The year 2006 is coming to a close, and SDSU has had quite a year. With so many events and breaking news, here are the top 10 news headlines run in the past year.

“President Miller set to retire in 2007″ (Jan. 24)After nine years as South Dakota State University’s president, Peggy Miller announced her retirement plans. Miller is set to retire Jan. 1, 2007. She began her presidency in 1998.

“New President – SDSU alumnus David Chicoine chosen” (Sept. 27)South Dakota Board of Regents selected SDSU alumnus David Chicoine as the new university leader.

“With big blast of pride, SDSU joins Mid-Con” (Sept. 6)SDSU joined the Mid-Continent conference Aug. 31, along with rival NDSU. Students felt the acceptance helped reinforce SDSU’s move to Division 1.

“Daktronics intern slain on solo trip” (Sept. 27)Jason Shephard, a 23-year-old sales intern at Daktronics was murdered while on a business trip to Pennsylvania. A sales manager from a nearby Daktronics office was charged with Shephard’s murder.

“A new rabbit arises” (Oct. 11)To fit in with Division 1, the 30-plus-year-old Jackrabbit logo will soon be changed. The logo is not considered to be as current, and since SDSU has joined Mid-Continent, now is the time to create a new logo. The logo will be chosen and unveiled sometime in February.

“Political science teacher under investigation” (April 11)Professor Gary Aguiar was investigated for potentially violating South Dakota Board of Regents policies pertaining to ethics and conflict of interest. Aguiar, who ran for a Brookings City Council seat in April 2005, was a mayoral candidate in the April 11 election.

“Forums for all, not press” (Sept. 13)The Collegian at SDSU went against the South Dakota Board of Regents after being told they would be shut out of the presidential candidate meetings Sept. 14 and 15.

The BOR policy had always been to close the media out of constituent meetings; however, The Collegian won the suit, and the BOR opened the meetings to all newspapers.

“2 players accused of sexual assault” (Feb. 7)Andre Gilbert and Mohamed Berte were suspended from the SDSU basketball team after being charged for raping female student on campus Dec. 15. The female filed a protection order, then both men filed one. Four football players were recruited to fill in the gaps left of the Jackrabbit team.

“A new university?” (Jan. 31)USDSU, now known as SDPURC, caused a controversy among South Dakota schools. The South Dakota Board of Regents wanted to add buildings, creating a larger campus. The creation of a new campus would possibly detract from SDSU and other state universities.

“Syllabus statement draws fire” (Sept. 6)A statement that appeared in syllabi this semester guaranteeing academic freedom stirred controversy among students and faculty.

The statement said students’ opinions should not affect their grades, and included guidelines for students if they feel they are being discriminated against by their professor.

#1.883923:134107713.jpg:presannounce04.jpg:Incoming president David Chicoine accepts his new job Sept. 25.:

Sophomore Allison Ehrman is a true supporter of the SDSU Jacks. She is right there along the sidelines, in the action, cheering loud and proud for the yellow and blue.

Ehrman, an early childhood education major, is one of the 22 SDSU students that make up the Jackrabbit Cheer Team.

“My favorite part is getting to cheer along with the fans because that is really what I am,” said the second-year cheerleader.

However, besides classes and jobs, these fans devote long hours and hard work to bring the spirit to the games.

“Contrary to what many people think, there are a lot of difficult aspects to cheerleading,” said Kaylee Maresh, a sophomore apparel merchandising and advertising major.

Ehrman said one of the most difficult aspects is not being recognized for the hard work the team puts in.

“Many think we are a waste of space on the sidelines,” said Maresh, who is cheering in her second year. “If cheerleading only consisted of jumping up and down and smiling, I wouldn’t devote so much of my time to it. It’s much more.”

Each week, the team of 11 girls and 11 guys meets on Monday and Wednesday for two hours, practicing stunts, dances, cheers and the school song. At 7 p.m., the squad conditions and weight lifts for an hour. Also, the team must find time to meet with their individual stunt partners during the week.

Such hard work is rewarding for the team, however.

“Exciting the crowd during a bad game, hitting a stunt and representing SDSU in a positive manner makes me feel good,” Maresh said. “The crowd is also great and I love being able to help them support our team.”

The SDSU Cheer Team will be front and center at the Hobo Days football game against U.C. Davis, October 28.

