http://www.ndus.edu this is used only for testing purposes en-us Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/syndicate/rssnews.png http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/ http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=196
Joining BSC President Larry C. Skogen and national humanities scholar Clay Jenkinson is Herman Viola, nationally recognized authority on Native American history and the American West. They will exchange thoughts on "Changing Interpretations of Native American and Western History" for the program that begins at 3 p.m. in BSC's Sidney J. Lee Auditorium. Questions and comments from the audience will complete the conversation.

A specialist on the history of American Indians, Viola will begin this conversation with a presentation on his recent book, "Warriors in Uniform: The Legacy of American Indian Heroism," published by the National Geographic Society. "Warriors in Uniform" is an illustrated history about American Indian military service from the 1700s to present day Iraq and Afghanistan. The book reveals little known cultural insights, how the warrior designation is a great honor among Native Americans, and how ancient traditions of war persevere.

Contained in the book are never-before-seen photographs from personal collections, including a photograph of North Dakota National Guardsman Nathan Goodiron of the Three Affiliated Tribes, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2006.

"We're delighted that Dr. Viola will be visiting our campus. He's a titan in American Indian history," Skogen said. "His many publications and his work with the Smithsonian Institution have earned him the respect of scholars and Native American communities. In many ways, he's become a respected cultural broker working across cultures to increase awareness and understanding among those in the white and Native American worlds."

Viola founded the scholarly journal "Prologue" at the National Archives and was director of the museum's National Anthropological Archives, which housed American Indian records. He has written more than a dozen history books on war, American Indians, exploration of America, and America at the time of Columbus.

During his 25 years at the Smithsonian, Viola developed two landmark exhibits. He curated "Seeds of Change," a multicultural examination of impact from Columbus' voyages of discovery (one of the most attended exhibits in the Smithsonian's history); and "Magnificent Voyagers: The Story of the U.S. Exploring Expedition of 1838-1842." The latter exhibit took four years to compile and toured six American cities as one of the Smithsonian's largest temporary exhibits.

Viola has been an educator, college professor, curriculum developer, and a consultant to numerous museums and educational organizations. They include the Brookings Institution, National Museum of the American Indian and Library of Congress. His book, "Little Bighorn Remembered: the Untold Indian Story of Custer's Last Stand" was adapted for a History Channel special.

Funding for Viola's appearance is provided by Whiting Petroleum Corporation and Sheila Schafer through the Bismarck State College Foundation.

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About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities. For more information visit www.bismarckstate.edu.]]> Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=197
"I am extremely pleased to be a finalist for the 2012 Edison Awards in the category of industrial design," said Aaron Lamb, president of Ergologistics. "This honor solidifies Lift'n Buddy's place in the market. Being in the field of this year's finalists speaks well to the level of innovation we strive for. I am excited for our company, and our extended family at the NDSU Research and Technology Park's Technology Incubator that helped to bring our product to market."

Along with Lift'n Buddy, other tool finalists in the industrial design category are a Kobalt 19-piece double-drive screwdriver set and a slice box cutter. Household-product-finalists in the industrial design category include a Dyson hot fan heater, TikTok + LunaTik and WordLock.

"This nomination is truly an honor for Aaron and his team," said Brenda Wyland, associate director for the NDSU Research and Technology Park. "The finalists for this internationally renowned distinction represent the best of the best in today's cutting edge innovation and design."

The Edison Awards, which have been in existence for 25 years, recognize innovative products, services and business leaders. The awards are named after Thomas Alva Edison whose product development methods and innovation garnered him more than 1,000 U.S. patents and made him a household name.

The panel of judges for the Edison Best New Product Awards include more than 3,000 top marketing professionals and academics as well as professionals from the fields of product development and design, engineering, science and education. Evaluation criteria focus on concept, value, impact and delivery.

The NDSU Research and Technology Park and Technology Incubator are home to fast-paced, high-growth companies that promote technology-based economic development in North Dakota. Each of them has the potential to compete globally or is already doing so effectively. To operate within the park or Technology Incubator, a company must be involved in the advancement and development of new technology, be willing to establish a working relationship with NDSU and work in one or more of the following technology fields: material sciences, biosciences and life science technology, information technology, nanotechnology, advanced manufacturing and sensors/micro-electronics.
]]> Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=195
"These two new research centers are promising economic development projects for the state of North Dakota," North Dakota Commerce commissioner, Al Anderson, said. "Centers of Research Excellence projects help us leverage the talent and research expertise that exists in our state."

ABOUT THE NEW NDSU CENTER FOR LIFE SCIENCES RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS
Sanford Research, headquartered in Sioux Falls, S.D., and Fargo, plans to partner with the new Center for Life Sciences Research and Applications at NDSU for research on human genomics and bioinformatics. Initial focus is expected to include breast cancer research and research into certain rare diseases in children.

Sanford Research and RJ Lee have committed to contribute cash and in-kind contributions totaling $2.7 million to the Center for Life Sciences Research and Applications during a period of more than four years.

"Sanford Research is pleased to partner with NDSU in this important health research initiative," said Ruth Krystopolski, executive vice president of development and research at Sanford Health. "We share the belief in and enthusiasm for the application of genomic information toward novel clinical trials, next-generation therapies and cures. Already, advances in clinical genomics have enhanced translational research activities in type 1 diabetes, breast cancer and child-hood rare diseases among other disciplines at Sanford Research. This project will allow for an even greater level of integration between scientific discovery and the doctor's office, and most importantly, improve care for the patients we serve in our region."

In addition, the RJ Lee Group, Inc., a major supplier of industrial forensic capabilities, plans to work with the Center for Life Sciences Research and Applications at NDSU and the NDSU DNA Laboratory to develop next generation DNA-based identification and forensic tests and methods. Based in Monroeville, Penn., the group was founded by North Dakota native, Richard J. Lee.

The goal of the Center for Life Sciences Research and Applications is to combine the resources and capabilities of multiple private sector partners interested in the life sciences, with NDSU's research and development capabilities for life science-related technology or product development.

"These Centers will be a significant addition to NDSU's research efforts benefiting our state's economy, while leading to opportunities for students, both in their studies and in their future careers. The Centers provide technology-based economic stimulation that can only come from the comingling of research university and business development activities," said NDSU President Dean Bresciani.

"NDSU's involvement in these exceptional research partnerships will involve graduate and undergraduate students participating in research activities by the Center and its partners. In parallel with this CORE effort, NDSU also plans to offer additional opportunities for postgraduate studies and research in genetics and bioinformatics," said Bruce Rafert, NDSU provost.

"This new Center builds upon NDSU's expertise in robotics, computational sciences and informatics. It can also serve as another catalyst in the burgeoning life sciences industry cluster in the Red River Valley, further contributing to technology-based economic development," said Philip Boudjouk, vice president for research at NDSU.

The Center will initially focus on discoveries and technologies generated by NDSU and private sector partners which has the potential to:
-Encourage growth of the life sciences industry sector in North Dakota and promote
technology-based economic development
-Spur growth of computational research and sciences, particularly in bioinformatics,
-Spur growth of genomics research, and
-Spur growth of DNA-based forensics and identification research and applications

Genomics involves studying the function and interactions of all genes in the genome. Such research can involve humans, plants or animals. In the case of human genomics, researchers use biological roadmaps to find which genes might be involved in diseases such as cancer. In the case of plants, it might be which genes play a role in crop disease and performance. In the case of animals, genomics research can lead to a better understanding of disease resistance and susceptibility.

Vast amounts of scientific data are generated in the study of genomics. Bioinformatics uses computational technologies to manage and analyze all the research information that is generated. Computer technology can be used to uncover information hidden in large masses of data, helping to better diagnose and treat diseases in humans, plants and animals.

ABOUT THE NEW NDSU CENTER FOR TECHNOLOGICALLY INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES
This new Center at NDSU stems from requests from private sector partners of existing NDSU Centers of Excellence to engage in commercially-relevant research projects involving the entire product supply chain, including: material design and selection, researching process improvements, testing and evaluating product prototypes, analyzing product failure, and research to improve products. The Center will focus on market-driven research to enhance products, reduce production costs, and improve processes.

Center partners will utilize NDSU's expertise in such areas as materials characterization, corrosion research, chemistry and engineering. Another goal of the program is to promote the use of technological developments that have a cost effective, but positive environmental effect in the energy industrial cluster in the western part of the state.

Initial partners in this new Center of Research Excellence at NDSU include: Mid-America Aviation, a leader in the aerospace industry based in West Fargo, N.D., Amity Technology, a leader in agricultural equipment applications, in Fargo, and Arkema, Inc., a global producer of industrial chemicals, performance products and vinyl products, based in King of Prussia, Pa., that is developing products to better serve the needs wind-based energy production, a growing energy segment in North Dakota.

The three initial private sector partners have committed cash and in-kind match contributions totaling $640,000 for the new research Center.

"The Center of Research Excellence program will provide substantial benefit to Mid-America Aviation by enabling us to leverage the great facilities and personnel at North Dakota State University to provide research support for our development of new overhaul and manufacturing technologies," said Randall D. Herman, chief operating officer, Mid-America Aviation, West Fargo. "This partnership with the state of North Dakota, North Dakota State University and Mid-America Aviation represents the best possible utilization of public and private resources to enhance business opportunities in our region, to grow our business and to provide better employment opportunities to our workforce."

The Center for Technologically Innovative Products and Processes also will enable NDSU students to participate in industrially relevant research. "This new industrial research Center offers opportunities for both industry and students," said Philip Boudjouk, vice president for research at NDSU. "It will conduct commercially-relevant research driven by the market, helping companies solve product supply chain problems, while giving students substantial research experience in this business sector."

The new Center will work with industrial partners from the beginning of the industrial supply chain through to finished products.
]]> Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=194
As the sun set Friday evening, Dr. D.C. Coston along with Deryl Matthew, DSU student body president, took the time to visit with students of each DSU residence hall.

"I was deeply encouraged to see students supporting one another on Friday evening during our visit with them," said Coston. "I feel it was just as meaningful for me to be with the students as it was for them to be around each other."

Blue Hawk fans gathered with mixed feelings, heavy hearts and Blue Hawk pride Saturday night and hoped for two victories in Scott Gym. The Lady Blue Hawks led triumphantly with the first win of the night over the Mayville State Comets. DSU senior guard Kylee Bittner hit a personal milestone in scoring her 1,000th career point as a Lady Blue Hawk.

The men's basketball game stretched into overtime, where the Blue Hawks claimed their second victory over Mayville State. DSU senior Tevin Hurd scored 27 points, nine of those contributing to the overtime win.

"We feel like the school needed something good with all the drama that's been going on and everything," said Hurd. "We felt like the DSU family needed something positive to look at, so we really wanted to come out and play for them. I think that's what fueled us, especially in the second half."

"It's been a long week for us," said head men's basketball coach Ty Orton. "It's been an eventful time for DSU and these kids fought through a lot of things and they represented the school to a high level."

DSU athletics is just one of the many ways the community of Dickinson has supported the university. Community support has been vital in moving the institution forward through the recent audit discoveries and the devastating loss of one of our beloved faculty members, Dr. Doug LaPlante.

Perhaps Dickinson Press publisher Harvey Brock said it best is his recent editorial: "Dickinson and western North Dakota need DSU as much today as it did in 1918 and will need it even more tomorrow. We need to support our university now more than ever in the coming months."]]> Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=193
NDSCS will be given the highest priority for adding NASA resources to their professional development courses. For example, NDSCS will be able to have a NASA educational specialist available to provide hands-on sessions in the annual summer teaching academy.

NDSCS Applied Science and Technologies has been given this designation because of excellent past collaborations with NASA Education, including:

• NDSCS faculty presentation at nanoscience technology workshop sponsored by the NASA Space Foundation
  
• NASA Space Foundation training at NDSCS Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems, or MEMS, (miniaturized mechanical and electro-mechanical elements) workshop
  
• A partnership with the National Science Foundation on a grant written to enhance GUESS (girls understanding and exploring STEM science) program
  
• NDSCS faculty presentation at Space Exploration Educators Conference
  

As a network member, NDSCS will help identify STEM professional development needs for teachers in the area, work with an AESP Education Specialist to develop workshops that align with local STEM needs, recruit teachers who match the professional development event's targeted audience and provide workshop facilities that are conducive to teacher learning, with adequate classroom space and functioning educational technologies.

Each state is allowed three entities to become part of the professional development network. To date, NDSCS is the only North Dakota member.

About AESP: The Aerospace Education Services Project is a comprehensive project designed to reach out to the formal and informal education communities in all fifty states and the U.S. territories. The AESP staff consists of specialists who are professional educators assigned to every NASA center. The AESP specialists share NASA's use of emerging instructional technologies and the motivating outcomes of NASA's research, exploration and discovery with education communities and the public. The AESP primary focus is a professional development effort that provides in-service training for educators, classroom lesson modeling, distance learning events, pre-service training for university students, and identification of appropriate NASA education resources.

]]> Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=192 internal articulation agreement audit and review report released today during a press conference at the Badlands Activities Center.

Six State Board of Higher Education and North Dakota University System policy and procedure violations were cited in the audit. The report stated: "Several process level controls have been waived or controls that were once in place have been intentionally overridden or ignored, threatening the overall compliance of the program."

Some of the most serious violations noted in the report include: students not meeting minimum admission requirements; absence of official documents, including transcripts; lack of English proficiency; non-verification of student completion of general education courses; and degrees awarded without sufficient credits.

The audit shows that a total of 816 files of students in the special international programs were examined. The review found 743 of these in question as follows: 120 students currently enrolled, 39 have finished coursework and are currently awaiting certificates or degrees, and 584 who have already received a certificate or degree.

The report suggests solutions which include: stopping or discontinuing the programs, suspending degree awards for current program students until all documentation is obtained, putting into place processes and controls to ensure against policy and procedure violations, terminating all agreements with foreign student agents or recruiters, accepting only official-sealed transcripts and insisting upon English proficiency and verification.

DSU will be working with the North Dakota University System, the State Board of Higher Education, the Higher Learning Commission and the Department of Education to ensure compliance with all regulations, policies and procedures.

For more information please contact:

Marie Moe, Director of University Relations
Dickinson State University
Phone: 701.483.2560
Email: marie.moe@dickinsonstate.edu

John R. Irby, Public Affairs Consultant
North Dakota University System
Phone: 701.328.2962
E-mail: john.irby@ndus.edu]]> Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=191 John R. Irby, Public Affairs Consultant
North Dakota University System
Phone: 701.328.2962
E-mail: john.irby@ndus.edu

BISMARCK, N.D. - The North Dakota Chancellor Search Committee has narrowed the applicant field to four candidates. They are:

• Tim Flakoll, provost, Tri-College University, Fargo-Moorhead.
  
• Marshall Hill, executive director, Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education, Lincoln, Neb.
  
• Hamid Augustine Shirvani, president, California State University-Stanislaus, Turlock, Calif.
  
• Warren Kent Wray, interim chancellor, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, Mo.

The four candidates will be in Bismarck Feb. 28 and 29 to meet with various constituents and to have their final interview with the search committee on the 29th. The State Board of Higher Education meets March 13 to interview the finalists and to select the next chancellor of the University System. The SBHE chair and search consultant will negotiate contract terms. It is hoped a new chancellor will begin an appointment by July 1, 2012.

The chancellor serves as the chief executive officer of the State Board of Higher Education, is the chief executive officer of the NDUS and carries out the policies and directives of the SBHE. The NDUS office is located at the state Capitol in Bismarck.

The University System includes 11 institutions of higher education and has an operating budget of nearly $1.2 billion. Direct reports to the chancellor include the campus presidents, the vice chancellor for academic and student affairs, the vice chancellor for administrative affairs, the vice chancellor for strategic planning and executive director of CTEC, the general counsel/SBHE executive secretary, chief information officer, director of internal audit and risk assessment, the public affairs and marketing director and the executive assistant/office manager.

For more information about the search process, go to: www.ndus.edu/system/ndus-chancellor-search/ or contact SBHE President Grant Shaft at Grant.Shaft@ndus.edu]]> Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=190 MEDIA ADVISORY

For More Information Contact:
John R. Irby, Public Affairs Consultant
North Dakota University System
Phone: 701.328.2962
E-mail: john.irby@ndus.edu

BISMARCK, N.D. - A press conference will be held Friday (Feb. 10) at the Dickinson State University Badlands Activities Center at 10:30 a.m. (MST) to announce findings from an ongoing investigation-audit of university administrative actions.

North Dakota University System Chancellor William G. Goetz and DSU President D.C. Coston will address the media. A 10- to 15-minute question-and-answer session will follow.

Media requesting directions, special access or having other needs can contact Marie Moe, director of university relations, at 701-483-2560 or marie.moe@dickinsonstate.edu
]]> Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=189
Dr. Steve Shirley, president of VCSU, said, "As pleased as we are with these results, we remain focused on our mission, vision, and values, and our goals of providing accessible, innovative, and high-quality educational experiences and programs for VCSU students."

To accommodate the enrollment growth, VCSU has been taking several steps within the framework of its strategic plan. For example, the University has increased its instructional faculty and has introduced new programs in high-demand subjects such as majors in Medical Laboratory Science, Athletic Training, and Business Process Integration Management (BPIM), and a concentration in Criminal Justice. The University is also upgrading its facilities including a $10.3 million expansion and renovation of the Rhoades Science Center, the renovation of Snoeyenbos residence hall into apartment-style suites, and a new artificial turf surface on its football field.

Valley City State University (VCSU) prepares people for life through visionary leadership and exemplary practices in teaching, learning and service. VCSU is nationally acclaimed for attracting and retaining talented individuals who advance quality learning opportunities and economic growth through technology and innovation.

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]]> Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=188
In the past four years, NDSCS spring enrollment has increased 23.7 percent from 2,272 students in 2009 to 2,811 in 2012.

"We are encouraged that more students, parents and high school counselors are hearing the message and understanding that two-year college certificates and degrees can lead to high-paying careers," said John Richman, NDSCS president.

The spring 2012 student body includes:

• 57 percent full-time students, 43 percent part-time students
  
• 1,374 students living on the Wahpeton campus
  
• 70 percent of students are from North Dakota
  
• Students from 51 of the 53 North Dakota counties
  
• 29 students from 13 foreign countries, including Canada
  
• 1,703 first-year students, 1,108 second-year students
  

Several factors have contributed to the surge in enrollment, including the demand for highly-trained workers in western North Dakota, the impact of the national economy and greater awareness of job placement for graduates of two-year colleges. NDSCS' 2011 graduate placement rate was 99 percent, meaning the graduates are employed or continuing their education. Seventy percent of the students found employment in North Dakota or transferred on to a North Dakota four-year university. For full details of the NDSCS Placement Report, go to www.ndscs.edu/placement.

"NDSCS has made a concerted effort to reach out to a greater number of traditional and non-traditional students through the expansion of the NDSCS-Fargo campus," said Richman. "Our efforts to offer a variety of flexible class schedules and options will continue to expand as we make the NDSCS classes more available to a wider range of students in the future."

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The fellowship, valued at $25,000, helps BSC faculty and staff further their education, conduct research or pursue other professional development.

Bauer plans to use the fellowship to complete a master's in journalism education from the University of Missouri - Columbia. The online program will allow her to remain full time at BSC, where she has taught since 2000.

Bauer took a couple master-level classes before applying for the fellowship and plans to graduate in spring 2014. She also will use the fellowship to pay for a Backpack Journalism Workshop in Washington, D.C. next spring. The skills she learns about writing a story in the field and uploading it on portable technology will benefit her students.

"This fellowship is going to be a tremendous help to my teaching and advising at BSC and life in general," Bauer said. "Gone is the pressure of knowing I won't have to take a class a semester or worry about making payments. I don't have to put myself on hold anymore."

Advisor to the BSC Mystician, Bauer teaches media writing, reporting and editing, English Usage and Media and Social Change. She serves on the ArtsQuest and Campus Read committees, acts as co-advisor for Phi Theta Kappa, and is part of the BSC Excellence Through Leadership program this year. Her undergraduate degree in English education was earned at the University of Mary.

Bauer says she is overwhelmed to be a recipient of the Jack Fellowship.

"So many who applied are my peers - people I admire and look up to," she said. "It's a privilege to be at BSC and be offered the opportunity for this education."

The late Tom and Peg Jack, lead contributors to BSC's Jack Science Center, endowed the Jack Fellowship in 1999. A committee appointed by the BSC Foundation selects the recipients.

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About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities. For more information visit www.bismarckstate.edu.]]> Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=186
"It was very exciting and an honor to be recognized for my work with the freshman students at Dickinson State University," said Newton. "Working with freshman students is my passion and DSU allows me the freedom to do it in my own way. All of us that are involved with the First Year Experience Program work very hard to set students up for success from the moment they step foot on campus. It is easy to forget how difficult this transition can be for many of them."

Newton was nominated in recognition of her outstanding work with first-year seminars and her ability to work in creative ways to enhance the academic success of first-year students. Newton has been invited to attend the luncheon program in part of the 31st Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience in San Antonio, Texas. Her name will be listed on an honor roll of nominees during the awards luncheon program, where all nominees in attendance will be recognized.]]> Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=185
Ferris, a junior from Norquay, Saskatchewan, will present, "Prairie Fire: The Transformation of Canadian Grain Producers Attitudes toward the Canadian Wheat Board," a presentation regarding the role of agricultural interest groups in Canadian agricultural policy. Ferris is a member of the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program and is president of the DSU League of Political Scientists.

Igolkina, a junior form Voronezh, Russia, will present "The Rise of United Russia: The Party in Power in the Russian Federation" a presentation focusing on the development of partisan political systems in the contemporary Russian Federation. Iglokina is a Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program Associate and also is a member of the DSU League of Political Scientists.

The Midwest Political Association Annual meeting is a prestigious national conference hosted by the Midwest Political Science Association, publisher of the "American Journal of Political Science." This annual conference provides an opportunity for selected and nominated undergraduates to present research at a professional level.]]> Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=184
The grants, each for about $3.5 million, were among only 22 awarded across the country in the University Transportation Centers Program administered by the DOT's Research and Innovative Technology Administration. Funding from the grants will support work at NDSU's Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute.

"These grants represent significant support for our work at the Transportation Institute," said Denver Tolliver, the institute's associate director. "With the high expectations that come with these awards, there is also a recognition that the work we do at NDSU and with our collaborators has established a foundation for future success."

"Efficient and safe mobility is critical to North Dakota and the region," NDSU Provost Bruce Rafert said. "As NDSU continues to build its capacity for high-quality teaching, research and outreach, transportation will continue to be an important part of our overall program."

One grant is for an NDSU-led collaborative program called the Mountain-Plains Consortium involving eight universities across the Upper Great Plains and Intermountain West. Efforts will range from development of techniques to extend the life of bridges to improved transportation planning for Indian reservations to improved road safety. Partners with NDSU include Colorado State University, South Dakota State University, University of Colorado-Denver, University of Denver, University of Utah, University of Wyoming and Utah State University. NDSU's share will be about $1.3 million.

The second grant was one of only two awarded nationally to focus specifically on public transportation. NDSU is a partner with the University of Illinois at Chicago and Florida International University in Miami. The University of South Florida in Tampa will lead the effort. The Small Urban and Rural Transit Center, a part of the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute at NDSU, will provide expertise in rural and small urban transportation. NDSU will receive about $700,000 from the grant.

NDSU has led the Mountain-Plains Consortium since 1988, successfully competing three times since then for the designation as a federally funded University Transportation Center. The program has generated a library of more than 200 research publications and has helped establish the successful transportation and logistics graduate program at NDSU. The consortium also has established itself as a leader in using technology for training and outreach.

"Each of the participating universities has key strengths and programs. The consortium will combine them into a comprehensive and coordinated program that addresses key transportation issues in the region," Tolliver said. The consortium has on-going programs in several areas including transportation and sustainable energy development, bridge monitoring and performance, tribal transportation planning, transit oriented development and urban sustainability, workforce skill development and development of online courses and training.

The Small Urban and Rural Transit Center was established at NDSU in 2002 and has developed nationally recognized programs in rural and small urban transit. Researchers have conducted unique research on transit coordination, mobility needs of elderly in rural areas, use of technology by rural small transit agencies and other topics. Training and outreach by center staff include topics as diverse as transit agency management, tribal transit management, risk management and customer service with staff members conducting nearly 30 training courses in 17 different states during the past year.

"NDSU's participation in this program will bring a rural or small community focus," noted Jill Hough, director of the Small Urban and Rural Transit Center. "We will also gain ideas from our partners that may be transferable to the smaller transit providers that we serve. Each of the four partner universities brings unique strengths and accomplishments to this consortium, but by working together we will enhance our overall collective contribution to the transit industry."

For more information on the grants, contact Tom Jirik, communications coordinator for the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, at 231-9629 or thomas.jirik@ndsu.edu.]]> Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=183
U.S. News put UND's online program near the top in the "student services and technology" category in the first-ever Top Online Education Program rankings by U.S. News & World Report edition. UND also placed in the top 75 in five different category rankings for its online graduate programs in business and nursing.

UND also is one of the top schools in the nation for military-friendly online schools, according to the 2012 "Guide to Online Schools," a leading education portal for aspiring college students.

UND's online programs were ranked No. 3 on the Guide's list after an evaluation of more than 200 accredited online schools. The top 30 schools are listed on the Guide's official website at guidetoonlineschools.com/online-colleges/2012-military-friendly.

This year, the University of Wisconsin-Madison took the top spot in the rankings followed by Iowa State University and then UND.

"UND is committed to providing high quality educational experiences for all of our online students, and to be recognized by U.S. News in multiple categories, including a No. 3 ranking for our student services and technology support, is an honor, " said Philip Parnell, director of Online Enrollment Management. "We are very proud of the hard work put forth by all our faculty and staff involved in online education."

Parnell also touted UND's Military Affairs Committee as a big reason that the University's online education programs are being recognized as military-friendly on a national scale.

"The Committee, which is made up of current and former military members who volunteer their time, provides ongoing guidance on how UND can best meet the needs of our servicemen and women."

Guide to Online Schools stated that UND has a "particularly robust" online learning program that "encompasses all levels of learning, from professional development classes and certificates to graduate degrees." The Guide to Online Schools also noted that UND "offers a number of accredited online programs that are hard to find at other institutions, such as undergraduate engineering degrees."

In addition to recognizing UND among the Top Online Education Programs, U.S. News recently profiled UND online student, Dalene Erickson, for a feature article titled, "Why I Chose Online Education." Erickson is pursuing her graduate degree in early childhood education while she balances the demands of work and family.

"We are very pleased that U.S. News chose to feature one of UND's online students," Parnell said. "Ms. Erickson's experience of juggling multiple responsibilities while earning her master's degree online is typical for many of the adult learners that UND serves through distance education."

UND offers more than 45 online degree and graduate certificate programs as well as hundreds of online academic and lifelong learning courses.


]]> Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=182
Each year, a respondent within the region's theater department attends DSU performances and provides feedback to the university. From this feedback, DSU selects two individuals to compete in the Irene Ryan Scholarship Competition, held at the KCACTF. This year, the region had over 300 Irene Ryan scholarship nominees. Of these nominees, DSU students Todd Selle and Jordan Mork were selected from DSU to compete.

The KCACTF included a week of workshops, technical and design competitions and multiple performances. DSU students who attended the 2012 KCACTF included Nathan Reever Amberg, Layne Brandvik, Betsy Devero, Stephanie Dubin, Samantha Holzer, Alex Jacobs, Leah Jenson, Jesse Kilwein, Deryl Matthew, Jordan Mork, Dinah Ridl, Megan Ries, Timothy Rosin, Todd Selle and Lauren Soderberg. Students were accompanied by faculty advisor of University Players Jarvis Jahner, assistant professor of theater and communication at DSU.

"I am honored that we placed in the top 20 percent of the contestants," said Mork. "I also am humbled that Todd and I advanced to the semi-finals because there were a lot of very talented individuals at this competition."

Mork, is a junior nursing major and a member of University Players. Selle, also a member of University Players, graduated in 2010 with a degree in university studies and is currently pursuing his teacher education degree in mathematics.]]> Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=179
Gilliss has been coaching for 30 years at both the high school and collegiate level. He began coaching the men's basketball program at BSC in 1991 and was named athletic director in 1999. He held both roles until 2008.

During his years as BSC coach, the men's team won 11 Region 13 Championships and advanced to the NJCAA Division II national tournament three times (1993, 1997, 2001), including a sixth place finish in 1993.

Gilliss was named Region 13 Coach of the Year 11 times and was a three-time NJCAA District Coach of the Year.

Gilliss will be honored at the 2012 NJCAA Division II Men's Basketball Championship banquet on March 19 in Danville, Ill.

Read the NJCAA news release. For more information about the NJCAA, visit www.njcaa.org.
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About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities. For more information visit www.bismarckstate.edu.]]> Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=181
"...The City has a need for Senior living quarters -- they're short on that piece. They're hearing from a number of seniors that reach a certain age -- 55 and older -- that their kids are all gone, they sell their home, and they want to stay in the community, but there isn't the appropriate senior living environment for that age group. And so they are having to leave the community and move to Fergus Falls or to Fargo. So, they have that need, we have the space, and Lutheran Social Service will be the funding and operating arm of that project."

Richman says the partnership with Lutheran Social Service will be a good match for the school and the residents...

"...Obviously, we have a full fledged kitchen... they may cater for meals, they may cater for I-T services, they may cater for maintenance and custodial services. We won't operate it. We will be, for lack of a better term, a land-lord for Lutheran Social Service to function. And, just so we've clear, this is not assisted living. This would be just Senior living."

Richman says while it's a new approach for the school, there are about three-dozen colleges in the U-S that offer a similar service.

See the original article.

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Now holder of the giant Golden Wrench traveling trophy, BSC won after only competing in the Stage Crew Showdown for the first time last year. The BSC team swept ahead of 14 four-year universities and another two-year college in the contest.

