BROOKINGS, S.D. (KJJQ) – South Dakota public universities have canceled all in-person classes for the rest of the semester and postponed graduation ceremonies as the state expects COVID-19 infections to rise through the spring.

The Board of Regents says classes are currently being held online at the state’s six universities. The universities won’t be changing tuition charges unless a course can’t be delivered online. They will offer partial financial credits for room, meal and parking fees.

SDSU President Barry Dunn, speaking to this possibility during a Friday presentation, says they have plans in place for “a safe and orderly move out of the residence halls.”

He says much thought went into the decision.

Teachers at the School for the Blind & Visually Impaired will work with students remotely until May. But audiology clinics through the School for the Deaf are closed. In-person instruction at both special education schools is canceled.

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