The University of South Dakota offers a variety of personal and health related services. To learn more about a particular service provided to students at USD, please click on that item below:

USD Security 

The Vermillion Police Department 

Clay County Sheriff's Department 

Vermillion's Dakota Hospital 

USD Campus Escort Service 

USD Psychological Services/Hotline 

USD Counseling and Family Therapy Center 

Lewis and Clark Mental Health Center/Alcohol and Drug Counseling Services 

The Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) 

The Women Rising Support Group 

AA and NA Meeting information 

The Red Road Gathering 

The Native American Cultural Center 

The USD Office of Disability Services 

USD Student Support Services 

USD Academic Advising and Testing Center 

The USD Speech and Hearing Clinic 

The USD Career Development Center 

The USD Affirmative Action Office 

USD Legal Aid 

USD Dental Hygiene Services 

USD Veterans Services Office 

Vermillion Area Family Planning Office 

Mathilda Geppert Child Care Center 

The USD Health Enhancement Led by Peers (H.E.L.P.) Program 

USD Cold Care Center

1. USD Campus Security

2. The Vermillion Police Department

3. Clay County Sheriff's Department

4. Sioux Valley Vermillion Hospitol

5. USD Campus Escort Service

6. USD Psychological Services/Hotline

The Center is located in Vermillion on the main campus of the University of South Dakota. It is housed on the first floor of the South Dakota Union building (Psychology building) across from the intersection of Clark and Harvard streets. Upon entering the building through the front doors, take a left and enter the Center through the set of glass double doors (Room 112). The mailing address for the Center is Room 112, South Dakota Union, University of South Dakota, 414 East Clark Street, Vermillion, South Dakota 57069-2390. The Telephone number for the Center is (605) 677 5354 (on-campus dial 5354). The Center hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the academic year. 

What is the Psychological Services Center? 

The Psychological Services Center (PSC) at the University of South Dakota is part of the American Psychological Association accredited doctoral training program in Clinical Psychology. The center is staffed by licensed psychologists who comprise the clinical faculty and approximately 25 doctoral students. The Center provides a variety of psychological services to individuals, couples, families, and groups. It serves as a teaching, training, and research center supported by the Department of Psychology at USD. 

What services are provided? 

Treatment: The Psychological Services Center is an outpatient clinic which provides treatment services to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families through a variety of modalities including brief, longer term, individual, marital, family and group psychotherapy. All services are confidential. 

Testing and Evaluation:Intellectual and personality assessments for schools, physicians, Social Services, Vocational Rehabilitation and other agencies and professionals are provided. Neuropsychological evaluations are also available.. 

Consultation and Training: Consultation to professionals and agencies on individual case and general program levels is available from the clinical faculty and doctoral students. This service also provides assistance in the development of new programs and is not limited to interventions of a clinical nature. Training workshops on a variety of topics may be arranged for individuals and groups. Examples include Stress management, Eating Disorders, Child Abuse, Depression, Spouse Abuse, and Suicide Prevention. 

Hotline: In addition to treatment, testing, and consultation, the Center provides after hours telephone crisis intervention, information and referral services to the University and surrounding community. The Hotline is staffed by doctoral students in the clinical psychology program and is available from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week, during the academic year (September - May) except when the university is closed. The Hotline may be reached by dialing the Center's number (605) 677-5354 (on-campus dial 5354).

Children, adolescents, adults, couples, or families may be referred by physicians, clergy, lawyers, school social service agencies, or may be self-referred. Services are provided in part by clinical faculty, but primarily by doctoral students in clinical psychology who are supervised by clinical faculty. Upon referral or initial contact a screening interview will be scheduled. The purpose of this interview is to determine the nature of the presenting problem and its appropriateness for treatment/evaluation at the Center. An overview of Center policies and procedures is offered and a fee for services is set during this time. From this interview, the specific type of treatment/evaluation is prescribed and the client(s) is referred to a therapist in the Center. 

