An arial shot of multiple students standing on a football field in the shape of South Dakota.
Meet State 2026

We're excited to welcome you to South Dakota State University!

Jackrabbits, get ready for an action-packed weekend.

Friday, Aug. 21 – New Student Move-In Day

8 a.m.-2 p.m. – New Student Move-In

Sign up for a move-in time slot in the MyState housing portal.

5 p.m. – New Jacks Kickoff and Picnic | North of University Student Union | Family and friends welcome!

Enjoy some of our favorite traditions, including SDSU ice cream and The Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band.

6:30-10 p.m. – Welcome Back Bash | University Student Union

A Student Union takeover featuring games, activities, make-and-take crafts, the movie "Pitch Perfect" and more! Presented by the University Program Council.

Saturday, Aug. 22

10 a.m. – New Jacks Class Photo | Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium | New student attendance expected

Wear your blue "I'm a Jackrabbit" T-shirt and be part of one of the largest group photos on campus!

Playfair | Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium | New student attendance expected

Playfair is the ultimate icebreaker, designed to help you meet other new students and build Jackrabbits spirit in one unforgettable event.

11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. – Start Smart: Tech, Tips and Tools | Lunch included | New student attendance expected.

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | First Bank & Trust Arena
1-3:30 p.m. | University Student Union, Volstorff Ballroom and Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, Larson Memorial Concert Hall

Get set up for success at SDSU! Learn about the technology and academic resources available to you, hear from current students, explore the apps you'll use throughout the year and complete your required Title IX training.

5-9 p.m. – Food Trucks | University Student Union parking lot

Grab a bite from these local food trucks: Backyard BBQ, Chicken & Waffles, Maui Wowi Smoothies, Monkey Business Treats, Mortland Burgers & More, Rub N Tug BBQ, Shorty's Hot Box, Small Town Soda and Taqueria El Tarasco.

6-9 p.m. – Sunset Social | Miller Wellness Center interior and exterior

Check out our rock climbing walls, pickleball, specialty group fitness, Jacks Esports Lounge, Student Health Center, yard games, s'mores and other open recreation activities.

9 p.m. – Dance | Miller Wellness Center south entrance

Sponsored by Helping Everyone Reach Optimal Health (HEROH).

Sunday, Aug. 23

1 p.m. – Meet Your Neighbor

Held on individual residence hall floors led by your community assistant.

2 p.m. – University Convocation | Sylvan Green | New student attendance expected

Ring in the new academic year with university leadership.

3-4:30 p.m. – Academic Sessions Hosted by Individual Colleges

Your academic college is here to help. Stop by with your class schedule to ask questions, meet college representatives and get familiar with where your classes are located.

3-5 p.m. – Be @ Briggs | Hilton M. Briggs Library

Learn more about the resources our campus library offers.

5-8 p.m. – Larson Launch | Larson Commons interior and exterior

The countdown is over! Join us at the newly renovated Larson Commons for food and fun. Cool off with Aloha Shave Ice, courtesy of your Meet State crew!

Evening – Residence Hall Floor Meetings

Get to know your community assistant and new neighbors. Information on the time and location of your floor meetings will be provided at check-in and will be included in your residence hall director's welcome letter.

Monday, Aug. 24

A new semester begins at South Dakota State University. The first day of classes marks the start of another year of learning, new experiences, campus traditions and making memories with the Jackrabbits community.

10 a.m.-2 p.m. – Campus Community Fall Festival (C2F2) | University Student Union

Students can connect with local businesses, nonprofits and community organizations, learn about opportunities in Brookings and discover ways to get involved beyond campus.


Hours of Operation

Here are the hours of operation for some key campus offices and services that you may need Aug. 21-23.

Admissions Office
Enrollment Services Center
  • Friday, Aug. 21: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Saturday, Aug. 22: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Card and Parking Services
University Student Union Main Street
  • Friday, Aug. 21: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Saturday, Aug. 22: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cashier's Office
Morrill Hall 136
  • Friday, Aug. 21: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dining Locations
Financial Aid Office
Enrollment Services Center
  • Friday, Aug. 21: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Saturday, Aug. 22: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Information Exchange
University Student Union
  • Friday, Aug. 21: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Saturday, Aug. 22: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Sunday, Aug. 23: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Jackrabbit Central
University Student Union
  • Friday, Aug. 21: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Saturday, Aug. 22: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Sunday, Aug. 23: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Registrar's Office
Enrollment Services Center
  • Friday, Aug. 21: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Saturday, Aug. 22: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Residential Life
Caldwell Hall
  • Friday, Aug. 21: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Saturday, Aug. 22: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Student Health Clinic
Miller Wellness Center
  • Friday, Aug. 21: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Saturday, Aug. 22: 9 a.m.-noon
Support Desk
Morrill Hall 131

Friday, Aug. 21

  • Morrill Hall – 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Blacks Hills Room – noon-4 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 22

  • Phone calls – 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Black Hills Room – noon-4 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 23

  • Phone calls – 1-4 p.m.
University Student Union
  • Friday, Aug. 21: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
  • Saturday, Aug. 22: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
  • Sunday, Aug. 23: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Wintrode Student Success and Opportunity Center/First Year Advising Center
Wagner Hall 121
  • Friday, Aug. 21: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Sunday, Aug. 23: 3-5 p.m.