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University of South Dakota
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University of South Dakota - Diversity - College ProwlerCollege Prowler0.77

Diversity

D-
Where does this grade come from?View all Diversity rankingsReview this school to add your opinion

Comparable Schools' Diversity Grades:

Quick Stats

African American 2%
Asian American 1%
Hispanic 1%
International 0%
Native American 3%
White 85%
Unknown 8%
Historically Black College/University? No
Tribal College? No
Out-of-State Students 29%
Common States of Residence
  • Illinois
  • Iowa
  • Minnesota
  • Nebraska
  • Wisconsin
Student Age Breakdown Under 18: 0%
18-19: 28%
20-21: 29%
22-24: 25%
25+: 18%
Female Faculty 48%
Male Faculty 52%
Faculty Diversity African American: 1%
Asian American: 8%
Hispanic: 3%
International: 1%
Native American: 2%
White: 85%
Unknown: 0%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

The statistics state the facts: USD’s diversity is minimal. But it’s not because the school and its students don’t welcome a diverse student and faculty population; rather, it’s because our location somewhat limits the school in attracting a number of ethnicities. In recent years, the University has taken a step forward by focusing on ways to attract different ethnicities to Vermillion. Several different departments have begun to focus on diversity and cultural issues, such as American Indian Studies. When thinking about diversity, one must also keep in mind that diversity isn’t just about ethnic differences, it’s about diverse personal preferences, too, both sexually and religiously. USD students welcome different sexual orientations, and a number of religions are represented on campus. The school paper, The Volante, covers the issue of diversity and racism well, and while the stats show low numbers, the issue is large.

Economic status is not really an issue on campus either. Besides at the Greek level, where money can become an issue, most students don’t consider money important. It is safe to say students at USD are open-minded on all the issues the word “diversity” can describe. Just because we don’t have the numbers doesn’t mean we don’t have levelheaded views or that we don’t care about the issue.

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South Dakota Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Diversity at University of South Dakota

jonalyn48

'12

Psychology

2.3
C

USD Diversity

There is not a lot of diversity on campus that I see. However, I do not live on campus and do not go out much because there is literally nothing to do and I am always busy with school.

Jul 19, 2011

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Diversity at University of South Dakota

calprowler

'10

Business

3.8
B+

Midwestern Univesity Views on Diversity

Being a small midwestern university, I would expect the atmosphere to be lilly white and not to have a lot of diversity. However, there seem to be students from many ethnic backgrounds with various religous beliefs, including even same gender relationships. I have not personally observed any discrimation to any of these groups.

Mar 28, 2010

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Diversity at University of South Dakota

Anonymous

Student

What do you mean? There are people...

What do you mean? There are people here who aren’t white?

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Page 1 of 4

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

How diverse is the student body in the following areas?

How diverse is your personal circle of friends in the following areas?

How accepting is the campus community as a whole toward someone who falls into the minority (ethnic, sexual, or religious)?

How would you best describe your personal political beliefs?

How would you best describe the political beliefs of campus as a whole?

Facts

Gay Pride

With an estimated 10 percent of USD students claiming homosexual or bisexual preferences, USD is known in the area for being one of the most accepting schools around when it comes to different sexual preferences. Many students here who are gay stand proud, and USD’s 10% Society, the University’s chapter of the national GBLA, has been one of the most prominent organizations on campus in the past.

Political Activity

It would be safe to say that USD has almost an equal number of liberal and conservative students, both with organizations that proudly and prominently represent them. It may be because of our political science department, but USD students are some of the most active political voices in the state.

Economic Status

USD students come from a variety of economic backgrounds, but large majorities come from middle- to upper-middle-class families. Some students say a large number of the “rich kids” are involved in the Greek system. But, for the most part, money doesn’t seem to be a segregation issue with students on campus.

Most Common Religions

Most students come from Christian-based families, and a large number of the population remains religiously active on campus.

Minority Clubs on Campus

By looking at the numbers, it’s obvious diversity at USD is lacking. However, the few minority students here represent a large percent of overall student activity. In addition, USD students, maybe because the majority of us wish there was more diversity, are welcoming toward all students, and racism is almost nonexistent. In addition, USD recently created the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity to help promote diversity at USD, with hopes of attracting a larger number of different ethnicities.

Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at USD

Name: Kerry Hacecky

Major: Journalism/Public Relations/English minor

see all student author bios >

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