University Center

Fall 2011 Enrollment

Mon, 3 Oct 2011 14:44:45 CDT

SIOUX FALLS, SD – October 3, 2011 – After a decade of steady growth in Sioux Falls, enrollment at South Dakota Public Universities and Research Center (University Center) decreased for Fall 2011.

Total headcount is 2,086 students, down from the Fall 2010 peak of 2,356 students. The decline in headcount is explained mainly by the relocation of the University of South Dakota’s A.S. in Nursing program to the Sanford Health campus. University Center includes in their headcount and FTE only students who physically attend a class onsite at the northwest Sioux Falls facilities. The students that moved with the program account for a loss of 189 students at University Center.

Dr. Mark Lee, University Center Executive Dean, notes, “Our public university system is still serving these students in Sioux Falls. We are simply doing it at a different location, and the University Center enrollment numbers reflect that.”

For the fall 2011 term, the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) students at University Center is 1,144. The FTE is determined based on credit hours taken at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The large difference between University Center’s headcount enrollment and the FTE number points to the type of students who study at UC – individuals attending part-time while working full- or part-time jobs.

University Center recently opened its third building in northwest Sioux Falls. The 50,000 square foot Science & Technology Classroom building has allowed University Center to consolidate virtually all of its operations to a single location at North Career Avenue and 60^th Street North.

UC Hosts Ribbon Cutting

Thu, 8 Sep 2011 10:56:43 CDT

University Center Hosts Ribbon Cutting

for Science & Technology Classroom Building

SIOUX FALLS, SD – September 8, 2011 – South Dakota Public Universities & Research Center will host a Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Friday, September 9^th at 11:30 a.m. to celebrate the opening of the new Science & Technology Classroom Building. The public is invited to attend.

The 50,000 square foot Science & Technology Classroom Building is a direct result of a partnership between the Sioux Falls School District and the South Dakota Board of Regents. The building is replacement space for the area University Center vacated on the Southeast Technical Institute campus to make way for the School District’s New Technology High. The building includes 20 classrooms and more than 50 office spaces, as well as conference rooms and study spaces for student use.

The Ribbon Cutting ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m. followed by a reception and open house, during which the public is invited to tour the building. University Center is located at the corner of 60^th Street North and Career Avenue, just west of I-29 at exit 83.

Excellence in Teaching

Mon, 2 May 2011 10:24:45 CDT

Nicole Graves is Awarded University Center's Excellence in Teaching Award

University Center announces the selection of Nicole Graves as the winner of its 2011 Excellence in Teaching Award.

The Excellence in Teaching Award is given to recognize individual faculty members for high quality teaching and outstanding dedication to student learning in the unique and diverse learning environment of University Center. Instructors are nominated for the award by one or more of their students at University Center.

Graves is an SDSU faculty member; she teaches courses in Human Development & Family Studies. She has 13 years of teaching experience, and has taught at University Center for 3 years.

University Center Groundbreaking

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:01:56 CDT

University Center to Break Ground on New Classroom Building

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota Public Universities and Research Center will break ground on a new building on Tuesday, August 24^th at 11:30 a.m. Governor Mike Rounds and Sioux Falls Mayor Mike Huether will participate in the ceremony.

The Groundbreaking ceremony will mark the start of construction on a new 50,000 square foot classroom building that will complement the existing classroom and research buildings at University Center. Once completed, it will house 14 classrooms, 6 science labs, and 4 computer labs, as well as faculty offices and breakout study spaces for students. With the addition of this building, almost all of University Center’s classes and activities will be consolidated into one location on North Career Avenue. “Offering almost all of our activities in one location will be a great step for University Center” said Mark Lee, Executive Dean. “We look forward to being able to serve our students more efficiently and more effectively in this way.”

Construction of the building will begin immediately, and is anticipated to be complete by August of 2011. Architecture, Incorporated is designing the building and Sioux Falls Construction is serving as Construction Manager.

The public is invited to attend the Groundbreaking ceremony. University Center is located at the corner of 60^th Street North and Career Avenue, just west of I-29 at exit 83.

New General Studies Degree

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:57:14 CDT

New General Studies Degree Helps ‘Ready Adults’ Graduate

BROOKINGS, S.D. – The public university system in South Dakota has developed a new degree aimed specifically at students who want to earn a bachelor’s degree and already have a significant number of college credits completed.

