to follow.
This plan is also grounded in the SDSU Guiding Principles for Return to Campus. Plans for each individual retail site and the concessions and catering operations will be presented individually.
The plan outlined below is further contingent upon contractual agreements, number of meal plans sold, hours of operation, national brand(s) guidance, sourcing and vendor restraints and budget constraints.
Housing and Residential Life and Student Life Building Services Office
Fall 2020
The Department of Housing and Residential Life is a Student Affairs unit and will be adhering the general university guidelines for safe operation in a pandemic environment. These guidelines align with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH). Key concepts to mitigate against the spread of COVID-19, which will be observed in Housing and Residential Life, include but are not limited to the following: Individuals are required to follow the current university and SDBOR face covering protocols; individuals will practice social distancing of not less than 6 feet; frequent hand-washing and use of hand sanitizers; proper cough and sneeze etiquette; and self-monitoring for common COVID-19 symptoms. Signage indicating these guidelines will be posted throughout Housing and Residential Life facilities and referenced frequently in the plan detail to follow.
Athletics Department: Office Protocols during COVID-19
The Department of Athletics will adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and South Dakota Department of Health Guidelines as adopted by the SDBOR and SDSU and changes thereto. If new rules are adopted and implemented, athletics will adjust accordingly. Employees of SDSU athletics are expected to comply with the policies, protocols and guidelines in this document and failure to do so may result in corrective action.
The Hilton M. Briggs Library provides collections, spaces and services to support the information needs of SDSU students, faculty and staff and the broader community. Much of the collection, particularly the journal collection, is available online allowing access from anywhere at any time for SDSU constituents. However, use of spaces within the building, the handling of the physical collection and basic services are adjusted in light of the COVID-19 situation as detailed below.
In accordance with South Dakota State University guidelines for safe operation in a pandemic environment as informed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH), the Wintrode Student Success Center at South Dakota State University has created the following reopening plan. This plan will be adjusted to meet evolving situations and is grounded in the SDSU Guiding Principles for Return to Campus and SDSU COVID-19 Protocols.
Services: The Wintrode Center staff will offer all regular services as indicated within the plan.
The Wellness Center Fitness and Recreation program (WC) is a Student Affairs unit and will be adhering the general university guidelines for safe operation in a pandemic environment. These guidelines align with guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the South Dakota Department of Health (SDDOH). Key concepts to mitigate against the spread of COVID-19, which will be observed in the WC include but are not limited to the following:
Individuals are required to follow the current university and SDBOR face covering protocols;
Social distancing of not less than 6 feet;
Frequent hand-washing and use of hand sanitizers;
Proper cough and sneeze etiquette; and
Self-monitoring for common COVID-19 symptoms.
Persons experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not enter the WC. Signage indicating these guidelines will be posted throughout the FAO and referenced frequently in the plan detail to follow.
JacksRBack Plan for Student Health Clinic and Counseling Services
Fall 2020
The Student Health Clinic and Counseling Center (SHCC) is a Student Affairs unit and will be adhering the general University guidelines for safe operation in a pandemic environment. These guidelines align with guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the South Dakota Department of Health (SDDOH). Key concepts to mitigate against the spread of COVID which will be observed in the SHCC include but are not limited to the following:
Individuals are required to follow the current university and SDBOR face covering protocols
Social distancing of not less than six feet
Frequent hand-washing and use of hand sanitizers
Proper cough and sneeze etiquette
Self-monitoring for common COVID-19 symptoms.
Persons experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not enter the SHCC except as directed by medical personnel. Signage indicating these guidelines will be posted throughout the SHCC and referenced frequently in the plan detail to follow.