• Fees: No charges are made for USD students. USD faculty and staff and their immediate families are charged on-half the normal fee. Fees for clients from the community are set on a sliding scale based on ability to pay.

7. USD Counseling and Family Therapy Center

The Counseling and Family Therapy Center offers a variety of counseling and mental health services including individual and group counseling, couple and family therapy, developmental and career/vocational assessment and evaluation, counseling, and psycho-educational consultation. Parent education and related programs are offered on a periodic basis. 

The Counseling and Family Therapy Center is administered in the School of Education, Division of Counseling and Psychology in Education. The primary purpose of the Center is to provide clinical training opportunities for graduate students. The graduate student counselors are supervised by faculty members who are Licensed Professional Counselors, Certified Marriage and Family Therapists and/or Licensed Psychologists. There is no cost to University students. Faculty and staff may receive services at one half of a sliding-scale fee. 

8. Lewis and Clark Mental Health Center/Alcohol and Drug Counseling Services

The Alcohol and Drug Counseling Services component of Lewis and Clark may be accessed at the same address or at (605) 665-6508. The Vermillion branch of Lewis and Clark Alcohol and Drug Counseling Services may be reached at (605) 624-9148. 

9. The Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)

10. Women Rising Support Group

• Physical-Hitting, pushing, biting, punching, pinching, kicking, hair-pulling, etc.
• Emotional-Calling you names, putting you down, making you feel bad about yourself.
• Sexual-Forcing you to have sex, forcing you to perform sexual acts against your will.
• Financial-Controlling all expenditures, even your paycheck, using money or lack thereof to keep control...

11. AA/NA Meeting Information

The following Vermillion AA meetings are held in the basement of the Vermillion Post Office (16 1/2 Court Street), Vermillion, South Dakota 57069: 

Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. Closed Meeting 
Fridays at 8:00 p.m. Open Meeting. 

The following Vermillion AA meetings are held in the Native American Cultural Center, 409 East Clark Street, Vermillion, South Dakota 57069: 

Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. 

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Meetings in Vermillion, South Dakota. 

Vermillion NA meetings are held in the library of the United Church of Christ (226 East Main Street), Vermillion, South Dakota, 57069. The meeting schedule is as follows: 

Mondays at 8:00 p.m. 
Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. 

12. The Red Road Gathering

For more information regarding the Red Road Gathering, please call the Student Counseling Center at (605) 677-5777. E-mail concerning the Red Road Gathering may be sent to the Student Counseling Center at scc@sundance.usd.edu. Click here  to send e-mail to the Student Counseling Center. 

13. The Native American Cultural Center

The Native American Cultural Center, located across from Slagle, was dedicated in the Fall of 1988 as the Headquarters for the Native American Student organization on campus. This organization is called "The Tiospaye Council." Tiospaye by definition in the Lakota language translates into "extended family." In the Native American culture, the basic family unit is the extended family. Based on the extended family premise, the Tiospaye Council was established to assist Native American students in adjusting to the college environment and to encourage their pursuit of higher education. In addition, the Council works to promote a better understanding of the Native American culture by the University and Vermillion community. These undertakings are reflected in the Council's efforts to provide an environment of cultural development, spiritual growth, and social interaction by developing an extended community of resource people. Essentially, the student and community create a home away from home, a Tiospaye. 

Some of the activities sponsored by the Tiospaye Council include: 

• Orientation.
• helping with student receptions.
• taco sales for fundraising.
• traditional community feeds (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.).
• traditional music (drum practice and singing).
• presenters for Native American Awareness week.
• annual Spring Pow-wow.
• helping with Red Road Gatherings.

Other Activities/Services: 

• Student receptions, picnics, etc.
• Access to the internet.
• AISES (American Indian Science & Engineering Society) club meetings.
• Native American movies.
• Poetry readings/Book signings.
• Native American Cultural Presentations.
• Wawokiya Mentoring Program.
• Vermillion Sundancers Society (support organization for people who practice the traditional ways).
• Native American Cultural Advisor's services of counseling, advising, etc.
• Coordination with the University regarding literature, events, recruiting, etc.
• Scheduling/Availability of the Center.