"It means a lot to see that the experience and education students receive at BSC is as good if not better than what big schools offer in the first two years of college," said Dean Bellin, assistant professor of technical theatre and showdown coach.

BSC's sophomore team of Chelsea Brown (captain), Alex Johnson, Charley Connor and Cody Walker raced through timed events that also were judged on quality and proper technique. Categories included knot and curtain tie, prop placement, lighting instrument hang and focus, and costume quick change.

Bellin said the trophy carries weight because theater professionals representing the Santa Fe Opera, Cirque du Soleil, and other premier organizations judged the finals.

Brown and Johnson, both technical theater majors, also received individual awards of merit for their work in BSC's winter play, "The Dead Guy," seen by KCACTF judges in December. Brown captured outstanding stage manager and Johnson won in media design for his video work. Other BSC students earned roles in the festival's Directors' Showcase and 10-minute play competition.

Bellin said the Golden Wrench trophy will be displayed in the theater gallery hallway between Schafer Hall and the Leach Music Center.

The American College Theater Festival is comprised of eight regional festivals that offer theater craft training and present the best plays and talent in each region. The program, run by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., also recognizes excellence with awards and scholarships. Colleges in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Kansas and Iowa make up Region V.
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About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities. For more information visit www.bismarckstate.edu.]]> Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=178
McGarva, who has been with the university since 1997, has been conducting research regarding driver behavior with psychology students since 1998.While in Paris, McGarva presented two lecture pieces entitled, "Questioning the Questionnaire: Assessing the Validity of Measures of Driver Aggression" and "Texting and Driving: Self-Imposed Distraction Among High School, College and Adult Drivers," which included research from student contributors Nicholas Zumwalt and Holly Callahan.

"Research on driver behavior has been fruitful," said McGarva. "It is a topic that students are attracted to, something they engage with, while helping make roadways a safer place."

In 2010, McGarva was published in "Traffic Psychology: An International Perspective." The textbook was published by Nova Science Publishers. A first edition, the book includes a chapter devoted to research in traffic psychology conducted at DSU.]]> Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=177
Founded in 1876, Music Teachers National Association is a nonprofit organization comprised of 22,000 independent and collegiate music teachers who are committed to advancing the value of music study, music making to society and to supporting the professionalism of music teachers.

Walters, the daughter of Daniel and Brenda Walters, Gladstone, N.D., earned the opportunity to compete at the national level after winning the West Central Division of the MTNA Young Artist Voice Competition; where she competed against state vocal winners from South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri.

Walters has been studying voice for nine years and is currently a student of Dr. Bruce Southard, director of choral activities at DSU and Dr. Virginia Sublett of North Dakota State University. With their collaborate instruction, Walters received the encouragement award during the Metropolitan Opera Council Auditions in 2010 and 2011 and received a scholarship to attend the 2011 Miami Frost School of Music summer music program in Salzburg, Austria.

The National MTNA Competition will be held in New York in March 2012 during the MTNA National Conference. The national winner will receive a cash prize and will perform in a Winners Concert during the conference.]]> Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=176
With a history spanning back to the Civil War, nurse anesthetists have remained at the head of the table every moment of their patients' procedures, administering their anesthetics, monitoring their vital signs, and helping to ensure that each year millions of patients receive the safest anesthesia care possible.

"As CRNAs we administer anesthesia to patients undergoing cardiac, neurological, oral, and labor and delivery surgeries just to name a few. Regardless of the setting, nurse anesthetists apply the same high standards of care," said Dr. Darla Adams, director of the nurse anesthesia graduate track. "It is a privilege to be a part of a profession that is dedicated to providing a safe anesthetic and has historically played a pivotal role in every facet of anesthesia advancement."

Nurse anesthetists are advanced practice registered nurses who administer approximately 32 million anesthetics in the United States each year. Practicing in every setting in which anesthesia is available, CRNAs practice with a great deal of autonomy and are the sole anesthesia professional in the vast majority of rural hospitals.

As the main hands-on provider of anesthesia care in both military and civilian settings, CRNAs practice in every setting in which anesthesia is administered. That includes but is not limited to hospital operating and delivery rooms; ambulatory surgical centers; the offices of dentists, podiatrists, ophthalmologists, plastic surgeons; pain management centers, and within the U.S. Military, Public Health Services, and Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities.

National Nurse Anesthetist Week was established by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA), and was created to encourage CRNAs to take the opportunity to educate the public about anesthesia safety, questions to ask prior to undergoing surgery, and the benefits of receiving anesthesia care from a nurse anesthetist. To learn more about the AANA visit www.aana.com.

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About the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA):

Founded in 1931 and located in Park Ridge, Ill., the AANA is the professional organization for more than 90 percent of the nation's CRNAs and student registered nurse anesthetists. To learn more about National Nurse Anesthetists Week or the AANA, visit www.aana.com.

The UND College of Nursing offers both undergraduate and graduate programs of study in nursing, including RN-BSN and RN-MS distance delivered degrees, and undergraduate programs in dietetics and community nutrition.

The master's program, leading to a Master of Science (M.S.) degree with a major in nursing, boasts six specializations: psychiatric & mental health, family nurse practitioner, advanced public health nursing, nurse anesthesia, nursing education, and gerontological nursing. The master's program is targeted to prepare clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, nurse educators, and nurse administrators. The focus of the masters nursing program is based on scientific knowledge of nursing practice and education through research. The College also offers a PhD program to prepare nurses for roles as nurse scientists and faculty.
]]> Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=175
Last year, according to Amber Eberhardt, UND cheer/dance team adviser, the team didn't even qualify for the final round of judging. But, this year; hard work, practice, an infusion of new talent and dedication to the art helped UND surge to 10th place out of 27 college teams in the "Jazz" category of UDA's Football Championship Series (FCS) division. Only the Top 12 teams in each category are ranked.

"The team has come such a long way in two short years since we began competing at nationals," Eberhardt said. "The girls fundraise all summer and fall to afford the $1,500 plus price tag that goes along with competing at nationals, as well as remain full time students and members of the regular dance team which means lots of practices, games, fundraising and events.

"It is a very big time commitment but well worth it when they are preforming on that stage at nationals."

College dance teams compete in one of three divisions at nationals. Those divisions correspond with the level of college football that is played at each competing dance team's school. For instance, dance teams from many of the bigger colleges compete in the Football Bowl Series (FBS) division, because their football teams play at that level. The UND dance team competes in the FCS division, because UND football plays at the FSC level. All other non-FBS or FCS schools compete in the "Open" division.

There are three categories of dance styles in which teams can compete: Pom, Hip Hop and Jazz. Teams can compete in all three if they choose, but UND decided to focus on the Jazz category this year.

The UDA national championships, the best of the best among college dance competitions, take place each year in early January at the Walt Disney Resort in Orlando. This year UND competed against schools such as North Dakota State, Harvard, Missouri State, University of Northern Iowa, University of California-Fullerton, Delaware and Northern Arizona.

To qualify for nationals, teams must send in a tape of their competition routine, and based on that performance, the teams are assigned a ranking. Last year, UND's ranking was 25th out of 26 teams. This year, on the strength of UND's new performance tape, the team rocketed to 5th out of 27 teams in the FCS level.

There are 20 women on the UND dance team, and 12 of those members participate in competitions. UND is led by Eberhardt and assistant coach Brittney Weber. Team members who competed in Orlando comprise Leigha Wallin, Alexandra Wald, Jennifer Britz, Elizabeth Hoskins, Michala Tillemans, Hayley Berg-Lefebvre, Macy Seehafer, Lauren Moug, Monika Sziron, Laura Elsbernd, Kenzie Pichetti and Julia Robbie.

The team begins learning their routine over the summer months and work on it through December when competition season starts. UND does 3-5 competitions in December and January in North Dakota and Minnesota.

The UND dance team started doing local competitions in the mid-to-late 90's, every year trying to attract more talent and get better to qualify for nationals.

"In 2011, we were finally able to make it happen with our first trip to Orlando," Eberhardt said.

The success of just going to nationals had a ripple effect for the UND team the following spring when it came time for tryouts.

"After we made that appearance, the talent at spring tryouts was greater than anything we had seen in the past and we were able to put together a really talented team for this season," Eberhardt said. "We went back this year and made it to finals and into the Top 10! I am just so proud of them and all that they accomplished this season!"
]]> Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=174
Coston was appointed acting president of DSU by the SBHE in August 2011 and has been actively working with students, faculty and staff since his appointment.

"I have greatly enjoyed my time at Dickinson State and am looking forward to engaging with students, faculty, staff and the community of Dickinson," said Coston. "Western North Dakota and the west river region is a beautiful and vibrant area. I am looking forward to being a part of these communities as we grow together."

Prior to joining DSU in 2011, Coston served North Dakota State University's vice president for agriculture and university extension, and was responsible for the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station, the NDSU Extension Service and the Northern Crops Institute. In addition, Coston has served as the associate director and chief operating officer of Oklahoma State University's Agricultural Experiment Station, Stillwater, Okla., and as the interim associate director of the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. He also was a faculty member and administrator at Clemson University, Clemson, S.C., and a faculty member and extension specialist at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Coston earned a bachelor's degree at North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C., and a master's degree and doctorate at Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich.]]> Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=173
"This is a response to a very apparent need in North Dakota, with many exciting advances in the petroleum industry," said UND President Robert Kelley. "This means it's the right time to establish a Department of Petroleum Engineering at the University of North Dakota.

"Part of UND's mission is to serve the state, the country and the world through teaching, research, creative activities and service," Kelley said. "The Department of Petroleum Engineering will enhance this mission through its teaching and research by educating future generations of petroleum engineers, and developing technologies to serve the production of reliable, affordable, and environmentally sound energy for America's
future."

"The new Department of Petroleum Engineering is designed to educate future generations of petroleum engineers," said Dr. Hesham El Rewini, SEM dean. "It was created as a timely response to the oil boom in North Dakota. Faculty in our Department of Geology and Geological Engineering put together the curriculum. Our students will contribute to building a better world through research and professional service for reliable, affordable and sustainable energy production and environmental protection."

There's been an enthusiastic response to petroleum studies at UND, including the Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering, approved by the State Board of Higher Education two years ago, El Rewini said.

"In just one year, the program grew to 24 majors on campus and seven distance students," he said. That rate of expansion exceeds everyone's expectations and underscores the timeliness of the Board's move today that will broaden the scope of petroleum studies and research at UND.

The new department—located on the third floor of the Upson II building, part of UND's engineering complex--will house UND's petroleum engineering program. The objective of the program is to educate petroleum engineering undergraduates prepared for advanced studies in graduate school or to compete for positions in the petroleum industry and related industries or government agencies.

North Dakota oil production has been growing rapidly in recent years, rising from No. 8 in 2005 to No. 4 in 2009 and headed to No. 2 after Texas in the coming year. But even as exploration and innovative drilling techniques recover more oil, there is a growing worldwide shortage of qualified engineers to handle the demands of the petroleum industry.

"With more baby boomers retiring from the petroleum industry and the coming implementation of carbon sequestration, the demand for petroleum engineers will keep growing," El Rewini said.

About UND Petroleum Engineering
The Petroleum Engineering curriculum is designed following UND's Essential Studies and ABET's requirements; together with input from alumni, industry professionals, government officials, and faculty at UND and other institutions. It makes maximum use of existing resources, including courses and labs. It focuses on students' future success by emphasizing fundamentals; hands-on experience in leading-edge industrial technologies and software for fast-track growth in students; early careers; and featured training in international politics, multicultural communication, business administration, leadership and entrepreneurship.

The Department of Petroleum Engineering will integrate teaching, research, and skills application; and all faculty and students will work as a team in a research consortium setting. The program is designed to provide students with a systematic understanding of the petroleum industry that includes: science and technology; economics and business; policy and regulation; and society and behavior.

]]> Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=172
The North Dakota State University Animal Sciences Department, through the university's College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources, has developed the Global Food Systems Study Abroad Program.

"It will help develop world-class graduates ready to take on the global challenges affecting our future," said Carl Dahlen, an assistant professor in the animal sciences department.

The first program is a 15-day trip to China in late May and early June.

"Our destination will change annually, giving each group of students a unique insight into regional factors that affect agriculture in different parts of the world," said animal sciences department assistant professor David Newman.

The faculty-led program focuses specifically on agriculture and food systems but is open to all NDSU students.

"China was chosen as our first destination because of the major influence the country has on the global economy, which can be traced to our local producers and commodity markets," Dahlen said. "Furthermore, this destination was chosen to expose students to the sheer complexity and size of China's agricultural business environment. Although roughly the same size as the U.S. in terms of land mass, China has four times as many people."

The students will follow the commercial production of animals from birth to growing, feeding and sale facilities. The students also will visit commodity markets and study the intricacies of marketing options producers have for their goods, as well as visit meat processing facilities and study processing methods and the movement of meat from processing facilities to domestic retail or export markets.

In addition, the students will visit the Chinese Agricultural University so they can learn how the university and political system in China interact with and influence its domestic agriculture sector. They'll also visit U.S. corporate and trade offices in China to learn about the global impact of Chinese markets, including imports and exports and the traceability of goods and services back to North Dakota and the surrounding region.

The program also includes stops at historical landmarks in Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai and Hangzhou, including the Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Warriors.

"The logistics of agricultural production, product movement and feeding a population of 1.3 billion is unfathomable in the minds of many people," Newman said. "We feel that the opportunity to explore this diverse, dynamic environment would heighten student awareness of the global economy, open minds to alternative ways of thinking and break down barriers unnecessarily imposed by the mainstream U.S. production systems. In other words, this type of program will help our students understand the need for change and that they will be responsible for maintaining our competitive position as a global leader in supplying a safe, abundant food supply."

Registration for the program will be open through Feb. 14. For more information, contact Dahlen at 701-231-5588 or carl.dahlen@ndsu.edu or Newman at 701-231-7366 or david.newman@ndsu.edu.]]> Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=171
"Innovation Week showcases our activities at NDSU and allows us to bring in people with new ideas to brainstorm and share," said Provost J. Bruce Rafert. "We live in a global knowledge economy, and higher education is on the front lines. At NDSU, innovation is everywhere."

A new component is the Innovation Challenge '12. More than 60 NDSU students representing 24 teams submitted ideas for new, progressive products or services. The teams are competing for cash prizes - $5,000 for first place, $2,500 for second place and $1,000 for third place.

"Innovation Week provides a platform to raise awareness for entrepreneurship on campus," said Tony Grindberg, executive director of the NDSU Research and Technology Park. "By adding a competition to the week, students have the opportunity to showcase the innovative work being done on campus and to drive entrepreneurship through innovation."

The teams' posters will be on display Wednesday, Jan. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the Memorial Union Prairie Rose Room. Oral presentations will be the same day, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., in the Memorial Union Great Room and Century Theater.

"We encourage the public to attend the presentations taking place on Wednesday so they can see firsthand the innovative projects that the students will be competing on," Grindberg said. "New software technologies, coating advancements and energy self-sustainability platforms are just a few of the projects that will be showcased."

The Innovation Challenge '12 awards ceremony and the Innovation Week keynote address will be Thursday, Jan. 26, at 3:30 p.m., in the Memorial Union Great Room. Businessman Tom Walter, CEO of Tasty Catering, will be the keynote speaker. A serial entrepreneur from the Chicago area, Walter has started 29 companies and acquired three more. He is a member of the Chicago Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame.

Innovation Week also will include breakout sessions to help students learn what resources are available for aspiring business owners and to interact with members of the local business community. Topics include how to turn an idea into a business opportunity, how to finance a venture and how to find customers. Visit www.ndsuresearchpark.com/about/Pages/Events.aspx for a full list of events, which are all open to the public.

NDSU is a student-focused, land-grant, research university listed among the top 108 research universities in the nation by the Carnegie Foundation.

The NDSU Research and Technology Park and Technology Incubator are home to fast-paced, high-growth companies that promote technology-based economic development in North Dakota. The companies compete globally or have the potential to. To operate within the park or Technology Incubator, a company needs to be involved in the advancement and development of new technology and be willing to establish a working relationship with NDSU. The companies work in the fields of material sciences, biosciences and life science technology, information technology, nanotechnology, and advanced manufacturing and sensors/micro-electronics.
]]> Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=170
On Thursday, Jan.12, "Celebrate Dr. King!" will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on the main floor of the Memorial Union. Participants can watch video clips highlighting King's accomplishments. They can also add comments and descriptive phrases to the "Wall of Love and Hate," and receive a personal copy of the Birmingham Pledge. The event is open to the public and cake will be served.

Although UND will be closed for Martin Luther King Day next Monday, Jan. 16, the life and accomplishments of King will be commemorated that day with a candlelight vigil and program. Those who wish to participate will gather at 11:45 a.m. at the Era Bell Thompson Multicultural Center.

Following a walk in solidarity from the Multicultural Center to the Christus Rex Lutheran Campus Center, the program will take place. Soup and beverages will be provided. The event is open to the public.

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]]> Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=169 Valley City State University's online Master of Education program earned national rankings in U.S.News & World Report's first-ever edition of Top Online Education Programs. Appearing in the category "Graduate Programs - Education," VCSU's is the only program offered by a North Dakota college or university to be ranked in this category.

"This honor reaffirms the outstanding quality of our teacher education program and the national reputation the program has earned," said Dr. Steve Shirley, president of VCSU. "Our faculty and staff have worked tirelessly in building a program that is highly accessible, is of high quality, and meets the needs of education professionals throughout North Dakota and beyond. This latest national recognition is a clear sign of their success."

In this first year of publication, U.S. News surveyed all 1,053 regionally accredited institutions it determined offered at least one master's level program in education in 2010. It only considered programs with at least 80 percent of their course content available online and which could supply a full academic year's worth of data (161 institutions). The ranking indicators applied some of the standards used for traditional schools plus new measures specific to online programs. The indicators in which VCSU's program received a national ranking include:

- Student Services & Technology (ranked #51)
- Faculty Credentials & Training (ranked #57)
- Student Engagement & Accreditation(ranked #53)

More information on the rankings is available at http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education.

VCSU became a graduate degree granting institution in 2005 and its graduate enrollment has grown every year since. VCSU's Master of Education is fully accredited and is offered 100% online to meet the needs of practicing teachers. Available concentrations include Teaching and Technology (with options in English Education, Elementary Education, Teaching & Learning and Music Technology), English Language Learners, Library and Information Technologies, and Technology Education. More information about the program is available at www.vcsu.edu/graduate.

Valley City State University (VCSU) prepares people for life through visionary leadership and exemplary practices in teaching, learning and service. VCSU is nationally acclaimed for attracting and retaining talented individuals who advance quality learning opportunities and economic growth through technology and innovation.

###

For additional information, contact:

Doug Anderson
Director, Marketing & Communications
Valley City State University
101 College St. SW
Valley City, ND 58072
701-845-7227
doug.anderson@vcsu.edu]]> Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=168 The University of North Dakota (UND) and Neomatrix, LLC, announced today that they have signed an exclusive agreement to develop technology for the early detection of breast cancer using the company's HALO® Breast Pap Test device.

The HALO® breast test is for physicians and is designed to help screen and assess breast cancer risk in women using techniques from cell biology. The UND technology, used with the HALO® device, is based on the detection of cancer indicators in breast nipple aspirate fluid (NAF).

Early detection of breast cancer is widely recognized as the most effective strategy for successfully treating the disease. Health outcomes are greatly improved when breast cancer is discovered in the early stages of development.

"Dr. Edward Sauter, professor in the department of surgery at the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences, renowned for his research on NAF constituents and their role in breast cancer prediction, and his team, find it rewarding to begin collaborations with our partner Neomatrix and its scientists to help develop our technology," said Michael Moore, UND associate vice president for intellectual property commercialization & economic development. "I want to recognize Dr. Kumi Combs in my group for her work in putting this agreement and relationship together. This option agreement sets the stage for further development of the technology. We look forward to working with Neomatrix and sincerely hope we can be part of an important diagnostic technology and assay for the early detection of breast cancer."

"We identified a promising breast cancer predictive marker panel through funding from the National Institutes of Health," Sauter said. "We needed a partner to take the next step toward practical application in development of an assay. It is exciting to partner with Neomatrix to validate our panel, in the hopes of gaining Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and bringing it to clinical use."

"We are thrilled to be participating in this important collaborative program with the world-class personnel and facilities at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences," said France Dixon Helfer, president and CEO of Neomatrix, LLC. "We concur with the University that this biomarker research will open new doors in the early detection of breast cancer in women."

About Neomatrix, LLC:

Neomatrix develops solutions to promote optimal women's health, including the HALO® Breast Pap Test and detection assays for breast cancer.

The FDA-approved HALO® Breast Pap Test is the first fully automated noninvasive breast disease-screening device for use in physician offices for the collection of NAF for cytological evaluation. Like the Pap test for cervical cancer, HALO® looks for cellular changes years before breast cancer is detectable by mammographic imaging. To learn more about the test and locate a physician who offers it, visit neomatrix.com or call (877) HALOPAP.

About the University of North Dakota:

The University of North Dakota is located in Grand Forks, with a population of 50,000 on the Red River of the North separating North Dakota and Minnesota. The campus includes 223 buildings (more than 6 million square) on 550 acres.

The University of North Dakota is the state's most comprehensive intensive research university and the primary center for professional education and training. Since 2001, the University has received $890.6 million for sponsored programs from internal and external sources. In fiscal year 2010, UND received $143.37 million for projects in areas such as neuroscience, unmanned aerial systems, vaccines, advanced electronics, nanotechnology, high-tech coatings, and alternative fuels. UND's total economic impact on the state and region is more than $1 billion a year.

Founded by the Dakota Territorial Assembly in 1883, six years before statehood in North Dakota, UND was intended to be, and has remained, a University with a strong liberal arts foundation surrounded by a variety of professional and specialized programs. UND is one of only 47 public universities in the nation with both accredited graduate schools of law and medicine. It is admired for its spacious, beautiful campus. The University is recognized for its superior research facilities.

More than 14,700 students enrolled at UND this year (fall 2011) in nearly 220 fields of study.
]]> Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=167 The first-ever North Dakota Spirit week will take place at the University of North Dakota Monday through Saturday (Jan. 9-14) to demonstrate the importance of philanthropy within the University experience.
A series of activities and events throughout the week will create awareness of the North Dakota Spirit Campaign among students, faculty and staff. The campaign's goal is to raise $300 million for the University and, to date, has raised more than $244 million.

Two students will be selected to receive the Student Spirit Award based on their demonstrated leadership in service, philanthropy, community involvement and academics. The recipients will receive $1,000 each — $500 for their personal tuition and fees, and $500 to be gifted to a UND program of their choice.

Also during Spirit Week, a "Text to Pledge" campaign will enable people to pledge support to an integral part of UND's school spirit — the UND Pride of the North Marching Band. All pledges received during Spirit Week will benefit the band and support UND's North Dakota Spirit campaign. During the UND men's hockey series against Minnesota, Hugo's Family Marketplace will match every pledge made.

Spirit Week will show school spirit by "greening out" the Memorial Union and providing the history of philanthropy at UND with unique campaign facts featured throughout parts of campus.

Tuesday-Saturday, Jan. 10-14
Spirit Headquarters, Memorial Union, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. - Students, faculty and staff can discover how the North Dakota Spirit is alive and well on UND's campus while enjoying refreshments and taking part in games, trivia and fun.

Tuesday, Jan. 10
Ice sculpture - An ice sculpture of the UND flame will be carved in front of Memorial Union.

Thursday: Jan. 12
State of the Alumni Association & Foundation Address, 4 p.m., Chester Fritz Library: UND Alumni Association & Foundation Executive Vice President and CEO Tim O'Keefe will discuss how the vision of UND's founders is being carried out.

UND Basketball, Betty Engelstad Sioux Center - The women's team takes on Jamestown at 6 p.m. and the men's team plays Valley City State at 8 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 13
Show Your Spirit Day - Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to wear their UND colors - green, white, orange or even pink - to show their spirit.

Friday-Saturday, Jan.13-14
UND Men's Hockey, Ralph Engelstad Arena - UND takes on arch rival University of Minnesota in a season rematch at 7:37 p.m. Friday and 7:07 p.m. Saturday. Fans who can't be at the Ralph can watch the games from 16 satellite parties around the country.

Saturday, Jan. 14
Spirit Ski with the Kelleys, 10 a.m., UND Wellness Center - Join UND President Robert and First Lady Marcia Kelley as they lead a cross-country ski group along a course that showcases UND's campus and the English Coulee. The first 50 participants will receive a free t-shirt, and free ski rental is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 14-15
UND Women's Hockey, Ralph Engelstad Arena - UND's sixth-ranked women's hockey team takes on No. 1 Wisconsin at 2:07 p.m. Saturday and 2:07 p.m. Sunday.

]]> Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=166
The model uses learning outcome benchmarks from the "Degree Qualification Profile." To help administrators, faculty and staff understand the model and how to use it; the profile's co-author Paul Gaston will visit NDSU on Thursday, Jan. 12. He will present a campus pedagogical luncheon titled, "Academically Adroit: Strengthening Student Learning Through Greater Intentionality," from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Memorial Union Great Room. All faculty, staff and graduate students are welcome to attend.

"The new model is about taking something we're doing on campus, emphasizing student learning and seeing how we can improve the process," said Larry Peterson, professor of history, philosophy and religious studies, who also is a member of the Core Undergraduate Learning Experience committee. "This model says, 'let's be thoughtful about what will help us do our most important work - student learning - and do it better.'" The current accreditation process, which occurs every 10 years, essentially approves a college's or university's past performance rather than considering quality improvement for the future.

The Higher Learning Commission invited a variety of schools - small, large and community colleges - to test the "Degree Qualifications Profile." The schools have an accreditation date in either 2015 or 2016 and an unblemished accreditation record. Together, the schools are called Cohort Three of the Pioneer Institutions of the Pathways Demonstration project.

"It's definitely an honor to be selected," Peterson said. "It means we're recognized as a school that's done exceptionally well in previous accreditations."

Gaston, trustee's professor and former provost at Kent State, describes the "Degree Qualification Profile" as a framework that "illustrates clearly what students should be expected to know and be able to do once they earn their degrees." The profile hopes to establish a set of minimum standards in area such as communication, quantitative reasoning and major-specific skills for all American colleges and universities. For example, "If you say that your students will be able to communicate clearly, what are the standards by which you judge this?" Peterson said.

As a test school, NDSU is required to complete a quality improvement project by spring 2013 and an assurance visit in fall 2015. For its quality-improvement project, NDSU is evaluating its capstone courses using a template to assess how course activities for each major match the applied learning outcomes for the "Degree Qualifications Profile." Peterson said it requires departments to think in reverse. "We have to build backwards," he said. "If these student learning outcomes are the goal, how do we get there?" For the assurance visit, a team of higher education leaders will visit NDSU for a more focused and scaled down version of the current accreditation process.

Gaston has written extensively on the Bologna Process, academic strategic planning and assessing educational outcomes. He earned his doctorate in English from the University of Virginia and has been both a Woodrow Wilson and DuPont Fellow.

During his visit, he also will meet with NDSU's Core Undergraduate Learning Experiences team, a Faculty Senate ad hoc committee, reviewing general education requirements and assisting with accreditation, and with NDSU heads and chairs.

To register for the luncheon, visit
https://epayment.ndus.nodak.edu/C22800_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=49&SINGLESTORE=true
and add the luncheon to your "cart." Then check out. The luncheon is free. The deadline to register is before Jan. 9.

For more information, contact Peterson at larry.r.peterson@ndsu.edu or 231-8824.
]]> Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=165
Lien, a native of New England, N.D., is majoring in composite social science with a minor in leadership. Her proposal, "Taking the Good with the Bad: Transformation of Indian Identity via Agriculture," focuses on how the Homestead Act of 1862 and the Dawes Severalty Act affected the lives and identities of the Native American tribes throughout the Great Plains.

"1862-2012: The Making of the Great Plains Symposium," is the 38th Interdisciplinary Symposium sponsored by the Center for Great Plains Studies, University of Nebraska Lincoln, in collaboration with Homestead National Monument of America, National Park Service.]]> Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=164
"We have been privileged over the past 10 years to host several professional dance companies in Dickinson, but this is the first time we have been honored to host a company from New York City," said Pattie Carr, director of the DSU Wellness Program. "This is a monumental event for Dickinson and for the southwest corner of North Dakota. We would not be able to host this company without the generous support of North Dakota Council on the Arts, ArtsMidwest and DOT Safe Communities."

The Elisa Monte Dance Company of New York City was founded in 1981 by world renowned choreographer, Elisa Monte, who has performed as a professional dancer since age 11. The company has gone on to tour throughout the United States and in more than 40 countries in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

This residency was made possible through grants from ArtsMidwest, North Dakota Council on the Arts and DOT Safe Communities. The residency will conclude with a dance performance Friday, Jan. 27, at 7:30 p.m. in Dorothy Stickney Auditorium, May Hall. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Reservations can be made by calling 483-2154 weekdays after 12 p.m.

If interested in attending a class or workshop, contact Pattie Carr at 701-483-2194 or Pattie.Carr@dickinsonstate.edu.]]> Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=163
Applied Learning
Today's college grads have a lot to live up to. No matter the major, students are expected to have a firm grasp of 21st century skills, which include public speaking, problem solving and more. North Dakota State College of Science understands the demand placed on students, which is why it's using industry partnerships and innovative programs to prepare students for the working world.

NDSCS is the second oldest public two-year college in the country, and it will be celebrating its 109th year as an institution the fall. It's a two-year comprehensive college, offering students 38 academic programs centered primarily on technical fields. It is a state institution, as opposed to a community college, and is governed by the state board of higher education. NDSCS is also part of an eleven-college system in the state of North Dakota.