The bachelor of general studies degree is available starting this summer at Black Hills State University, Dakota State University, Northern State University, and The University of South Dakota. The degree will be available to students on campus; at off-campus centers in Rapid City, Sioux Falls, and Pierre; and by distance delivery.

“This degree accommodates students with a variety of career goals,” said Jack Warner, executive director and CEO for the South Dakota Board of Regents. “It will be a very attractive option for those students who have accumulated significant credits and want to complete a bachelor’s degree,” he said. “We invite such students to contact us to discuss this new option.”

Warner said it is one more important step the state is taking to increase the number of postsecondary graduates in South Dakota. “We know that there are many so-called ‘ready adults’ who have earned significant college credit but stopped out before completing their degree. This new degree option allows them to use credits they have already earned,” he said.

In South Dakota, there are about 113,500 people who have begun college but did not earn a degree. Research by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education found that people in certain fields, especially nursing, engineering, and math or science, are more likely to stop out before completing a degree. Oftentimes, these people have already completed 90 or more credit hours of study, Warner said, and need some flexibility to finish out a degree program.

No new state resources were requested for this program, since most courses used to complete the degree are already available. Earlier this year, the regents also terminated a number of low-enrolled academic programs and specializations to free up resources for this and other high-priority initiatives.

DSU brings MBA to Sioux Falls

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:55:09 CDT

Dakota State’s New MBA for New Era

BROOKINGS, S.D. – Dakota State University in Madison has received the go-ahead to offer a specialized master of business administration degree that reflects the university’s unique information technology mission and is designed to provide a flexible approach specifically for the Sioux Falls region. It will be offered starting this fall at University Center in Sioux Falls.

“Because of Dakota State’s reputation for innovation and our distinct mission, this degree is different from other MBA programs offered in the area,” said DSU President Doug Knowlton. “Two information technology courses will be required of all students, and the students will be able to work with faculty to design specializations that would recognize unique courses and fields of study: logistics or sustainability, for example,” he said.

The Dakota State program will prepare entry-level and lower middle-management professionals for advancement or a career change. People who are currently employed will be able to enroll and complete the degree in Sioux Falls on a part-time basis through face-to-face instruction.

A 2008 market study in the Sioux Falls area indicated a growing demand for employees with graduate degrees in business. Over the past two years, University Center officials have fielded an average of 15 inquiries a month asking about MBA programs. The MBA is considered an ideal foundation for management positions in a wide array of organizations and business structures.

An estimated 35 students will be admitted into the program each year, reaching a steady-state enrollment of 90 students by the fourth year.

UC Sponsors Team Fox

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 11:12:35 CDT

University Center Sponsors Team Fox Golf Tournament

Event will raise funds for Parkinson’s research

SIOUX FALLS, SD –– In her first year organizing a charity golf tournament, Sarah Rasmussen succeeded in raising nearly $10,000 for Parkinson’s research. For her efforts, Rasmussen was recently honored by the Michael J. Fox Foundation as one of the organization’s top fundraisers in the country.

Rasmussen, who is the Assistant Director of Academic and Student Services at University Center, traveled to New York City to attend a celebration dinner and meet Michael J. Fox. She says the experience motivated her to set her goal even higher this year.

The second annual Team Fox Golf Tournament is scheduled for July 17^th at Brandon Valley Golf Course, and Rasmussen hopes to raise $15,000 through the event this year.

University Center is a proud sponsor of the Team Fox Tournament. UC’s Community Action Committee helps organize the tournament and recruits volunteers to assist on the day of the event. Rasmussen credits the committee for the work they put in to coordinate the tournament and make it a success. “This is not something I could ever do on my own. It is definitely a team effort,” she says.

The Team Fox Golf Tournament is a best ball tournament. It includes lunch and features a silent auction. All proceeds go to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Individuals or teams interested in participating in the Team Fox Tournament have until July 9^th to register. For more information, contact Sarah Rasmussen at 605-367-5381 or sarah.rasmussen@yahoo.com.

About Parkinson’s Disease

Over five million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s disease – a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder whose symptoms typically progress from mild tremors to complete physical incapacitation. There is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease. Current treatments mask symptoms but do not alter or slow disease progression. In the United States, 60,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year alone. The annual economic cost of Parkinson’s in the U.S. is estimated to exceed $25 billion.