#1.884068:2741867655.JPG:Cheer02.JPG:The SDSU cheerleaders back the Jacks at a home football game.:Erin Lester

SDSU junior Justin Parham was 18 when he received his first credit card offer.

“It came in the mail, and at the time I thought it was pretty sweet,” he said.

But Parham became one of the many students sucked into credit card debt.

“I fell into an $8,000 debt,” he said. “I would take out cash advances, because it was just like a quick loan. But soon the interest became extremely high. When I was paying the minimum each month, I was only paying off the interest. I never got anywhere. It was a vicious cycle.”

Parham said he was paying more than 20 percent on interest each month.

He, along with Natalie Wilber, Brookings Wells Fargo store manager, has several tips on how to manage a card and keep out of debt.

Wilber said the most important thing students can do when using a credit card is practice responsible management.

“Keep an eye on your spending and make sure the balance is not too big,” she said.

For many students, this is not an issue.

Sophomore Hannah Audus finds handling her credit card to be quite easy.

“I try to use my card only for larger purchases,” she said. “And then I make sure I pay the whole thing off each month.”

Audus said the interest rates are just too high to only pay the minimum each month.

In order to allow for safer credit management, Wells Fargo has designed a credit plan specifically for college students.

“The credit cards we offer for students are primarily for overdraft protection,” Wilber said. “They are also designed to help students gain good credit history.”

Although Wilber said she hasn’t witnessed many students fall into debt with their plan, “it does happen.”

Parham said when signing up for a credit plan, it is important that students understand the terminology such as APR, annual fee, interest rate and late fee.

“If you understand these terms, it makes owning and managing a credit card much simpler,” Parham said.

“If your first payment is late, you might get a $35 late fee,” he said. “It’s important for students to know why they are being charged extra and how they can avoid it in the future.”

He said not to use cash advances unless it is an emergency.

“If your car breaks down, it is useful to have that automatic cash,” Parham said. “But I learned the hard way.”

He and Wilber agreed students should only have one credit card. This will more easily help monitor spending and establish better credit history.

Junior Tasha Overmyer works two jobs. Each demands much of her time, some nights until 12 or 1 a.m., taking away from school, family and sleep.

However, the bills still must be paid, but Overmyer doesn’t let it overwhelm her.

“Yes, I work two jobs,” she said. “I work hard for what I want, and I make my money work for me.”

It is not uncommon for students to work full-time at one or more jobs in order to pay the bills. However, it should not cause excess stress when the rent check comes every month.

Students offer simple tips in order to save money and monitor their spending.

Junior ag systems technology major Adam Bushfield finds it quite simple to keep his money in check.

“I just don’t spend it,” he said.

But when the time does come to pay the bills, he finds it easiest to keep tabs through his checkbook.

“I keep my checkbook in balance and watch it,” he said. “I’ve managed it since I got it in high school.”

Bushfield said he watches the grocery ads in order to spot better deals on food items and save a few dollars.

Nick Ihnen agrees monitoring money is the best way to save.

Ihnen, a junior ag business major, finds using a cash ledger beneficial when monitoring cash flow.

“I write down all my transactions and I use online checking to keep my books in balance,” he said.

Ihnen finds cooking for himself allows him to save money.

“It may not taste as good, but it’s definitely cheaper.”

Limiting the amount of cash in students’ pockets can also help reduce unhealthy spending habits.

“When I get my paycheck, it goes directly into my savings,” said junior advertising major Alicia Fjeldheim.

“I don’t even keep most of the cash from my tip money. Otherwise it is just too tempting.”

Other students find buying textbooks online helps save a few extra dollars, which can be used for more important things.

“I’ve always had good luck buying my textbooks online,” said senior early childhood major Wendy Beardemphl. “It depends on what you get. Some are only 20 dollars cheaper, but it still helps save money.”

Beardemphl orders her books through half.com, a part of Ebay.

She said it can take five to six weeks to receive books, so ordering them early is always beneficial.

Also, students’ should keep receipts in order to return books and review the online return policies.

#1.884190:87174229.jpg:Money02.jpg:Many students use checkbooks and online banking to keep track of their accounts.:Erin Lester

SDSU continues its yearly enrollment climb with record numbers for the seventh consecutive year.

The state’s largest university welcomed 356 more students compared to last year, with total enrollment reaching 11,377.

