Drone image of campus at sunset

Parents & Families

We're glad your family is a part of our Coyote community! Review the resources and Q&A below to learn more about the university, opportunities available to your student and ways your family can get involved.

 

 Four Things To Know Right Now

As the parent of high school and college students, we know you have a lot going on in life. This section is your quick guide on what is most important. When you have more time, we encourage you to explore our website and everything there is to know about the Yote Life, but in the meantime, here are the top four things to know right now.
  1. Students who have completed their junior year of high school are eligible to apply for admission to the University of South Dakota!
  2. We invite you to come and explore the USD campus. Check out our visit opportunities and schedule a tour today.
  3. Dual credit is a great opportunity for your student to get a head start on their college degree before graduating high school! The application is now open for fall 2024 dual credit enrollment. Submit your application prior to the Aug. 26 deadline.
  4. Navigating the financial aspects of college can be challenging but USD's Office of Financial Aid is here to support you and your student every step of the way. If you have questions about financial aid, we have answers! Use Coyote One Stop to explore frequently asked questions and request an appointment with our office to speak directly with a financial aid representative.
  1. We are excited to welcome your student on campus and we are here to make sure they have everything they need to stay organized and informed as they complete the remaining steps for registering for classes, securing housing and more. Please encourage your student to review our Welcome Resources and the Admitted Student Checklist, which covers all of the essential steps they need to follow prior to arrival on campus.
  2. Coyote Registration sessions are available in the late spring and summer for incoming students. Your student will receive emails from us that include more details on scheduled Coyote Registration events and how to register for one. During Coyote Registration, your student will meet with an academic advisor, register for classes and learn about resources available for our students.
  3. If your student is eager to explore campus life, find their community or utilize the vast resources available to them as a student at USD, our New Student Guide has your family covered. Receive detailed insights on campus culture, housing options, dining, transportation, safety and more. 
  4. Our Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your student to explore the many resources available to help make college even more affordable. If you have questions about financial aid, we have answers! Use Coyote One Stop to explore frequently asked questions and request an appointment with our office to speak directly with a financial aid representative.
  1. As your student starts their semester at USD (or prepares to join us on campus soon), this is a great time to check in and ensure they understand how to access the resources available to them. The Opportunity Center can connect your student with services across campus. Encourage your student to visit with the Opportunity Center staff on campus in Vermillion, Sioux Falls or virtually. 
  2. Do you have questions about billing? Our Business Office is here to help. You can find resources and SDePay instructions on our Billing and Payment webpage. 
  3. We have a monthly newsletter specifically for parents and families! You can sign up here. Once you are added to our email list, you will receive updates about life at USD, important reminders, news stories and events to add to your calendar.
  4. The Parent & Family Council at USD offers a wonderful opportunity for parents and guardians to make a positive impact on undergraduate student life and family engagement. By joining the council, you can actively contribute to enhancing the student experience and supporting our vibrant community. Learn more about how to get involved via the Parent & Family Council webpage.
  1. USD's career and internship support does not stop at graduation; our Academic & Career Planning Center offers support services to alumni as well. Graduates can reach out to this office for assistance with interviews, resumes and more.
  2. Congratulations on your graduation! As you embark on this exciting new chapter, our Center for Career & Life Design is here to help you navigate the transition from college to career. We provide a range of services designed to support you in finding full-time, part-time and summer jobs, as well as internships.
  3. Students who are interested in continuing their education should consider graduate programs at USD. Our Graduate Admissions office is available to help students navigate the opportunities available to them. Students can email our team at [email protected] or learn more and apply on our website.
  4. USD's community of alumni and friends is over 70,000 strong. We encourage graduates to stay connected through the USD Alumni Association.
 

Sign Up for the Parent
& Family Newsletter

We're glad you're a part of our Coyote community! Stay connected by joining our email list. We'll send you updates about life on campus, upcoming events and important information to know throughout the year.

Ways to Get Involved

There's something for everyone here, from enjoying our annual Dakota Days celebration to enrolling your younger family members in our summer camps. Parents and guardians seeking a more active role in the university community are encouraged to learn more about our Parent & Family Council.

Getting Started at USD

Financial Aid and Billing

Important Dates and Events

Student Life

Support and Safety

Students taking a selfie with Charlie Coyote

Family Weekend: Sept. 27-29

Invite your family to campus for USD's Fall Family Weekend! There will be activities all weekend including a USD home tailgate and football game. Watch the USD Coyotes take on the Southern Illinois Salukis.

 

Family Weekend tickets will be $15 for the USD Football Game against Southern Illinois by visiting this link and using the Promo Code FAMILY.

 

Tailgating at Coyote Alley runs from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. before the game kicks off at 1.

 

Learn More

Joining the Coyote Family

Success story Shane Bork smiling.
It was always a dream of mine that one of my kids would get the "Verm" experience and I know she’s going to love it. I gained lifelong friends at USD and now she will too. For years we’ve taken family trips to Vermillion each year to watch Coyote athletics, now we’ll make even more trips!

Shane Bork

B.S. HPER - Recreation, with Coaching Endorsement '98
Remsen, Iowa

Departments & Facilities

Learn more about the departments and facilities that contribute to student success at the University of South Dakota.
Exterior of Slagle Hall

Academic Affairs

Leading the way for academics at USD.

Advisor Meeting with Student.

Academic & Career Planning Center

Every step of your college journey, USD has the resources that will help you navigate the unknown and be successful. Our services are designed to help students reach their potential personally, academically and professionally.

Exterior of Slagle Hall.

Business Office

Providing financial services to our students and university departments.

Business students sit at tables and network with businesses at a career fair.

Center for Career & Life Design

Find your path to a meaningful future at USD. The Center for Career and Life Design will help you explore interests, expand your curiosity and prepare you for your future.

A top down view of students studying in the library together.

Dean of Students Office

The Dean of Students works with many non-academic services and programs that are focused on providing student development activities and services that will enhance student learning and success. Included is the USD student handbook.

Exterior of Belbas Center.

Financial Aid

The Office of Financial Aid works with students and parents to explore the many resources available to help make your college education even more affordable.

The Muenster University Center exterior during a summer evening.

Opportunity Center

The USD Opportunity Center offers a central connection point for campus resources that are designed specifically for student success.

Students Studying in the Library.

Registrar

The Office of the Registrar serves as the institutional guardian for official academic information and records in supporting the faculty, staff and students of the University of South Dakota.

Continue Exploring In Parents & Families

Parent & Family Council