BROOKINGS – South Dakota State University will resume normal fall operations on campus, including face-to-face teaching and learning, as announced Friday by the South Dakota Board of Regents. Fall semester classes are scheduled to begin Aug. 24.

The decision was made following discussions among regents’ staff, university presidents and the special school superintendents following recommendations from public health officials and state leadership.

“It is exciting to think about having our students and employees back on campus, creating a vibrant atmosphere of teaching and learning,” said SDSU President Barry Dunn. “The planning and execution for that return will be done with the safety and security of everyone in mind. While we will be conducting teaching and learning on campus, the traditional setting for some classes may be altered as the need for social distancing continues.”

Earlier this week, Dunn launched the “JacksRBack” planning and execution team to look at all options and methods that may be needed during the return to campus, including classroom teaching, residential life, food service, tutoring, wellness, employee accommodations and others.

“We will continue to follow the guidance of leading health organizations like the CDC and utilize the science and resources available to us while we plan for fall semester,” Dunn said. “I am confident that our JacksRBack team will come up with a plan that provides a safe environment to teach, learn and live on campus, recognizing that we will need to make some special accommodations for those individuals who may need them.”

SDSU’s COVID-19 Response Team has been meeting since January. Information and updates to the university’s pandemic response can be found on the SDSU COVID-19 website.