DSU extends spring break to respond to pandemic

Dakota State University is joining the other five universities in the South Dakota Regental System in the decision to extend the 2020 spring break an additional week in response to the situation with coronavirus (COVID-19). As of March 12th, there have been no confirmed cases at Dakota State, in Madison or Lake County.

No on-campus or online classes will be held during the week of March 15-20, but offices on campus will remain open. Students who have gone home for spring break are being asked not to return to campus until after March 20. There may be students who need to return to campus because of extenuating circumstances or special needs such as employment or athletics; they will be allowed to stay in their residence halls and meal services will be available. These students will need to fill out a special housing form prior to returning to campus. This form is available through Student Services or the residence hall directors. If students have questions, please call one of these Residence Life Spring Break housing numbers, 605-291-9213 or 605-291-9602.

Faculty and staff are being asked to work with their supervisors regarding their job duties and work location during the additional spring break week. Board of Regents’ officials are directing campus administrators to cancel all non-essential international travel and limit domestic travel on a case-by-case basis, until further notice. We are also evaluating whether or not to hold large, on-campus events on a case-by-case basis.

 This additional time will give the universities the opportunity to further monitor the ever-changing situation with Coronavirus (COVID-19) and formulate readiness plans to best deal with the pandemic.

Leadership at Dakota State is continuing to hold daily meetings to discuss issues and solutions with the situation. DSU is also working with the community for a coordinated response in the greater Madison area.

Continue to monitor DSU’s website for further updates, and information on preventive health measures is available at the CDC website, WHO site, or the state Department of Health.

 The state Board of Regents press release regarding this decision can be found on the BOR website, sdbor.edu.