14. USD Office of Disability Services

USD Disability Services was established as a full-time program on May 1, 1992. Consistent with national trends, the Office of Disability Services registers approximately half of the students who might be expected to have disabilities out of the student population. The number of students registered more than tripled during the first two and one-half years of the full-time program. 

Disabilities represented at USD include vision and hearing impairments, multiple sclerosis, cancer, Krohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, muscular dystrophy, Frederick's ataxia, asthma, diabetes, Celiac-Sprue disease, Epstein-Barr Virus syndrome, myasthenia gravis, nerve decompression, arthritis, cardiac disorders, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, occupational injury, post-traumatic stress syndrome, multiple personality, Tourette's syndrome, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, fibromyalgia, carpel tunnel syndrome, and learning disability. 

Philosophy: 

USDDS operates on the premise that students at the university are full participants in the process of obtaining accommodations for their disabilities. Rather than someone else making decisions for students, they are encouraged to enter into a dialogue which results in student ownership of their decisions. While many high school students enter the university from situations in which others have made their accommodation decisions for them, they are encouraged here to move toward independence and self-advocacy. 

Activities: 

• Planning developing, delivering, and evaluating direct service programs for students with disabilities;
• Meeting individually with students for academic and related non-therapeutic counseling, skill-building;
• Ensuring that each student receives reasonable and appropriate accommodation for his or her unique needs;
• Coordinating with faculty and staff in providing accommodations;
• Supporting and acting as resource for faculty, staff and other service providers;
• Maintaining information regarding new adaptive technology;
• Maintaining compliance information stemming from the requirements, regulations, consequences, and ramifications of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

 
• To help students become self advocates: helping students learn the skills they need to advocate for themselves is an important component of the USDDS program. One of the ways in which we encourage self-advocacy is through a peer mentoring program (please call the office for more information), where students have an opportunity to learn from others who have learned these skills.
• To provide better transition services into or out of college: helping students by establishing referral and liaison relationships with high school, vocational rehabilitation agencies, and placement and career development services.
• To provide better instructional and support services: Increasing campus awareness of the educational and psychosocial needs of students with disabilities, assisting with test-proctoring, taped books, advising, counseling, assessment, and individualizing accommodations.

15. USD Student Support Services

Student Support Services provides advising, counseling, tutoring and study skills assistance for eligible students based upon individual needs assessments. Priority will be give to freshmen and sophomores who have low ACT results, poor study habits, have been out of school for several years, have received a GED, or have been placed on academic probation. To learn more about student support services, click here (click on Back above to return to this page). 

16. USD Academic Advising and Testing Center

The following is a listing of services provided by the Academic Advising and Testing Center: 

Academic Advising: What courses should you take? What are the requirements for graduation? Can a course be taken on a pass-fail basis? What is the Core? What is the difference between a B.A. or B.S. degree? What is a humanities course? Helping students with these and similar problems comes under the heading of advising. Two groups of students who receive advising from the Center staff are (1) all new freshman, and (2) general, undeclared students. 

Major Assignment: A student who wishes to declare or change a major can easily do so by visiting with a representative from the Center. 

Study Skills Counseling: Many students experience academic difficulties because of problems with notetaking, textbook reading, time management and test taking. Working with students on such problems is an important service performed by the Center's staff. 

Testing: Students wishing to receive credit by examination for specific subjects should inquire about CLEP tests at the Center. Other tests administered by Center personnel include the ACT and various graduate placement exams (GRE, MCAT, LSAT). Students with questions concerning exit exams may confer with a staff representative regarding these exams. 

Withdrawal From School: Students wishing to withdraw from the University initiate the process at the Academic Advising and Testing Center. 

Referrals: Staff members at the Center are knowledgeable about the many services available on campus and in the adjacent community. If a student has a concern about a problem outside of the Center's domain, referral are made to the appropriate office or agency. 