The college serves approximately 2,800 students, 70 percent of which hail from North Dakota. The remaining 30 percent of students come to NDSCS mainly from Minnesota, Montana and South Dakota. Dr. John Richman has been in his role as president for the past four years, but his involvement with the college stems back to his days as a student. In fact, Richman hasn't only served as the president of his alma mater - he's held an array of positions at NDSCS, ranging from coach to faculty member to administrator and more.

"I brought a unique perspective to each of those positions, and now, I bring those experiences to my role as president," he said. "I can speak as a student, an executive, and even a parent. I've been in every corner of NDSCS, nd it helps me make decisions when looking at our current operations and into the future of the institution."

And the future holds some exciting things for staff and students, according to Richman. During the past few years, he and his team have focused on making NDSCS more accessible and convenient for students. Technology has played a role in this transition, but Richman said the need to create more convenience stems from the demands of today's working world.

"Most people would agree that public education, in the traditional sense, is showing up at a building, sitting in one big classroom and listening to a professor lecture for an hour," he said. "That method has to change for us to become more efficient and effective when educating today's college student. Our business and industry partners want entry-level workers who can problem solve and work in a team environment; that doesn't occur often in a typical college setting."


Hands-On Learning
The college has provided online instruction for the past ten years, but within the past three years, NDSCS has been investing in a hybrid of digital and face-to-face instruction. It provides several online programs, and it was the first institution to offer courses, such as Architectural Drafting and Estimating online.

Students have access to about 13 online academic programs, and Richman said the college is most interested in communicating information in an accessible and convenient way. For example, students have access to a number of video clips of an instructor demonstrating a learning outcome. Richman said this has become an invaluable tool for students, since they can witness the practice and then reference the video again at a later time.

"It allows the student to learn from the instructor and then have to lesson in a digital format," he said. "Now, we're working on getting our faculty and staff communicating through digital formats. We want them to exchange assignments and information and even set up chat rooms. This is an example of how traditional education is changing. We're not trying to get rid of the classroom - we're making the classroom more effective."

This outlook isn't necessarily anything new for NDSCS. Throughout the course of its history, the college has held slogans such as "learning by doing" or "hands-on learning." Richman explained that for decades, the college has focused on applied learning, which has been the foundation of a number of its internship and co-op programs. In fact, the college has a myriad of programs available to students through major corporate-level partnerships.

"We work with companies such as John Deere and Caterpillar," said Richman. "And it's my philosophy that the college doesn't just listen to these folks - we partner with them." They tell us what they want in an entry-level technician, for example, and it's up to us to create an educational environment that meets their standards."

For some students, a co-op experience with companies such as John Deere and Caterpillar requires them to take classes at the college for eight weeks and then work at the dealership for eight weeks. This cycle can continue for 24 months for the student to receive their degree. Richman said this has also enabled students to secure employment come graduation; last year, the college's placement rate was 98 percent.


Meeting the Need
Additional programs, such as the college's diesel offerings, are popular among students and are helping the college meet the workforce demands of the surrounding area. NDSCS offers three diesel programs, two of which are through partnerships with John Deere and Caterpillar. Each company provides the college with the curriculum and training for instructors.

"It's their programs, and we teach it," said Richman. "Our third program is more of a general one and isn't affiliated with a company. It covers trucks, tractor and construction in all major manufacturing."

The college's Bisek Hall will be renovated to include more than 100,000 square feet dedicated to diesel instruction. This will also allow the college to expand the enrollment in its diesel programs by 40 percent, since all three programs have been at capacity for quite some time. Richman said the college is confident it will not only reach capacity again, but that 100 percent of graduates from the diesel programs will have jobs come graduation.

Looking ahead, Richman said the college's biggest focus will remain on creating convenience. In addition to its branch in Fargo, the college is looking to create a commuter campus in the West Fargo region to meet the growing workforce demands.

"We also have a strong desire to upgrade our IT, and that's both information technology and instructional technology," said Richman. "We need to continue to look for ways to become more effective and efficient. This helps us stay on the cutting edge and meet the educational demands that are upon us."

See the digital edition.

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]]> Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=162
Today in Minneapolis during the final game of the regular season between the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears, Greenmyer, a 17-year-old senior from Stirum, N.D., who attends North Sargent High School in Gwinner, N.D., was named the recipient of the Vikings $10,000 academic scholarship to UND.

It was the final game for Kleinsasser, a native of Carrington, N.D., who recently announced his retirement after playing 13 years as a tight end for the Vikings. The former UND star took time out to congratulate Greenmyer during pre-game activities at the Mall of America Field.

In his essay, Greenmyer, a cancer survivor, recounted his medical battles since age 9, how he overcame them and how those experiences led to the idea of pursuing a career in medicine.

"Reflecting on the early stages of my life and the virtues of hard work and perseverance I had based my ethics off of, I realized that the University of North Dakota was the only possibility for my college education," he wrote. "It has a top tier medical program, and just as importantly I believe it embodies the same values and beliefs that are home grown in North Dakota, attributes I have used on the farm and to fight for my life."

Attending the game with Greenmyer were his parents (Ron and Chelie), grandparents (Connie and Jerry Zetocha), two brothers (Andrew and Joseph) and his sister (Annah) who watched from a private suite.

Kleinsasser, was one of the best players ever to suit up for UND. Following a four-year career at the University from 1995-1998, he was drafted by the Vikings as a tight end in the second round of the NFL draft. He is the longest-tenured pro athlete in the Twin Cities and was inducted into North Dakota High School Hall of Fame in 2008.

The scholarship - intended for an incoming freshman in 2012 -- attracted about 300 applicants from 16 states and the United Kingdom.

Greenmyer was also selected based on his high school GPA and standardized test scores, as well as his personal statement highlighting his career goals, achievements, how he overcame adversity and what the opportunity to study at UND would mean to his future.

Kleinsasser participated in promotional television and radio spots to promote the scholarship. In them, he talked about his love for UND and how his years at the University have helped him in life.

Off the field, Kleinsasser has worked extensively with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, serving with his wife to host the annual fundraising ball in the Twin Cities. He participates annually in the Epilepsy Foundation Clothing Drive and the North Dakota Special Olympics Games.
]]> Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=161
As associate deans, Birmingham and Burnett will be responsible for promoting grant-funded research, supporting faculty professional development and mentoring, and fostering an environment of diversity, equity and inclusivity. They also will lead efforts to strengthen the college's honors program, enhance general education offerings and recruit and retain talented students.

"Dr. Burnett and Dr. Birmingham were selected as associate deans because they are highly talented and respected scholars, teachers and professional citizens who can serve as models of excellence for our college," said Kent Sandstrom, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. "They both bring strong skills in communication, problem solving and leadership to their new positions. They also have significant interest and experience in mentoring faculty and students. I am pleased that they are willing to serve as administrative leaders for our college, and I look forward to working closely with them."

Birmingham earned bachelor's degrees in English and art history from Dominican University, formerly Rosary College, of River Forest, Ill. She earned a master's degree in English and a doctorate in rhetoric and professional communication from Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. Before beginning graduate studies, she was a Fulbright Fellow in architectural history at Australian National University, Canberra. Birmingham joined the English department at NDSU in January 2001 as assistant professor. In August 2007, she was promoted to associate professor.

Burnett earned a bachelor's degree in economics from The Colorado College, Colorado Springs, Colo., a master's degree in communication from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colo., and a doctorate in communication from the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. Before joining NDSU's communication department in 1997, she was assistant professor at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn., and associate professor at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Neb. Burnett was named director of Women and Gender Studies in 2002 and was promoted to professor in 2010.
]]> Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=160
Carman Hoffman of Browns Valley, Minn., participated in an advertising track, Donovan Stegall of Inkster, Mich., was a participant in the sports and entertainment track and Andrey Mikaylov of Moscow, Russia chose the finance track.

During the competition, each student attended an initial briefing for their event before attending a one-day seminar where they visited locations relevant to their respective career tracks in New York City to be exposed to the business and its marketing functions. Then, competitive teams were formed and each was given a "true-to-life" case problem.

NDSCS had one winner, Carman Hoffman. Hoffman's group placed first in the Madison Avenue Advertising Track for their campaign to promote travel to the United States. Through her experience, Hoffman was able to tour John Walter Thompson, one of the world's largest advertising agencies, and had the opportunity to work with MediaCom and Brand Union. Hoffman worked primary on the creative for her team's campaign: the television commercial, mock website, magazine ads, QR codes and billboards, while her teammates worked on the budget, identified the target market and worked on the overall presentation.

"The trip to New York was a great opportunity and I couldn't have done it without NDSCS. I never would have imagined traveling to New York, working with the world's largest advertising agencies and getting internship opportunities because of it. DECA made that possible for me," said Hoffman.

Twenty-eight groups competed in the Madison Avenue Advertising Track. Collegiate DECA is a student-centered organization whose program of leadership and personal development is designed specifically for students enrolled in business administration and management related programs.

The Collegiate Leadership Academy is held every fall in New York and is attended by DECA members, members of other college organizations and any college student who are looking to enhance their leadership skills.

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]]> Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=159
Passing National Counsel of Licensure Examination or NCLEX is similar to law students passing the bar or an accountant earning a CPA. ADN graduates take the same registered nurse licensure test taken by four-year nursing graduates, says Suzie McShane, assistant professor of nursing and Dakota Nursing Program coordinator.

Passing the NCLEX means the students are now either licensed practical nurses or registered nurses. While some will enter the workforce, most of the practical nursing students will continue their education in the ADN program at BSC.

BSC offers two programs for nursing. The Dakota Nursing Program is a two-step program that begins with an 11-month Practical Nursing Certificate and continues on to a nine-month Associate in Applied Science degree (AD) in nursing.

In addition to nursing, BSC offers an array of allied health programs including surgical technology, EMT technology, medical laboratory technology and phlebotomy. For more information, visit the Nursing program online.
____________________________________________________________________________________________

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities. For more information visit www.bismarckstate.edu.]]> Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=158
The Presidential Academic Team Award is for the highest team grade-point average, while the Presidential Most Improved Academic Team Award is for the most improved team GPA for the calendar year. The first teams to earn these honors will be announced in spring 2012.

"NDSU has achieved athletic success and national visibility, and we have done that without losing our focus on the student aspect of athletics," said NDSU President Dean L. Bresciani. "Entire teams, not just individuals, are achieving academic excellence. The new awards recognize the commitment it takes to win in the classroom and in athletic competitions."

More than half of NDSU student athletes have a 3.0 GPA or higher and 15 have 4.0 GPAs. "I have worked with four Division I athletic programs, three of which were some of the largest and most renown in nation," Bresciani said. "I assure you that our student athletes' academic statistics are truly fantastic. Our student athletes are among the most successful in the NCAA."

Teams that win the new academic awards will be invited to a dinner at the president's house and have their team's name engraved on a plaque maintained by the university.
]]> Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=157 70 percent of NDSCS graduates find employment in North Dakota

North Dakota State College of Science 2011 graduates are benefitting from the strong North Dakota economy.  According to information recently compiled by the NDSCS career services department, the majority of NDSCS career and technical education graduates are getting jobs and staying in North Dakota following the completion of their designated programs at the college.

According to the NDSCS 2011 Graduate Placement Report, 99 percent of 2011 graduates available for employment are employed or continuing their education with 67 percent in a field related to their training or education.  Seventy-five percent have accepted employment or are pursuing additional degrees in North Dakota.  More specifically, 2011 graduates are now employed within 32 of the 52 North Dakota counties. The survey reported 3.5 jobs for each NDSCS graduate.

Out of the 30 programs reporting, 27 programs recorded 100 percent placement. The highest paid graduate on record receives over $90,000 annually with a North Dakota employer; the annual average salary of 2011 graduates is $33,216.

"NDSCS graduates are finding excellent career opportunities right here in North Dakota and the College is privileged to offer programs for those high-demand careers, such as welding, nursing, agriculture, diesel and computer information systems," said Dr. John Richman, NDSCS president.  "The College is dedicated to serving the workforce needs of North Dakota business and industry employers."

The Graduate Placement Report is compiled each year by the NDSCS Career Services department.  Statistics for the 2011 Graduate Placement Report are based on information from 532 registered graduates.  A detailed report can be found at ndscs.edu/placement.

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A total of 733 graduate, professional and undergraduate students are eligible to participate, and 520 have indicated they intend to march in the ceremony.

"This will be NDSU's largest fall graduating class," said Rhonda Kitch, associate registrar. "We'll celebrate the academic success of more than 730 students at the ceremony."

If the Bison host an NCAA football playoff game that weekend, the ceremony will take place at the Bison Sports Arena, which is adjacent to the Fargodome. According to Registrar Kristi Wold-McCormick, "Planning is underway to ensure that commencement is successful and memorable for our degree candidates and their guests, regardless of venue." She said the location will be confirmed and communicated to graduates and the public by Sunday.

Adlina Paramarta, who will receive a Bachelor of Science in chemistry, has been selected to speak as the class representative. A dedicated international student who carries a 3.99 grade-point average, Paramarta is a native of the island of Java in Indonesia whose family came to Fargo in 2006, where she graduated from Fargo North High School. She has been highly involved in campus activities. She has been a College of Science and Mathematics Ambassador and participated in the International Student Association, Chemistry Club, Tennis Club and Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society. In addition, she served as a master of ceremonies for NDSU's International Night.

The commencement soloist will be Chase Daniel Burkhart, a graduate of Grand Forks, N.D., Central High School, who is receiving a Bachelor of Music in vocal music education. He participated in numerous music performing ensembles such as NDSU Concert Choir, Madrigal Singers, Statesmen, Bison Arts Singers, University Band and the Opera Workshop productions of "Pirates of Penzance," "Secret Garden" and "Die Fledermaus." He also co-founded a student organization called the NDSU Songwriters Guild.

For commencement details and location updates, visit www.ndsu.edu/commencement.
]]> Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=155
Sixteen teams from Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota schools will demonstrate how well their remote-controlled robots perform. The teams also will be judged on team exhibits, marketing presentations, engineering notebooks, spirit and sportsmanship.

The robots were designed and built through BEST Robotics, a program to encourage students to pursue careers in engineering, science and technology through a science and engineering-based robotics competition.

The 2011 program kicked off in September when 40 middle school and high school teams from three local hubs each received a kit of equipment and parts and a set of game rules. The teams were from Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Canada.

Five weeks later, the teams tested their robots. Six weeks later, they participated in the robotics competition at their hub. Teams that advanced to the Northern Plains BEST regional competition either had the top-performing robot or won the BEST Award, which is based on a project engineering notebook, marketing presentation, team exhibit and interview, spirit and sportsmanship, and robot performance.

The three local hubs are Bison BEST at NDSU, which has been in existence for five years, and two new hubs, Wildcat BEST at the North Dakota State College of Science, Wahpeton, and Blue Hawk BEST at Dickinson State University. The addition of Wildcat BEST and Blue Hawk BEST made it possible to offer the regional competition at NDSU for the first time.

Students participating in the competition will be on the NDSU campus Dec. 8-10. In addition to competition activities, they will tour the campus, meet with other BEST teams at a social and pizza party, and attend a Fargo Force hockey game.

The robotics competition is free and open to the public. The event will also be streamed live at www.cateyenls.com. ]]> Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=154 Randall Thursby, CIO
North Dakota University System
Phone: 701.231.7922
E-mail: randall.thursby@ndus.edu

BISMARCK, N.D. - A Web-based tuition and fee estimator for the 11 North Dakota University System colleges and universities now is available on the NDUS Website.

The estimator allows users to make cost comparisons among the campuses and view a list of program and course fees at any one institution. It was created in response to SB 2351 approved by the 2011 Legislative Assembly.

"Students and parents often voice concern about the fees students pay and how these fees are used," said Sen. Mac Schneider, D-Grand Forks, one of the SB 2351 sponsors. "This tuition and fee estimator provides additional accountability and transparency and will be valuable to people who want to estimate the total cost of higher education at our public colleges and universities. I commend the State Board of Higher Education for creating such an effective, user-friendly tool."

Randall Thursby, NDUS chief information officer, said the Web-based application is easy to navigate and will provide useful information to parents and students. He says work on the site will continue so that more detailed fee estimates can be provided.

The tuition and fee estimator now is available at http://fees.ndus.edu/.]]> Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=153
The degree programs included in the agreement are Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Physical Education, Respiratory Therapy, Sport and Leisure Management, Music, Music with Emphasis in Sacred Music, Music Education, Political Philosophy, Management, and the Computer Support Specialist program, which will transfer to the University of Mary's Information Technology Management program.

While transferring from BSC to a four-year institution is a smooth process, BSC President Dr. Larry C. Skogen said the articulation agreement with University of Mary ensures that general education and specific program classes that students take at BSC are wholly integrated with University of Mary's programs.

"This agreement is in alignment with our philosophy of collaborating with four-year institutions to better serve our students and communities," Dr. Skogen said.

BSC has become a hub of higher education in the Bismarck-Mandan area. The University of North Dakota, Minot State University, and Dickinson State University are already on BSC's campus.

"The University of Mary also will be opening a transfer office on our campus to better serve transferring students," Skogen said.

Currently, nearly 35 percent of BSC's students or just over 1,500 are enrolled in liberal arts/transfer programs and another 59 are in the computer support specialist program. As of fall 2011, 324 students are attending the University of Mary from BSC.

"This extension of the collaboration between BSC and the University of Mary is an important step in providing educational support for the burgeoning Bismarck-Mandan and North Dakota economies," asserts U-Mary President Father James Shea. "Facilitating the entry of BSC students into high-demand programs at the University of Mary will help meet the educational needs of the growing area population and the professional needs of the industries and businesses associated with the area's booming economy."
____________________________________________________________________________________________

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities. For more information, visit www.bismarckstate.edu.

About University of Mary
The University of Mary was founded in 1959 by the Benedictine Sisters of the Annunciation and is the state's only private, Catholic university. Programs are offered at 18 sites in six states, through the University of Mary Centers for Accelerated and Distance Education, as well as the new campus in Rome, Italy. Mary offers undergraduate degrees in 53 majors, eight master's degrees, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, as well as 16 varsity sports to its students. For more information, visit www.umary.edu.]]> Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=152
Marnie Piehl was hired as the public relations and communications manager, replacing long-time Communications Director Jordis Conrad who retired in June. Piehl most recently was the PR director at Odney, and has experience in higher education, healthcare and the software industry.

The rest of the College Relations staff are Patrick Bjork, website manager; Crystal Forester, graphic designer; and Vicki Voskuil, public information specialist.

The College Relations Department provides a strategic approach to the writing, design, public relations, marketing and advertising needs of Bismarck State College.
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities. For more information, visit www.bismarckstate.edu.]]> Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=151
The Get Educated Official List of Best Buys ranks the top 35 regionally accredited and most affordable online bachelor degrees in management in the United States. BSC is the only institution in North or South Dakota to receive a ranking.

Based on costs from Spring 2011, BSC's Energy Management degree received an A- in the rating scale and a number seven ranking for its overall degree cost of $29,194.

Richard Northrup, assistant professor and developer for the BSC BAS program believes the program is quickly becoming the premier energy management on-line program.

"The BAS is training the present and future managers needed in the energy field. I am proud to be a part of the program. Although I instruct many of the classes, I continue to marvel at how much I learn from the students. The various parts of the business they work in and their perspectives of the industry give me, and their fellow students, insight into how diverse the energy business really is."

The program currently has more than 200 students located all over America and different parts of the world.

"BSC's National Energy Center of Excellence is proud to offer the Bachelor of Applied Science in Energy Management, where students receive a quality education for a great value," said Tammy Heupel, coordinator, BAS in Energy Management.

The Get Educated online university rankings were objectively calculated by comparing tuition and distance education fees at 61 regionally accredited or regional candidate colleges that offer 158 distance bachelor degrees in the formal major area of business management.

GetEducated.com is a consumer group that publishes online college rankings and online university ratings along the dimensions that matter most to online students themselves: affordability and credibility. For more information, go to www.GetEducated.com.
____________________________________________________________________________________________

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=150
Focused on current workers, the training at BSC's National Energy Center of Excellence involves three courses that range from basic to advanced levels using ArcGIS software.

"These new GIS classes are a great example of BSC's nimble response to industry needs," said Larry C. Skogen, BSC president. "The classes allow us to be a partner in advancing the industries that drive our region's economy."

Esri-certified instructor Aaron Norby works at the Bismarck office of Kadrmas Lee & Jackson, an engineering company that has offered GIS training to KLJ employees and the public in the past. Norby is a member of the BSC Geographic Information Systems program advisory committee. He also has taught GIS and Esri-certified professional courses at Austin Community College in Texas.

Norby said the training works well with business intelligence computer techniques used in identifying and analyzing business data. GIS has many other applications including natural resources, engineering, oil pipelines, coal and insurance industries, airport design, precision farming, real estate, county and state agency work, homeland security, and more.

"Employers like to see Esri certification," Norby said.

Desktop I: Getting Started with GIS (16 hours) provides foundational training for using a GIS. Desktop II: Tools and Functionality (24 hours) emphasizes ArcMap and ArcCatalog skill building. Desktop III: GIS Workflows and Analysis (16 hours) develops skills in how and when to apply ArcGIS tools to create efficient workflow. Students receive a certificate at the end of each course.

Classes are scheduled monthly and begin with Desktop II: Tools and Functionality Nov. 14-16. Desktop I: Getting Started with GIS is Dec. 1-2. Desktop III class takes place Dec. 15-16. Registration is limited to 16 participants. A spring schedule begins Jan. 25.

BSC Continuing Education, Training & Innovation coordinates the GIS training through its Business Training - Technical/Industrial services. Find the registration form and more information on the BSC website.
____________________________________________________________________________________________

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities. For more information visit www.bismarckstate.edu.]]> Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=149
Jack Denholm, Athletic Director for VCSU, said, "We take great pride in our student-athletes, not just for their competitiveness, but also for their character off the field. Individual Viking athletes as well as entire teams are regularly recognized for their academic performance and their service to the community, and being named a Champions of Character institution demonstrates that we make this a priority throughout our athletic program. We are very pleased to have received this honor."

The NAIA Champions of Character program is designed to instill an understanding of character values in sport and provide practical tools for student-athletes, coaches and parents to use in modeling exemplary character traits. The program addresses character issues more comprehensively than any other national program for youth.

The Champions of Character Core Values:

Respect
Responsibility
Integrity
Servant Leadership
Sportsmanship

Valley City State University (VCSU) prepares people for life through visionary leadership and exemplary practices in teaching, learning and service. VCSU is nationally acclaimed for attracting and retaining talented individuals who advance quality learning opportunities and economic growth through technology and innovation.

###
]]> Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=148
NDSCS's winning submission titled, "Paperless Human Resources: a Best Practice Model," showcased the College's transition from a paper-based human resource office at a state institution to a paperless one. Through its efforts, North Dakota State College of Science went "live" $31,000 under budget with institutional savings to-date of $14,000 in printing costs alone. Lindberg and McGray presented the winning proposal at CACUBO's annual meeting.

"This awards testifies to the dynamic NDSCS human resources staff who, through their efforts to operate a paperless department, have helped the campus become more environmentally friendly and efficient," said Dr. John Richman, NDSCS president.

CACUBO recognized each of the participants in its 2011 awards program. The Best Practices Award was created to honor Questions regarding CACUBO's program may be directed to bestpractices@cacubo.org.

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]]> Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=147
The UND CoBPA is specifically cited in the new guide as of only 54 institutions in the western United States to make the Princeton Review's "Best Business Schools (West)" list. The UND college appears on that list with other exceptional business schools at institutions such as Stanford University, the University of California, Berkeley and the University of California, Los Angeles.

According to Robert Franek, Princeton Review senior vice president-publisher, "We recommend the University of North Dakota College of Business and Public Administration to readers of our book and users of our site, www.PrincetonReview.com, as one of the best institutions they could attend to earn an MBA. We chose the 294 business schools in this book based on our high opinion of their academic programs and offerings, as well as our review of institutional data we collect from the schools. We also strongly consider the candid opinions of students attending the schools who rate and report on their campus experiences at their schools on our survey for the book."

"It is clear from student comments that they are pleased with the College of Business and Public Administration's MBA curriculum and how courses are offered," said Tim O'Keefe, UND CoBPA Master's of Business Administration program adviser. "We have strived to increase program accessibility by modifying and modernizing program requirements and delivery methods. We have worked hard to ensure that our students feel well supported whether on-campus or at a distance. This ranking provides evidence that we may have succeeded in that regard and is a testament to the dedicated work of our excellent faculty and staff, to the quality of our students, and to the support of the University of North Dakota."

"The Best 294 Business Schools: 2012 Edition" has two-page profiles of the schools with write-ups on their academics, student life, and admissions, plus ratings for their academics, selectivity, and career placement services.

In the profile on UND, the Princeton Review editors describe the school as: focused on offering students the resources they need for a flourishing future." Classes are offered in the afternoon, evening, and long distance and "can easily be fit into your busy schedule." Many students earn their degrees remotely, through a "convenient online MBA program."

They quote students attending the UND CoBPA who say "The greatest strength of the University is its commitment to its students. There is no doubt in my mind that UND does everything in its power to help its students succeed."

In a "Survey Says . . . " sidebar in the profile, The Princeton Review lists topics that UND students it surveyed were in most agreement about. The list includes: "solid preparation in general management and computer skills." The Princeton Review's 80-question survey for the book asked students about themselves, their career plans, and their schools' academics, student body and campus life.
The UND CoBPA is the largest school of business in North Dakota and serves an average of 1,750 undergraduate students and 150 graduate students per year. Committed to providing educational and social opportunities to all its students, the college offers more than 20 professional student clubs and organizations. Students can also take advantage of many cooperative employment and internship programs throughout the year.
The college is the first accredited business college in North Dakota. Our accrediting agency, AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), establishes standards to promote the highest levels of educational quality. The college is one of only 549 business educational institutions accredited in the world and is one of only ten schools accredited in the upper-Midwest.

"The Best 294 Business Schools: 2012 Edition" also has advice on applying to business schools and funding the degree. It is one of the more than150 Princeton Review books published by Random House. The line includes "The Best 167 Law Schools: 2012 Edition" - which also published on October 11, 2011 and has 11 ranking lists of top 10 schools largely based on surveys of students attending them. Other Princeton Review books include "The Best 168 Medical Schools: 2012 Edition," plus guides to graduate school admission exams and application essays. The Princeton Review is also known for its guides to colleges and to standardized tests, its classroom and online test-prep courses, tutoring, and other education services. Headquartered in Framingham, MA, The Princeton Review (www.PrincetonReview.com) is not affiliated with Princeton University, and it is not a magazine.

]]> Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=146
He is a globally recognized humanitarian advocate, and one of the world's leading scholars in global health. His work in the areas of access to medicines and health care, medical humanitarianism in war and social crisis, and global health policy will make for a fascinating discussion. The event is also sponsored by the Provost and VPAA's Office, Student Government, and the School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Last week, in conjunction with the Great Conversation event, the Global Visions Film Series showed "Triage: Dr. James Orbinski's Humanitarian Dilemma." This 2008 documentary follows Dr. Orbinski on his return trip to Rwanda as he reflects on his experiences there during the genocide, as well as his work in Somalia and the Congo.

On Nov. 2, the public will have an opportunity to learn more about MSF from "Living in Emergency," a 2008 documentary which follows four volunteers struggling to provide emergency medical care in the war zones of Liberia and the Congo. The movie will be shown at 7 p.m. at the Memorial Union Lecture Bowl. The suggested admission price is a $1 donation.
]]> Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=145
The college will use the funds to develop a data management and integration project over the five years of the grant. Funding of up to $400,000 per year is expected to begin this month.

Mike Kubisiak, BSC institutional research analyst, said campus discussion over several years has revealed frustration over fragmented data stored in many locations and departments. The Title III grant will help BSC focus on improving academic quality, management and fiscal stability.

"The entire BSC team is excited about what the grant means for our campus," said Dr. Larry C. Skogen, BSC president. "It will help us focus on student assessment, improve our data-informed decision-making process, and, ultimately, increase student success. In the final analysis, BSC students are the winners with this grant. This is the first Title III grant for BSC, and was awarded in part due to the support of North Dakota's congressional delegation."

The project has three objectives:

• Identify and centralize BSC campus data to assist in strategic planning and decision-making
• Identify and develop data to assess student success by tracking the student life cycle and program outcomes
• Train BSC employees to use collaborative technologies to access data and contribute to data-informed decision making.

The $1.9 million grant includes an endowment of $322,091 that will be matched through funds raised by the BSC Foundation. The endowment strengthens BSC's ability to sustain the project.]]> Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=144 Remembering the aid they received following the devastating flood that hit Grand Forks and the University of North Dakota in 1997, a group of UND employees will deliver flood relief supplies to Minot State University on Wednesday.

"We understand what they need because we've been through it," said Janice Hoffarth, staff representative to the State Board of Higher education and administrative assistant in the UND music department.

She recalled how she felt when flood relief supplies from all over the country arrived after the spring Red River flood that devastated UND and the cities of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks.

"I remember what it was like when those trucks pulled into Grand Forks in 1997," she said. "You just stood there in awe looking at those items."

Tools, painting supplies, kitchen utensils, bedding and cookware are among the items being delivered to Minot by UND employees. A local church has also donated Christmas decorations.

A University bus transporting the supplies and employees will be loaded at the Hughes Fine Arts Center at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday. Hoffarth said anyone wishing to donate additional items can contact her or bring them to room 114 in the Hughes Fine Arts Center.

The flood relief supplies will be distributed to MSU employees and three people affiliated with the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences who lost their homes when the Souris River flooded Minot earlier this year. The items will be given out over the noon hour Wednesday in Room 106 of the Student Center on the MSU campus.

All employees going to Minot are members of the UND Staff Senate, said Hoffarth, who is past-president of the State and UND Staff Senates. She noted that UND has challenged others in the state university system to duplicate its flood relief effort. While in Minot, UND's representatives will meet with members of Minot State University and Staff Senates.
]]> Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=143
The college based in Wahpeton has 276 students attending courses in Fargo this fall, a nearly 30 percent increase since last year.

