University of Sioux Falls

The University of Sioux Falls is a Christian institution in the liberal arts tradition. The Institution holds accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. It also holds professional accreditation for specified degree areas to ensure program integrity and credibility. In conjunction with the established standards set forth as part of accreditation processes, the University embraces it's extensive assessment system as a means to closely monitor student outcomes, thus leading to a continuous cycle of instructional and institutional improvement. The University has remained committed to the value of student/professor collaboration in research and other academic endeavors and has continued efforts to actively support these activities. In recent years, the University has added several academic offerings, including majors in foreign language and nursing, and a minor program in entrepreneurial studies. Currently, the University offers 37 major areas of study. The University has a vibrant program at both the Master's and Bachelor's degree levels. These programs include a MBA degree with a traditional and healthcare administration track. A Master of Education degree program offerd strands focused on leadership in literacy, technology, school leadership, and teacher certification. An Educational Specialist degree is offered by the University that focuses on school superintendency. The University offers professional development, credit-bearing workshops to many educators in the region. It also offers unique adult learner programs at the Bachelor's degree level. This includes a Degree Completion Program and a new accelerated nursing program. The University has added a Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program in an online format. Besides its focus on academic excellence, the University has been engaged in extensive strategic planning through 2013. This robust process has inspired the development of enhanced admissions standards, a new and comprehensive approach to marketing and recruitment, and expanded student-retention efforts. As another component of institutional growth, the University has entered year 2 of NCAA Division II candidacy that holds potential for advancing the University and providing expanded opportunity for research and collaboration reaching far beyond just athletic motivations. For the past three years, USF has sponsored the P3 Exhibition at the Sioux Falls Washington Pavilion. The event pairs artists and poets together in the creation of collaborative works of art and poetry. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program (consisting of USF faculty and accounting students) assists low-income and disabled taxpayers throughout the tax season. USF has joined the SculptureWalk network in Sioux Falls, becoming the first university in the country to have a program of this kind. The campus will be home to 11 new sculptures each year. Also, the campus Safety Office was recognized as 15th best in the nation by Security Magazine. On a final note, the University exists within a progressive community. Sioux Falls boasts a vibrant medical and business environment in which the University has reaped advantages of partnering with the community and region it serves. The unprecedented emergence of the University as a strong institution of higher learning has mirrored the positive growth of the community and region in which it exists. The University continues to aggressively pursue its mission. More specifically expressed, "The University of Sioux Falls, a Christian university in the liberal arts tradition, educates students in the humanities, sciences, and professions. The traditional motto of the University of Sioux Falls, is "Culture for Service", that is, it seeks to foster academic excellence and the development of mature Christian persons for service to God and humankind in the world.