“The University of Sioux Falls, a Christian University in the liberal arts tradition, educates students in the humanities, sciences, and professions,” according to our mission but what does this really mean as you consider attending USF over a state school?  USF is set apart in its desire to give students a hands on learning method that truly develops a Culture for Service.  The traditional motto of the University is Culture for Service; that is, we seek to foster academic excellence and the development of mature Christian persons for service to God and humankind in the world. 

Ultimately this decision is a personal one.  You are the only one that can determine if a commitment to teaching from a biblical worldview is important to you.  Christian College Guide highlights many great articles and studies on why students should consider a Christian college.  One that is specifically challenging is titled Investing in their Faith.  The article is geared towards parents of teens and discusses how their son or daughters college choice can really impact their future.  It goes so far as to state “that the lower price may not be worth the cost” when it comes to faith.    

When it comes down to it, how important is it to you that USF is a Christian school?

The National Career Development Association (NCDA) has declared this week National Career Development Week. We’re celebrating here at USF.  Billie Streufert, director of the Academic Success Center, will be posting an article to help you find professional satisfaction and achieve your goals each day this week.  Learn more about discovering your calling in The Waiting Room.

So you’re thinking about going to college. You’re sifting through letters from a slew of colleges and universities. All of them kind of look the same don’t they? Well there is one way to make sure you can differentiate all of them. Take a campus visit! Schools want you to take a look at what they offer. Below are a few tips of some of the things you should make sure you do while on your visit.

First things first…schedule the visit in advance
If you want to make sure you can do any of the following, allow ample time (2-3 days) for appointments to be made for you. This way if you want to meet with a coach or a professor they can know to be available.

Take a campus tour
This is the best way to see a college. Make this a priority in your visit. You can see classrooms, athletic facilities and dorm rooms – all of which you will be using in college.

Meet with a professor
Even if you don’t know what your major will be. The professors will be able to show you a little insight into what the academic side of college will be like.

Eat in the cafeteria
It will be better than high school food. Plus you get a chance to experience what it’s like to be a student and see everyone interacting.

Talk with current students
Stop and talk to students while you’re in the cafeteria or when you are out on tour. They are the ones who are experiencing that college first hand and will be able to tell you all about it.

Speak with Financial Aid about scholarships
College is becoming more and more costly so you will want to find a way to pay for it. The financial aid office can help you with that.

And most importantly…Ask questions!
Figure out which things are important to you in a college. Once you have those figured out make a list of a few questions that you can ask while on your visit. This is your best opportunity to meet with a lot of people in a short amount of time. Take advantage of it!

Tomorrow USF is hosting over 50 students for one of our many group visit days. Learn more about how to set up your own visit by clicking “VISIT CAMPUS”!

By Braden Bradfield, Admissions Counselor

Athletics is a big part of the University of Sioux Falls along with hundreds of universities and colleges around the United States.  The USF’s coaches know that school should be a top priority though for their athlete. That is why that put the word “student” before “athlete.”

Being an athlete when I was a student here at the University made me really develop great time management skills. It was fun to participate in an extra-curricular activity that I loved to play. Now being part of the NCAA was a big move and a move that needed to be made by the University. A better quality of student athlete comes with the NCAA and the competition is more intense. We are excited about this transition and we look forward to sporting competitions here at USF.

If you are interested in becoming a USF NCAA student athlete, learn more at www.usfcougars.com.

Join us on Saturday, November 5th to audition for a USF Music Performance Scholarship. Take this chance to visit campus, hear from admissions and financial aid, perform with college musicians and audition for a music scholarship – up to $4,000, renewable each year!  Vocalists should prepare two solos of varying styles.  Instrumentalists should prepare a solo or excerpt from standard repertoire.  Auditions for both vocalists and instrumentalists will take place in the morning.  The day will also include the following items:  

• Enjoy lunch with college musicians in the Salsbury Dining Hall
• Hear from the Admissions Staff about USF and the application process.
• Learn about scholarship and financial aid opportunities.
• Take a campus tour.
• Sign up here!

NSLS programming is two-fold: 

1. SPEAKER SERIES

The chapter will host six live broadcast events, featuring some of the nation’s top presenters, authors and business leaders. The first speaker event, with Alton Brown from the Food Channel, is this Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 5:45 p.m. in Z-Hall. Future speaker dates for 2011-12: October 25, November 8, February 7, February 28 and March 27.

2. STUDENT MEMBERSHIP

Members join Success Networking Teams comprised of 8-9 students. In these small team settings, students share challenges, goals and aspirations, make commitments to each other and hold one another accountable for their actions to meet their goals.

USF’s chapter of NSLS is led by senior Laura Anderson, chapter president; senior Nathan Woodward, chapter vice president; senior Jamie Hesser, chapter secretary; Assistant Registrar Sara VandeKamp, success networking teams advisor; and Assistant Business Professor Martha Helland and Associate Vice President for Student Development Karen Sumner, chapter advisors.

The chapter’s next Leadership Training Day will be Thursday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. in Little Z-Hall. For more information, contact any of the above-mentioned members of the USF leadership team.

Here’s what students are saying about USF’s newest honor society, Sigma Alpha Pi:

I want to further explore what I want to do with my gifts and set goals for myself based on those gifts.

I want to improve my leadership skills. I think this will really help me throughout my life.

I want to have an advantage in the job market when I graduate, and I think learning about leadership and goal setting will help me when I start looking for a job after college.

I like the scholarship opportunities that come with membership along with all the learning and service opportunities.

This is a great opportunity for me to learn and figure out what I really want to do in my future.

I want to use what I learn to help me succeed in my first year of college.

I want to learn to lead and set goals for myself as well as figure out how to use my gifts and talents to help others – if I do both of these things, I know I will have a successful life.

I want to find my purpose.

I want to take control of my future!

This is just what I need!

Fall College Fairs