Workshops and Presentations: Staff members conduct workshops on such topics as academic planning, study skills and time management. They are available to conduct workshops in those areas for student groups and organizations. 

17. USD Speech, Language, and Hearing Center

What is it? 

The USD Speech, Language, and Hearing Center is an outpatient center which serves as a clinical education center for students majoring in Communication Disorders and as a clinical services center for children and adults in need of diagnostic, therapeutic, and counseling services for a wide variety of communication disorders. It is a component of the Department of Communication Disorders in which faculty and supervised advanced students provide services to the public, including the USD student body. The Center contains clinical observations rooms, clinical service rooms, audiometric facilities, and counseling rooms. 

What services are provided? 

Clinical Evaluation and Assessment: Evaluation services for speech, language, and hearing problems are provided by appointment. Consultation regarding hearing aids is also available. 

Treatment: Direct therapy services are available at the Center on a regular basis as needed. Therapy sessions typically range from 30 to 60 minutes in length two or three times per week. Counseling and parent education services are also available regarding a wide range of disorders of communication and their management. 

Special Program Services: Several special projects operate from the Center. These include the Mobile Unit Outreach Testing Program, the Stroke Club, and the Scottish Rite Children's Clinic Program for Speech, Language, and Hearing Disorders. Please contact the Center for information about any of these programs. 

Consultation and Training: Consultation services to professionals and public and private agencies are available at the Center. Educational workshops and seminars may also be offered on a requested basis. 

What fees are involved for utilization of this center? 

Students currently enrolled at USD and their immediate dependents are provided services at no charge. A fee schedule for all services to the public is available from the Speech, Language, and Hearing Center upon request. 

How are referrals made? 

Children, adolescents, and adults may be self-referred or referred by physicians, teachers, school systems, public and private agencies, or concerned others. 

Frequently asked hearing questions: 

• Do I need an appointment?

 

Yes, an appointment is required. Because the clinic is booked at times 2-3 weeks in advance, it is wise to call for an appointment as soon as you can. However, there are times when a cancellation occurs, and we will have an opening. We can also place clients on a waiting list and call them when we have an opening. 
 

• How much does the testing cost?

 

The hearing evaluation, which determines the presence and degree of hearing loss, is $45.00. If a hearing loss is identified, and a client would like hearing aids, a hearing aid evaluation will be scheduled. The cost of the hearing aid evaluation is $50.00. In this evaluation, the client is counseled on what type of hearing aid to purchase, and given options on companies to purchase the hearing aid from. Senior citizens age 65 and over will receive a discount on these services. 
 

• Does USD sell hearing aids?

 

No, the USD Speech, Language, and Hearing Center does not sell hearing aids, nor do we profit in any way from the hearing aids you purchase from the companies we identify for you. We identify hearing aid companies which you may purchase hearing aids from at reasonable prices. You are not obligated to purchase hearing aids from any of the companies we identify. 
 

• How much are hearing aids?

 

Hearing aids range from approximately $200 to $600, depending on the style you want. The audiologist can give you exact costs of hearing aids, based on the style and features you want included in the hearing aid. The audiologists would be glad to answer any questions you may have.

18. USD Career Development Center

19. USD Office of Affirmative Action

The following are the policies set forward by the University of South Dakota regarding Equal Education/Equal Employment Opportunity and Sexual Harassment. This information is contained in the USD Student Handbook, Faculty Handbook, and Career Service Employee's Handbook. For additional information in reference to the University's policies, please refer to the USD Student Handbook, Faculty Handbook, or Career Service Employee's Handbook. 

Equal Education/Equal Employment Opportunity: 

It is the policy of the University of South Dakota to afford equal opportunity in employment to all individuals. Employment decisions will be made without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability except to the extent allowable by law. Discrimination will not be tolerated in any of the conditions, terms, or privileges of employment including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, assignment, training, promotion, tenure, transfer, compensation or termination. 

The University is further committed to continuing affirmative action to ensure that equality of opportunity exists. The director of Affirmative Action has been delegated primary responsibility for maintaining the Affirmative Action Plan and reporting on the university's progress in achieving equality of opportunity. 