The college's goal is to reach students who aren't being served by another campus in Fargo-Moorhead.

"Many of the students we're serving here are, for whatever reason, not able to access or don't desire the typical college experience," said Harvey Link, vice president for academic and student affairs.

Most students take classes at the Skills & Technology Training Center on 19th Avenue North, a building once shared with North Dakota State University but now a NDSCS facility.

The college was a good fit for Crystal Pazdernik of Fargo, who decided to go back to school at age 25.

As a native of Breckenridge, Minn., Pazdernik was familiar with NDSCS and considered moving home to attend the main campus.

But now that NDSCS offers a liberal studies program in Fargo, Pazdernik is able to earn a two-year degree from NDSCS without moving.

"I like it here," said Pazdernik, who is in her second year at NDSCS-Fargo. "It's so small; you know everybody."

The liberal arts program, which NDSCS began offering in Fargo in 2010, is now the largest program in Fargo with 121 students.

NDSCS launched a new program this fall geared toward working adults called the Business Pro Series.

It's a series of "hybrid" courses that combine one night class per month with online courses. Students can earn certificates in the areas of sales, management/supervision, entrepreneurship and finance.

They can either earn a certificate individually or complete all four and earn an associate's degree in about two years.

Thirteen students are enrolled in the first course this fall. More are expected to sign up when the next course starts this month.

Ken Kompelien, dean of the arts, science and business division, said this format works well for an adult learner with a busy work and family schedule.

"They can still live their life and attend class the one night," Kompelien said.

In the future, NDSCS may offer other types of courses in the same format, Link said.

NDSCS is also committed to providing student support services, such as financial aid and counseling, to students at the Fargo campus, Kompelien said.

The Moorhead campus of Minnesota State Community and Technical College has not noticed an impact with the increased presence of NDSCS, said Trish Schrom, academic dean at MSCTC.

The new NDSCS programs reinforce the need for alternative formats that community colleges can offer, Schrom said.

"There's a need for flexibility in delivery options," Schrom said.

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Tweet]]> Sun, 02 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=142
Andrew Petefish of Stillwater, Minn., is listed third on the Order of Merit List (OML) which ranks more than 5,600 senior ROTC cadets from across the nation. Two other UND ROTC cadets were ranked among the top 100. Daniel Barbian of Rhinelander, Wis., ranked 12th and Jason Anderson of Lakeville, Minn., was 66th.

The OML ranks all Army ROTC seniors across the nation, with the top 20 percent earning the designation of Distinguished Military Graduates. Overall, UND had seven cadets ranked in the top one thousand.
"I have to give all the credit to the cadets," said Lt. Col. Josh Sauls, professor of military science and commander of UND's Fighting Sioux Battalion. "We just point them in the right direction."

Positioning on the list determines the priority of being chosen for a limited number of active-duty positions in the Army. It also improves the cadets' chances for getting into the occupational specialty of their choice.
Sauls said that being highly ranked in the OML determines a cadet's career future in the Army.

"This decides if they get a commission, and it will ultimately decide what job they do," he explained.

Within the 3rd ROTC Brigade which includes 72 schools in a region stretching from Illinois to the Dakotas to Kansas, Petefish, Barbian and Anderson ranked first, third and eleventh respectively from among more than 700 senior cadets. Forty percent of the score is based on academics.

Sauls said that the high OML ranking achieved by UND's cadets demonstrates their commitment and character.

"It says that they're some of the best in the nation," he pointed out. "They went out and showed that they've been working hard. They have good grades, they're physically fit, and they've demonstrated tremendous leadership skills. It just shows how hard they're willing to work and how dedicated they are."

During the summer, senior ROTC cadets from throughout the U.S. were rated at the five-week Leader Development and Assessment Course at Joint Base Lewis-McChord outside of Tacoma, Wash.
"They have to score high in the Army physical fitness test, which includes a two-mile run," Sauls said. "They also have to be proficient in leading other cadets in stressful situations and in tactical field environments."

Useful links:

UND Army ROTC
http://und.edu/rotc/
Warrior Forge website
http://warriorforge.wordpress.com/

Contacts:
Lt. Col. Josh Sauls, commander
UND ROTC Fighting Sioux Battalion
701-777-3494
jsauls@business.und.edu
Patrick Miller, writer/editor
UND Office of University Relations
701-777-2412
patrick.miller@email.und.edu

]]> Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=141
The new maintenance building funded by the state Legislature will be named the Robert A. Kuntz Physical Plant Building to honor his memory.

Bob Kuntz worked at BSC for 24 years and had long advocated for a new physical plant building. During those years, Kuntz left a huge footprint across campus with completion of numerous new construction and remodeling projects and moving the campus toward energy efficiency.

The day after Kuntz's death, BSC President Larry C. Skogen was reflecting on how much Kuntz had done for BSC and the tragedy of not living to see the new physical plant building.

"It struck me then that the proper response to Bob's passing was that we should name the new building in honor of him. Everyone readily agreed," Skogen said.

The new physical plant building will replace an old white storage building behind the BSC armory. Originally situated off-campus, the white building had been a dormitory to house WWII-era German prisoners and interned Japanese Americans at Fort Abraham Lincoln, now United Tribes Technical College. Kuntz was examining it with staff from the State Historical Society of North Dakota on his last day at BSC. He was stricken that night.]]> Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=140
UND Student Government arranged for the bus to take student volunteers to Minot to help remove water-damaged drywall and flooring from homes affected by the flood.

"Minot State University's student government asked us to send volunteers to work alongside their students to win the fight against the flood," said Carter Hill, UND Student Government's Public Relations Coordinator, told UND's Dakota Student.

"I'm going," Hill told the Dakota Student. "It means a lot to me because it means so much more to them. To see the devastation and damage, and to be able to help those affect by the flood, it means so much."

"I know a lot of people in Minot," Shane Gerbert, one of the many students planning on participating in the efforts, told the Dakota Student. "I want to help them however I can."

--30--

For more information, contact:

Carter Hill, carter.hill.2@und.edu
Shane Gerbert, shane.gerbert@und.edu


]]> Sun, 25 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=139
"VCSU faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters should all take great pride in this tremendous accomplishment," said VCSU president Dr. Steve Shirley. "This kind of growth can only be achieved with a concerted effort from all corners of the University."

According to Dr. Shirley, VCSU has implemented several key, strategic initiatives that have contributed to this growth. "New and innovative initiatives in the VCSU 2015 Strategic Plan are making significant contributions to the enrollment growth. For example, our online Master of Education, which is only in its seventh year, now serves 157 students, an increase of 6.8% over last year. Emerging undergraduate programs in the Sciences, as well as growing programs in Teacher Education and Fine Arts along with new intercollegiate athletics offerings are all contributing to campus growth. This year, we are continuing to introduce new programs such as a major in Medical Laboratory Science and a concentration in Criminal Justice."

Scholarships also played a pivotal role in achieving this record enrollment. Last year, the level of scholarship commitments reached a new all-time high of over $757,000, largely made possible by outstanding support of alumni and the VCSU community.

The enrollment increase has produced a corresponding increase in population on campus. For example, 347 students are living in residence halls this year, up from the final figure of 326 last year and the most on-campus students at VCSU in over 10 years.

In other signs of increasing momentum, last week VCSU was named the #1 public regional college in the 12-state Midwest region by U.S.News. This is the 14th year in a row VCSU has been recognized by U.S.News, and the first year that VCSU has been recognized with a #1 ranking in its category. Additionally, the campus is preparing to begin construction on the $10.3 million expansion and renovation of the Rhoades Science Center.

Valley City State University (VCSU) prepares people for life through visionary leadership and exemplary practices in teaching, learning and service. VCSU is nationally acclaimed for attracting and retaining talented individuals who advance quality learning opportunities and economic growth through technology and innovation.
]]> Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=138
This is the sixth consecutive year of a record-breaking increase. Total enrollment marks a 5 percent increase over the 4,177 students enrolled in 2010.

Dr. Drake Carter, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said, "The enrollment report indicates an increase in part-time and dual enrollment students. We have worked closely with our local school districts to better serve the high school students wanting college credit. Other reasons for our increasing enrollment continue to be the strength of BSC's academic programs and growth of the Bismarck-Mandan area and western North Dakota."

BSC's enrollment has been steadily increasing and represents more than a decade of advancing student numbers.]]> Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=136
"NDSCS has strived to make a two-year public education more accessible and attainable for traditional and non-traditional students throughout the region by offering classes in Wahpeton, in Fargo at NDSCS-Fargo and online," said Dr. John Richman, NDSCS president. "Today's enrollment numbers reflect the growing number of students who are becoming aware of and taking advantage of the new and diverse class formats."

Enrollment has been increasing steadily for the last four years. 2011 fall enrollment is 294 students over last fall's headcount of 2,833 students. Since 2007, enrollment has grown by nearly 30 percent (710 students).

"Students are looking for recession-proof careers and NDSCS offers these specific, employable degrees," said Karen Reilly, executive director of enrollment services. "As salaries rise with a two-year education, so does enrollment."

"Our graduates are able to start their careers with well-paying salaries, and numerous job and advancement opportunities. Others seek out NDSCS to benefit from small class sizes and individual attention, as they transition from high school to college," said Richman.

On-campus housing has also experienced a boom, as students living at the Wahpeton campus increased 8.5 percent to 993 this year. This is the third consecutive year more students have chosen to live on campus. One reason for the increase is the popular Stay & Save program that offers current students the ability to lock in housing and dining rates in the spring to avoid annual price increases for the following academic year.

"Living on campus plays an integral role in the academic achievements and personal development of our students," commented Melissa Johnson, executive director of residence life. "As we continue to experience growth, we remain committed to providing a safe and affordable environment for each student."

The 2011 student body includes 1,791 full-time students and 1,336 part-time students. The number of women enrolled at NDSCS continues to rise, with 1,340 enrolled this fall, roughly 43% of the total enrollment.

The enrollment data shows NDSCS continues to do an exemplary job serving North Dakota students. NDSCS has registered students from 51 of the state's 53 counties. The total number of students from North Dakota (2,166) comprises more than 69 percent of the student body.

Representation from neighboring states includes: Minnesota, 22 percent; South Dakota, 2.5 percent; and Montana, 2 percent. NDSCS has students enrolled from 37 states other than North Dakota, two Canadian provinces, and nine foreign countries.

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Tweet]]> Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=137
UND's strong enrollment reflects our students' desire to return year after year to continue a quality education at an Exceptional UND. The number of returning undergraduates (all non-new freshman and transfer students) is 8,557, up 394 students, or 5 percent, from the 2010 final enrollment. The Graduate School, too, had positive growth with a 4-percent increase, from 2,560 students to 2,673 students now. UND also is showing an increase in professional students - law and medical -- with 502 compared to 495 in the fall of 2010.

"UND continues to be a great value to students and their families, as the University leverages state appropriations with other revenues to help build a better North Dakota through the North Dakota University System," said UND President Robert. O. Kelley.

The fourth week number is considered the "official enrollment" for the year, but in reality, it is a snapshot only of the students registered on the first day of the fourth week of school. UND typically enrolls an additional 2,000 or so degree-seeking students throughout the remainder of the year. The number also doesn't include some students trained by the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences through UND's partnerships across the United States and with other countries.

"Students recognize the excellent quality of the teaching and learning environment at an Exceptional UND, and continue to enroll here to meet their personal and professional goals in higher education," said UND Vice President for Student Affairs Lori Reesor. "Continued attention by faculty and staff to advising, support services and other efforts that contribute to student success have resulted in another record enrollment at UND this semester."

The number of UND students who are living on campus in residence halls is 3,101, an increase of 122 over the same reporting period in 2010, according to Judy Sargent, UND director of residence services.

UND is seeing particular growth at the undergraduate level in the School of Engineering and Mines, which increased its enrollment by 7.2 percent, adding 84 students this fall. Also, the College of Arts & Sciences saw a marked increase in students at more than 4 percent, or 121 students.

Percentagewise, other leading student gainers at UND include the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, the College of Business and Public Administration, the College of Nursing and the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences.

Also, UND's continued graduate-level growth is consistent with UND's Strategic Plan, which states that graduate students will represent 20 percent of UND's student body. Currently graduate students make up about 18 percent of the overall student body.

The Graduate School's enrollment is up nearly 2,000 students from the 2000-01 academic year. The increase in graduate students, particularly at the doctoral level, has a significant impact as UND works to increase its research enterprise.
]]> Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=135
Dr. Steven Shirley, VCSU president, said, "A track record of 14 straight years on the U.S. News 'Best Colleges' list is a remarkable accomplishment in its own right, and now, to be recognized as the best public regional college in the Midwest is a milestone in VCSU's history. Our students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters should all take great pride in earning this historic achievement at VCSU."

The U.S. News college rankings group approximately 1,400 accredited institutions in the United States based on their mission and, for some categories, by location. The institutions are then compared based on a set of 16 areas related to academic excellence. Criteria in which VCSU fared well include peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, the student-faculty ratio, and alumni giving. Areas in which VCSU improved over last year's rankings include percent of faculty who are full-time, Freshmen in the top 25% of their high school class, and overall score. Dr. Shirley further commented, "This #1 ranking validates the high-quality education and outstanding collegiate experience that VCSU offers, and it further demonstrates the successful impact of recent campus-wide initiatives."

The category "Regional Colleges in the Midwest" includes 97 colleges and universities across 12 states, 14 of which are public. For the last two years, VCSU has been ranked in the #2 position of the Top Public Regional Colleges in the Midwest. This is the first year VCSU has been ranked in the #1 position.

The rankings are available at www.usnews.com/colleges, and will be published in the September issue of the U.S.News & World Report magazine.

Valley City State University (VCSU) prepares people for life through visionary leadership and exemplary practices in teaching, learning and service. VCSU is nationally acclaimed for attracting and retaining talented individuals who advance quality learning opportunities and economic growth through technology and innovation.

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]]> Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=134
Dusek, an English and Humanities Associate Professor, was named Outstanding Direct Special Needs Support Provider of the Year. The Teacher of the Year award is given to a classroom instructor or job placement coordinator who works with identified specials needs students in career and technical education programming. The Direct Support Provider of the Year is given to an administrator or non-classroom person who has made a major contribution to the development and/or growth of career and technical special needs education.

Both awards are given annually at the North Dakota Association for Career and Technical Education Conference.

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Tweet]]> Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=133
NDSCS developed the mobile app in partnership with Blackboard Mobile™, a division of Blackboard, Inc. Currently, NDSCS Mobile is available only for Apple® devices. An Android® version will be available in the Android Market in the very near future, followed by a version for Blackberry® users.

"We wanted to offer our students and members of our community the best in technology and access, and that means making NDSCS services and information available to mobile users," said Dana Anderson, interactive media manager. "With NDSCS Mobile, users get on-demand access to campus information when and where they need it."

Depending on the capabilities of the device and services available, NDSCS Mobile allows users to:

• Search for campus buildings by name and view the relative location on GPS-enabled devices.
  
  
• Take a virtual tour of campus from anywhere, with rich media describing campus landmarks.
  
  
• Browse the NDSCS calendar of events and add events directly to your personal calendar.
  
  
• Stream the latest NDSCS videos.
  
  
• See NDSCS's top campus news.
  
  
• Browse images from NDSCS.
  
  
• Look up campus emergency phone numbers.
  
  
• Connect to the mobile version of the College's learning management system.

Following the initial launch, NDSCS plans to make continual improvements to the app. A mid-year upgrade will include added apps and capabilities, such as a searchable directory and expanded interactive map features.

NDSCS Mobile can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store and is compatible with the iPhone®, iPod touch® and iPad®. For those who do not use a smart device, a mobile web version with much of the same information will soon be available at m.ndscs.edu. For more information on the app, visit www.ndscs.edu/mobile.

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Tweet]]> Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=132
Three college representatives arrived Aug. 29 on their first U.S. visit to discuss how BSC can help train technicians for work in Ghana's emerging oil industry. Takoradi Polytechnic has interest in BSC's nationally recognized portfolio of energy programs.

Takoradi Polytechnic is located along the coast in Sekondi-Takoradi, the twin-city capitol of Ghana's western region. The area has proximity to the developing oil fields and is known as an industrial and commercial center.

In a press conference Aug. 31, BSC President Larry Skogen said the potential partnership is in keeping with BSC's mission to offer quality education and workforce training to local and global communities.

Others speaking at the press conference were Brig. Gen. Al Dohrmann, NDNG deputy adjutant general; and Rev. Prof. Daniel Nyarko, rector (president) of Takoradi Polytechnic. Accompanying Nyarko were his wife, Betty Nyarko, and Matthew Gyan, dean of Takoradi Polytechnic's School of Engineering.

BSC has been working for sometime to help the North Dakota National Guard in its mission in Ghana. The North Dakota National Guard has built ties to Ghana through its State Partnership Program. The program reflects an evolving international affairs mission that links U.S. states with foreign nations to promote and enhance bilateral relations.

In 2009, BSC President Larry Skogen and Kari Knudson, vice president, National Energy Center of Excellence, traveled to Ghana to begin talks with educational institutions and representatives of the energy industry toward that goal. The visit by Takoradi Polytechnic officials is the result of those efforts.

Activities during the visit included tours of the BSC campus and National Energy Center of Excellence and meetings with energy-related companies and organizations. The Ghana contingent also toured Medora and other points of interest in western North Dakota.]]> Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=131
Carlson is the second NDSU student-athlete, and the second from the state of North Dakota, to earn the top 30 distinction at the Division I level. Laura (Hermanson) Januszewski also garnered the honor in 2009. Prior to the change in the award process in 2007, the Bison also had six student-athletes named state Woman of the Year honorees.

"The culmination of the many academic and athletic accomplishments of Whitney is highlighted by her being named a top 30 recipient for the NCAA Woman of the Year Honors," said Lynn Dorn, women's athletic director. "This tribute is indeed an extraordinary honor. We salute the many exceptional achievements Whitney has earned in the classroom and in competition. Truly, Whitney defines the meaning of a student-athlete. Our pride is immeasurable."

The Buchanan, N.D., native was a five-time All-American who also excelled in the classroom. She graduated with a 4.0 grade point average, and earned CoSIDA Academic All-America first team honors as a junior and senior.

Carlson was awarded an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship and was also received the NCAA Elite 88 Award at the 2011 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, which is awarded to the competitor with the highest grade point average. She was named the 2011 Summit League Women's Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and currently is attending dental school in Nebraska.

Carlson was named Summit League Field Athlete of the Year three times, a 17-time Summit League champion and was a league championship MVP five times. She set six school records over the course of her career.

Now in its 21st year, the Woman of the Year Award honors female student-athletes who have distinguished themselves throughout their collegiate careers in academic achievement, athletics excellence, community service and leadership.

To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must have completed intercollegiate eligibility in her primary sport by the end of the 2011 spring season, graduated no later than the end of the summer 2011 term and achieved a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.5. Last year's winner, Justine Schluntz, was an NCAA swimming champion and 2010 Rhodes Scholar from the University of Arizona.

Sharon Beverly, NCAA Woman of the Year selection chair and director of athletics and physical education at Vassar College, said the award is one of the most prestigious honors presented to a female student-athlete each year.

"This award catapults the recipient into the next phase of her life and paves the way for a successful future in any chosen profession," Beverly said. "When you consider the academic and athletic accomplishments of each of the candidates for this award and the ways they have given back to society, the Woman of the Year honorees are the top echelon of NCAA role models."

The top 30 honorees were nominated by conference and independent members and represent multiple sports. Three finalists will be chosen from each division to form the nine finalists for the Woman of the Year award.

The national winner will be chosen by the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics and announced in an Oct. 16 ceremony in Indianapolis.]]> Wed, 24 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=130
Bismarck State College, The Dakota Institute of Lewis & Clark Fort Mandan Foundation and other partners have joined to host "September 11 Ten Years Later: Impact on the Heartland" Sept. 9-11.

The two-day, regional symposium takes place at BSC and will examine from a humanities perspective what happened that day and how it affected America's heartland. National figures from the military, media, law, literary and education fields have been asked to speak from their perspectives. To register, visit ImpactOnTheHeartland.org.

A commemorative observance is planned for Sunday morning, Sept. 11, at Double Ditch Indian Village State Historic Site, seven miles north of Bismarck on Highway 1804, between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. A car caravan leaves BSC at 7 a.m.

Personal stories of 100 individuals talking about how 9/11 affected their lives are being filmed for a documentary that will run throughout the symposium. BSC videographer Dusty Anderson is capturing these personal stories at a series of events around the state this summer.

Among the notable voices adding to the Midwest reflection:

Peter Bergen, renowned print and broadcast journalist, produced his first television interview with Osama bin Laden in 1997. He is CNN's national security analyst and a research fellow at New York University's Center on Law & Security. Bergen wrote "Holy War, Inc.: Inside the Secret World of Osama bin Laden" and "The Osama bin Laden I Know: An Oral History of Al Qaeda's Leader."

Lt. Col. Dean Eckmann, North Dakota Air National Guard's 119th Fighter Wing ("Happy Hooligans"), was one of the first pilots who flew over the Pentagon after the attack on Sept. 11, 2001.

Lorry Fenner was a staff member on the 9/11 Commission. She is currently director of the Conflict Records Research Center and a senior research fellow under the Institute for National Strategic Studies at the National Defense University.

Chuck Roberts, broadcast news journalist, reported on 9/11 for CNN's "Headline News" at its world headquarters in Atlanta. Roberts is the longest-serving anchor among CNN networks and led coverage for all national elections from CNN's sign-on in 1982 to his retirement in 2010.

Gen. Charles Wald, a North Dakotan and North Dakota State University graduate, was commander of U.S. Air Force units serving in the Middle East the day of the attacks. He is now director and senior advisor to the aerospace and defense industries for Deloitte LLP, and a specialist in counter terrorism, weapons procurement and deployment, and national, energy and international security policy.

Manochehr Dorraj is professor of international affairs and Middle Eastern studies, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth. He is an expert on economics and American-Muslim relations.

Chris Bailey, attorney at law, is permanent faculty of intelligence and ethics at National Intelligence University, Defense Intelligence Agency, Washington, D.C.

Thomas Frank, author of "What's the Matter with Kansas? How Conservatives Won the Heart of America," explores the relationship between politics and culture. He is a journalist and columnist with Harper's magazine and former columnist for the Wall Street Journal.

Martin Loken serves as Canada's consul general in Minneapolis. He is Canada's senior representative in the Upper Midwest and leads a team specializing in trade negotiations.

Gerard Jacobs, expert in the psychological impact of disasters, is director of the Disaster Mental Health Institute and professor of international affairs at the University of South Dakota, Vermillion.

Timothy Purdon, U.S. attorney for North Dakota, works for the U.S. Department of Justice on issues related to border security between the U.S. and Canada.

Geoffrey Wawro, war commentator and blogger for The Huffington Post, is author of "Quicksand: America's Pursuit of Power in the Middle East" and professor of military history at University of North Texas, Denton.

Julia Ernst, attorney at law, is a constitutional law expert and assistant professor of law at the University of North Dakota School of Law.

Representatives from the Canadian and Jordanian embassies and others will discuss the stress on international relations caused by the attack. A panel of North Dakota's former and current state and federal leaders, including U.S. Sen. John Hoeven and Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley, will outline their activities and perspectives on 9/11. Another segment will feature individuals sharing personal experiences.

Other program highlights are an evening with Peter Bergen, a concert, a photography exhibit, open mike sessions, and live reports from the crash sites in New York City, Washington and Pennsylvania.

Bergen speaks about his work and latest book, "The Longest War: The Enduring Conflict Between America and Al-Qaeda," in a public program Friday, Sept. 9, at 7:30 p.m. in BSC's Sidney J. Lee Auditorium. Admission is free with registration or $10 per person at the door.

The Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra performs Mozart's Requiem Mass in D minor and other works at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at Belle Mehus City Auditorium, downtown Bismarck. Joining the symphony are the Bismarck-Mandan Civic Chorus and four guest soloists: baritone Edward Huls, tenor Kevin Courtemanche, mezzo-soprano Eunjoo Lee and soprano Jane Thorngren. BSC has a block of reserved seats. For those not holding symphony season tickets, the cost of the concert is $29 with tickets available at the symposium registration link at ImpactOnTheHeartland.org.

Photographs by international photojournalist and film producer Andrea Booher are on display, as well as the front pages of more than two dozen newspapers with 9/11 headlines collected by John Irby, Bismarck Tribune editor. Booher spent 10 weeks at Ground Zero in the aftermath of the World Trade Center attack. She was one of two photographers with unlimited access. Her photos were published worldwide in major magazines, newspapers and documentaries.

Online registration closes Sept. 5. The fee is $50 for both presentation days, which includes box lunches and light continental breakfasts Friday and Saturday. More information is available at ImpactOnTheHeartland.org or by calling BSC at 701-224-5600.

Major funding is provided by Whiting Petroleum Corporation.]]> Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=129
NDSU President Dean L. Bresciani, along with Development Foundation Associate Executive Director Jason Wohlman and Director of Athletics Gene Taylor, accepted the gift.

Ellig, who died last year, was an avid philanthropist and sports enthusiast. His presence lives on throughout the region, Fargo-Moorhead community and NDSU. The university has the Ellig Sports Complex, which includes the outdoor track and field facility, and soccer and softball fields.

Bresciani said NDSU commands a powerful niche as a student focused, land grant research university, where athletics play an important role. "The generosity of friends like Stop-N-Go is critical to our ability to continue to serve our students and our state," he said. "I've witnessed a remarkable level of commitment and enthusiasm, and on behalf of our student-athletes and the entire university, I want to thank these donors."

The 78,000-square foot indoor track and field facility, which seats 1,000, includes a 200-meter, eight-lane track with 42-inch wide lanes with additional practice lanes on the straightaway. There also are multiple long jump, triple jump and pole vault runways, along with a shot put and weight throw sector on the infield.

Taylor said, "We're very pleased with the generosity from Shelly Ellig. We're excited to have his name again associated with an outstanding athletic facility here at NDSU. It's very fitting to have this facility named after Shelly based on our long-term relationship with Shelly and Stop-N-Go."

The Building the Competitive Edge Campaign will provide an extension and renovation of the Bison Sports Arena that will transform the facility and the surrounding area, including the track and field venue, into a leading Division I athletic complex. Additionally, it will serve as the "front door" venue, welcoming student-athletes and campus guests with the Bison Athletic Hall of Fame, Hall of Champions and various fan services and facilities.

A two-court basketball practice facility will be added to the southwest corner of the existing structure. The west-side addition will house human performance facilities, including strength training, sports medicine and rehabilitation areas. The renovated Bison Sports Arena also will have an academic center for student-athletes.
]]> Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=128
The students have designed and are constructing a four-person, energy efficient cabin as an exhibit for the Eco-Experience section of the fair. The goal is to educate fairgoers about state-of-the-art concepts in energy efficiency in the built environment.

The cabin, also called the Passive House cabin, is suited to a NorthernMinnesota climate and can be heated by the energy equivalent of nine light bulbs. It makes use of many "free" passive heat sources such as heat generated by its occupants, waste heat from appliances, passive heat from the earth and heat from the sun.

"Our goal was to research, analyze, design and build a beautiful, low-energy structure that meets the Passive House performance criteria, on a mid-market construction budget," said Malini Srivastava, adjunct architecture instructor who leads the Design Build Studio. "This design also takes into consideration carbon implications and resource use analysis, as a step toward achieving a sustainable, efficient and affordable goal."

While the project is an educational exhibit for fairgoers, it also has provided an invaluable long-term, hands-on learning experience for the students. "The students have demonstrated immense creativity and spirit of innovation under very restrictive budget and strict performance goals," Srivastava said.

It also has allowed students to develop strengths in various roles such as project manager, architect, fundraiser, accountant, interior designer, drafter, contractor, builder, web designer and graphics designer.

The Design Build Studio's cabin is the first Passive House to be built and demonstrated at the fair, according to Srivastava. This also is the first time that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has invited a student group to participate in the Eco-Experience, a major annual event concerningenergy education.

After the fair, the structure will either be moved to a permanent location or dismantled and repurposed for other uses.

To see the ongoing progress on the house, visit http://ndsudesignbuild.com. For more information, contact malini.srivastava@ndsu.edu.

The Minnesota State Fair is scheduled for Aug. 25-Sept. 5.]]> Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=127
The NDSU researchers have developed a family of resins from renewable raw materials, creating resins that eliminate hazardous components such as formaldehyde and bisphenol-A. The resins are based on sucrose and vegetableoils, and can be varied to perform in many applications and industries, according to Dean Webster, professor in the NDSU Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials. Webster's research group includes NDSU graduate students Xiao Pan and T. J. Nelson, undergraduate student Adlina Paramarta and Partha Sengupta, former postdoctoral researcher at NDSU.

The resins developed by the NDSU research group can be made from from sugarbeets, plus oils from soybeans, flax and sunflowers. When cured, the patent-pending resins show:
- Significantly improved properties over current biobased materials and processes
- Mechanical properties comparable to petrochemical-based materials
- Dramatically increased renewable material content

"These NDSU-developed technologies achieve what few biobased materials have before," said Webster. "They have vastly improved mechanical properties, reduced hazardous chemical content and are made from readily available materials and common processes. The technologies have the potential for significantly impacting biobased material markets." The bio-renewable chemicals market is projected to reach $5 billion by 2015.

The new resins developed at NDSU could further reduce reliance on petrochemical-based materials, one of the main components in many coatings formulations. Dr. Webster's research group found that the epoxidized sucrose ester resins they developed result in materials that are two- to-four times as functional as vegetable oil-based resins.

One novel ultraviolet light curable coating developed by Webster's group cures approximately 10 times faster than existing UV-curable biobasedcoatings. Another in the family of biobased resins developed at NDSU exhibits properties that make it ideally suited for bio-composite materials, baking enamels and structural adhesives. Another resin demonstrates more hardness and resistance to solvents than petrochemical-based coatings.

