Members of the Students’ Association (SA) held an emergency meeting Friday to vote in opposition to a bill that would have removed the requirement of an enhanced permit as a condition for carrying a concealed pistol on South Dakota public higher education campuses. House Bill 1133 was ultimately killed in a 9-6 vote in the House committee on Monday, according to SA Government Affairs Chair Anna Hundt.
**Open Forum**
Monday night’s SA meeting began with an address from interim Police Chief Michael Drake. Drake is currently providing leadership for the University Police Department (UPD) until South Dakota State University (SDSU) hires a new chief.
When asked about the practices and policies he plans to implement at UPD, Drake emphasized a focus on professionalism and serving the “customer base.”
“I want to make sure that UPD, their culture fits with what you folks want, or what your family wants or what the staff wants here,” Drake said.
During his time as chief, Drake also aims to maintain transparency in the department’s communication.
“My communication standard as far as being the chief of police or representing a police agency is to be upfront and honest with folks,” he explained. “Not because we have to meet standards or comply with Title IX, but because you should know what’s going on when something is happening in the halls, or on the side or within our campus community where that impacts you every day.”
Originally from New York state, Drake moved to Brookings in 2022. He shared that his roles with the Brookings Police Department and now UPD have made him feel “rejuvenated.”
The 2026 Hobo Day Grand Pooba, Grace Barnett, also addressed the senate. Barnett has been involved with the Hobo Day Committee for the past three years and is excited to enhance the annual Hobo Gear Prep Night event during Hobo Week.
“We’re looking at doing a fun little twist on that, possibly doing some premade outfits, or possibly having different coordinators on the team compose an outfit that they choose,” Barnett said. Hobo Day is set for October 24, 2026.
**Committee Reports**
An additional 200 journals are now available for free to SDSU students, Chief of Staff Emma Peterson announced. The library committee recently signed an agreement, bringing the total number of accessible journals to 1,300.
Peterson also reported a change in Briggs Library’s Sunday hours. Starting now, the library opens at noon instead of 1 p.m.
Additionally, a new textbook guide has been created for students by the Wintrode Student Success Center.
“There is now a textbook guide since there are so many different ways for students to access their textbooks, whether it’s online or a physical textbook,” Peterson explained.
Copies of the textbook guide will be available in the Students’ Association office, located on Main Street in the Student Union.
https://sdsucollegian.com/32743/featured/drake-addresses-plans-for-upd/