Along with individual enrollment’s, the South Dakota Board of Regents announced Sept. 27 that the states’ public university system increased by 181 more students, or 0.59 percent, setting the total enrollment figure at 30,901. The number of full-time students also increased by 55 students, or 0.23 percent.

SDSU’s enrollment jump also is part of the increased use of South Dakota Public Universities Research Center (SDPURC). SDPURC, formerly USDSU, had a 2.9 percent increase of facility use.

“A significant part of growth has come from off-campus,” said Robert T. “Tad” Perry, BOR executive director. “The campuses are stable and there’s been growth in the non-resident population. Also, more adults [25 to 65 years old] are taking advantage of improved access to university programs.”

Although the number of high school graduates is decreasing, SDSU’s incoming freshmen number still increased.

“This increase is recognition that South Dakotans understand the importance and value of having postsecondary educational attainment,” Perry said. “This is the fuel of South Dakota’s 21st century economic engine.”

Several other factors have also played an important role in attracting students to SDSU.

“State offers a wide variety of majors,” said dean of Student Affairs Marysz Rames. “If students are not sure what they want to do, the university provides them with many different educational opportunities.”

With more than 200 student organizations, students attending SDSU have an opportunity to interact outside of the classroom, Rames said.

“It allows students to continue some of the activities they were a part of in high school, such as student government,” she said.

SDSU has also revamped many of its facilities, such as The Union and Caldwell Hall, which, according to Halbach, “is a sure sign the university is also flourishing.”

Scholarships, especially the Jackrabbit Guarantee, have also enticed students.

“The Jackrabbit Guarantee has been a huge success in recruiting students,” said Halbach. “It’s an automatic $4,000 for those that qualify.”

More than 45 percent of the incoming freshman scored above a 24 on the ACT this fall, qualifying them for the scholarship.

According to Perry, the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship is working as well, as it benefits prospective students.

The program awards $5,000 during four years to students who have completed the necessary high-school curriculum, became Regents Scholars, graduated from high school with a 3.0 GPA or higher and have scored a 24 on the ACT.

Forty-three percent of students receiving the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship for the fall semester were enrolled at SDSU.

Also, in the future, the new out-of-state tuition rates will attract a wider diversity of students.

Next fall, out-of-state residents will pay slightly less than half the current tuition rate. Incoming freshman will pay $114.60 per credit hour, or an average of $3,666 each semester. This rate is $4,097 less than this year.

The Board of Regents said SDSU offers the out-of-state students the opportunity to participate in Division-I athletics and enjoy more opportunities other schools cannot offer.

“It is a marketing art of the institution,” said Perry.

Perry also mentioned SDSU works towards the retention of its students, in hopes to keep them from transferring throughout their academic career.

Other South Dakota universities that had enrollment increases include University of South Dakota, 105; Dakota State University, 110 and Black Hills State University, 8. Northern State University decreased by 209 and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology by 189.

However, even with a majority of increases, Perry said, “There is more that can be done … we’ve got a lot of work to do in order to meet our 2010 initiative goals.”

Halbach said the enrollment figures reflect greatly on the structure of SDSU, both inside and out.

“I commend the whole university system,” he said. “We have a strong system with staff and students excited to be at SDSU.”

Brookings resident and former restaurant manager Tom Yseth provides a unique perspective in the classroom for SDSU students after owning and managing the Ram Pub for 33 years.

He acquired his bachelor degrees in both economics and accounting; however, after working within the hospitality industry, in 2005, he decided to sell his business and try something new.

“I have a real yearning to educate and work with young people,” he said. “I gave a lot of my young employees managerial positions.”

With an extensive history in the food and hospitality industry, Yseth wanted to give students a “real-life spin on what’s in the books.”

Yseth was hired as an emergency lecturer for the 2006/2007 fall and spring semesters, due to a shortage in the hotel and food service management department.

“This is a growing department,” he said.

Yseth teaches leisure management and professional meeting management this semester; and in the spring, he will instruct hospitality marketing, cost controls in hospitality and responsible beverage management.

With such a drastic change in environment, Yseth has found a few challenges.

“I’ve always been a control freak,” he said. “I’m used to telling, not asking. Also, there are more passwords than ever before, and books I didn’t write or pick.”

In order to operate smoothly, Yseth encourages students to give their input and suggestions on approaches to class lectures.

“I’m learning with the students,” he said.