"Interest in the use of renewable feedstocks in the synthesis of polymers is rapidly increasing, driven by consumer demand for 'green' products, as well as the tightening of the supply of petrochemicals," said Webster. "However, consumers are requiring that the biobased materials have physical properties that match or exceed current high performance materials."

Laboratory research at NDSU has shown that the green technology resins developed at NDSU are far superior to existing biobased materials and comparable to petrochemical-based materials. The newly-developed resins could be used in a variety of settings including construction, architectural, biomedical, marine and electronics industries. The technology may have wide-ranging applications in areas where thermally cured materials are used, such as in protective coatings, structural adhesives and composites. The resins are synthesized using raw materials, reagents and processes common to industry.

"They have the potential to provide a revolutionary impact in some applications replacing widely-used petrochemical-based epoxy compounds," Webster said.

Funding for the biobased coatings research was provided by the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service under grant number 2007-38202-18597. The United Soybean Board is sponsoring current biobased coatings research at NDSU. The base sucrose ester resins used in this research were provided by P&G Chemicals.

Webster's research is among a broad-based research portfolio in renewable technologies at NDSU, with research funded by USDA, the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy and entities in North Dakota,including the North Dakota Renewable Energy Council and North Dakota Soybean Council.

Webster has been involved in polymer synthesis and structure-property relationships of coating binder systems for more than 20 years. He is receiving the prestigious Roy W. Tess Award in Coatings from the American Chemical Society on August 29 during the group's annual meeting in Denver, Colo.

Webster has written more than 75 peer-reviewed papers and publications and is credited with 11 patents (an additional 18 pending) on coatings related topics. He has won Roon Foundation Awards for the best paper in the 2003, 2004 and 2006 International Coatings Exposition of the American Coatings Association. Webster's career in the coatings industry includes research and development in the Consumer Division of Sherwin-Williams in Chicago and at Eastman Chemical Company. He earned his doctorate in materials engineering science and his bachelor's degree in chemistry at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

More information:
"High Biobased Content Epoxy Anhydride Thermosets from Epoxidized Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids"
Biomacromolecules, 2011, 12 (6), pp 2416-2428 May 12, 2011
DOI: 10.1021/bm200549c http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/bm200549c

"Novel biobased epoxy compounds: epoxidized sucrose esters of fatty acids"
Green Chemistry, 2011, 13, 965-975, February 2011
DOI: 10.1039/C0GC00882F
http://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2011/gc/c0gc00882f/unauth

"Impact of Structure and Functionality of Core Polyol in Highly Functional Biobased Epoxy Resins"
Macromolecular Rapid Communications 20 JUN 2011
DOI: 10.1002/marc.201100215
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/marc.201100215/abstract]]> Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=126 New students to participate in technology rich orientation

North Dakota State College of Science fall semester classes will begin Monday, August 22 at 4 p.m. Earlier in the day, new and transfer students will participate in orientation activities featuring a high-tech scavenger hunt of campus, using an iPod® touch and quick response (QR) codes on the Wahpeton campus.

New student orientation, an annual event held to introduce students to campus, begins with a welcome message at 9 a.m. at Frank Vertin Athletic Field. Students will break into academic divisions and attend two sessions: department orientation and the new scavenger hunt. During the scavenger hunt, students will get the opportunity to tour campus, interact with other new students and learn a few fun facts about NDSCS, using only an iPod touch and QR codes. When the code is scanned with the iPod, students receive a clue about their next destination. Students have 90 minutes to make as many stops on the scavenger hunt as possible. Prizes will be distributed for winners and participants throughout the day.

"Our interactive, digital scavenger hunt will allow students to explore NDSCS in an exciting new way," said Taya Spelhaug, orientation co-chair and director of student success and career services. "Potentially, we could provide over 700 students the opportunity to orient themselves to campus and learn about student services using the traditional concept of a scavenger hunt, but with a fun new twist."

Students will get a chance to visit with area businesses during the business expo held on The Oval during the lunch hour. Orientation will conclude with a pizza party on The Oval, beginning at 5 p.m. Classes resume regular hours on Tuesday, August 23.

Any student who is not already registered for classes can do so either online or in person at NDSCS' Enrollment Services - 800 6th St. N, Wahpeton, N.D., 58075. NDSCS offers open registration. For more information, contact Enrollment Services at 701-671-2521 or go to ndscs.edu/apply.

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]]> Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=125 Valley City State University has received a three year, $232,029 grant from the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, to develop, implement, and disseminate projects that will develop school library media programs, integrate them across the curriculum, and enhance collaboration among library media specialists, classroom teachers, and school administrators.

"The role of the school librarian is evolving, and this is driving changes throughout K-12 schools nationwide," said Donna James, project director for the grant and library director at the University. "We are pleased that our leadership in library education across the region allows us to increase awareness of the library media specialist's role in meeting information literacy needs, ultimately better preparing K-12 students for career or college."

Under the grant, VCSU will select up to 25 three-person collaborative teams from schools across North Dakota and neighboring states. Each team will consist of the school administrator, the library media specialist, and a classroom teacher, and will receive 15 months of intensive training and mentoring that will include both face-to-face and online support. As a result of this program, these teams will be equipped to improve the information literacy of K-12 students so they can better recognize when information is needed and locate, evaluate, and effectively use information. Educators who complete the program will earn Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit.

VCSU is working in collaboration with the North Dakota Leadership and Educational Administration Development Center (ND LEAD), a statewide education organization that provides professional development programs and services to school leaders. In this collaboration, ND LEAD will assist in the development of administrator-specific elements of the program, the recruitment of participants, promotion of information dissemination, and will help foster additional projects after the grant period ends.

This is the second significant grant that VCSU has received from the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian program. In 2007, VCSU received a $573,909 grant to create a concentration in Library and Information Technologies for its online Master of Education program and provide tuition assistance for students from underserved rural populations. The concentration is the only graduate-level coursework on the subject available in North Dakota.

Valley City State University (VCSU) prepares people for life through visionary leadership and exemplary practices in teaching, learning and service. VCSU is nationally acclaimed for attracting and retaining talented individuals who advance quality learning opportunities and economic growth through technology and innovation.]]> Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=124
"I'm starting my senior year," quipped President Kelley.

The tradition was launched 21 years ago by former UND President Tom Clifford as a way to acquaint the University's new faculty and staff with people and places in North Dakota. It also provides an opportunity to learn about the challenges and opportunities shaping the state.

Kelley's firsthand experience as a newcomer to the state in 2008 helps him understand the value of the tradition.

"My first two years here, I was still getting to know the state myself," he said. "I felt like a fellow tourist. Now I feel like the tour guide. I'm expected to know a great deal more about the state, and I do. I enjoy introducing people to the things that I've discovered and learned - the things that fascinate me about the state."

Communities visited on the first day include Edinburg, Rugby, Minot and Velva. On day two, stops will be made at New Town, Tioga and Crosby. Minot, Devils Lake and the Grand Forks Air Force Base are on the itinerary for the final day. (See complete itinerary below.) Approximately 35 new faculty, top administrators and their spouses and guests will participate in the tour.

"This tour gives us a chance to interact with some of our communities, meet more people who support the University or are interested in the University of North Dakota and give our new faculty a chance to get acquainted with their new state where many of them have never been before," Kelley noted.

Among those participating in this year's bus tour are Lori Reesor, vice president for student affairs, and Denise Korniewicz (korn-YAVE-ich), dean of the UND College of Nursing. Reesor came to UND last February from the University of Kansas. Korniewicz started at UND Aug. 1 prior to working at the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies.

"I'm excited about participating for many reasons," Reesor said. "One is that it's a tradition for new people at UND. Having been here for 6 months, I feel like I know something about North Dakota, but I'm excited to visit some towns in the state and see some of the beautiful sights I've heard about. It's important to see where our students are from and where they live."

Korniewicz views the tour as a great way to learn more about North Dakota.

"I would really like to know who we serve and how the college of nursing can best serve them," she explained. "I want to see where people are from, meet them and learn their concerns about health care so I know how to position the college of nursing. I want to be sure we are meeting the needs of the people and the state of North Dakota."

The annual tours give UND's newest faculty members and administrators a sense of where many of their students will come from. The trips are designed to acquaint new faculty and administrators with the state and its landmarks as well as provide them with an opportunity to form connections with others on campus.

"This is a complex organization with very diverse people," Kelley said. "It's good to take the University out into the communities to meet people, answer questions and show them that we're just people, too, interested in many of the same things that they are."

2011 UND New Faculty and Staff Bus Tour Itinerary

Monday, Aug. 15

7:30 a.m., Grand Forks - Leave from Chester Fritz Auditorium parking lot
8:45-10 a.m., Edinburg - Coffee stop at Community Center.
12-1 p.m., Rugby - Lunch at the Cottage
2:15-3:30 p.m. - Minot State University
3:30-4:30 p.m. - Check-in at Minot hotel
5-7:30 p.m. - Tour and dinner at ranch of Jerry and Norma Effertz near Velva
7:30 p.m. - Return to Minot

Tuesday, Aug. 16

7:30 a.m. - Depart from Minot
8:45 a.m., New Town - Tour of the Three Tribes Museum and community briefing
11:45 a.m., Tioga - Oil and gas industry briefing
1:30 p.m., Tioga - Possible tour of the Hess Gas Processing Plant
4-7 p.m., Crosby - Tour, social and dinner
9 p.m., Minot - Return to Minot hotel

Wednesday, Aug. 17

8 a.m., Minot - Leave hotel
8:15-9:45 a.m., Minot - Briefing and tour at the Scandinavian Heritage Center
12-1:30 p.m., Devils Lake - Lunch and briefing at the Woodland Resort
3-5 p.m., Grand Forks Air Force Base - Tour
5:15-7 p.m., Turtle River State Park - Picnic supper with tour participants and invited UND campus guests
7:45 p.m., Grand Forks - Return to UND at Chester Fritz Auditorium parking lot

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Contacts
Peter Johnson, executive associate vice president for university relations UND Office of University Relations peter.johnson@email.und.edu
Work: 701-777-4317
Cell: 701-740-5398

Patrick Miller, writer/editor
UND Office of University Relations
701-777-2412
patrick.miller@email.und.edu

]]> Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=121 100 percent of 2011 graduates pass NCLEX- RN exam on first attempt

The North Dakota State College of Science Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN-registered nursing) students are living up to their number one status. The RN Program was awarded a 100 percent pass rate for the National Council of Licensing Exam (NCLEX-RN). All 2011 NDSCS ASN-RN graduates passed the exam on the first attempt earlier this spring.

This is the second consecutive year in which the NDSCS ASN-RN program has had a 100 percent, first attempt pass rate. NDSCS attributes the programs' continual success to the dedicated, hard working students and the committed faculty and support staff. The programs clinical sites and preceptors also play a vital role in the students continued success.

"Congratulations to our students - a 100 percent pass rate is a significant accomplishment," commented Ruth Gladen, ASN-RN Program Coordinator. "Most of our graduates are continuing their education and we wish them continued success in their professional careers."

In early 2010, the NDSCS ASN-RN program was ranked number one out of 1,686 other registered nursing programs in the United States, as reported by Mountain Measurements, Inc. This ranking is determined by NCLEX-RN results.

2011 marks the seventh year NDSCS will offer a registered nursing program. Students in the program graduate with an Associate in Science in Nursing degree and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam after graduation.

For further information on the NDSCS nursing programs, visit www.ndscs.edu/nursing.

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]]> Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=123 It's official! UND, L-3 Link Simulation & Training dedicate new UND/L-3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems Training Center at GFAFB


The University of North Dakota and L-3 Simulation & Training (L-3 Link), together with state and federal dignitaries, today dedicated the UND/L-3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Training Center at Grand Forks Air Force Base.

The new facility is yet another example of how the University of North Dakota, through creative innovation and partnerships, is building the Exceptional UND, said UND President Robert O. Kelley.

"This is a great day for the University of North Dakota as we inaugurate what we believe is one of - if not THE -- preeminent unmanned aircraft systems training, education and research facilities in the world," said Kelley. "We are grateful for our partnerships with so many who have had a hand in helping us create this exceptional facility: the Grand Forks Air Force Base, which is a generous host, the Office of the Governor and other state leaders, the current and former members of our Congressional delegation, all of whom are so supportive, local leaders and organizations - the Mayor's Office, the Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Corporation and more -- and L-3 Link, which has worked closely with us to put in place the needed technology."

"L-3 Link is proud to join the University of North Dakota today in dedicating the first non-military UAS educational institution in the U.S.," said Leonard Genna, president of L-3 Link. "This state-of-the-art training center will provide students with expert classroom instruction, hands-on training on a high-fidelity MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper ground control station simulator and prepare graduates to operate these advanced UAS platforms."

The ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony took place at 1:30 p.m. today (Aug. 10) at the new facility, which is housed in Building 607 on the base.

"North Dakota is on the forefront of cutting edge UAS research and development, and this training facility is an important part of our efforts to position North Dakota as a leader in the global UAS industry," said North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple. "The world-class training and instruction that will take place at this facility will expand North Dakota's presence in the UAS market and create exciting opportunities for our state."

"Grand Forks is leading the way in UAS and the many applications of this emerging technology," said North Dakota Sen. Kent Conrad, who worked with Senator Byron Dorgan and Congressman Earl Pomeroy to secure more than $17 million in federal funds for the UND UAS Center of Excellence program since it was first created with federal funding in 2006. "This training facility will continue to build upon the strong partnerships the community already has with the University, the Air Force, federal agencies and business. North Dakota is on the path to secure a permanent place as a global leader in UAS training and operations."

"We have only scratched the surface of what these UAS are capable of," said Conrad. "Grand Forks will be able to play a leading role in the development of this exciting technology. The arrival of Global Hawk is just around the corner, and Predators are just a year away. There's a bright future for Grand Forks, and this new training facility is further proof."

The training facility is made possible in large part by funding from a $5 million state Centers of Excellence Enhancement grant ($2.8 million for the training facility), approved under the state Centers of Excellence program, which was established by Senator John Hoeven during his term as governor of North Dakota. The grant funded the necessary remodeling of Building 607 and the staffing of the facility; the grant also helped with the purchase from L-3 Link of a Predator Mission Aircrew Training System (PMATS), a state-of-the-art unmanned aircraft simulator that will be the cornerstone of the center. UND will be the first civilian operator of the PMATS.

Hoeven is also sponsoring an amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization bill that calls for the agency to develop a plan to accelerate the integration of unmanned aerial systems into the National Air Space at pilot test sites across the country. Grand Forks Air Force Base has all of the qualifications necessary to make such a project a model for the future, Hoeven said earlier this year.

"We're already flying UAVs in airspace all over the world," Hoeven said. "Now we need to open the skies for them at home to make our nation more secure, our communities safer, and our economy more dynamic, creating jobs and opportunities in our country."

"The opening of the UND/L-3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems Training Center is yet another example of North Dakota's leadership in unmanned aircraft research and advancement," said North Dakota congressman Rick Berg. "Unmanned aircraft holds tremendous potential for our state and will provide new opportunities for agriculture, education and border security. I'm excited to see sustained enthusiasm for UAS training and research in North Dakota, and I'm confident that this training facility will become an integral component in North Dakota's role as a key leader in this technology."

A member of the Unmanned Systems Caucus, Berg authored an amendment to the FAA reauthorization act that would allow the FAA to create new test sites to study the effectiveness of allowing UAS to share airspace and runways with commercial aircraft. The amendment establishes criteria for the selection of the test sites, which places Grand Forks Air Force Base in a prime position to benefit from this testing and potentially be chosen as a testing site.

While its opening represents a new beginning in UAS operations at UND and at the Grand Forks Air Force Base, it also brings to an end more than two years of efforts to ensure UND and North Dakota has the "world class" training center that U.S. Sen. (ret.) Byron L. Dorgan envisioned after the 2005 round of military base closures and realignments.

"Today is another big step on the road to creating a world class UAS capability here on the northern Great Plains," Dorgan said. "The combination of the Center for UAS Research at UND with their training and research work, coupled with the Air Force and Air National Guard UAS capabilities in Grand Forks and Fargo, make this one of the major UAS centers in the world.

"I am pleased to have played a role as a Senate Appropriator to help build these capabilities in the past several years."
The new UND/L-3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Training Center -- the latest addition to UND's growing UAS presence in the region -- is an integral part of the UND Unmanned Aircraft Systems Center of Excellence program that was established in 2006.

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Center of Excellence (UAS COE) performs research and development on UAS technologies, applications, and UAS human factors issues. The UAS COE also focuses on education and training for UAS integration into the national airspace system. Additionally, the center encourages commercialization of new UAS-related products and services and promotes private sector job growth within the state of North Dakota.

The UND/L-3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Training Center is the result of an agreement between UND and U.S. Air Force to locate the facility at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple and Senator John Hoeven joined UND and Grand Forks Air Force Base officials at the facility in February to sign a historic agreement that will help to make Grand Forks a world-class hub for UAS technology, commerce, research and training.

UND also recently launched the country's first UAS operation degree program. Among the 1,500 people receiving degrees from UND this past spring were the first five graduates from this new program.

The UND/L-3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Training Center is currently set up to accommodate 24 students in the classroom area with plans to make it usable for 30 in the future. There are two PMATS rooms; one will be operational immediately, the other will be available as training demand expands.

The facility also has a self-study library area with e-mail capability, student work areas, kitchenette services, a conference room with UAS-themed artwork as well as office and meeting space for L-3 Link and UND employees. The facility will initially occupy about 5,000 square feet of space with the option to expand to 9,000- 10,000 if the need arises.

"Unmanned aircraft are having a profound impact on aerospace," said Bruce Smith, dean of the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences at the University of North Dakota. "And UND is on the leading edge of UAS development."

Smith added: "This is a historic event that marks the first ever collaboration between the University, L3 Link, the community, the State of North Dakota, the Air Force and the federal government. I know of no other college in higher education that could develop a degree program and a training system, in an emerging and complex technology, with this level of success, in such a short period of time. This is another significant accomplishment for the Odegard School."
]]> Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=122
In his research titled "In Utero Exposure to Dietary Methyl Nutrients and Breast Cancer Risk in Offspring," Park studied 45 rats that were randomized into two groups. One group served as a control, while the other was fed a methyl-supplemented diet. The pups that were born were separated into groups based on the mother's feeding regime. Females then received a chemical to induce breast cancer and were followed for tumor development. Study results showed offspring whose mothers received a methyl-supplemented diet had decreased tumor incidence and growth than the control group. They also had fewer tumors and fewer tumors that multiplied.

According to Park, augmenting the mother's diet with lipotropic nutrients (methionine, choline, folate and vitamin B12) may boost methyl metabolism. This, in turn, may stimulate full development of the mammary gland to induce an epigenetic imprint in the mammary gland of the fetus, decreasing its breast cancer risk.

"The conclusions of this study suggest we may be able to prevent the development of breast cancer in daughters of women at risk for breast cancer by supplementing the mother's diet during pregnancy," said Park. "We look forward to exploring this study further to strengthen the implications of these initial findings."

Park's research interests include the nutritional regulation of animal growth, mammary development, lactation and mammary tumorigenesis. He earned his doctoral degree in nutritional physiology from Virginia Polytechnic and State University, a master's degree in ruminant nutrition from the University of Georgia and a bachelor's degree in animal science from Seoul National University, Korea.

The Era of Hope is one of the premier breast cancer research conferences. It joins scientists, clinicians and breast cancer advocates committed to advancing research on the prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. The conference features prominent scientists and clinicians with presentations of recent remarkable advances in breast cancer research funded by the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program. More information is available at https://cdmrpcures.org/ocs/index.php/eoh/eoh2011.
]]> Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=120
The new "infant-friendly" designation recognizes worksites that have adopted a workplace breastfeeding policy that includes:
• Flexible work scheduling, including scheduling breaks and permitting work patterns that provide time for expression of breast milk.
• A convenient, sanitary, safe and private location (other than a restroom), allowing privacy for breastfeeding or expressing breast milk.
• A convenient, clean and safe water source with facilities for washing hands and rinsing breast-pumping equipment located near the private location.
• A convenient place for temporarily storing breast milk, such as a refrigerator or cooler.

The designation coincides with Gov. Jack Dalrymple's proclamation of Breastfeeding Week, Aug. 1-7. It also aligns with the global celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, an annual event that draws attention to the health impacts of breastfeeding for both babies and mothers.

"We understand that if a woman has support in her place of employment she will breastfeed her infant for a longer duration," said Deanna Askew, healthy communities coordinator for the N.D. Department of Health. "This will give the baby an edge in overall health, including less infections, disease, obesity and diabetes."

According to research, breastfeeding also benefits the employer. Such benefits include lower health-care costs because breastfed babies are healthier, lower absenteeism and lower turnover rates since women are more likely to return to their previous jobs if the company provides support for breastfeeding mothers. These benefits can provide considerable cost savings to employers.

"NDSU is continuously striving to recruit and retain the best possible employees. Having been approved as an infant-friendly employer is another step in that direction. The Memorial Union staff worked diligently to get the Mother's Room ready, and the response has been phenomenal," said Brittnee Steckler, benefits coordinator in NDSU's Office of Human Resources and Payroll. "As an NDSU alumna and employee, it gives me one more reason to be proud to be a Bison."

The infant-friendly designations and World Breastfeeding Week complement the 2011 Surgeon General's Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding. In January, Surgeon General Dr. Regina M. Benjamin called all sectors of society to help remove the obstacles faced by women who want to breastfeed.

For more information about the "infant-friendly" designation, contact Askew at (701) 328-4568.
]]> Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=119
Click to read the full article.

]]> Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=118
The scholarship is available for an incoming freshman in 2012 and the scholarship recipient will be selected from applicants based on their high school GPA and standardized test scores, as well as a 1,000-word personal statement highlighting their career goals, achievements, overcoming adversity and what the opportunity to study at UND would mean to their future. Applications will be accepted at UND.edu/Vikings beginning Aug. 1, 2011 (today) through Dec. 1, 2011. The scholarship recipient and family will be in attendance for the Jan. 1, 2012, Vikings game vs. Chicago. The scholarship will be awarded during pre-game activities at Mall of America Field.

"We are honored that the Vikings are sponsoring a scholarship at the University of North Dakota. This is a great opportunity for a future UND student," said UND President Robert O. Kelley. "In these difficult economic times, scholarships play a significant role in getting a college education. Therefore, we applaud the Vikings organization for being so committed to promoting the value of higher education. We are confident that UND will provide this scholarship recipient with a tremendous foundation and many opportunities for a bright future."

"We have such a strong fan base that overlaps with alumni, friends and prospective students of the University of North Dakota," said Steve LaCroix, Vikings vice president of sales and marketing/chief marketing officer. "The impact that UND graduates have had on the quality of life in Vikings country and worldwide is remarkable. We wanted to help another great student fulfill their dreams of learning at UND and we hope this scholarship will give them a big head start on their career goals."

]]> Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=117
This will be the fourth summer commencement that UND President Robert O. Kelley's has presided over. UND faculty member and Associate Professor of English Rebecca Weaver-Hightower will deliver the main address to students. UND annually graduates more than 2,700 students in ceremonies in May, August and December.
Live broadcast and recordings:
The ceremony will be broadcast live on Grand Forks Cable Channel 3 and rebroadcast on the same channel Aug. 9-12 at 12:30 a.m., noon and 8 p.m.
UND also provides a live video stream of commencement to allow family and friends to participate in commencement, even if they cannot attend in person. This feed is provided in Adobe Flash Video format, so users may need to download the Free Flash Player at www.adobe.com.
The stream will begin broadcasting about 2:30 p.m. (CDT) on Friday, August 5. The ceremony begins at 3 p.m.
DVDs of the ceremony are available at the UND Bookstore. To purchase a copy, contact the bookstore at 701-777-4980.
If users have trouble seeing the video, they should contact UND tech support at http://und.edu/cio/cilt/support/tech-support.cfm and chat with a representative, or call 701-777-6305.
To enter the event, click on the "Watch Event Here" link below:
Watch Event Here (http://www.und.edu/dept/webcast)
If users are unable to view the commencement ceremony live, an archived video will be available by Tuesday, August 9.
Honorary degree:
Also, the family of Kenneth Mellem, a longtime computer industry businessman and friend of the UND College of Business and Public Administration (CoBPA), will accept an honorary Doctorate of Letters on behalf of Ken, who passed away in June of 2010. The bestowing of honorary degrees, though a rarity for a summer commencement event, is a special tradition at UND, reserved for influential private and public figures over the years, including President John F. Kennedy, famed heart surgeon Michael DeBakey, philosopher Mortimer Adler, and basketball legend and UND alum Phil Jackson.

Mellem, who lived in Eden Praririe, Minn., and Largo, Fla., earned a bachelor's degree from CoBPA in 1966 and his master's in 1968. He suggested and participated in the development of several new programs during his association with CoBPA, particularly the executive in residence at the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, where he taught a course for each of the last eight years, and the annual Mellem Business Symposium held on the UND campus. Ken served three terms on the CoBPA Advisory Council and was offered emeritus status for his many contributions to the college.

Chester Fritz Distinguished Professorship:
Also part of this summer's commencement ceremony, Roxanne Vaughan, professor of biochemistry& molecular biology, officially will be named a UND Chester Fritz Distinguished Professor, the University's highest academic title. Vaughan has been instrumental in building an internationally recognized research program and is known for her collaborative efforts. She is an expert in the biochemistry of the dopamine transporter and its role in drug addiction. Continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since 1999, Vaughan recently accepted an invitation to serve as a member of the agency's Center for Scientific Review (CSR) Molecular Neuropharmacology and Signaling Study Section. The NIH noted her scientific achievements, as well as the quality of her research accomplishments, journal publications and honors.
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]]> Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=116
The students, 35 men and 30 women, range in age from 21 to 35 years, with the average age of 24. They come to medical school with work experience in an array of fields and academic degrees in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, microbiology, nursing, psychology, and zoology. Some of the students already hold advanced degrees, including master's degrees in medical sciences and physiology. One student has a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Seventy-eight percent of the students are from North Dakota.

"The Class of 2015 come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences in health care and service activities," said Nicholas H. Neumann, M.D., M.M.M., interim associate dean for student affairs and admissions. "The class is well prepared academically, reflecting the high standards of the UND SMHS."

Medical students' first week is dedicated to orientation, including introduction to UND's nationally recognized, four-year, patient-centered curriculum, where basic and clinical sciences are taught in the context of patient cases. Special emphasis is placed on the students' new roles and expectations of them as health care professionals.

Orientation concludes with the White Coat Ceremony at 5:30 p.m., Aug. 5 at the Alerus Center, when students receive their first white coats, physicians' traditional garment, which have been donated by the North Dakota Medical Association. They recite the Oath of Hippocrates, an ancient vow to uphold basic professional principles.

Keynote speaker for the ceremony will be Darrell G. Kirch, MD, president and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges in Washington, D.C. Dr. Kirch's talk is titled "Becoming a Doctor, Remembering the Person."

Each student will receive a lapel pin engraved with "Humanism in Medicine," which was donated by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation. After the ceremony, the school will host an indoor picnic for students, family and friends in Ballroom 4.

"Celebrating the beginning of their new commitment to a life of service to people is an important purpose for the White Coat Ceremony," Neumann said. "The ceremony also provides a moment for each of the students to contemplate how they will dedicate their lives to practicing humanistic medicine."
]]> Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=115
Plans include national speakers, panel discussions, a concert of Mozart's The Requiem Mass in D minor by the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra, and "100 Stories: Perspectives from the Heartland" - a video montage of North Dakotans sharing how they felt that day.

Stories will be accepted through the first week in August. Individuals can submit stories immediately by filling out the submission form on the BSC website. Visit bismarckstate.edu and click the home page banner ("Impact on the Heartland") or go to bscsymposium.org.

The planning committee will select 100 stories based on content, appropriateness and relevance to the project goal. Individuals with selected stories will be filmed for a documentary. The first filming was July 24 in Medora. Portions of the documentary will play throughout the symposium. Participants must be age 18 or over.

BSC collaborates with The Dakota Institute of Lewis & Clark Foundation and other partners to lead "September 11 Ten Years Later: Impact on the Heartland," a humanities-based exploration of what happened then and since in the lives of North Dakotans and others in the Midwest.

Online registration for the symposium closes Sept. 5. The fee is $50 for both presentation days, which includes box lunches and light continental breakfasts Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, Sept. 11, the symposium culminates with a memorial ceremony at Double Ditch Indian Village Historic Site north of Bismarck.]]> Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=114
Nursing Workforce Diversity $1,571,137: This three-year grant (approximately $520,000 per year) will provide program support for the College's Recruitment/Retention of American Indians into Nursing (RAIN) Program. Funding will allow the RAIN Program to increase the number of American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) students enrolled in the College of Nursing. The RAIN Program was established in 1990 at the College of Nursing and provides academic support services to AI/AN students. RAIN has assisted 154 AI/AN nurses to obtain a Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree and 37 to obtain their Masters of Science in Nursing. Of these graduates, 83% have returned to work in their rural, tribal, health manpower shortage areas that they call home.

"The College is extremely pleased to be awarded these federal dollars," said interim Dean Julie Anderson. "The RAIN Program is a stellar model for the nation in educating American Indian students for careers in nursing. I think their success record speaks very highly of the quality and integrity of the RAIN program in educating future AI/AN nurse leaders."


Advanced Public Health Nursing $1,133,922: This three-year competitive continuation grant is an extension of the current Advanced Public Health Nursing (APHN) graduate track that was originally funded by HRSA beginning in 2007. The APHN track prepares nurses for advanced practice nursing care of populations in order to improve the health of communities through disease and injury prevention and health promotion strategies. In addition to providing support to continue the delivery of courses, this new grant will focus on recruitment and retention strategies for disadvantaged students, including Native American nurses. Although still a fairly new graduate track, the APHN track has one of the largest enrollments among similar graduate programs throughout the nation and graduated its first student in May 2011.