About the Michael J. Fox Foundation

The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to ensuring the development of better treatments, and ultimately a cure, for Parkinson’s disease through an aggressively funded research agenda. MJFF has funded almost $176 million in research to date.

About University Center

South Dakota Public Universities & Research Center, or University Center, provides the greater Sioux Falls community with convenient local access to public higher education programs from in-state partner Universities. University Center offers programs from the University of South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Dakota State University, Northern State University and Black Hills State University. At University Center the focus is on the adult learner and academic programs and courses that foster and support the economic development of the Sioux Falls area.

UC Learning Communities

Mon, 24 May 2010 14:54:35 CDT

Sioux Falls, SD - Around the Sioux Empire you will find adults who want to go to college but haven't.

Worries about academic ability might be holding them back. Or maybe they don't know how to pay for it.

That's why University Center is launching a new program that addresses these issues and more.

University Center is now taking applications for its new "Learning Community" - a part-time program for

adults who are new to college. As many as 30 students may participate in the first group which will start

taking classes in the Fall of 2010. Everyone in the pilot, also known as a cohort program, will take the same

classes at the same time. Depending on their financial situation, students may be eligible for new need-based

scholarships too.

"Students who are in the Learning Communities and demonstrate financial need will have access to

scholarships that actually reduce their tuition by 30% to nearly a half,"¨ says Dr. Mark Lee, Executive Dean

of University Center. "And that's pretty substantial. The reality is, however, it isn't just about reducing the

cost of education but also about making students more successful."

Each Learning Community will include a faculty mentor, an assigned advisor and a unique program of

study designed to improve success rates. Other support services such as tutoring and workshops will be

made available for students who want them.

"We know from research and experience that once students enroll and have some success, the likelihood

of finishing their program is significantly increased," notes Dr. Jack Warner, Executive Director of the South

Dakota Board of Regents. "The combination of a cohort program with need-based aid addresses both the

academic and financial issues that often deter students from engaging in higher education."

"We want to reach all people who seek higher education as a way to a better life," says Lee.

Fast Facts:

The Learning Community program spans 39 credit hours. (An Associate's Degree requires 64 credit hours. 128 credit hours are required for a Bachelor's Degree.)
The pilot Community will include 30 students. Additional Communities will be started in future semesters based on demand.
The median family income of an adult undergraduate student attending college in Sioux Falls was $69,000, according to a survey conducted in the summer of 2008.
In comparison, the median family income of an adult who had applied for undergraduate study at University Center but then did not enroll, was $37,000.
30% of students who inquired about classes but chose not to enroll cited cost as the reason.
The average age of a University Center student is 27.
65% of University Center students are female.
More than 90% are employed at least part-time, with nearly 50% employed full-time.
Most students are taking one to two classes.
The number of students attending University Center under a GED increased 50% in the last year.
University Center offers a wide variety of degree programs brought to Sioux Falls by the six state funded universities of South Dakota.
Total enrollment at University Center during the Fall 2009 term was 2,275 students.
Over the course of the year, University Center serves 3,400 unique students.

Links:

University Center - www.sduniversitycenter.org/

U.C. Learning Communities - www.sduniversitycenter.org/LearningCommunity

Learning Community Application - www.sduniversitycenter.org/files/learning%20communities%20application.pdf

About University Center - www.sduniversitycenter.org/Mission/

Federal Student Aid FAFSA - www.fafsa.ed.gov/

Social Media Links:

Facebook - www.facebook.com/SDUniversityCenter

YouTube - www.youtube.com/universitycentersf

Twitter - http://twitter.com/ucsiouxfalls/

UC Career Fair on April 13

Wed, 7 Apr 2010 11:19:13 CDT

MEDIA ALERT

Career Fair to be held at University Center

SIOUX FALLS, SD –– University Center will host a Career Fair for students and the public on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the University Center North campus.

Thirty five local employers are scheduled to participate in the Career Fair. They have both full time and part time job opportunities available. In addition, fair attendees can receive assistance with resume writing, interview skills, and career counseling.

The UC Career Fair is free and open to the public.

3/31/10: New Sociology Degree at UC

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:58:31 CDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, March 31, 2010

SOCIOLOGY TO BE OFFERED AT UNIVERSITY CENTER

SIOUX FALLS, SD – March 31, 2010 – The South Dakota Board of Regents today gave approval to South Dakota State University to offer its B.S. in Sociology degree at University Center in Sioux Falls beginning in Fall 2010.

