State universities cancel all in-person classes for the rest of the semester

PIERRE (AP) – South Dakota public universities have canceled all in-person classes for the rest of the semester and postponed graduation ceremonies as the state expects COVID-19 infections to rise through the spring.

The Board of Regents says classes are currently being held online at the state’s six universities. The universities won’t be changing tuition charges unless a course can’t be delivered online. They will offer partial financial credits for room, meal and parking fee.

South Dakota State University President Barry Dunn says they have a plan in place for a “safe and orderly move out of the residence halls.” He says it includes options for storage of items that can’t be picked up at the designated time and alternate arrangements for picking up belongings at a later date.

SDSU has determined commencement ceremonies will be postponed until further notice and there will be no campus activities or events through May 15.

Teachers at the School for the Blind & Visually Impaired will work with students remotely until May. But audiology clinics through the School for the Deaf are closed. In-person instruction at both special education schools is canceled.