Project Director Tracy Evanson said, "The fact that HRSA has provided us with continued funding speaks to the quality of the program. We are excited, with this new grant, to have the opportunity to increase our support to Native American and other disadvantaged students, through strategies such as relationship building and mentorship, in order to insure their success in their graduate studies."

Nurse Faculty Loan Program $104,327: In addition to a national nurse shortage, there is also a significant shortage of nurse faculty in higher education. The Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) is designed to increase the number of nursing students who pursue careers as full-time faculty members. The program provides direct support to students enrolled in the Nurse Educator Master's degree track or the PhD in Nursing track at the College.

Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students $56,168: The Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students program promotes diversity among health profession students and practitioners by providing scholarships to full-time students with financial need from disadvantaged backgrounds, enrolled in health professions and nursing programs. Funding will be allocated to students enrolled in undergraduate nursing, graduate nursing and dietetics.

Advanced Education Nursing Traineeship $48,183: This grant will provide financial support through traineeships for students enrolled in the College's graduate program. Funding will support students studying to become nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, nurse educators, and public health nurses.

Nurse Anesthetist Traineeships $11,385: Funding will provide financial support in the form of traineeships to students enrolled as a 2nd or 3rd year student in the College's nurse anesthesia graduate track.

"There is a high demand for quality healthcare providers at all levels across the nation," said Anderson. "Students in both nursing and dietetics are eager to put their new knowledge into practice by addressing the growing needs of healthcare in our country. The College aggressively seeks this support in order to provide students with financial resources as they attain this vital education."
]]> Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=113 Debra A. Anderson, Director of Public Affairs & Marketing
North Dakota University System
Phone: 701.328.2962
E-mail: debra.a.anderson@ndus.edu

BISMARCK, N.D. - The attraction of out-of-state students to the North Dakota University System establishes a model for many other states facing similar demographic declines, according to the July 16, 2011, edition of the Wall Street Journal.

"Out-of-state students who attend North Dakota University System colleges and universities receive high-quality education at an affordable cost," said Grant Shaft, president of the State Board of Higher Education. "At the same time, the added enrollment helps campuses spread fixed costs over a larger student base. Plus, many out-of state students put down roots in North Dakota, adding to our workforce and growing our state's population.

"As the Wall Street Journal has recognized, this successful higher education model is the result of a deliberate and strategic approach to closely connecting the University System to North Dakota's economic and demographic growth. We are flattered by the profile of our state higher education system by this prestigious national publication," Shaft said.

To read the Wall Street Journal article, go to:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304231204576406042109860376.html?mod=WSJ_hp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsSecond

For more information about the benefits of non-resident students to the state of North Dakota and the North Dakota University System, go to: http://ndus.edu/uploads/resources/2166/nonres-benefits-oct2010v5.pdf
]]> Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=112
"We are privileged to be a part of the UAV initiative to offer the new and innovative technology in this field," said Dr. John Richman, NDSCS president. NDSCS will begin offering classes as early as this fall on its Wahpeton campus. The College will also be home to a small UAV for student learning.

"It is great to see NDSCS back in the aviation industry," said UAI founder Tom.K.Kenville. "The UAV industry is growing fast and the commercial applications are endless from agricultural to emergency management. "UAVs are all about payloads and technology and NDSCS is going to be a leader in supplying a highly trained workforce for this growing industry," commented Kenville.

UAI International is an industry expert in the UAV business with intentions of doing industry driven testing, research, training and program management for every area of the UAV industry.

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]]> Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=109
Williston artist Dave Njos will be creating a Lewis and Clark-themed statue to be placed near the new science wing, which will be added on to the north end of Stevens Hall, overlooking Rabon Field. Groundbreaking for the new wing is scheduled for July 20, with it being ready for occupancy in the fall of 2012.

According to Richard Stenberg, Assistant Professor of History and a member of the Campus Beautification Committee, "Since this is a science wing, we should have something commemorating science and the surveying that has been done in our area. Lewis and Clark were sent to survey and chart the river, and that is what Clark, who was the navigator and cartographer, did."

He added that later on the in the course of the 19th century, surveying brought about the establishment of the Fort Buford Military Reservation, which was surveyed by the army; the railroads which passed through our area, including the Great Northern. In the later years of the 19th Century, the Corps of Engineers surveyed the river for navigation purposes; and then the land office was opened in Williston for homesteaders filing their claims, which meant more surveys.

"Of course in the later years, you had surveying done for the search for oil in the area," he said. "That was the push for a science-themed sculpture."

Njos, who has done a number of projects for WSC and for the community of Williston, said that when he heard about the sculpture projects, he had a vision for the science wing sculpture and approached WSC President Raymond Nadolny.

"The one for the science building came to me right away and I told him I'd be interested in doing that one," Njos said.

At this time, he is thinking of a double life-size sculpture featuring various navigation equipment used by the Lewis and Clark expedition such as a sextant, a compass, etc.; Clark's desk with a photo of the map he made of this area, an ink bottle with a feather quill sticking out of it, and possibly having Clark's hat hanging on the corner of the table.

"This project is in relation to the addition of our science wing," said Nadolny. "Because the Lewis and Clark Expedition was the United States' first scientific expedition, we wanted a monument to commemorate that experience in our history and in our area."

]]> Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=110
WSC Foundation Executive Director Terry Olson will be on hand to introduce North Dakota Lt. Governor Drew Wrigley. Other speakers scheduled include Mayor Ward Koeser, EAPC Architect Alan Dostert, and WSC President Dr. Raymond Nadolny.

The new science wing, which is 10,000 square feet, will feature classrooms, laboratories, and office space for instructors. The current facilities have not been upgraded in quite some time and are in great need of updating.

"It is time for this upgrade. The science labs are the original facilities that came with the building, and we're celebrating our 50th anniversary this year," said Wanda Meyer, WSC Vice President for Instruction. "There have been no major updates to things such as the gas lines, water lines, ventilation, etc.; nothing has been seriously updated in all this years. There are lots of potential health and safety issues that we must take care of to be safe. For instance, we will now have updated and proper ventilation that will make the labs safer, allowing us to do more advanced work."

"This addition will bring Williston State College into the 21st Century with its science department," said Justin Maddison, WSC Vice President of Business Services. "All equipment will be state-of-the-art technology, giving WSC students an education that is second to none among colleges in the state."

Meyer added that the entire set-up of the new labs will be on the research side of science. "We will be able to get involved with some very interesting projects that we haven't been able to do up to this time," she said. "We'll also be able to add more variety to the science courses we offer and with the community changing as it is, this will be a positive thing for the community. It's really exciting to have these opportunities available to us now."

"With the importance of health and wellness in our community, a state-of-the-art science facility is a welcome addition to our college community," Nadolny said. "A strong background in science is critical to our young people being able to maintain a competitive edge in today's global economy."

The public is invited to attend the groundbreaking ceremony, after which refreshments will be served.
]]> Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=111
James Prouty of Minot, N.D. and Duane O'Marro, Jr. of Mapleton, N.D. secured second and third place, respectively, in the recent SkillsUSA National Competition held in Kansas City, Mo. Prouty received a silver medal for work in the Motorcycle Service Technology category and O'Marro won a bronze medal for his performance in Power Equipment Technology.

Over 5700 students competed for national recognition in the 47th annual SkillsUSA NLSC in 94 hands-on occupational and leadership contests, such as electronics, precision machining, public speaking and culinary arts. Contests were run with the help of industry, trade associations and labor organizations and test competencies that are set by industry.

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Saturday's events will kick off at 1 p.m. with a Native American performance by Kevin Locke, Lakota dancer and indigenous flute player. Locke is known throughout the world as a visionary Hoop Dancer, the preeminent player of the indigenous Northern Plains flute, a traditional storyteller, cultural ambassador, recording artist and educator.

Special guest Ernie LaPointe, Sitting Bull's great-great grandson, will bring a blessing of the Sitting Bull monument that will grace the front entrance to Stevens Hall, which will be unveiled that day. During an ice cream social at about 2:30 p.m., LaPointe will be on hand for a book signing of his work, "Sitting Bull - His Life and Legacy," which will be available for sale through the WSC Bookstore.

Sitting Bull, the most revered of all Lakota Indians, presented himself to American agents at Fort Buford, located 25 miles southwest of Williston on Highway 1804, on July 19, 1881. The room in which he surrendered still stands on site at Fort Buford, where the commemoration will continue on Sunday.

According to Richard Stenberg, Assistant Professor of History at WSC, the surrender of Sitting Bull is probably the most significant event that took place at the fort.

"To commemorate this event, back around 1995, a number of ideas were bantered about and enough support was gained through the Friends of Fort Union/Fort Buford for a fund-raising project to erect a 'heroic' sized statue at Fort Buford of Sitting Bull," Stenberg said. "A special bronze plaque was struck with an inscription of the event and Sitting Bull's oration. Due to a number of factors, most notably Paul Hedren's departure from the superintendency of Fort Union Trading Post, the statue project languished and eventually came to a complete stop. The plaque was placed in storage in the State Historical Society of North Dakota's archives."

In the fall of 2009, Stenberg brought the Friends of Fort Union together with WSC to revisit the Sitting Bull statue project launched more than a decade ago. Nadolny was very taken with the earlier project and especially the oration that Sitting Bull gave was, in part, an educational mission statement. In the resulting discussions the Friends of Fort Union/Fort Buford, who had ownership on the project, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with WSC to allow the resurrection of the statue project. However, instead of placing a statue at the Fort Buford State Historic Site, it would be on the campus of WSC, the first of three statues to placed on the campus. The other two will be a statue of Lewis and Clark and the final statue will be a likeness of a pioneer.

The Sitting Bull statue was designed and created by Michael Westergard, a professional sculptor from Plentywood, Mont.

According to his website, www.michaelwestergard.com, "Being raised in this area on a grain and livestock operation, Michael became aware at an early age of the old Indian campsites, buffalo kills and vision quest sites, etc. It was this experience, combined with his intense interest in early history of the West, that helped form what was to become the nucleus of his work. His bronzes portray the history, wildlife and people of the American West in not only an artistic manner but also with accuracy, detail and a respect for the subject."

Sunday's events at Fort Buford will begin at 1:30 p.m. with a performance by Cheaper Than Therapy, a women's barbershop quartet. At 3 p.m., Locke will perform and at 4 p.m. LaPointe will speak on the Life and Legacy of Sitting Bull. Also on hand will be Dakota Goodhouse who will speak on winter counts.

"It is a significant event (Sitting Bull's surrender) at Fort Buford and add to that the fact that we still have the surrender room in the Field Officer's Quarters is amazing," said Fort Buford Site Supervisor Steven Reidburn.

"To have Ernie LaPointe speak to us on this day is an awesome event," Reidburn said. "I've had many conversations with him and it is wonderful that he has agreed to come share with us. As well as being very knowledgeable, he is very genuine and easy to listen to."

All events are free and open to the public.

For more information on the events at WSC, contact Tara Irgens at 774-4267; and for more information on the Fort Buford event, contact the site at 572-9034.





]]> Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=107
In addition to receiving LEED Certification, Horton Hall also received the maximum amount of available energy tax credits for a project of its type due to its sustainable design efforts.

Designed by JLG Architects, the renovation to the 75-year old Horton Hall encompassed Business Administration and Management, Architectural Drafting, Land Surveying and Civil Engineering Technology, Print Services, and included a new state-of-the-art classroom and office addition with the flexibility to allow for changes in future classroom needs. Horton Hall's LEED Certification was based on a number of sustainable design and construction features, including:

• Daylight harvesting

• High performance glazing

• Improved insulation at existing envelope

• Solar thermal hot water

• Water efficient fixtures

• Energy efficient lighting fixtures and occupancy controls

• Cradle to Cradle® Certified Products

• Integrated Green Building Education Program

• Low-emitting materials, including furnishings

"Buildings are a prime example of how human systems integrate with natural systems," said Rick

Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. "The Horton Hall project efficiently uses our natural resources and makes an immediate, positive impact on our planet, which will tremendously benefit future generations to come." Rebecca Molldrem, Chair of the USGBC North Dakota Chapter noted, "It's great to see Higher Education institutions in North Dakota taking sustainability seriously and realizing the positive impact they are making on their students, faculty, and the environment with their decisions to go green."

JLG Architects has designed over $1 billion in educational, athletic, commercial, and residential projects in twelve states and two foreign countries. With over 70 design awards and five offices throughout the Midwest, JLG has long been committed to providing its communities with long-lasting, sustainable, and attractive architecture. For more information on the U.S. Green Building Council, contact www.usgbc.org and www.usgbcnorthdakota.com. For more information on JLG, visit www.jlgarchitects.com.

---

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View article at PrairieBizMag.com]]> Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=106
Dr. John Richman, NDSCS president, attributes the enrollment growth to flexible and convenient scheduling that appeals to traditional and adult learners. "NDSCS is finding success in providing choices to our students regarding how, when and where they take classes," he said. The College currently offers 13 online programs and a dozen programs at NDSCS-Fargo. In September, the new Business Pro series of classes will begin on Tuesday nights at NDSCS-Fargo, a unique alternative to traditional classes. Also in September, the College will launch a mobile app featuring a gateway to the College's online learning system. "We are continuously improving and enhancing our educational delivery channels," Richman said.

A snapshot of summer enrollment statistics includes 64 percent of students from North Dakota, 24 percent from Minnesota, and 4 percent from South Dakota. Of the 763 students, 325 are enrolled in online classes and 265 enrolled in NDSCS Wahpeton classes. There are 245 freshman and 518 sophomores taking classes.

The NDSCS graduate placement rate contributes to the College's ability to attract new students. With a 98 percent placement rate, graduates are launching their careers or transferring onto four-year institutions to continue their education. "New students are interested in their ability start a career and earn competitive salaries after graduation. Our placement rate signifies our student success," commented Richman.

---

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]]> Thu, 07 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=105
Innovation-driven development programs from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Kansas, Tennessee, Michigan and California are also profiled with the UND Center for Innovation.

"This profile is important because it is being done by State Science & Technology Institute that, since its inception in 1996, has developed a nationwide network of practitioners and policymakers dedicated to improving the economy through science and technology," said Bruce Gjovig, Center founder and director and entrepreneur coach.

"It is the comprehensive, prominent national organization on technology-based economic development that works on research, policy, education, communication and information for those in technology-based economic development," Gjovig said.

"Many venture programs offer bits and pieces but few offer a comprehensive entrepreneur program like the Center, integrating and connecting students, emerging and successful entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors," Gjovig said. "Our success of developing a strong entrepreneur and investor ecosystem has been part of the success and the Center has become efficient through public and private partnerships."

RIAN is publishing just 10 profiles of selected venture development organizations around the nation that exemplify how different approaches tailored specifically to their regional assets and entrepreneurial needs are all yielding significant results.

These results include impressive figures for job creation and successful innovation-based startup companies in their regional economies. RIAN's goal is to restore resilience in America's regional economies by approaching economic development strategy as a regional innovation system and create and improve the nation's community of venture development organizations.

About the Regional Innovation Acceleration Network (RIAN)
RIAN is a project of the State Science & Technology Institute funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to establish and support a virtual nationwide community of non-profit Venture Development Organizations.

EDA is supporting the RIAN effort, and EDA is the most important federal agency relating to promoting economic development, infrastructure, innovation and competitiveness, preparing Americans regions for economic growth and success.

The organizations are business-driven, public or non-profit organization that promotes regional growth by providing a portfolio of services. These services include assisting in the creation of high-growth companies, providing expert business assistance to these companies, facilitating or making direct financial investments, and speeding the commercialization of technology. www.regionalinnovation.org

RIAN profiles the best practices, lessons learned, as well as key programs that are making a significant difference looking at venture development organizations across the United States.

About the University of North Dakota Center for Innovation
The Center of Innovation was one of the first entrepreneur outreach centers in the nation when formed in 1984. The Center provides assistance to innovators, entrepreneurs, students and researchers to launch new ventures, commercialize new technologies, and secure access to capital from private and public sources throughout North Dakota and northwest Minnesota.

The Center has a track record of success in venture development and creating a dynamic ecosystem for innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors.

The Center has worked with more than 550 startups over the years that employ over 4,000 people, and have secured more than $130 million in capital. Plus the Center has teamed up with the Entrepreneur Department to develop a major and certificate program in entrepreneurship which was ranked in the top 1 percent of entrepreneur programs nationwide.

- 30 -

Useful links:
*UND Center for Innovation http://www.innovators.net/innovators/public_html/
*RIAN http://www.regionalinnovation.org/content.cfm?article=about-rian
*RIAN profile of UND Center for Innovation http://www.regionalinnovation.org/assets/files/profiles/RIAN_Profiles_UND%20Center%20for%20Innovation.pdf

Contacts:
Bruce Gjovig, entrepreneur coach and director
UND Center for Innovation
701-777-3132
bruce@innovators.net

Juan Miguel Pedraza, writer/editor
UND Office of University Relations
701-740-1321
juan.pedraza@email.und.edu]]> Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=104
"We are still learning the sensor's capabilities and are not yet ready for routine operations, but we wanted to see if there was any way ISSAC could be of use to the various flood fights going on across the state," said Doug Olsen, Project Manager for ISSAC at UND.

Taken at 07:42 p.m. on Friday evening, June 24, the Minot image clearly shows the swollen Souris river filling the valley upstream, and sending water down through the heart of the city. Taken just prior to the river's crest on Sunday night, the image shows extensive flooding in downtown Minot, and in residential areas along the river.

For comparison, an image of the same area, taken by the US Geological Survey's Landsat spacecraft last year, shows the Souris as a thin black line snaking through the valley, now entirely covered by water in the ISSAC image.

ISSAC is a one-of-a-kind earth-observing sensor mounted in the International Space Station's Window Observation Research Facility (WORF) and is capable of re-visiting a particular ground location more frequently than other space-based assets.

The ISSAC sensor collects imagery in both visible and infrared light, the latter particularly useful in determining health of vegetation, such as farm fields. As an added bonus, water appears black in the infrared channel, making it particularly useful in identifying areas under water.

Led by the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, the ISSAC payload was built as a collaborative project between the Odegard School and the School of Engineering and Mines, with support by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). ISSAC is being operated and controlled remotely by students working in the ISSAC Science Operations Center, or SOC, which is located in Clifford Hall on the UND campus.

To download a copy of the ISSAC imagery of the Minot flood, and or more information about ISSAC, visit the ISSAC website at www.umac.org/issac.

About ISSAC
The International Space Station Agricultural Camera (ISSAC) is a multi-spectral imaging system mounted onboard the International Space Station in the US's Destiny module inside the Window Observation Research Facility.

The system is capable of high-temporal imaging (multi-week to multi-day) from the ISS which has the potential to dramatically increase opportunities to obtain cloud-free images at spatial resolutions and wavelengths applicable to end-user analysis of in-field variability and vegetative conditions.

ISSAC is expected to image for three growing seasons for farming applications as well as cater to a number of research partners conducting worldwide studies of glaciers, grasslands, forests, and other ecosystems. Collected images will be down-linked, processed and delivered to end-users within 24-48 hours of acquisition. The ISSAC project has employed more than 60 UND students from disciplines such as engineering, aerospace, computer science, entrepreneurship and space studies in its more than 10-year history.

For more information and to watch a video of ISSAC's history and current operation, visit the ISSAC website at www.umac.org/issac.

About UMAC
The Northern Great Plains Center for People and the Environment was established at the University of North Dakota in April 2001. It is the lead component of the Upper Midwest Aerospace Consortium (UMAC), which includes participants from academia, industry, and government in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. The vision of the Center is to build and nurture learning communities, creating an integrated view of all Earth's systems, in order to serve humankind's needs and desires for a sustainable and prosperous future. For more information about UMAC visit http://www.umac.org.

- 30 -

Useful links:
UND Aerospace http://www.aero.und.edu/
UMAC http://www.umac.org/
ISSAC www.umac.org/issac

Contacts:
Doug Olsen, associate director
Earth System Science & Policy Dept
John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences
University of North Dakota
701-777-3543 office 701-213-8239
olsen@aero.und.edu

Juan Miguel Pedraza, writer/editor
UND Office of University Relations
701-777-6571 office 701-740-1321 cell
juan.pedraza@email.und.edu]]> Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=103
Sponsored by the American Legion, North Dakota Boys State brings together outstanding young men between their junior and senior years in high school. Selected from schools across North Dakota, these delegates come to the NDSCS campus for a week of activities focusing on government and democracy.

At North Dakota Boys State, delegates participate in hands-on learning activities, including city and county government functions, disaster simulation exercises and the publication of a daily newspaper that is written and edited by delegates.

In addition to this "learning by doing" process, delegates have the opportunity to experience speeches and debates from visiting dignitaries. They also elect a governor, Senate and House of Representatives.

Delegates also elect several other state office-holders including: Christopher Seaver of Rugby, N.D. as Lieutenant Governor, Justin Zahradka of Lawton, N.D. as Secretary of State, Vladimir Kutka of Dickinson, N.D. as Attorney General, Logan Ferry of Manvel, N.D. as Commissioner of Agriculture and Joshua Roesler of Casselton, N.D. as Superintendent of Public Instruction.

NDSCS has been the host of Boys State for sixteen consecutive years.

Frequent visitors to the program include U.S. Senator John Hoeven and Former U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan.

---

Participants in the sixty-ninth annual American Legion Boys State at NDSCS include:

Adams: Garrett Shorheim

Ashley: Carl Entzie; Talon Peterson

Bismarck: Jeremija Arnold; Gabrel Feijo; Deidrich Harms

Bowman: Conner Swanson

Cando: Travis Blake; Josh Haugen; Mark Lybeck

Carrington: Lane Anderson; Clay Heinley; Peter Henson

Casselton: Joshua Roesler

Dickinson: Daniel Anderson; Mason Frank; Landen Jung; Vladimir Kutka; Mackinley Russ; Luke Schields; Joseph Sickler

Enderlin: Gareth Hanson; Josh Michaelson

Fargo: Cameron Bush; Connor Camrud; Michael Schumacher; Joshua Stenhjem; Adam Weiler

Finley: Eric Halverson; Kyle Mehus; John Storebo

Fordville: Nathan Best; Blake Erickson; Landon Lipsh

Forman: Tyler Mahrer; Steed Nelson; Patrick Orn; Ethan Reinertson; Jason Roth

Grafton: Jacob Lutovsky

Grand Forks: Tyler Beattie; Beau Cummings; Alec Hepper

Gwinner: Michael Witkowski

Hankinson: Dalton Herding

Harwood: Ben Gadberry; Garett Heim; Joseph Ueland

Hatton: Adam Rustvang

Hazen: Jordan Grosz

Horace: Paul Lanctot; Landon Uetz

Hunter: Adam Teegarden

Inkster: Nathan Linstad

Jamestown: Skyler Sand; Taylor Tollefson

Lakota: Brady Eichelberger

Lankin: Keith Beneda

Lawton: Justin Zahradka

Lidgerwood: Jordan Grumbo

Lisbon: Sean Nelson

Mandan: Mitchel Baesler; Chancellor Beasler

Manvel: Logan Ferry

McClusky: Tom Bergren

Minot: Jake Bangen; Marshall Hogue; Daniel Knickerbocker; Zachary Knutson; Abe Moilan; Brett Reynolds; Nicholas Theis; Nicolas Stanislowski

Moorhead: Grant Christianson

New England: Paul Gardner

New Leipzig: Alexander Alt

Northwood: John Woodward

Park River: Jordan Brummond; Brady Gudgel; Isaiah Hylden

Rugby: Christopher Seaver

Sheyenne: Collin Hanson

Starkweather: Ethan Sager

Valley City: Andrew Kawasaki

Walcott: Christian Thompson

Wales: Alan Hiltner

Walhalla: Alek Berg; Chris Danielson; Garret Fraser

Washburn: Evan Eberle; Monty Johnson

West Fargo: Jacob Kroke

Wilton: Connor Thompson

Wyndmere: Jordan Hollingworth; Noah Sanden

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]]> Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=102
The Camp will give 15 students a chance to experiment, learn about and most importantly, have fun with food. Culinary Program Coordinator Mary Uhren says, "Culinary study is hard work, but it is also really rewarding." When asked if students can eat their mistakes she replied, "That's one of the best parts!"

The Culinary Intensive will teach French knife skills, buffet presentation and garnishing techniques. Students will have the opportunity to learn how ingredients work together to create soups, salads and dressings, red meat entrées, seafood, poultry, breads, pastries and desserts.

The Culinary Intensive Camp will use the same professional, industry-current kitchen lab and classroom used in the Culinary Arts program, the only culinary program in North Dakota. NDSCS's Culinary Arts Program consists of two years of hands-on training in food preparation, sanitation, nutrition, menu planning and restaurant management. The small class sizes with individualized instruction were created to enable students to find careers throughout the culinary world.

---

More information on NDSCS Culinary Camp.

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]]> Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=101
Currently available for iPhones, the app will be available for Android and Blackberry users in the near future.

Some of the mobile features include news, maps, directory information, athletics, courses, video and photo albums, TheLink, and emergency contact information. The list will grow in the future to include such things as events.

Senior Garrett Wedan uses it because, "I can pull up the UND app while sitting listening to music and sipping coffee in Archives (a UND coffee shop), go to Blackboard, log on and look at the lecture notes from last week," he said.

"I can double check when my group is supposed to be meeting, look at my grades or take an online quiz all at my fingertips. I can look at the UND news we see on the website or maybe if I'm wondering what the men's basketball score was last night I can tap the Athletics icon."

Wedan sits on a number of campus technology committees and serves as the campus's Apple rep.

"We're happy to join a select group of universities around the world that have an official mobile presence," said Tim DeBolt, UND's director of communications and e-Marketing. "Now that we're launched, the UND mobile project will remain in a constant state of evolution as we work to improve and add to existing apps. Plans for our mid-summer upgrade releases include MobileLearn™, transit schedules and a UND/Grand Forks Community Events app. This is something that we have been developing in communication with Mayor Mike Brown's Office, so that we can provide an online Community Events calendar and accompanying free mobile app for all residents of Grand Forks.

"App users will be able to search, experience, and find out about greater Grand Forks events online or on their smart phones. UND is very much part of the Grand Forks community. We are working hard to give Grand Forks residents something they find useful and fun. Stay tuned," DeBolt said.

The project has been in the works since roughly 2009 and championed by Chad Bushy, LMS administrator and application specialist, and Timothy Pasch, UND assistant professor of communication.

"At that time, most of the Blackboard Mobile Central technology was focused around the iPhone and North Dakota didn't have AT&T as a carrier so that really wasn't an option for us," said Bushy. "As the technology evolved over the last year, new apps became available for Android OS and Blackberry phones.

"In January 2011, Verizon announced they would be a carrier of the iPhone so it pushed us even more to make it available as soon as possible."

As the technology evolved, so did general use of mobile devices - meaning demand for more options has skyrocketed. Pasch noted the widespread increase in mobile device use by American postsecondary students (as reported in Educause Quarterly, Vol 34, no 1), as well as a survey of UND students, specifically, that indicated a growing demand for mobile devices. In fact, 62 percent of UND students report owning some kind of Internet-capable mobile device (Blackberry, iPhone, iPad, Android, etc).

"These trends continue to increase, making the presence of a mobile app for UND even more essential as a vehicle to provide up-to-the-minute data essential to the student experience," Pasch said. "This data can consist of information related to academics, wellness, and social events and opportunities, potentially, facilitating participatory engagement both on-campus, and in the greater Grand Forks community."

The app can offer legitimate help, too, not just convenience. "For new students, say they live in Brannon Hall, and on the first day of classes they start walking and realize they don't know where they are going. They can go to Maps search for the building they want, map their current location and figure out how to get there," said Wedan.

Pasch added, "From a faculty perspective, I am thrilled that students will have the ability to rapidly browse the course catalog."

There are only a few universities across the country making advances with mobile apps at this time, and the group responsible for UND's is proud to be "ahead of the game in regards this type of technology." Schools that UND looked to while building the app included Stanford University, the University of Washington and Duke University.

--30--

]]> Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=100
Drake Carter, BSC provost and vice president for academic affairs, said the college is excited about the potential for these programs to address needs of different segments of the North Dakota economy.

"Petroleum Production Technology will help provide vital technicians for the developing oilfields of western North Dakota, while the Sustainable Construction Technology program will give residential construction companies needed training in developing green construction techniques to provide longer-lasting and more energy-efficient housing," Carter said.

Petroleum Production Technology builds on the curriculum of BSC's Process Plant Technology program. Offered online, the program will emphasize production operations, safety, and environmental aspects of the petroleum industry. The program is designed to provide students with a broad background to operate and maintain the equipment used in the operations of the oil and gas industry. Positions for employment would include operator positions at production field locations.

The Sustainable Construction Technology program will provide students with a broad background in green construction techniques, with emphasis on residential construction. Course work for the on-campus program includes participation in practical problems in construction planning, scheduling and management. Students will be prepared for entry-level jobs in residential construction management with an emphasis on green building.

Completion of either program leads to a program certificate or an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree.

Another BSC program in development is Petroleum Engineering Technology. The on-campus program will provide students a broad background in geology, geophysics, drilling and related topics. Graduates will be prepared for entry-level, highly technical positions that support and work closely with petroleum engineers, geophysicists, and business managers. Completion leads to an AAS degree. A start date has not yet been confirmed.]]> Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=99
"It's truly the first and only kind of its major program in the country at this point," said Kent Lovelace, chair of the aviation department at the UND John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. "These are the first graduates from anywhere in the country with a degree in UAS operations."