He admits he still hasn’t quite yet developed a teaching technique. In order to prepare, Yseth took a one-credit syllabus and lesson plan course in Pierre.

“There are tricks to teaching,” he said. “I am struggling more than I thought.”

Yseth said he doesn’t know how to deliver quizzes and tests, and he doesn’t like to be subjective when it comes to grading homework.

“I’m kind of making it up as I go,” he said. “I’m adjusting the material to what I find important.”

Yseth said he has a respectable amount of students in his classes, some with 41 and another with 28. However, he agrees they are eager, and he “really enjoys their enthusiasm.”

Yseth misses working with young people just starting their careers. Teaching food and management classes allows him to continue doing that.

Junior hotel and food service management major Brittany Pedersen has class with Yseth, and she finds his teaching style beneficial.

“I like that he has had real-life experience within the industry,” she said. “He uses it within his lectures and it brings about a whole new perspective. There is nothing better than that.”

Once the year is over, Yseth may decide to obtain his master’s; however, at the time, he’s not worried about it.

“I want to see if I survive the year or semester first,” he said. “If I deliver a good product, then I’ll see what my choices are.”

If Yseth does not continue teaching, he said his “entrepreneurial vein” is still there, and he may try to get another business position.

“I saw this as an opportunity. I’m 58, and it’s not something I’m going to do when I’m 70,” he said. “You only live once, so I gave it a whirl.”

Yseth has been a Brookings resident for 35 years. He moved here in 1971 after graduating from Saint John’s University in Minnesota.

Besides a desire for educating students, Yseth enjoys hunting, fishing and golfing.

He is married and has three daughters.

#1.884275:2126384516.jpg:tomYseth2.jpg:Professor Tom Yseth introduces a guest speaker during his class on Monday in the NFA building. :Christy Wey

Now that school has begun, students are in warp speed, catching up on homework, studying for tests, working part-time or full-time jobs and participating in clubs or intramurals.

With all the added pressure comes stress. However, through many unique techniques, students can alleviate the stress and pain.

Acupuncture

This method for stress relief is an old Chinese therapy technique, which is based on the theory that energy is flowing through the body along meridians. The energy is known as Chi or Qi. Any blockage for build up of the Chi may result in illness.

The very thin needles poked into various points of the skin during acupuncture unblock the flow of energy, restoring health.

Tai Chi or Qui Gong

The combination of meditation and body movement is found in this series of traditional Chinese exercises.

Tai Chi helps increase energy and improves health by allowing energy to flow through the body. The Chinese also believed two opposing forces of nature in the body, Yin and Yang, provide health if kept in balance, which can be done through Tai Chi.

The exercises consist of a combination of slow or quick movements by raising the arms, moving the head side to side and rubbing the ears, feet and hands.

Pilates

Pilates is the use of the mind to control the body’s muscles. During exercises, one must keep the body in balance and create support for the spine.

Awareness of breath is essential in Pilates.

The exercises are mostly used to relieve back pain and stress.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy focuses on triggering positive, emotional responses to various scents. The scents are conveyed by the olfactory nerve, which then triggers certain areas of the brain.

Scents can be dispersed with an aroma diffuser or air freshener and should be used as part of a daily routine.

With the ongoing 6th Street construction, businesses are finding it difficult to manage increased traffic and decreasing sales.

The South Dakota Department of Transportation, which is in charge of the project, has set up a temporary detour from 22nd Avenue to Third Street and back to 17th Avenue while completing the final stage of the project. However, many local businesses and restaurants cut off from the construction are not located along the set detour.

Businesses in the Village Square must deal with excessive traffic through the parking lot, as customers use it as a shortcut and attempt to eat at their favorite lunch spots such as Pizza Ranch, Burger King and Subway.

Peter Binker, owner of Burger King, located along 6th Street, has taken notice of the excessive traffic through the parking lot.

“There is a lot of traffic cutting through the back,” he said. “It gets really congested during the lunch hour, especially through the drive-thru. People are cutting across the lane that others are trying to order in.”

Brookings City Engineer, Jackie Lanning said something must be done about the traffic issue.

“People are driving to fast,” she said. “We need to encourage people to use the detour and not drive over other’s property.”

However, the DOT has no plan in regulating traffic.

Besides heavy traffic, some businesses must deal with a decline in business. Blockbuster, located along 6th Street has taken a hit.