It is the policy of USD to provide all persons an equal opportunity for education. No person, on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability shall be excluded, or denied benefits, or otherwise discriminated against in admission or participation in educational programs or activities at USD. Discrimination shall not be tolerated in any service or operation including but not limited to recruiting, testing, counseling, awarding financial aid, research, teaching, assignment of work-study, and assistantships, granting of degrees, or participation in University-sponsored student recreation or organizational activities. 

Any person who feels that he or she has been subject to discrimination should report the incident immediately to the director of Affirmative Action. Inquiries and allegations may also be lodged with any university administrator or, in the case of students, with any faculty member; that person must forward inquiries or allegations to the Director of Affirmative Action for response and/or investigation pursuant to South Dakota Board of Regents' Policy 1:18. If warranted, disciplinary action will be initiated under existing faculty, staff, and student disciplinary procedures. Confidentiality consistent with due process will be maintained. 

If you feel that you may have been discriminated against, or if you need further information regarding your rights or responsibilities, please contact the Director of Affirmative Action in Slagle 102 or your supervisor. 

Sexual Harassment: 

Sexual harassment is a form of gender discrimination which results in the creation of an inequitable and, often, intimidating, degrading, or threatening environment. It is the policy of USD that sexual harassment is unacceptable and shall not be tolerated; and that no member of the University community may sexually harass another. 

It is often difficult to differentiate between permissible social interaction and behavior which is prohibited because it is discriminatory. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when: (a) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's participation or use of an institutionally sponsored or approved activity, employment, or resource; (b) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for educational, employment or similar decisions affecting an individual's ability to participate in or use an institutionally sponsored or approved activity, employment, or resource; or (c) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's ability to participate in or realize the intended benefits of an institutional activity, employment, or resource or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive employment or educational environment. 

Any person who feels that he or she has been subject to sexual harassment should report the incident immediately to the director of Affirmative Action. Inquiries and allegations may also be lodged with any university administrator or, in the case of students, with any faculty member; that person must forward inquiries or allegations to the Director of Affirmative Action for response and/or investigation pursuant to South Dakota Board of Regents' Policy 1:18. If warranted, disciplinary action will be initiated under existing faculty, staff, and student disciplinary procedures. Confidentiality consistent with due process will be maintained. 

If you feel that you may have been discriminated against, or if you need further information regarding your rights or responsibilities, please contact the Director of Affirmative Action in Slagle 102 or your supervisor. 

20. USD Legal Aid

21. USD Dental Hygiene Services

The University of South Dakota offers dental hygiene services to all students, faculty, staff, and the public for a minimal fee. The Dental Hygiene Clinic is located on the main floor of Dakota Hall. Services offered include: prophylaxis (cleaning), oral cancer screenings, blood pressure readings, periodontal assessments, x-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, amalgam polishing, conservative periodontal therapy, custom fit mouth and night guards, and tooth desensitizing. The Dental Hygiene Clinic is a teaching clinic and provides only limited dental services. These services do not constitute a complete dental exam. 

Fall Dental Hygiene Clinic hours are as follows: 

- Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 
- Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 
- Thursday : 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Spring Dental Hygiene Clinic hours are as follows: 

- Monday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
- Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
- Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
- Thursday : 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 
- Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 

22. USD Veterans Services Office

Veterans and eligible dependents of veterans seeking assistance or information concerning V.A. educational benefits may contact this office. The office is under the direction of the USD Registrar. 

23. Vermillion Area Family Planning Office 

What is the South Dakota Family Planning Program? 

The program exists to provide services to all people capable of reproduction who need and desire family planning services. 

How are services provided? 

The South Dakota Family Planning Program staff provides education, counseling, nursing, medical, and birth control services. They are available for you to help maintain or improve your general and reproductive health. 

The South Dakota Family Planning Program is... 

• Confidential--All services provided by our agencies are strictly confidential.