The five students eligible for graduation are Christopher Burger, Ritzville, Wash.; Jeremy Duke, Everett, Wash.; Adam Julson, Flandreau, S.D.; Alexander Gustafson, Vashon Island, Wash.; and Brett Whalin, Rapid City, S.D. The commencement ceremony will be held at 1:30 p.m. in the Alerus Center at Grand Forks.

"Unmanned aircraft are having a profound impact on aerospace," said Bruce Smith, dean of UND Aerospace. "We're on the leading edge of UAS development. We now have 44 students signed up as majors and 78 students signed up for our UAS introductory course."

Julson is excited about the opportunity to be part of an emerging aspect of aviation in which the sky is literally the limit.

"What attracted me is that it's the next big thing," he said. "You're on the forefront of the unmanned portion of aviation."

For Duke, who worked for 10 years in the auto body industry before coming to UND, the attraction was the potential to apply UAS technology to weather research, which is the career direction he hopes to pursue.

"I flew weather modification missions for a summer and could see the application," he said.

All the UAS majors are finding great interest from potential employers, and some have already lined up jobs. The field is expected to explode when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) opens airspace to civilian applications.

"We could see it open up in the next few months for law enforcement agencies," said Mark Hastings, UAS chief pilot. "It probably won't be until 2015 that we see it opening up to commercial applications, such as patrolling oil pipelines."

Gustafson, who's been interviewed for two jobs, said, "It's a huge honor and privilege to be among the first graduates. Most companies are excited to find out that there are students coming out of college with degrees in UAS. There are a lot of jobs now, and there will be even more when the airspace opens up."

First offered in 2009 fall semester, the Bachelor's of Science degree aeronautics with a major in unmanned aircraft systems operations is built on the school's commercial aviation program. It includes courses in the systems of unmanned aircraft, UAS ground systems, UAS communications and telemetry, and UAS remote sensing. In addition, the major curriculum includes aviation safety, human factors, and crew resource management related to unmanned aircraft operations.

"We spent a lot of time and effort putting this program together because there was no model for it," said Ben Trapnell, associate professor of aviation. "We had to bridge the gap between engineers and pilots because our hope is that our graduates from this program will become the leaders in an emerging civil UAS industry. They need to have a broad perspective and the ability to expand the base of knowledge we provide."

Burger started at UND as a commercial aviation major, but jumped at the opportunity to be in the first class of students to graduate with a degree in UAS operations.

"I figured that UAS was definitely going to be a major portion of the aviation industry in the future," he explained. "Automation is the direction everything is moving. Getting in at the beginning seemed like a great opportunity."

UND collaborated with Corsair Engineering to provide training to students pursuing their UAS majors. They used the ScanEagle UAS simulator to learn mission-related UAS employment and operational techniques. The simulator was created jointly by Corsair and the aircraft's manufacturer to accurately represent the experience of flying the real aircraft.

"The more you understand the system you're operating, the better pilot you can be," Hastings said. "The more you understand the payload and the sensors, the better operator you can be. They will be the future leaders of the industry. Understanding the development and the operations side puts them in a really good place."

The first group of eight students completed academics and flight training March 4. During the eight week-long sessions, students spent three hours per day, five days a week in the ScanEagle simulator, progressing from basic flight operations to advanced sensor techniques and emergency procedures, and finally to mission employment scenarios.

"They don't just learn how to operate an unmanned aerial vehicle, but also to manage a UAS program and make recommendations about what type of vehicle makes the most sense," Lovelace said. "The UAS industry is really in its infancy. These graduates will help take it to the next level."
Recalling his decision to be one of the first to join UND's UAS operations program, Whalin said, "I feel like it was a great opportunity to get in on the bottom floor of a growing field. It's been a challenge and a great an opportunity."

--30—

Photo cutline:

UND UAS ScanEagle - Taylor Butterfield, UND project coordinator in the UND Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program, carries a ScanEagle UAS following a test flight near Oslo, Minn.

Useful links:

UND Aerospace:
http://www.aero.und.edu

UND UAS Research:
http://uasresearch.com/home.aspx

Corsair Engineering:
http://www.corsairengineering.com/

Contacts:
Bruce Smith, dean
UND John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences
701-777-3196
bsmith@aero.und.edu

Kent Lovelace, aviation department chair
UND John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences
701-777-2918
lovelace@aero.und.edu

Mark Hastings, UAS chief pilot
UND John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences
701-777-3380
hastings@aero.und.edu

Benjamin Trapnell, associate professor
UND John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences
701-777-4766
trapnell@aero.und.edu

Patrick Miller, writer/editor
UND Office of University Relations
701-777-2412
patrick.miller@email.und.edu
]]> Thu, 12 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=98 State Energy Program (SEP) AARA grants total $635,000

North Dakota State College of Science will be more environmentally friendly and 'greener' thanks to State Energy Program American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (AARA) grants totaling more than $635,000. The North Dakota Department of Commerce administers the SEP program that promotes energy conservation, efficiency and reduces the growth rate of energy demand.

The two NDSCS grants will fund the following projects:
• 75 electric motors will be replaced with new high efficiency motors;
• 20,000 light bulbs will be replaced with more efficient bulbs;
• 1,200 light fixtures will be replaced or retrofitted with energy efficient fixtures.

NDSCS Physical Plant Director Dallas Fossum estimates the projects will be completed by May 2012. "Energy conservation is a priority on the NDSCS campuses in Wahpeton and Fargo," Fossum commented. "The AARA grant funds will help the College become more environmentally friendly as we continue to make improvements toward becoming a "green" campus."

Fossum anticipates the following cost savings to the College when the projects are completed:
• $69,000 annual energy savings to offset rising energy costs;
• 980,000 kilowatt hours of annual electricity savings to help conserve natural resources.


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]]> Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=97 Project may help transform U.S. higher education

For the next two years, North Dakota State College of Science will collaborate with the Higher Learning Commission and the Lumina Foundation in piloting the Degree Qualifications Profile—or qualifications framework—that illustrates clearly what students should be expected to know and be able to do once they earn their degrees.

The Degree Profile proposes specific leaning outcomes that benchmark the associate, bachelors, and master's degrees regardless of the field of specialization. NDSCS was asked to participate in the project as a college with both strong career and technical education as well as liberal arts education at the associate degree level.

"NDSCS is privileged to be called upon for our perspective on the validity of the proposed learning outcomes for two-year college programs," said Dr. John Richman, NDSCS president. "This project has the potential to help transform U.S. higher education, with a focus on what students learn that is rich and complex."

Institutions will use the Degree Profile to compare their current curricula, co-curricular supporting activities, defined learning outcomes, and assessment results with the Degree Profile's outcomes for broad areas of learning, performance levels, cumulative integration of learning, and application of learning. In this way, institutions will evaluate and provide commentary on the Profile itself, as well as evaluate and formulate plans to improve programs. The Degree Profiles emphasizes both the integration of learning from many sources and the application of learning in a variety of settings realized through assessments that validate student accomplishment.

"We welcome the opportunity to evaluate our programs using the proposed guidelines of the Degree Profile and figuring out how the Profile applies to each of our programs," said Dr. Gloria Dohman, NDSCS vice president for Institutional Effectiveness. "We are energized by the prospect of helping to develop an accreditation process that moves U.S. higher education toward a shared understanding of what outcomes students can expect from various degrees." The value for students will be a clearer understanding of their degree choices and a roadmap for navigating their options.

One of twenty-three institutions in this cohort funded through a grant from the Lumina Foundation, NDSCS is the only North Dakota institution.


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]]> Tue, 10 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=95
The 2011 commencement speakers senior Whitney Loftesnes and alumnus Roger Looygena will address Vision 2013's fifth strategy, "Focusing on Student Success and Future Achievement."

Loftesnes, a Norwich native, has completed a Bachelor of Science degree in international business, marketing and management, graduating summa cum laude. She also excelled as a student athlete and was named to the 2011 Daktronics-National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division II Women's Basketball Scholar-Athlete Team.

Looyenga retired as the chief executive officer and chairman of Auto-Owners Insurance Group, a Fortune 500 company, in July 2010. The Mandan native graduated from then Minot State College with a bachelor's degree in business education in 1968. While at Minot State, he participated on the tennis team and was elected to the Student Council, the predecessor of today's Student Government Association. He was president of the Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity and belonged to Greek Council and Letterman's Club.

In keeping with the commencement ceremony's theme, honored guests are Distinguished Lifetime Educator Award recipients. Each recipient, a retired faculty member selected by faculty peers, provided students with a strong and engaging academic experience that allowed students to develop sound skills for success in their future careers and endeavors.
The following are Distinguished Lifetime Educator Award recipients: Harold Aleshire, humanities; Dale Atwood, business; Margaret Dixon, English; Floyd Fairweather, humanities; Virginia Geesaman, music; Walter Hartman, music; Charles Hoffman, biology; Robert Holmen, mathematics; Adelaide Johnson, business; Ruth Loucks, education; Shirley McMillan, nursing; Robert Sando, business; and Doris Slaaten, business.

Duaine Espegard, Grand Forks, a retired bank administrator and former state senator, will represent the State Board of Higher Education. Espegard worked for Bremer Financial as a bank director, chief executive officer and regional president from 1969 to 2003. He served in the North Dakota Senate from 2000 to 2006

For additional information about the commencement ceremony, contact Rebecca Porter, registrar, at 858-3126 or rebecca.porter@minotstateu.edu.

]]> Mon, 09 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=96 Lenore Koczon, Ph.D., of Rosemont, Pa., has been named vice president for academic affairs at Minot State University, President David Fuller announced. Currently Koczon is the academic dean, undergraduate college, at Rosemont College. She will begin her new appointment June 1.

"We are very excited that Dr. Koczon will be joining us as our new vice president for academic affairs. Dr. Koczon brings with her solid academic credentials and experiences that give her exceptional abilities as an academic leader, one who is focused on the success of our students and our high quality programs," Fuller said.

"I would like to thank President Fuller and the members of the search committee for their confidence and the opportunity to serve Minot State University," Koczon said. "Minot State's commitment to student success is possible because of the dedicated members of the faculty, staff and administration. I look forward to working with them and the members of the community to advance the educational mission of the university. I am honored to become part of a 'great university on the Great Plains'."

Koczon joined Rosemont College in 2005 as the academic dean for the undergraduate college. Under her leadership, all academic majors were reviewed and the education major revised to meet the new 2013 requirements for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She was also instrumental in reviving the Honors Program and establishing a student leadership program that involved both academic and student affairs.

"I like the idea of service learning classes because I believe this is a way to truly connect the campus to the community and to accomplish something that even in a small way does benefit the community," Koczon said. "I also believe that through these efforts academic affairs and student affairs developed a strong working relationship, which is important for student success."

From 1990 to 2005, Koczon was a faculty member at Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D., where she taught chemistry. In 1996, she was appointed director of University College at NSU and began a project to increase student success and positively impact student retention. During her tenure, Koczon was awarded more than $900,000 in grant money from the U.S. Department of Education for the support and expansion of the university's TRiO programs. The TRiO programs' purpose is to help students overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education.

"I don't believe in focusing just on retention rates," Koczon said. "You can't impact retention if you don't positively impact student success and to do that you have to get to know the students and develop an understanding of the challenges they face transitioning from high school to college and as college students. Achieving student success means generating a multi-faceted plan because it is not a one-size-fits-all solution."

Koczon was recognized as an Outstanding Faculty Member at NSU in 1995, and she was awarded the distinction of Who's Who Among America's Teachers in 1998 and 2005.

Koczon has been a member of Rosemont College's senior staff since 2008 and has served on numerous university committees including strategic planning, governance and leadership; academic affairs; curriculum; academic standings; and first year connection seminar.

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 1981 at the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Ind., and a doctoral degree in chemistry from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

]]> Mon, 09 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=93 The University of North Dakota will hold its annual spring commencement on Saturday, May 14, at 1:30 p.m. in the Alerus Center at Grand Forks.

For general commencement, there are 1,456 eligible degree candidates, approximately 364 graduate and 1,092 undergraduates. In addition, there are 79 law school and 55 medical school candidates. For the first time, UND Aerospace will have four students graduate with aviation degrees in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

UND President Robert O. Kelley will preside over his third spring commencement. The University each year graduates about 2,700 students in ceremonies in May, August, and December. U.S. Sen. Kent Conrad, North Dakota's senior senator, will deliver the commencement address.

Earl Pomeroy, who served as North Dakota's congressman for 18 years, will receive an honorary Doctor of Letters degree. Pomeroy will join a litany of other illustrious North Dakota politicians, such as, most recently, Gov. Ed Schafer, who've also received such a degree.

The UND School of Law will hold commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 7, at 10 a.m. in the Chester Fritz Auditorium. The school will present 79 students with Juris Doctorate degrees. U.S. Sen. John Hoeven of North Dakota will be the featured speaker.

Pomeroy will also be the speaker at the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences commencement on Sunday, May 15, at 2:30 p.m. in the Chester Fritz Auditorium. 55 students are eligible for MD degrees.

Three University of North Dakota faculty members will be honored as Chester Fritz Distinguished Professors during general commencement. They are Joseph Hartman, professor of geology and geological engineering in the School of Engineering and Mines; Wayne Seames, professor of chemical engineering in the School of Engineering and Mines; and Roxanne Vaughan, professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in the School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Vaughan will formally receive the honor during summer commencement.

Law School Commencement Speaker

U.S. Sen. John Hoeven was elected North Dakota's 22nd senator in 2010 after serving 10 years as governor for the state of North Dakota. Sen. Hoeven was born in Bismarck. He earned a bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College in 1979 and a master's degree in business administration from Northwestern University in 1981. He served as executive vice president of First Western Bank in Minot from 1986 to 1993 and established a strong position of service in many civic, community and economic development activities prior to elective office. From 1993-2000 he served as president and CEO of Bank of North Dakota. Sen. Hoeven currently holds positions on the Senate Appropriations and Senate Energy Committees.

General Commencement Speaker

U.S. Sen. Kent Conrad has a long career of public service to North Dakota, starting with his six years as State Tax Commissioner before his successful 1986 bid for the U.S. Senate. Time magazine featured him as one of "America's Ten Best Senators" and The American magazine ranked him as one of "10 Most Economically Literate Members of Congress." A fifth-generation North Dakotan, Conrad was born in Bismarck and attended Roosevelt Elementary and Hughes Junior High. During his 20-plus years as an advocate for North Dakota in Washington, D.C. Senator Conrad helped write the 2002 and 2008 Farm Bills, wrote health care policy that ensured continued access to hospitals in rural areas, and fought unfair trade practices that hurt North Dakota's economy. He is chairman of the Senate Budget Committee.

Honorary Degree and Medical School Commencement Speaker

Earl Pomeroy served as North Dakota's congressman for 18 years. A Valley City, N.D., native and UND alumnus, Pomeroy was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992 and served as North Dakota's only congressman until 2010. He attended Valley City State University before transferring to UND where he earned a BA in political science and his law degree in 1979. He practiced law in Valley City for five years before embarking on his political career. Pomeroy was elected to the North Dakota state legislature in 1980. He was elected state insurance commissioner in 1984 and re-elected to that post in 1988. Pomeroy is currently a counsel in Alston & Bird's Washington, D.C., office, where he focuses his practice on health care, regulatory and legislative matters.
Chester Fritz Distinguished Professors

Joseph Hartman, professor of geology and geological engineering, is one of the world's leading experts for fossil freshwater mollusks. He often works with international teams that establish the fundamental knowledge base for their discipline. His research achievements are recognized regionally, nationally and internationally. He has published 35 papers in major international peer-reviewed journals and hundreds more in other venues. Hartman has conducted field research from the badlands of North Dakota and Montana to India and Madagascar, as well as museum research in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and London. He teaches, serves as a student mentor and advisor, and chairs four thesis committees.

Wayne Seames, professor of chemical engineering, excels in the areas of teaching, research and service, involving students in all aspects of his pioneering and innovative bio fuels research. He played a lead role in establishing the Sustainable Energy Research Infrastructure and Supporting Education (SUNRISE) program, which he now directs. It is a multi-university and multidisciplinary research and outreach program with 36 participants, having received more than $32 million in funding since 2004. With three patent awards and five patents pending, Seames is the lead inventor of technologies to convert crop oils, algae oils and animal fats into renewable fuel and chemical products.

Roxanne Vaughan, professor of biochemistry at the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences, has been instrumental in building an internationally recognized research program and is known for her collaborative efforts. She is an expert in the biochemistry of the dopamine transporter and its role in drug addiction. Continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since 1999, Vaughan recently accepted an invitation to serve as a member of the agency's Center for Scientific Review (CSR) Molecular Neuropharmacology and Signaling Study Section. The NIH noted her scientific achievements, as well as the quality of her research accomplishments, journal publications and honors.

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Useful links:

UND commencement information:

http://und.edu/student-affairs/commencement
U.S. Senator Kent Conrad:
http://conrad.senate.gov
U.S. Senator John Hoeven:
http://hoeven.senate.gov/public

UND School of Law Commencement information:

http://law.und.edu/news/spring-2011/commencement-2011.cfm

UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences Commencement Information:

http://www.med.und.edu/dean/commencement.html

Listing of UND's Chester Fritz Distinguished Professors:

http://und.edu/provost/chester-fritz-distinguished-professors

Contact information:

Patrick Miller, writer/editor
UND Office of University Relations
701-777-2412
patrick.miller@email.und.edu


]]> Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=94
Students from 16 states, one Canadian province and three international countries, Germany, Russian and Jamaica, will be graduating with Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates and Diplomas in 33 areas of discipline. One hundred and forty-four of these graduates will be recognized with a Scholastic Achievement Award for earning a grade point average of 3.5 or above.

Mathematics and Science Associate Professor Max Reinke will be the Grand Marshal, the Invocation will be given by student Emily Kompelien and remarks will be made by Reeann Magandy, Student Senate President. The Wildcat Singers and Stage Band will also perform.

Harlan Arneson will be the Emeritus recipient this year. He began his teaching career at NDSCS in the automotive technology department in 1971 and instructed over 3,000 students, including many of the present NDSCS automotive technology staff. During his 37 years of service to NDSCS, he started the Master Technician program, a third year option for automotive and diesel students, coached the first NDSCS students to the national SkillsUSA contest and became department chairman. He worked diligently to create a partnership with the North Dakota Automotive Dealers Association, which has provided NDSCS auto students numerous opportunities for internships, training and work opportunities. He holds an A.A.S. degree from NDSCS in Automotive Technology.

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]]> Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=92 David Peter Lawrence, associate professor of religion and philosophy, has been selected for a Fulbright research grant to India during the 2011-2012 academic year for a project contributing to intercultural and comparative philosophy and South Asian studies.

Lawrence will study in India under the project "Translations and Studies of Monistic Saiva Philosophy." He will spend the year in the city of Lucknow, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, and will also conduct research in other cities such as Varanasi and Kolkata.

Lawrence will be working on annotated translations and studies of two Sanskrit texts of the medieval Pratyabhijna school of monistic Saiva philosophy authored by Utpaladeva and Abhinavagupta, two of the greatest Hindu philosophers who lived during the 10th and 11th centuries. There were highly influential on later tantric, devotional and aesthetic traditions.

The voluminous Isvarapratyabhijnavimarsini by Abhinavagupta and the short Siddhitrayi by Utpaladeva are texts exploring subjects such as the existence of God, the nature of human subjectivity, the relationships of consciousness with recognition and language/semiosis, and ontological categories such as universals, relations and actions.

During his stay in India, Lawrence will consult with colleagues with expertise in the Pratyabhijna and related traditions about interpretive issues, and search for alternative manuscripts.

The Fulbright Program is America's flagship international educational exchange program, sends U.S. faculty and professionals abroad each year. The Program was established in 1946 under legislation introduced by then-Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas. The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

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Useful links:

Fulbright Scholar program information and history
http://www.cies.org/about_fulb.htm

Contact:

David Lawrence, associate professor
UND Department of Philosophy and Religion
701-777-2707
david.lawrence@und.nodak.edu
]]> Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=91 A retired superintendent, a school president, a winning hockey coach and a mental health consultant and veteran will receive alumni achievement awards on Thursday, May 5!

UND's College of Education and Human Development will be honoring four alumni: Mark Sanford, '66, '76, Marilyn Guy, '69, '71, '76, Earl Beal, '87, and Dean Blais, '82.

The dinner and program will be held on Thursday, May 5, at "A Touch of Magic." The social begins at 6 p.m., with the dinner and program at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $15 apiece. To register or send a note of congratulations, please contact Jena Pierce, Director of Alumni Relations and Development at (701) 777-0844 or e-mail jena.pierce@email.und.edu.

"Every year I am inspired to see what our graduates have done with their lives," said Dan Rice, Dean of the UND College of Education and Human Development. "It is such an honor to have these individuals come back to campus and let the departments and our faculty recognize their outstanding work!"

Having served as the Grand Forks Superintendent of Schools from 1981-2007, Mark Sanford has been the longest serving superintendent in the history of Grand Forks Public Schools. Sanford received a Master of Education in Educational Administration from UND in 1933 and a Doctor of Education Degree in 1976. Over the span of his administration, many changes were introduced. Among the most noteworthy were All Day Kindergarten, Head Start, middle schools for grades 6-8, technology integration, Reading Recovery, increasing programs for adult learners, Community High School and development of a collegial partnership with the Grand Forks Air Force Base.

Sanford was the recipient of the 2001 NDEA Presidential Award for Outstanding Administrator. He also served on several community and state boards, including 15 years on the North Dakota State Investment Board and the Teachers' Fund for Retirement Board of Trustees. In 2010, Sanford was elected to the North Dakota Legislature. In 2011, Grand Forks Public Schools renamed its administrative building the Mark Sanford Education Center in honor of this legendary educational leader.

Marilyn J. Guy is currently serving as Oak Grove Lutheran School's interim president. For more than 30 years, Guy has been a professor in the department of education at Concordia College in Moorhead; she is taking a leave of absence from Concordia College to serve as president at Oak Grove. In her time at Concordia, she supervised student teachers, served as the chair of the education department, and was an assistant academic dean. Guy received three degrees from UND. She earned a Bachelor of Education in elementary education in 1969, a Master of Education in education in 1971 and a Doctor of Education in 1976.

Since 1994, she has been a team chair and member of the Readers Panel with the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, working to accredit K-12 schools and schools of higher education. She was a board member and the president of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, whose members include 800 colleges and universities with teacher education programs. She was a founding member of the Teacher Education Accreditation Council and also served as its vice chairperson. Guy is the first female to serve in the capacity of president in Oak Grove's 104-year history. She and her husband, William L. Guy III, have two grown children and one grandchild.

During his first season as the head coach at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Dean Blais led the Mavericks to just their fourth 20-win season in school history during 2009-2010. He stepped away from his UNO duties for a magical two weeks in which he led the U.S. Junior Team to a gold medal at the 2010 IIHF World Championship in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. As a college coach, Blais won NCAA Division I national championships as the head coach of the University of North Dakota in 1997 and 2000. Overall, the native of International Falls, Minn., guided UND to seven NCAA appearances, five regular season WCHA titles and two WCHA playoff championships. Blais is a two-time winner of the Spencer Penrose Memorial Award given to the Division I coach of the year.

Blais received a Master of Education in physical education from UND in 1982. He served as head coach and general manager of the Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League. He also worked for the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League from 2004-2007. In April of 2010, Blais signed a contract extension with UNO taking him through the 2014-2015 season. Accepting the award on Blais' behalf is Jeff Bowen.

Earl Beal is a consultant on mental health issues related to victims of trauma with specific emphasis on military and veteran populations. He recently retired as an assistant professor in the Department of Counseling Psychology and Community Services at UND. Prior to that, he served as a research analyst developing Department of Defense health and family programs. He also established the Airman and Family Readiness Center at Grand Forks Air Force Base and served as its first director. A disabled Vietnam combat veteran with over 36 years of both military active duty and federal service, he retired from the Department of the Air Force in 2005.

Beal has been involved in providing family education, counseling and consultation in a variety of settings for more than 40 years. This has included positions as a youth advisor, juvenile court consultant, veteran service counselor, victim/witness advocate and court appointed domestic abuse counselor. Beal earned a Doctorate of Philosophy in Counseling from the University of North Dakota. He has been married for 47 years. He has two sons, three grandsons, and a granddaughter.

The UND College of Education and Human Development has more than 1,400 undergraduate and graduate students in six departments including Counseling Psychology and Community Services; Educational Foundations and Research; Educational Leadership; Physical Education, Exercise Science and Wellness; Social Work; and Teaching and Learning. The mission is fostering healthy human development and learning across the lifespan.

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]]> Mon, 02 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=90
Each Olympic team will have five students and will work through a series of individual tests based in addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and word problems. A final team test will combine all areas in a 'mathematical smorgasbord.' Each test is designed to challenge the students with whole numbers, decimals and fractions, as difficulty increases with each grade level.

Plaques will be awarded to the top five individual winners in each grade level. The top three team winners in each grade level will be awarded a trophy or a plaque. The coach of each first place team will go home with a new iPad. A number of door prizes and 'Minute to Win It' challenge prizes will be given away, including ten $50 'Math Bash' certificates provided by Bank of the West at St. John's. Each participant will receive a Math Olympics t-shirt, courtesy of Red River Valley and Western Railroad and NDSCS.

Math Olympics was started by rural elementary principals many years ago to promote math in the rural (Class B) schools around the region. This year's participating Class B North Dakota schools include: Central Cass, Enderlin, Fort Ransom, Hankinson, Lidgerwood, Lisbon, Milnor, North Sargent, Oakes,
Richland, Sargent Central, St. John's, Wyndmere and Fairmount.]]> Mon, 02 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=88
The forum, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Center for Community Engagement at the University of North Dakota, in partnership with the community of Mountain. The Community Connect Project, begun in 2006, is a UND-community collaboration designed to link communities with each other and with university resources for community self-development.

The forum, to be held in Mountain's new multi-million dollar community center, will begin with a keynote address, "Community As an Economic Development Tool," by Mark Goodman, a UND graduate and director of the Center for Economic Advancement at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock. His appearance is sponsored by the UND Geography Department.

Four panel discussions will be held during the day, featuring the story of how the Mountain Community Center was accomplished, how to make the most of community volunteerism, how to leverage community celebrations as economic development opportunities, and how to promote community events to increase attendance. Exhibitors will be on hand to share resources as well as research and project results.

According to members of the planning committee, the forum's host site, Mountain, is a success story for how their Icelandic identity has led to a sense of community, a famous annual celebration, and a new community center. The Icelandic Community Association, the Red River Regional Council, and other area organizations and businesses are lending support to the event.

Members of the forum planning committee are Curtis Olafson (Mountain, District 10 N.D. Senator), Loretta Bernhoft (Mountain community member), Douglas Munski (UND, professor of geography), Matsimela Changa Diop (UND, Director of Multicultural Student Services), Leslie Geir (Mountain community member), Yuliya Kartoshkina (UND graduate student) , Rachel Manley (community volunteer), Marcia Mikulak (UND, associate professor of anthropology), Sylvia Moore (Mountain ,city auditor), Tim Moore (Mountain, mayor ), Laura Munski (Grand Forks, Executive Director of the Dakota Science Center), Karen Schiff (community member), Kurtis Shelton (RSVP+ Northwest N.D. coordinator), Liane Stout (Buffalo, N.D. community member), Corene Vaughn (Pembina County Commissioner), and Julius Wangler (Red River Regional Council Executive Director).

Full program information is available at www.communityengagement.und.edu.

Contact: Lana Rakow, Director, Center for Community Engagement, 701-777-2287, or at lanarakow@mail.und.edu

]]> Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=89
"Our community is passionate about WSC," stated Director of College Relations, Roxane Molinari. "We sought outside perspective and creative design from an advertising agency. The agency did a great job in getting input from our representative groups which resulted in very strong support for the final logo design."

Molinari noted the major launch for the use of the logo is targeted for July 1 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of WSC as well as the dedication of the new plaza. Also on the horizon for the summer is the opening of a new residence hall and the Career and Technical Education Center.

"Williston State College is evolving as a college, with many exciting opportunities and possibilities," added Molinari. "This logo embodies our identity now and for years to come as we move forward into the future. This logo has the staying power we need."

The committees were united in directing the logo design to represent Williston State's value of personal and professional growth, its commitment to empowerment from a strong and solid base, maintaining a collegiate perspective, and looking toward expanding horizons.

WSC President Ray Nadolny stressed, "The new logo becomes part of our college's branded identity. It represents a promise, creates awareness, and evokes emotion. Thank you to our outstanding alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members for their input and endorsement of this new identity."



]]> Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=87 U.S. Sen. John Hoeven of North Dakota will be the featured speaker at the University of North Dakota School of Law spring commencement ceremony at 10 a.m., May 7, in the Chester Fritz Auditorium.

At total of 79 students are eligibile to cross the stage and hear Sen. Hoeven's commencement address. UND President Robert Kelley will confer the academic degrees and law school dean Kathryn Rand will provide closing remarks.

As North Dakota's governor, Sen. Hoeven supported research at UND in a number of high profile areas, including energy, engineering, health and aerospace, particularly through the Centers of Excellence for Economic Development program, which he initiated. He has been a staunch supporter of UND's multi-pronged Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) programs. He has also backed UND's efforts to provide distance education to place-bound North Dakotans, wherever they live.

The Centers of Excellence in Economic Development initiative combined education and economic development to create higher-paying jobs and new business opportunities for North Dakota citizens. A particular interest has been UND's UAS endeavors in North Dakota. Under his watch, the North Dakota Department of Commerce supported UND's UAS Center of Excellence with $5.85 million in funding. That investment was used to leverage another $11 million in matching money from the private sector.

Working with members of North Dakota's Congressional delegation, Sen. Hoeven has continued to champion the state's unique value to the UAS industry to make the state a national hub for unmanned aircraft operations.

Biography:

On January 5, 2011, John Hoeven was sworn in as North Dakota's 22nd U.S. Senator, after serving 10 years as governor for the state of North Dakota.