“Initially we lost business,” said manager Angella Hintz. “But with school back in, things are picking up.”

Blockbuster recently has been promoting sales for customers to increase business.

Binker also said they have had a decrease in business; however, Burger King is waiting to see how things “level out before taking a plan of action.”

As for students, the inconvenience is sometimes not worth the hassle of eating at their favorite eating facilities.

“If I really crave it I’ll go there, but otherwise it’s too difficult trying to get around the construction,” said Alicia Fjeldheim, a journalism junior.

The expected completion date is Nov. 6.

Rachel Reed, a psychology senior, knows how financially difficult it can be to be a college student. But when unexpected health costs arose, Reed’s financial stability worsened because she couldn’t afford health insurance.

“Health insurance is just too expensive,” said Reed. “It is a really big burden.”

Reed recently had a colonoscopy, which sent her into a $6,000 medical debt. However, being 23, she is not eligible to be covered on her parents’ plan. With the high cost of insurance, Reed finds it difficult to balance a school bill and medical costs.

“If something goes wrong, nothing else seems to matter,” said Reed. “The stress brings you down. You have to pay for college and also try to stay healthy. If there is something potentially wrong with you, there is no way to get assistance. It makes me more frustrated. Everything revolves around money.”

Like Reed, many students can’t afford adequate health insurance. Some are already covered under their parents’ plan, but for those who are not, finding the funds can be difficult.

As a result, SDSU Student Health and Counseling Services has come up with an alternate plan to assist students in need of health insurance.

Tammy Loban of Student Health said students can come to the office to learn more about the policy and pick up brochures.

“The plan is designed for students,” said Loban. “We allow them to either pay per semester or for the whole year in advance, in order to provide a more manageable plan.”

Freshman pre-med and biology major Crystal Makousky has found Student Health’s insurance plan to be beneficial.

“I am in the process of getting health insurance,” said Makousky. “I’m going through the school, and they make it more affordable for students.”

Loban said a fair number of students is signed up for insurance plans; however, many still do not realize it exists.

However, students must be reminded that university health plans have limitations and exclude items that are covered on regular insurance plans.

The SDSU insurance plan is approved by the Board of Regents and provides eligibility for all undergraduate domestic students taking five or more credit hours, all graduate students taking credit hours and all students seeking doctoral degrees taking credit hours. All international students are required to purchase the insurance plan upon attending SDSU.

Anyone interested can purchase the plan at the health office or online at www.studentresources.com.

South Dakota State University students will be greeted by the ongoing construction of Sixth Street, as the crew enters the final phase of the project.

The project began in April and everything has been on schedule, according to John Ritterhaus of the Department of Transportation and director of the construction crew.

“November 6 is the completion date, but we’re hoping to get done early,” he said.

In order to accommodate traffic, detours have been set up. The current detour runs from 20th Avenue to Eighth Street over to Medary Avenue. Temporary stop signs have been placed along Eighth Street and a stoplight has been set up at the intersection of Eighth and Medary in order to control the increase in traffic.

During the previous school year, the detour caused backups in traffic along campus; however, the DOT hasn’t seen any major problems during the summer.

“Traffic slows down over the summer,” said Ritterhaus. “So, we’ve had no problems with the detour route and traffic.”

He also said the DOT has no plans of placing additional signs or traffic signals once school begins.

Seventeenth Avenue is expected to be reopened by the end of August. Once it is reopened, the stoplight at Eighth and Medary will be removed. A new detour will then be from 22nd Avenue to Third Street and back to 17th Avenue until construction is completed.

Businesses along Sixth Street will still be open during the final phase of construction however, shoppers will have to find alternate routes.

Senior Brittany Duin said the construction didn’t stop her from shopping at her favorite stores.

“It wasn’t a huge inconvenience,” she said. “I just found a back way to get where I wanted to go.”

Businesses such as Dollar Discount and Zestos have made the transition easier for their customers by placing signs along the streets informing them they are open and guiding them along the alternate route.

Once the project is completed, Sixth Street will have been altered from Medary Avenue to 22nd Avenue, with the addition of sewer drains, a water main replacement, concrete resurfacing, new traffic signals and permanent roadway signing.

#1.884433:2106400125.jpg:roadconst01.jpg:Crews worked all summer on the Sixth Street construction project, which is on schedule. Construction is expected to be completed by early November.: