Photocopying Services
Students are responsible for expenses of photocopying related to class presentations and other course assignments.
Forms Used by Graduate Students
Common forms used by Graduate students can be found at Graduate School.
Library Services
The Hilton M. Briggs Library on the SDSU campus is available on campus and via Internet for off campus students.
Students may also utilize the Wegner Health Science Information Center located on the Sanford/USD Medical Center campus and via Internet.
Student Health
On campus students pay a required University Activity Fee each semester. Payment of this fee enables students to receive health care at the Student Health Clinic. The required University Fee provides certain health care services including: adjustment and transition, relationship, stress management, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, common illnesses and injuries, routine physical exams, immunizations, laboratory services, allergy injections and much more.
For further information, call the Health Information Line at 605-688-4157.
On Campus Housing
Although the University provides limited residence hall accommodations for single graduate students and family housing for married students, most graduate students live off campus. Prospective students should inquire about housing from the Director of Student Housing. Contact information can be found at Residential Life.
Counseling Center
Students with educational, vocational or personal difficulties can receive special assistance through the Counseling Center. For further information, call 605-688-6146.
Honor Societies
Phi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau Inc. (the international honor society of nursing) was chartered at SDSU in 1962. Membership is by invitation and is conferred upon students who have demonstrated superior scholastic achievement, shown evidence of professional leadership potential, and/or marked achievement in the field of nursing. The purposes of Sigma Theta Tau are to:
- Recognize superior achievement.
- Recognize the development of leadership qualities.
- Foster high professional standards.
- Encourage creative work.
- Strengthen commitment to the ideals and purposes of the profession.
Pursuant to STTI bylaws changes approved in November 2013, graduate students may now be inducted as a nurse leader. Phi Chapter invites nominations for nurse leaders to include graduate students who may be early in their program of study. Interested students who meet the membership criteria are encouraged to submit to the Phi Chapter president a brief bio-sketch stating why they would like to become a Phi Chapter member (<250 words); the board will review and approve these statements prior to the annual induction ceremony. Additionally, for graduate students who do not fulfill the criteria as a nurse leader, the criteria for membership is as follows. A full-time graduate student is eligible for nomination upon the completion of at least one grading period of his/her academic program. A part-time graduate student may be eligible upon the completion of one-half of his/her academic program. Information about scholarships and awards are available from the chapter president.
The South Dakota State University chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, a national honor society, was established in 1949. Phi Kappa Phi's primary objectives are the recognition and encouragement of superior scholarship in all academic disciplines. Membership is by invitation only with the number of graduate students elected limited to 10 percent of those qualifying for degrees. Because of the high standards of scholarship and character required for membership, election to Phi Kappa Phi is one of the highest honors a student can receive at South Dakota State University or any other university. Initiation occurs twice a year with the Spring ceremony preceding the annual Phi Kappa Phi banquet. After graduation, members may maintain active membership by paying dues and maintaining an association with the Society, or they may become inactive members.
Opportunities for Student Participation in Decision Making
There are a number of ways the graduate student in nursing can participate in the decision-making related to the University and the master's program in nursing. For example, graduate nursing students are appointed to serve on the Graduate Curriculum Committee.
Students are asked to take an active role in the evaluation of the Graduate Nursing Program. Student input is vital to the maintenance of a quality program. Students will be asked to evaluate courses and instructors each semester during the program. Each graduating student is invited to participate in an exit interview with the Associate Dean for Graduate Nursing. Following graduation, graduates are asked periodically to evaluate the program and their preparation for graduate nursing practice. This feedback is utilized by faculty in ongoing curriculum development and revision.
Financial Assistance
The SDSU Financial Aid Office address is Enrollment Services Center, Brookings, SD 57007-2201. The phone number is 605-688-4695.
Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except the office is closed on scheduled holidays.
Scholarship/Loan Repayment Opportunities
The Graduate Nursing Department may have funding available through grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
- Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)
- Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW)
Information about these opportunities in addition to other possible external funding options can be found at Scholarship and Loan Repayment.