VERMILLION S.D. — Some University of South Dakota students are criticizing the school’s Native Studies major, saying it falsely advertises coursework and doesn’t have enough instructors.
School administrators say they understand the frustration and are making changes that will get the program back on track.
Jackie Hendry of Rockford, Ill., told the Argus Leader newspaper that the program was what drew her to USD. But a year into her studies, the 20-year-old has found the coursework and instruction lacking.
“I was under the impression that it was a great Native Studies program, and I had an interest in that,” Hendry said. “I don’t want to sound like I hate my school or hate my decision to come there, but I am disappointed.”
Former department chairman Edward Valandra said that, when the nation’s economy started tanking in 2008 and 2009, USD’s administrative commitment to the Native Studies department began to falter.
“The problem becomes one of institutional will and institutional commitment,” he said. “If you decide to start any program, not just a Native Studies program, there has to be an institutional will of resources for those so you don’t set up these programs to fail.”
“I guess the challenge in times when there is a budget cut is, usually programs like Native Studies will probably get a second and a third look in order to save money,” he said.
