SDSU to close facilities due to coronavirus

South Dakota State University President Barry Dunn issued a statement announcing the temporary closing of several facilities and cancellation of some activities.

Effective Friday, March 13, at 5 p.m., the following SDSU facilities will be closed until further notice: Wellness Center, McCrory Gardens, South Dakota Art Museum, South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum, the University Bookstore in the University Student Union, SDSU Dairy Bar, and Meat Lab. The Fishback Early Learning Center Preschool will also be closed; however, the kindergarten will operate per the Brookings School District agreement.

Regarding the H.M. Briggs Library, we respectfully ask you to access resources online as it will be closed to the general public. Faculty and students are welcome to use the facility while following appropriate health practices.

The Board of Regents earlier announced that spring break at all the state-run universities will be extended one week. Dunn says students are strongly encouraged to remain at home during the extended spring break to limit potential exposure to illness. However, housing is available for those students who may need to return to campus due to extenuating circumstances. Any student needing to live in university-owned housing during the break must apply online through MyState.

Dunn says they are committed to providing support for students, faculty and staff as they continue their best efforts to manage the ever-changing situation surrounding the spread of coronavirus.