News briefs: Dec. 13-20
USD offers in-state tuition to new Nebraska students
The University of South Dakota will offer new first-year and transfer students from the state of Nebraska in-state tuition in a pilot program approved by the South Dakota Board of Regents.
“Nebraska enrollment continues to be an important part of USD’s enrollment given that we are only seven miles from the Nebraska border,” said Scott Pohlson, vice president of enrollment, marketing and university relations. “This decision by the BOR supports our goal of keeping USD competitive in Nebraska now and into the future.”
Building off the success of a similar pilot program with Iowa started in 2016, USD increased its Iowa enrollment by 27 percent since the start of the pilot.
“Quality education at an affordable price continues to be our focus, and with tuition, fees, room, and board at $16,000 per year, I think the message is starting to resonate–which is great for USD’s future both in Iowa and hopefully Nebraska as well,” said Pohlson.
VA rolls out application process for new veterans ID card
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has made the application process for the national Veterans Identification Card (VIC) available for Veterans.
This has been mandated through legislation since 2015 to honor veterans, and the Dec. 1 rollout of the ID card fulfills that overdue promise.
Only those Veterans with honorable service will be able to apply for the ID card, which will provide proof of military service, and may be accepted by retailers in lieu of the standard DD-214 form to obtain promotional discounts and other services where offered to Veterans.
“The new Veterans Identification Card provides a safer and more convenient and efficient way for most Veterans to show proof of service,” said VA Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin. “With the card, Veterans with honorable service to our nation will no longer need to carry around their paper DD-214s to obtain Veteran discounts and other services.”
The VIC provides a more portable and secure alternative for those who served the minimum obligated time in service, but did not meet the retirement or medical discharge threshold. Veterans who served in the armed forces, including the reserve components, and who have a discharge of honorable or general (under honorable conditions) can request a VIC.
To request a VIC, Veterans must visit vets.gov, click on “Apply for Printed Veteran ID Card” on the bottom left of the page and sign in or create an account.
Veterans who apply for a card should receive it within 60 days and can check delivery status of their cards at vets.gov. A digital version of the VIC will be available online by mid-December.
Wild game donations sought
Brandon Valley Optimist Club is gearing up for their annual Wild Game Feed, set for Jan. 8-9, 2018, at 212-The Boiling Point in Brandon.
Donations of fowl, deer, elk, fish, etc., are now being accepted. To donate, contact Todd Winkel at 582-5822.
Proceeds from the wild game feed will go to the Brandon Valley School District’s “Angel Fund.”