 
• Affordable--Cost for services depends upon your income and family size. The South Dakota Family Planning Program is funded through Federal Title X and Title V dollars. Your fees and donations in addition to federal dollars help us to meet our budget needs which allows us to continue to provide quality reproductive health services to those in need.

 
• Caring--Our team of professionals is concerned about you and strives to meet your needs in a caring manner.

 
• Professional--Our health care team consists of nurses, health educators, nurse practitioners, and physicians. They work together with you to provide quality health care.

 
• Available--Services are provided for anyone regardless of age, gender, race, religion, nationality, or ability to pay.

We can help you: 

• If you want to prevent sexually transmitted diseases which could affect your future reproductive health, specifically your ability to have children.

 
• If you want to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.

 
• If you want to become pregnant.

 
• If you want to know more about how your reproductive system functions.

We can provide the following services... 

• Information:

 

Individuals receive education and information on reproductive health and related issues. Speakers are also available to schools, service organizations, churches, and community groups. 
 

• Medical Care:

 

South Dakota Family Planning clients receive an annual physical examination which is specific to their reproductive need. Referrals are made for medical services not provided at the clinic. 
 

• Contraceptive Services:

 

Client receive contraceptive information and supplies. The contraceptive method depends upon the client's wishes or the client's health needs as determined by a physical examination. 
 

• Infertility Services:

 

Clients experiencing infertility problems may receive any of the services provided by the agency. For more in-depth testing and treatment the agencies make referrals to physicians or social services. 
 

• Nutrition Services:

 

Individual and group nutrition counseling is available statewide for clients with special needs. Registered Dieticians and Nutritionists provide counseling services which include but are not limited to weight control, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, eating disorders, and other basic nutrition topics..

Each agency provides testing and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases or vaginal infections. STD (formerly called VD) testing and treatment is available for both men and women. 

• Pregnancy Testing: Pregnancy testing is available at family planning clinics. Follow-up counseling and/or referral are a part of the pregnancy testing.

24. Mathilda Geppert Child Care Center

The Mathilda Geppert Child Care Center accepts children who are at least two years old and toilet trained. The Center is open to University students, faculty, staff, and the Vermillion community. Certified staff provide individual attention to the children, and the child-centered curriculum encourages art, music, science, health, math, computer and pre-reading activities. A nutritious breakfast, hot lunch and an afternoon snack are provided. The Center is licensed by the Department of Social Services. Parents contract for the hours that they need. 

25. USD Health Enhancement Led by Peers (H.E.L.P.) Program

The HELP Program is sponsored by Residential Life with additional support from the USD Student Counseling Center and the USD Student Health Clinic. The HELP program is made up of student volunteers who are trained to educate fellow students on various health issues and making healthy choices. On many occasions, students rely on each other to deal with problems, but sometimes even a best friend won't have all the answers. This is where the HELP Program steps in. The HELP Program delivers lively, entertaining, and informative programs without lecturing or pointing fingers. Our peer helpers give information in a way that students can relate and know that their concerns are being understood. 

Who are Peer Helpers? 

USD Peer Helpers are students who are committed to helping students live a more healthy lifestyle. These Helpers are of various backgrounds, majors, and years of schooling. USD Helpers attend a week-long training session before the Fall semester in which they meet the new members of the group and work on presentations for the upcoming year. They also meet once a week, every week, during the year to plan programs, do team-building exercises, and keep up on current health issues. 

Peer Helper Programs 

USD Peer Helpers have a variety of programs that are geared toward the needs and concerns of students. The Helpers have developed the following programs for students: safe sex/STDs, AIDS, substance abuse awareness, date rape, nutrition, exercise programs, eating disorders, communication in relationships, race relations, and stress management. The overall message that we try to convey is wellness and awareness. The presentations typically last about an hour. 

Safe Sex/Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) 

The STD presentation that we offer is an eye-opening slide show put to music. The slides give people a first-hand look at what these diseases will do to a person once infected. Many of the slides were provided by the Student Health Clinic and are slides taken of USD students. The point of this presentation is to bring home the reality that this does happen here and not only in big cities and larger campuses. 

