Civics at USD
As South Dakota’s flagship liberal arts university, the University of South Dakota is committed to fostering informed and active citizenship among its students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage meaningfully in their communities. USD encourages students to be proactive participants in civic life, emphasizing the importance of understanding societal issues, engaging in dialogue, and contributing to the public good. Through academic and co-curricular programming USD aims to cultivate a student body that is not only academically prepared but also civically minded and responsible.
The university provides numerous opportunities for students to engage in discussions, attend events, and participate in activities that enhance their understanding of civic responsibility.
Upcoming Campus Events
Our signature events for the fall academic semester are listed below.
72nd Annual Harrington Lecture
Of Service, Leadership and Public Administration: Hopes, Warnings, Possibilities
Matthew R. Fairlholm, Ph.D., USD Department of Political Science
Tuesday, October 29
7 p.m. | Farber Hall, Old Main
The study of government is often focused on politics, elections, voting and bills becoming laws. It is after the elections and after the laws are signed, however,
that much of government work begins. In reality, such work is ongoing and consistent. Friends and neighbors are hard at work making government real in
the lives of so many. Administering the government’s business has historically been a behind-the-scenes endeavor, for better or for worse, completed by people
who help and serve in quiet and technically proficient ways. Sometimes we call them public servants, but more often we call them bureaucrats. Lately, issues of
the administrative state have received more headlines. Shining a light on public administration sometimes allows for shadows to be seen. It is not always well-known what bureaucrats do, how they do it and to what ends.
Through a historical review of the field of public administration, this lecture interweaves issues of leadership, management, service and expertise, while recognizing that this professional practice and its related educational pursuits may very well have a place in discussions of the liberal arts. In doing so, not only is the nobility of public service recognized, the hopes and possibilities explored, but also inevitable warnings are presented so that we might better understand the work being done by so many in pursuit of what is called the public interest.
This event is free and open to the public. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
Additional Events Coming Soon
November, the Institute for American Indian Studies will host a panel discussion on the 100th anniversary of the Indian Citizenship Act.
For more information on civic engagement programming at USD please contact the Opportunity Center at usd.edu/opportunitycenter.
Departments & Facilities
Opportunity Center
The USD Opportunity Center offers a central connection point for campus resources that are designed specifically for student success.
Chiesman Center for Democracy
The Chiesman Center for Democracy promotes and supports democratic principles and active civic engagement.
Farber Center
At the W.O. Farber Center for Civic Leadership, we prepare students for a lifetime of leadership as citizens of the community, state, nation and world.
