If you are an employee who receive benefits from the University of South Dakota, you qualify for a 1/2 price discount on any Wellness Center membership. This includes couple and family memberships, with monthly and annual options available. You also have the option of having your membership deducted directly from your paycheck automatically. You are welcome to visit the Wellness Center any time for a tour of the facility; stop by room 102 or call 605-658-6794 for a tour, and visit the Wellness Center website for membership information.

Faculty and staff can access dental services at a reduced rate through the Delta Dental Oral Health Center or the Sioux Falls Dental Clinic. These clinics give our dental hygiene students hands-on, practical experience with patients under the close supervision of licensed dentists and licensed hygienists. You can find more information about services, policies and more by visiting the Delta Dental Oral Health Center or the Sioux Falls Dental Clinic webpages.

• President's Offer Day-Of Tickets. All USD employees can claim free tickets to any USD athletics event that is not sold out, and faculty and staff can also access free tickets to shows through the Department of Theatre. Keep an eye on your email for these offers or visit Coyote OneStop to request tickets.
• Howling Pack. If you want to maximize your experience with Coyote Athletics, joining the Howling Pack is a great way to do that! Howling Pack memberships include a variety of benefits ranging from ticket purchase priority to exclusive event invites and discounts at USD Charlie’s Store

Here are a few highlightable benefits you should know about.

• Paid Family Leave. This benefit provides eligible state employees with up to 12 weeks of paid leave following the birth or placement of a child for adoption. This program is intended to help provide parents with the means to spend critical bonding time with the child. For more information about this program, call the USD HR office at (605) 659-3660.
• Reduced Tuition. After a full year working at USD, benefit-eligible employees who can demonstrate residency in South Dakota can access a reduced tuition rate for on-campus and online courses. Learn more by contacting Admissions@usd.edu or GradAdmissions@usd.edu.
• Paid Employee Health Insurance. Eligible state employees and their families will have access to four options, including a zero deductible health plan, a low deductible health plan and two high deductible health plans. Learn more in the BHR Benefits Guide.
• Retirement Benefits. Full time employees receive a 6% fully matched contribution to the South Dakota Retirement System (401a), which is a cost sharing, multiple employer, public employee retirement system. SDRS benefits are based on the member's final average compensation, the member's years of credited service and a benefit multiplier. Retirement benefits are payable for member's lifetime. Surviving spouse benefits are also available.
  
   

One of the trademarks of our USD community is our passion for learning. Our students and employees alike are lifelong learners, and we want you to have opportunities to continue developing professionally.

Here are a few professional development opportunities in the USD and Vermillion communities.

• Lunch & Learns. Each month during the academic year, the USD President's Office sponsors a Lunch & Learn. This is an opportunity for faculty and staff to come together over a meal to learn about the university, campus changes and more. Look for events at USD's campus in Vermillion, in Sioux Falls and via livestream. Keep an eye on your email for invites to these events.
• REDTalks. The Vermillion Chamber & Development Company (VCDC) hosts a business luncheon series called REDTalks. Follow the VCDC on Facebook to stay up to date on upcoming events.
• Toastmasters. Looking to improve or practice your communication skills? Join USD's chapter of the Toastmasters International Club.
• Vermillion NEXT. Vermillion NEXT is a young professionals network for emerging leaders seeking to engage young professionals in the community. Learn more about Vermillion NEXT online. There are also similar opportunities offered in neighboring communities, such as the Sioux Falls Young Professionals Network.
• Brown Bag Lecture Series. Several departments at USD host lectures and seminars to share knowledge with our community. One example is a brown bag lecture series offered by the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs.
• Coffee Hour. Network with colleagues and others in the community at the VCDC's Coffee Hour events. Follow the VCDC on Facebook to stay up to date on upcoming events.
• HR Trainings. USD Human Resources offers a number of professional development and training opportunities for faculty and staff throughout the year. You can find a schedule of sessions — including opportunities in Vermillion, in Sioux Falls and online — and register for those events through the HR Training for Faculty and Staff form in Coyote One Stop.
• President's Executive Leadership Institute. Through this unique professional development opportunity for campus-based administrators and leaders, program fellows will learn about issues facing higher education broadly and the University of South Dakota specifically. Learn more about PELI.