1. South Dakota State a Land-grant University Offering a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusion and access through inspired, student- centered education, bold and innovative research, and stewardship within a global society.

2. Promote academic excellence through quality programs, engaged learners and an innovative teaching and learning environment. Undergraduate students: 10,840 Graduate students: 1,714 Faculty: 622 FT 150 PT Fields of Study – Majors: 73 – Specializations: 31 – Minors: 73 Undergraduate courses offered: 1,804 Student-to-faculty ratio: 17:1 First year sections with fewer than 40 students: 1,304 First year sections with 100 or more students: 55

3. Indicators of Quality Student Completion – 76% retention of freshmen to sophomores – 57% graduation rate over 6 years 32 Nationally Accredited Programs – Engineering, Pharmacy, Nursing, Teacher Education, Music, Journalism, Dietetics, Aviation, Range Science, Interior Design, Early Childhood Education, Counseling, Athletic Training, Medical & Laboratory Science & more Demand as indicated by employer feedback and placement rates – 68% employed; 19% graduate/professional school; 9% seeking employment; 4% other – Of those employed, 90% found employment related to their career goal

4. College is Different than High School You are much more independent; we depend on you to take responsibility for your choices and actions. You must go to class … ALL OF THE TIME! The general rule: For every 1 hour in the classroom, you must spend 2 additional hours out of the classroom. This is considered a minimum. You must take charge of your educational experience. Student effort is a major component of educational quality and success.

5. College is Different than High School

6. SDSU is Rigorous High expectations for our students – We expect you to want to be here – We expect you to take your learning seriously – We expect you to make an effort Reading and writing are expected General and specialized education – 35 credit general education – 45-70 credits in major – 0-20 electives – 120 credits for BS/BA degree Study skills – UC 143, Mastering Lifetime Learning

7. Graduates who reported having “experiential and deep learning” were twice as likely to be engaged at work Peer mentor Service-learning Major-related clubs Internships, field experiences, clinicals Study abroad Undergraduate research Lab assistant, Teaching assistant Leadership training/position

8. Meaningful ties with professors or mentors had the highest correlation with well-being after graduation. Honors College – Talented, motivated students and faculty – Rigorous, enriched, personalized intellectual experience – Opportunities for research, travel and leadership development – Honors Hall living and learning community – Honors curriculum and graduation with Honors College distinction

9. Academic Support Tutoring for 35 courses Supplemental Instruction in 28 courses Math Support Center Chemistry Writing Center in Briggs Library Developmental courses in math, reading, and writing (ACT score determines placement) Wintrode Student Success Center

10. Student Success: Academic Momentum Declare a major by end of first year Earn a minimum of 12 credits; 15 credits per semester results in 120 credits in 4 years Complete English 101 in first year Complete Math course in first year Complete orientation and career exploration Work less than 15 hours per week

11. Student Success: The First Year Experience Summer Bridge: An early start option First Year Advising Center First Year Seminar Early Alert Exploratory Studies for undecided students Common Read – Good Food Revolution Living/Learning Communities

12. We Pledge to… – Provide a quality education – Challenge you both intellectually and personally – Support you when you need help – Help you transition to State and find your place – Engage you so that you become a true JACKRABBIT! Our Commitment to You