The B.S. in Sociology is being offered at University Center in response to a demonstrated demand from students.

“We have seen strong enrollments in the individual Sociology courses that we currently offer,” said Dr. Sharon Sopko, University Center Director of Academic and Student Services, “and students are interested in completing that program here in Sioux Falls.”

The B.S. in Sociology degree prepares students for careers in social services, nonprofit organizations, social science research, public relations, human resources, juvenile corrections, human resources, support positions in universities, sales and marketing, and services. Sociology graduates are employed as counselors, probation and parole agents, human resources support professionals, retention advisors and in a variety of other careers.

12/17/09: New MBA in Sioux Falls

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:40:18 CDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 17, 2009

Dakota State Seeks Authority for MBA in Sioux Falls

MADISON, SD – A committee of the South Dakota Board of Regents today granted Dakota State officials permission to plan for a master of business administration degree to be offered at University Center in Sioux Falls likely beginning with the Fall 2010 semester.

“Our goal is to develop an MBA in general management, with an information technology component that reflects the unique mission of Dakota State University,” said Dakota State President Doug Knowlton. “Fundamentally, this degree is unlike other MBA programs offered by public or private universities in South Dakota partly because of the information technology integration and use.”

The program would be designed for people at entry- or mid-level within their organizations. “Our program appeals to a very different market segment of students than the professional MBA to be offered in Sioux Falls by The University of South Dakota,” Knowlton said. USD also offers a traditional MBA degree on campus and an MBA through distance delivery.

South Dakota’s economy continues to diversify and providing MBA options that have unique degree requirements permits students to choose the type of program that best fits their needs and is most likely to help them advance in their career.

The intent to plan is the first step in establishing a new program. Dakota State will return to the regents later for final approval after all its plans are finalized.

Mayoral Candidate Forum

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:09:39 CDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mayoral Candidate Forum Announced

SIOUX FALLS, SD – November 20, 2009 – The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) and University Center will host a Mayoral Candidate Forum on Thursday, December 3 at University Center. The forum will be held in Avera Hall at University Center North beginning at 3:30 p.m.

Candidates for Mayor of the City of Sioux Falls will participate in a moderated question and answer session. The forum is designed to give the public an opportunity to hear from the candidates regarding their positions on issues important to our community. The public is invited to submit questions for the candidates in advance by emailing them to mayorforum@sduniversitycenter.org.

All candidates for Mayor have been invited to participate in the discussion. Participants include Vernon Brown, Pat Costello, Mike Huether, Bill Peterson, and Kermit Staggers.

The event will be moderated by Jack Marsh, Executive Director of the Freedom Forum’s Al Neuharth Media Center.

The Mayoral Candidate Forum is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. University Center North is located just west of the junction of I-29 and 60^th Street North, on Career Avenue.

About OLLI

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at University Center provides educational and social opportunities for people aged 50 and older. Members can explore new areas of interest or revisit old passions by taking short courses on current events, history, literature, science, art, and more.

About University Center

UC Receives AIA Honor Award

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:36:40 CDT

University Center Receives AIA Honor Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, October 29, 2009

SIOUX FALLS, SD –The South Dakota Society of the American Institute of Architects has presented its Honor Award to South Dakota Public Universities and Research Center (University Center) and TSP Inc.

The Honor Award is South Dakota AIA’s highest award, and was given in recognition of the design of University Center’s new facilities. Submissions for the award were juried by Paul Jeffrey, president of BVH Architects in Omaha, Neb.

In presenting the Honor Award, Jeffrey noted that the design of University Center North had a clear vision, and the vision evidenced itself in the ultimate functionality of the space. “We were impressed with the buildings – good proportion, use of material, and excellent lighting,” said Jeffrey.

University Center’s facilities were designed by TSP Inc. The campus covers more than 260 acres in northwest Sioux Falls. It includes a 60,000 square foot classroom building and 21,000 square-foot Graduate Education and Applied Research (GEAR) Center.

UC Announces Two New Scholarships

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 07:54:44 CDT

University Center announces the launch of two new scholarship programs designed to serve the Sioux Falls community. Through the Community Connect Scholarship and the Lifelong Learning Scholarship, University Center continues to seek ways to provide quality, public higher education to the citizens of Sioux Falls and to meet the developing intellectual capital needs of the growing local economy.