Substance Abuse Issues 

We offer two programs on this issue due to the variety of social problems that result from substance abuse. 
1.) "Eddie Talks" is a video in which "Eddie" tells why he drinks so much and shows how it is affecting his relationships with his friends, girlfriend, and school. 
2.) "Finding Out" is a video that takes place within a fraternity house and demonstrates the dangers of acute alcohol intoxication. It also touches on the issue of date rape and people making poor choices while under the influence of alcohol. 

Nutrition 

One of the most important aspects of a healthy lifestyle is a healthy diet. The Peer Helpers, with help from the Food Service Staff, have developed a program that deals with the food served in dining halls and Charlie's. During the presentation, we describe what foods are served, which are the healthiest, and what a balanced diet would ideally consist of. We also try to answer questions about the food and the myths about what we are being fed. 

Exercise and Fitness 

We can't be too healthy if all we do is sit around, watch TV, and eat potato chips. This program takes a look at the benefits of getting off the couch and getting active. We talk about the different activities offered on-campus and offer alternative exercises for people that may have certain limitations that keep them from doing the typical exercises. We also have schedules for aerobics and explain the different types of aerobics. 

Who's Not Eating? 

"Who's Not Eating" was developed to address the problem of eating disorders. In today's society there is a lot of pressure to have the "perfect body" and we constantly hear that "image is everything." Within our program, we talk about the two main eating disorders: anorexia and bulimia, the signs and symptoms to look for, characteristics of people that may have an eating disorder, and community resources that can help. A video and body image presentation is also used to facilitate our discussion. 

Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood  

"Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood" is a skit that was designed to show how racism affects everyone. This program is an interactive presentation which involves total audience participation. With help from the audience, we do a roleplay in which each person is able to experience what it feels like to be suppressed and discriminated against. 

Did You Hear What Happened to... 

This very powerful roleplay deals with the issue of date rape. Date rape is a very real problem on our campus and this program shows how deeply rape affects the victim. The program involves a convicted rapist who faces his victim as part of his sentence. Both parties tell their sides of the story and the floor is opened for discussion regarding the events that led to the rape and how their lives have changed since the rape took place. After the discussion, the Helpers give information about date rape, precautions to avoid a possible date rape situation, and a list of resources for anyone who may be dealing with personal issues concerning rape. 

Who's Responsible? 

"Who's Responsible?" is a video that was produced by the HELP Program and filmed on campus at USD. The question, "who's responsible?", is brought out in a video in which a student goes to a party with a girlfriend and chooses to drive home, along with his girlfriend, even though he has been drinking. Many Factors come into play as the night unfolds and comes to an end. A discussion follows with an evaluation as to who was responsible for the final outcome. 

The Z-Virus 

"The Z-Virus" is an interactive presentation in which people shake hands with a person who has the Z-Virus and are instantly infected then pass it on to another person who is immediately infected, etc. This continues on and people begin to die. Soon everyone has been infected and everyone has died, except the original carrier of the Z-Virus. This game demonstrates how easily the AIDS virus can be passed on to people that are not practicing safe sex. The Helpers give current information regarding the spread of AIDS/HIV and tell of precautions that will help to lower the risk of contracting the AIDS virus. 

Stress Management 

As students, we know what stress is. Unfortunately, we know it all too well and experience it all too often. Our presentation deals with how to cope with stress, healthy ways to relieve stress, and tips on how to keep stress from building up to the breaking point. If you are stressed out and it seems like it will never end, this program may help you find some relief. 

How Do I Schedule a Program? 

1. Decide which program fits the needs of your organization or covers a specific problem area.
2. Determine a preferred date and time, and the desired length of the program. As a general rule, each program lasts approximately 60 to 90 minutes.
3. We ask that you please give us at least two weeks notice prior to the desired date of the program. This allows us to juggle our schedules and ensure the best possible program.
4. All requests or questions can be sent or called in to the office at the above telephone number or address.

26. USD Cold Care Center