REGENTS REPORT

NO. 45, June 14, 1996

Meeting The Needs of South Dakotans

The Sioux Falls Center for Public Higher Education

South Dakota's public university system is charged with meeting the higher education needs of citizens statewide. Sioux Falls and the surrounding area is a significant part of this service area (with about 24% of the state's population) and has demonstrated a need for public higher education to meet significant personal and professional needs. Prior to 1992 three state universities were offering limited degree programs in Sioux Falls. In 1992, the university system took a large step toward enhancing public higher education opportunities through an inter-institutional approach in forming the Sioux Falls Center for Public Higher Education. The Center and its programs are offered through an integrated structure combining the expertise of Dakota State University, South Dakota State University, and the University of South Dakota.

The Sioux Falls Center-- How Has It Grown?

CPHE is designed to meet the fast changing needs of South Dakota's citizens and businesses and since its creation has seen a significant increase in enrollment. In its first year (FY93), the Center saw 1,839 registrations for two terms. By FY96, the number of registrations had jumped 84.7% to 3,396 registrations for three terms.

SOURCE: Board of Regents

The Purpose of the Sioux Falls Center for Public Higher Education:

The Center strives to serve the unique higher education needs of non-traditional students. These students need programs designed for career change or enhancement with the adult learner in mind. Opportunity is important too, as many CPHE students work full-time, the Center provides public higher education close to home and work.

Objectives of the Sioux Falls Center for Public Higher Education

I. To provide educational opportunities, with emphasis for the working adult population, in response to the economic and employment needs of the Sioux Falls metropolitan area.

II. To deliver complete degree programs, courses and services in Sioux Falls at a level of quality commensurate with on-campus programs.

III. To enhance course and program opportunities beyond what any one university could individually provide for purposes of career advancement and personal enrichment.

IV. To provide community access to public higher education opportunities.

What Programs Are Offered at the Sioux Falls Center?

Most of the Center's students are degree seeking; though, Certificates of Completion are offered in various areas. Students enroll for different reasons; some are preparing for career changes or advancement, and others intend to continue their education at one of the three cooperating universities (DSU, SDSU & USD).

M.S. Administrative Studies					    B.S.  Family & Consumer Sciences
(Human Resources or Health Services Admin.)			 B.S.  Health Promotion/Allied Health
M.S. Industrial Management						        B.S.  Business Administration
M.S. Geography										 A.S.  Business Management
M.S. Nursing										    A.S.  Applications Programming
M.A. Elementary or Secondary Education				    A.A.  Nursing (LPN to RN)
M.Ed.  Curriculum & Instruction						      Certificate or Minor
M.B.A. Master of  Business Admin.					       Not-for-Profit Management
(Management or Health Services Admin.)				     Certificate of Completion in:
B.S.  Information Systems								Business Communication
B.S.  General Studies									      Human Resource Development
B.S.  Engineering										Employee Assistance
(Civil, Mechanical, Industrial, or Foods and Materials)		Professional Associate Certificate
B.S.  Nursing											  Alcohol & Drug Abuse Studies
B.S.  Electrical Engineering Tech.
B.S.  Family & Consumer Sciences

CONCLUSION

The Center for Public Higher Education is providing undergraduate and graduate programs for the adult population in South Dakota's largest city through a cooperative effort of three public universities. The Center's range of programs are developed to meet the diverse needs of the community. Enrollment for the Center's first three years reflect the need to provide access to public higher education opportunities in the Sioux Falls area.

Return to Table of Regents Reports