Community Connect Scholarship

The Community Connect Scholarship is designed to encourage students from under-represented populations to enroll and persist in higher education. A special effort is being made to reach young students in the Hispanic/Latino community in Sioux Falls. “The Hispanic community has more than doubled in Sioux Falls since the 2000 Census and represents an estimated 5% of Sioux Falls population, yet they are dramatically under-represented in higher education” said Mark Lee, University Center Executive Dean. “Through the Community Connect Scholarship, we begin to address this difference and to overcome it.” The Community Connect Scholarship program seeks to cover most of the student’s cost of attendance through non-obligation financial aid. It also provides a support network in order to help first generation college students succeed.

Lifelong Learning Scholarship

The Lifelong Learning Scholarship aims to serve the adult learners in the Sioux Falls community. These “non-traditional students” are typically working while attending school part-time, and many have a family. These students often do not qualify for non-obligation financial aid because they cannot meet the attendance requirements of traditional scholarships. The Lifelong Learning Scholarship aims to fill the gap left by traditional aid programs and assist these students financially. Lee says, “For adult students, it is not uncommon for priorities of family, work and economics to cause them to pause their academic study. Life happens. We don’t want to penalize our students for this.” The Lifelong Learning Scholarship award can be used intermittently over a period of up to six years.

Both the Community Connect Scholarship and the Lifelong Learning Scholarship have been established by the Quartzite Club. The Quartzite Club, formed in 2008 by University Center, consists of Sioux Falls businesses and community leaders who believe in the importance of building a sustainable workforce for the community. “These programs are designed to reach out to our untapped resources and to keep growing the intellectual capital in Sioux Falls” said Ken Stork, Citibank President & CEO.

The Quartzite Club continues to work with business and community leaders to strengthen the base of support for public higher education in Sioux Falls. “We chose to invest in the Quartzite Club because we believe in the value that public higher education can bring to our community” said Bill Baker, President of The First National Bank in Sioux Falls. “Great communities strive to leave no one behind. By making higher education more accessible to everyone, we strengthen our economy, our community and the quality of life we offer here.”

Lee added, “This effort is more about community building than it is about enrollment building. It is about our mission to reach the entire breadth and depth of the Sioux Falls community.”

Applications for both the Community Connect Scholarship and Lifelong Learning Scholarship are now being accepted at University Center. Interested students may pick up application forms at University Center or by visiting http://www.sduniversitycenter.org/.

Bookstore Expands Hours

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 08:55:09 CDT

The UC Bookstore has expanded its hours to offer more flexibility for students. The new hours take effect Friday, September 12. The Bookstore will be open:

Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Another History-Making Year for the University Center

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:48:08 CDT

http://www.sdbor.edu/publications/documents/062708SiouxFalls.pdf

Another History-Making Year for University Center

BROOKINGS, S.D. – In another history-making year for University Center, the Sioux Falls

higher education center broke enrollment records and saw construction begin on two buildings

housing classrooms, graduate education, and applied research.

In his annual report to the South Dakota Board of Regents, Executive Dean Mark Lee reported

that University Center served a total of 3,405 unduplicated students over the past three semesters

that ended this spring. The fall semester showed an 11 percent increase in total credit hours

delivered, and an 8.4 percent increase in unduplicated headcount over the previous fall.

This year’s spring semester was also up by 4.2 percent in unduplicated headcount numbers. Last

summer’s enrollment and credit hours equated to an 18.7 percent increase over the previous

summer.

“Enrollments hit new all-time highs with strong enrollment demand evidenced across the board,”

Lee said. “This success and progress are indicative of the commitment made to public higher

education in the Sioux Falls area by the Board of Regents and the University Center partner

universities.”

As further evidence of that progress, Lee pointed to a historic $500,000 investment by Avera

McKennan Hospital to support construction at University Center’s new location, a private

fundraising effort to target student scholarships, and delivery of new programs for mature

learners through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

Degree programs approved for delivery in Sioux Falls over the past year included a doctor of

science in information systems from Dakota State University, a master’s degree in speechlanguage

pathology from the University of South Dakota, bachelor’s degrees in entrepreneurial

studies and media production from South Dakota State University, and an associate degree from

Black Hills State University in industrial technology.

University Center's new website

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:05:32 CDT

Welcome to the new University Center website! We have been making some exciting changes to help better serve you!