As governor, Hoeven worked to build North Dakota's future by focusing on six pillars of growth: education, economic development, agriculture, energy, technology and quality of life. Under his leadership, North Dakota expanded and diversified its economy and gained nearly 40,000 new jobs.

Sen. Hoeven emphasized development of North Dakota's vast energy resources. Beginning in 2001, he initiated EmPower ND, a multi-resource energy program for the state with incentives in each energy sector, as well as a conservation component. North Dakota is one of the largest energy producing and exporting state in the nation. He has worked to advance the state's traditional energy resources, such as lignite coal, oil and gas, while promoting renewable energy opportunities, such as wind, ethanol and biodiesel.

Sen. Hoeven's positions on the Senate Appropriations and Senate Energy Committees enable him to work toward implementing policies on a national level that have helped grow and diversify North Dakota's economy and create jobs on the state level.

Sen. Hoeven was born in Bismarck. He earned a bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College in 1979 and a master's degree in business administration from Northwestern University in 1981. He served as executive vice president of First Western Bank in Minot from 1986 to 1993 and established a strong position of service in many civic, community and economic development activities prior to elective office. From 1993-2000 he served as president and CEO of Bank of North Dakota (BND), which grew from $900 million to $1.6 billion.

Hoeven and his wife, Mical (Mikey), have two children, Marcela and Jack.

Useful link:

http://law.und.edu/news/spring-2011/commencement-2011.cfm
]]> Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=86 NDSCS students take first place in 10 state categories

Students from the North Dakota State College of Science won a number of awards at the 38th Annual North Dakota SkillsUSA State Skills and Leadership Conference held at Bismarck State College in early April.

NDSCS competed with over 650 contestants and took the top two positions in eight different categories and had 26 students place within the top three. 10 NDSCS students earned an invitation to compete in their respective national contests by achieving gold medals in skills and leadership competitions at the state level. They are qualified to compete at the 47th Annual National Leadership and Skills Conference in Kansas City, Mo., on June 19-24.

The NDSCS students receiving gold, silver or bronze medals include:

North Dakota:
Beulah: Stephanie Goetz: Culinary Arts - 2nd place

Cathay: Erienee Sjoquist: Culinary Arts - Honorable Mention

Dickinson: James Prouty: Motorcycle Service Technology - 1st place

Andrew Ulmer: Residential Wiring - 1st Place

Fargo: Sam Hawkins: Welding - 2nd Place; Kelly Olstad: Power Equipment Technology - 2nd Place

Grafton: Casey Johnson: Architectural Drafting - 1st place

Grand Forks: Keith Egstad: Collision Repair Technology - 1st place

Horace: Cody Mammenga: Automotive Service Technology - 2nd place

Mandan: Glenn Hennings: Precision Machining Technology - 1st Place

Mapleton: Duane O'Marro: Power Equipment Technology - 1st Place

New Salem: Ethan Karch: Automotive Refinishing Technology - 3rd place; Travis Lennie: Welding - 1st Place

Tower City: LaRissa Unger: Computer Maintenance Technology - 3rd place

Wahpeton: Shawn Akerson: Architectural Drafting - 2nd place; Tyler Dykema: Plumbing - 3rd place

Wyndmere: Cindy Frank: Culinary Arts - 3rd place; Matthew Griffin: Automotive Service Technology - 1st place

Minnesota
Breckenridge: Joel Ellingson: Culinary Arts - 1st place

Ortonville: Jake Henrichs: Welding - 3rd place

Pelican Rapids: Bob Seifert: Precision Machining Technology - 2nd Place

Montana
Forsyth: Sean Wanner: Plumbing - 2nd place

Glendive: Alex Palmer: Plumbing - 1st place

South Dakota
Hermosa: Sal Sandoval: Diesel Equipment Technology - 3rd place

Peever: Josh Bucklin: Collision Repair Technology - 3rd place

Wyoming
Gilette: Ethan Barthel: Residential Wiring - 2nd Place

Moorcroft: Seth Johnson: Residential Wiring - 3rd place

About SkillsUSA: SkillsUSA is a national organization serving more than 280,000 high school and college students and professional members enrolled in training programs in technical, skilled and service occupations, including health care. SkillsUSA formerly was known as the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA).


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Tweet]]> Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=83 Classes start September 13, 2011

FARGO, N.D. - Business Pro Series, a cluster of four educational certificates, will begin at North Dakota State College of Science in Fargo, N.D. this fall. The four areas of emphasis include: Sales, Management/Supervision, Entrepreneurship and Finance. Classes to obtain a Business Management Certificate with an emphasis in Sales begin September 13.

Business Pro Series is ideal for entrepreneurs, displaced workers, small business owners and those looking to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to advance in a current job or land a new one. The unique part of each certificate is the innovative delivery. The Series is intended to accommodate busy schedules of working adults. Classes will be offered in an accelerated format by meeting face-to-face on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 10 p.m. and enhanced with online teaching tools.

Each certificate is comprised of five to six college courses, which are based on current business and sales practices and focus on useful, practical knowledge and real-world workplace situations. An associate degree in Business Management is achieved when all four certificates (sales, management/supervision, entrepreneurship and finance) are obtained. Certificates can also be taken one at a time to bolster a resume or enhance a skill set.

Greg Anderson, Business Administration and Management Associate Professor and Department Chair said, "We see this as an exciting opportunity to meet the workforce needs and serve a market we currently have not reached."

For more information about Business Pro Series or to register for an informational session, contact Kari Anderson at 701-231-6908 or kari.l.anderson.2@ndscs.edu or check out ndscs.edu/businesspro.]]> Mon, 25 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=84 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators John Hoeven and Kent Conrad and Congressman Rick Berg today announced that the University of North Dakota (UND) will receive a $2.9 million competitive grant from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) for research into treatments to combat the West Nile virus.

DOE's investment allows UND, in partnership with Avianax and the Mayo Clinic, to continue work to develop treatments and diagnostic products that use goose antibodies to fight the West Nile virus.

Antibodies from geese have shown promise in treating patients infected with the virus, and this funding will advance pre-clinical studies to assess the safety and efficacy of the products against the West Nile virus. The project, which is also funded by the UND Center of Excellence for Passive Therapeutics, will also develop methods to increase the production of the goose antibodies to create the therapies.

"The strategic partnerships we're creating through our state's Centers of Excellence programs not only help to create good jobs and attract federal investments to our state, but also create products that save lives and combat some of our nation's health challenges" said Hoeven.

"The West Nile virus is a real threat and is spreading — both here in North Dakota and across the nation. It poses a real danger, both to humans and livestock, and it must be addressed," Senator Conrad said. "Researchers at UND are on the frontline of this battle to combat West Nile virus, and this federal grant will further support their efforts."

"I'm proud that North Dakota is a partner in the research and development of this treatment that holds such potential to benefit our health care system," said Berg. "This initiative will help create good North Dakota jobs and reaffirms UND's leadership in research and technology."

West Nile virus is a disease spread by mosquitoes. Mild forms of the virus may cause abdominal pain, fever and headache. More severe forms of disease, which can be life threatening, may be called West Nile encephalitis or West Nile meningitis, depending on what part of the body is affected. Symptoms include: confusion, loss of consciousness and muscle weakness.

Permalink: http://hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2011/4/delegation-announces-2-9-million-grant-for-west-nile-virus-research-at-the-university-of-north-dakota

]]> Mon, 25 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=85 Earl Pomeroy, who served as North Dakota's congressman for 18 years, will receive an honorary Doctor of Letters degree during the University of North Dakota's Spring Commencement at 1:30 p.m. May 14 in the Alerus Center.

Pomeroy was nominated for the honor by Mark Jendrysik, chair of the UND Department of Political Science and Public Administration, and Kathryn Rand, UND School of Law dean. Pomeroy will also be the speaker at the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences commencement Sunday, May 15 at 2:30 p.m. in the Chester Fritz Auditorium.

A Valley City, N.D., native and UND alumnus, Pomeroy was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992 and served as North Dakota's only congressman until 2010. After the 1997 Grand Forks flood, he helped secure nearly $500 million in disaster relief and was instrumental in securing federal funding for the city's $300 million flood control system. He has helped UND secure federal funding for research.

Jendrysik wrote in his letter of nomination that Pomeroy "is an outstanding example of commitment to public service and represents the values of leadership that we seek to teach in our students."

In her nomination letter, Rand called Pomeroy "one of our most notable alumni." She added, "Beyond his reputation as a public servant, he has been a staunch supporter of the School of Law and UND, generously offering his time and talent to our students, staff and faculty."

In approving Pomeroy's nomination, the University Senate said, "…he used his influence in the agriculture and tax policy areas to shape the most recent farm bill to provide benefits for farmers and ranchers in the state. His work made him one of the nation's most respected advocates for producers and for rural America. He also served as co-chair of the bipartisan Rural Health Care Coalition, where he worked to policies that strengthen rural hospitals."

Pomeroy was born in Valley City on Sept. 2, 1952. He attended Valley City State University before transferring to UND where he earned a BA in political science and his law degree in 1979. He practiced law in Valley City for five years before embarking on his political career.

Pomeroy was elected to the North Dakota state legislature in 1980. He was elected state insurance commissioner in 1984 and re-elected to that post in 1988. He served as president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

During his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, Pomeroy served on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, which gave him influence over key policy decisions on taxes, trade, Social Security and Medicare. He also sat on the House Agricultural Committee and was one of the few House members allowed to serve on two committees.

Pomeroy is currently a counsel in Alston & Bird's Washington, D.C., office, where he focuses his practice on health care, regulatory and legislative matters. He advises clients on health policy and legislative strategies for health care delivery.

Useful link:

UND Commencement website:
http://und.edu/student-affairs/commencement

--30--

Contact:

Patrick Miller, writer/editor
UND Office of University Relations
701-777-2412
patrick.miller@email.und.edu
]]> Mon, 25 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=82
Arneson began his NDSCS teaching career in the automotive technology department in 1971 where he instructed over 3,000 students, including many of the present NDSCS automotive technology staff. That same year, he organized and began teaching automotive classes for high school. In 1982, he became the department chairman.

During his 37 years of service to NDSCS, Arneson championed many initiatives to support the automotive technology department. He and Clayton Swanson started the Master Technician program, a third year option for automotive and diesel students who want to continue their education and increase their technical and mechanical skills. He also coached the first students from NDSCS as they competed in the National Skills Contest in the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA) (SkillsUSA) in 1980.

Arneson was actively involved in the educational side of the automotive industry throughout his career. He served as an automotive advisor and campus lead advisor for VICA/SkillsUSA for 26 years, the Campus State SkillsUSA contest coordinator for 10 state contests and the lead advisor for the High School SkillsUSA Club for 18 years. During this time, three NDSCS students placed in the top three nationally and 20 were state winners. He was also a member of the American Vocational Association, the North American Council of Automotive Teachers and a member of the American Technical Education Association.

Arneson worked diligently to create a partnership with the North Dakota Automotive Dealers Association to help NDSCS auto students meet the needs of dealerships in North Dakota. NDSCS received more than 100 training vehicles and numerous service tools, manuals and special tools through this partnership. These dealerships provided key industry training, internship and work opportunities for auto students throughout the state.

Arneson's loyalty to education has been recognized on statewide and national levels. He received the National Award for Excellence in Vocational Automotive Education for post-secondary education, the Director's Award for Excellence from the state of North Dakota and in 2008, was named an Honorary Lifetime Member for North Dakota SkillsUSA Alumni.

A native of Havana, N.D., Arneson holds an A.A.S. degree in Automotive Technology from NDSCS. He and his wife Beverly have been married for 48 years and have three daughters, Dawn, Wendy and Paula, seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.]]> Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=81
Dr. Wakefield is a native of Devils Lake, N.D. She has a bachelor of science degree in nursing from the University of Mary in Bismarck and master's and doctoral degrees in nursing from the University of Texas at Austin.

Mary Wakefield, Ph.D., R.N., was named administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) by President Barack Obama on February 20, 2009. HRSA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that works to fill in the health care gaps for people who live outside the economic and medical mainstream.

Dr. Wakefield joined HRSA from the University of North Dakota (UND), where she was associate dean for rural health at the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, a tenured professor, and director of the university's Center for Rural Health.

At UND, Dr. Wakefield also was director of the Rural Assistance Center, a HRSA-funded source of information on rural health and social services for researchers, policymakers, program managers, project officers and the general public. In addition, the Center for Rural Health administered a $1.6 million award from HRSA under the Critical Access Hospital Health Information Technology Implementation program.

Dr. Wakefield brings experience on Capitol Hill to her post at HRSA. She also has served as director of the Center for Health Policy, Research and Ethics at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., and worked on site as a consultant to the World Health Organization's Global Programme on AIDS in Geneva, Switzerland.

Dr. Wakefield is a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing and was elected to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academies in 2004. She served on the IOM committee that produced the landmark reports To Err is Human and Crossing the Quality Chasm. She also co-chaired the IOM committee that produced the report Health Professions Education, and chaired the committee that produced the report Quality through Collaboration: Health Care in Rural America.

In addition, she has served on the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, as chair of the National Advisory Council for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, as a member of President Clinton's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality in the Health Care Industry, and as a member of the National Advisory Committee to HRSA's Office of Rural Health Policy.

Lake Region State College's commencement starts at 10:00 am, Friday, May 13 in Robert Fawcett Auditorium. A separate commencement will be held for spring graduates of the peace officer training program at 1:00 pm May 5th.
]]> Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=80
"There are not too many programs out there that are certified," said WSC Assistant Professor of Diesel Technology Rick Lund. "We are now one of the few programs in the nation, and the only one in the state of North Dakota, that are certified."

The WSC program was evaluated according to strict standards set by the automotive industry. They were evaluated by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) in all areas from the program's facilities to the number of instructional hours provided.

The first step toward certification is to send an application. "You self evaluate your program and turn that in to the NATEF national office," Lund said. "Then, if they approve your program, you get an on-site visit from four individuals and they look at everything from your application that you say you are doing."

He said that they also visit with industry people in the area where graduates from the WSC diesel tech program are working to see how well trained they were and how they are working for the company.

According to a letter sent to WSC President Dr. Raymond Nadolny from the NATEF, the WSC program met the strict industry standards required for ASE Master Certification of the program. This is the highest level of achievement recognized by the ASE, according to Williams A. Kersten, president of the NATEF.

The instructors, Rick Lund and Chris Egge, must also be master certified technicians and must be recertified every five years. "It's an ongoing process that we must keep up," Lund said. He added that the program, in order to keep its certification, will be re-evaluated every five years as well.

One bonus for the graduates of the WSC Diesel Technology Program is that "when they complete the program, they'll be trained with the most up-to-date equipment and are very employable," Lund said. "Their future employers know that they don't have to retrain them, they are ready to go for entry level positions."

For more information on the Diesel Technology Program at WSC, go to the WSC website, www.willistonstate.edu, or contact Rick Lund at 774-4525 or Chris Egge at 774-4264.

]]> Mon, 18 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=79
"The time frame is an aggressive one," stated Athletic Director, Hunter Berg. " Priority one is hiring a coach and to begin recruiting. We are actively searching for a coach who can continue the energy and excitement that the possibility of WSC college hockey has generated in our college and community. We are already seeing much interest in the position and applications are coming in."

Review of applications for the coaching position will begin on April 15th and will continue until the position is filled. Berg anticipates having 25-30 players on the roster for the coming season which runs from October 2011 through February 2012. While Berg expects the season to move forward this fall, he stressed that if all is not in order meeting their standards, play will be delayed until Fall 2012 to ensure a successful season. "We will move quickly with recruiting beginning immediately. We have already heard from players interested in the program and encourage others to contact us so that we have a recruiting leads when the head coach is hired."

WSC President Ray Nadolny emphasized that quality of life issues in the Williston community are an integral facet of any plans for the college and a hockey program has been a key objective. "We will grow an already very strong Teton athletic program with the addition of hockey," he added. The 28 game schedule would include approximately 14 home games.

Berg is currently working on putting together a schedule. The eight junior college teams currently in the United States are from the East coast with the exception of Bottineau, ND. This geographical make-up of the junior college teams limits the number of opportunities for junior college competition during the regular season. To fill a schedule, games will also include club and junior teams in the area. Teton hockey players intend to face off against teams from Minot State, NDSU, Crookston and Briercrest, as well as Junior B Colleges from the Canadian Prairie Junior Hockey League, and NORPAC Junior Hockey League which includes programs from Billings, Bozeman, Helena, and Cody, Wyoming.

"Adding new sports has been an ongoing discussion for the past three years. In our analysis, we felt hockey would be a great addition to our Athletic Department. We look forward to a productive spring and summer of preparation for the exciting beginning of Teton Hockey," Berg added.

The hockey program joins established and successful WSC programs in baseball, men's and women's basketball and women's volleyball.

]]> Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=78 More than 100 students from North Dakota and border state colleges and universities participated in the conference. Students must finish in the top two in their event to be eligible to compete at the National Phi Beta Conference which will be held June 23-26, in Orlando, Florida.
LoAnn Nelson and Diane Karlsbraaten serve as advisors to the LRSC student organization. Karlsbraaten was recognized as Outstanding Local Chapter Advisor.
LRSC results:
Business Communications: Janine Yule (1st)
Business Presentation: Jason Bedsaul & Janine Yule (1st)
Future Business Executive: Michele Aaker (3rd)
Hospitality Management: Michele Aaker (2nd)
Job Interview: Janine Yule (2nd) & Michele Aaker (3rd)
Retail Management: Jason Bedsaul (1st)
Web Site Design: Jason Bedsaul (1st)
Other LRSC awards presented include:
Greatest Student Retention: (1st)
March of Dimes Dime Wars: (1st)
Outstanding Local Chapter Advisor: Diane Karlsbraaten



]]> Fri, 08 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=77 Ever since President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, American military servicemen and women have been enjoying the just perks of a college education courtesy of Uncle Sam.

By the time the original bill ended 12 years later, nearly 8 million World War II veterans had participated in an education or vocational training program. Today, the promise of that original bill lives on in the form of the Montgomery G.I. Bill, and it's as popular as ever among American Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines.

It is state law in North Dakota that all eligible active-duty servicemembers and veterans, their spouses and dependents — regardless of what state they are from — can attend North Dakota University System schools at in-state rates. Members of the N.D. National Guard have additional benefits for which they can qualify.

But some schools in North Dakota go above and beyond.

One need only look to the University of North Dakota for proof of a super veteran-friendly environment. UND efforts to cater to veteran students is partly based on the fact they have unique needs compared to traditional students, but it's also partly a way to thank these men and women for their service.

Alice Hoffert, UND associate vice president of enrollment management, said UND's vet-friendly ways are not the norm around the country, but it's a posture that school officials adopted early as military deployments and call-ups became more commonplace.

"They are an exceptional group of people, so we are interested in making exceptions for them," Hoffert said. "We just felt they deserved special accommodations."

At UND, there are about 540 students who receive some kind of veteran's benefits, with about 150 of those students being members of the National Guard.

As a Veterans Administration "Yellow Ribbon School," UND pays additional costs beyond what the G.I. Bill does not cover for student veterans. Under an agreement, the school and the VA split the remaining costs.

Hoffert said UND routinely works with veteran students when it comes to tuition and fee deadlines, making sure to waive late fees when their enrollment is affected by military duty. The same goes for housing contracts, which are pro-rated based on their military duty schedule so they are not stuck paying for a university residence they can't use.

Also, if a veteran gets called away from class for any kind of military duty longer than 14 days, their tuition and fees are refunded at 100 percent.
North Dakota veteran students are eligible to take advantage of the state's "drop" policy that allows them to halt classes without penalty if they are called away for military duty.

At UND, instructors also are given the discretion to work with veteran students to register a grade as "incomplete," or, if enough progress has been made during a semester, they can issue a grade based on the students' performance to that point.

"When I was called up to assist in flood-fighting efforts in the middle of a semester, my instructors were very flexible and accommodating," said Jesse Wolff, a UND communication major from Beulah, N.D. Wolff served in the N.D. National Guard from 2004 to 2010 and was deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2005 to 2006.

Veteran students at UND also are eligible for priority registration no matter if they are an incoming freshman or a transfer student from another school. This ensures that veterans get the classes they need sooner. Typically, UND students register based on the amount of credit hours they have accrued.

Another important component of UND's handling of veterans' needs is the "one-stop- shop" setup of its Veterans Affairs office. Carol Anson, UND's certifying official, has the power to work with students and take care of matters that, at many other schools, would be handled by multiple offices. All she needs to see is a verification of military orders. This model is especially valuable in cases where veteran students are called away to duty.

"We don't want the student using up their valuable time going from one office to the next," Hoffert said. "We want them to be able to spend that time with their Families."

Hoffert said that another major UND initiative has been to offer preferential enrollment, into certain classes, for servicemembers and veterans. Initially, sections of psychology and English composition were set up.

Instructors for the courses were handpicked so that they had some level of prior military involvement or experience with servicemen and women. The courses were determined to be ones that most met the needs of returning veterans. The results were so successful that UND has decided to add sociology and speech to the list of veterans-only class sections.

"The classes were chosen so that students of similar life experiences could be together and write about their shared experiences, think about these experiences, speak about these experiences and learn about the social aspects of these experiences," Hoffert said.

Hoffert said the idea for veteran-specific classes stemmed from the school's Military
Affairs Committee, which comprises community and University members who are in the military or work closely with military organizations.

"We get a really good sense from this group about what veterans and the military would like to see from UND," Hoffert said.

Philip Parnell, director of online enrollment at UND, said his school's efforts to serve veteran students has earned it national recognition from organizations such as G.I. Jobs, and most recently, from Military Advanced Education, which named UND a "Top Military-Friendly College for 2010- 2011." G.I. Jobs also named Bismarck State College as being in the top "15 percent of military-friendly schools."

Though not the central goal of UND's military-friendly efforts, Parnell referenced a 65 percent increase in the number of veteran students from 2008 to now.

The increase also could be attributed to a ramped up nationwide effort to recruit veteran and military students to take classes from UND.

"Serving our veterans the way we do at UND is a way of giving back for all they've done for us," Parnell said. "We have been honoring our veterans one way or another for years on the UND campus. It's the right thing to do — it's in our culture."

For more information about military educational benefits, contact the Veterans Affairs office at your school.

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Cutline information for photo: Air Force Andrew Anderson, of the University of North Dakota ROTC battalion and also a senior airman in the 119th Wing of the N.D. Air National Guard, stands in front of Twamley Hall at UND on Feb. 22.
]]> Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=73 ARLINGTON, Texas, April 5, 2011 - L-3 Link Simulation & Training (L-3 Link) announced today that it has signed agreements with the University of North Dakota to jointly establish an unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) training center at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D.

The University of North Dakota and L-3 Link UAS Training Center, which is expected to begin operations in June 2011, will offer MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper UAS training opportunities to UND students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautics with a major in unmanned aircraft systems operations. The training center is also expected to provide UAS training to U.S. government agencies to develop highly capable pilots and sensor operators. In addition to supplying the training center's high-fidelity simulator and logistics support, L-3 Link will provide sensor operator course development and training.

"L-3 Link is very proud to partner with the University of North Dakota in establishing the first non-military UAS educational institution in the U.S. to provide Predator and Reaper aircrew training," said Leonard Genna, president of L-3 Link. "Students will receive expert classroom instruction and will be able to gain hands-on training on a highly realistic Predator and Reaper ground control station simulator."

The Predator and Reaper training system integrates actual ground control station hardware, simulation software and high-fidelity, correlated databases in creating a fully immersive training environment. Unmanned aircraft and sensor performance are precisely modeled to support complex, real-world mission scenarios. Simulation scenarios, which will include a robust urban environment, will be integrated with visualizations of hundreds of moving vehicles and people, accurate terrain and various weather conditions.

L-3 Link Simulation & Training is a world leader in providing total training solutions for operators and maintainers across a wide range of military platforms and Air Traffic Control systems. L-3 Link's innovative solutions provide a full spectrum of state-of-the-art training technologies, including high-fidelity immersive simulations, as well as distributed academic and interactive courseware. The company has delivered military training systems to customer locations throughout North America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific Rim. L-3 Link is headquartered in Arlington, Texas, with key bases of operation in Binghamton, N.Y.; Orlando, Fla.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; Broken Arrow, Okla.; and Phoenix, Ariz. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.link.com.

Headquartered in New York City, L-3 employs approximately 63,000 people worldwide and is a prime contractor in C3ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems, aircraft modernization and maintenance, and government services. L-3 is also a leading provider of a broad range of electronic systems used on military and commercial platforms. The company reported 2010 sales of $15.7 billion. To learn more about L-3, please visit the company's website at www.L-3com.com.
]]> Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=74 Designed for individuals 16 and older with aspirations of a culinary career

Interested in a culinary career? Explore the exciting culinary industry at the North Dakota State College of Science Culinary Intensive Camp. The Culinary Arts program will be hosting a four-day look into the art of food on June 19-23. The camp is designed to help those interested in food preparation discover their talents, hone their skills and perhaps choose to study Chef Training and Management Technology or Restaurant Management at NDSCS this fall.

The Camp is geared toward individuals over 16 years old who want to experiment, learn about and have fun with food. Culinary Program Coordinator Mary Uhren says, "Culinary study is hard work, but it is also really rewarding." When asked if students can eat their mistakes she replied, "That's one of the best parts!"

The Culinary Intensive will teach French knife skills, buffet presentation and garnishing techniques. Most importantly, students will have the unique opportunity to learn how ingredients work together to create soups, salads and salad dressings, red meat entrées, seafood, poultry, breads, pastries and desserts.

The Culinary Intensive Camp will use the same professional, industry-current kitchen lab and classroom used in the Culinary Arts program, the only culinary program in North Dakota. NDSCS's Culinary Arts Program consists of two years of hands-on training with individualized instruction in food preparation, sanitation, nutrition, menu planning and restaurant management.

The Culinary Intensive Camp is limited to 15 students, and applications must be made before May 14. There is a non-refundable $50 registration fee due at the time of application and $100 due at the beginning of camp. Residence hall accommodations and dining facilities are available at no cost, and transportation from surrounding communities can be arranged.

The Culinary Intensive Camp application is available online at: www.ndscs.edu/academics/departments/culinary-arts/camp. For more information, contact Mary Uhren at 701-671-2842 or mary.uhren@ndscs.edu.


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Tweet]]> Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=75 LM Wind Power announced today the opening of its new Global Research and Development office and a partnership involving University of North Dakota faculty and students in the REAC (Research Enterprise and Commercialization) building in Grand Forks.

This office will be home to Global LM Wind Power personnel from Product Development/Core Engineering, Quality and Nondestructive Testing Development, and Advanced Manufacturing Technology. Each department will provide key input to Grand Forks new Global Research Team.

"We have several development projects underway at this time across these teams, and the move to this facility (REAC) in Grand Forks will allow us to accelerate these programs," said Kevan Rusk, LM Wind Power Director of Core Engineering.

This new division plans to hire up to 10 employees in 2011 and extends LM Wind Power's global R&D footprint to 7 locations, including 3 facilities in Denmark, an office in the Netherlands, an R&D center in Bangalore, India, an office opening this summer in Beijing, and now Grand Forks, North Dakota.

LM Wind Power has formed a strong partnership with UND, working on a number of projects, ranging in scope from simple testing of laminate samples to the support of Mechanical Engineering Senior Design projects to the recent sponsorship of several graduate students in the Chemical and Mechanical Engineering Departments.

LM Wind Power's proximity and access to the University resources will continue to allow for great collaboration and access to local resources.

Dr. Phyllis Johnson, UND vice president for research and economic development and president of the Board of Directors of the UND Research Foundation (UNDRF), said that there also will be opportunities for students, both undergraduates and graduates, to take part in the real-world research, thanks to the new partnership with LM Wind Power.

"UND's research in the field of engineering is a perfect fit with LM Wind Power," Johnson said. "Locating LM Wind Power researchers here in Grand Forks will take our collaboration to a new level, further building our capabilities in material science.

As a result of the partnership, Johnson said that her office has awarded $75,000 to UND Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Matthew Cavalli and Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering Brian Tande to develop improved resin formula and adhesives for wind blade manufacturing.

The Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has been working with LM Wind Power for more than five years to establish connections and collaborations with Grand Forks and UND and, ultimately, to launch this new LM Wind Power Global Research and Development office our community.

"LM Wind Power plays a key role in our regional economy and we are very pleased to announce their new division in Grand Forks. This development is an example of how strong partnerships and strategic investments made by UND and the City of Grand Forks can leverage economic growth in our region," said Klaus Thiessen, President/CEO of the Grand Forks Region EDC.The state of North Dakota is also excited about LM Wind Powers new division in Grand Forks.

"LM Wind Power's decision to establish a research and development division in Grand Forks is good news for North Dakota," Governor Jack Dalrymple said. "The company's partnership with UND and its location in the Research, Enterprise and Commercialization (REAC) facility is a prime example of our universities providing the high-tech support that will continue to enhance our educational opportunities, attract new business and create jobs."

For more information on the press conference contact:
Klaus Thiessen President/CEO Grand Forks Region EDC 701-746-2720 klaust@grandforks.org

--

LM Wind Power is the world's leading component supplier to the wind turbine industry. LM Wind Power Blades is the world's leading supplier of blades for wind turbines, and the only supplier that operates on a global basis. LM Wind Power blades are currently mounted on more than one in three wind turbines throughout the world.
LM Wind Power has factories in four major regions: Northern Europe, Southern Europe, North America (Grand Forks, ND) and Asia. LM factories are located right in the most important wind energy markets.

--

The Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation (EDC) provides comprehensive services to support local primary sector business start-ups and expansions, as well as attract new primary sector companies and industries to Grand Forks and the surrounding region.
The EDC offers the resources, incentives, and expertise to ensure regional company growth. Grand Forks' diversified and vibrant business environment supports companies of many kinds.

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Cutline information: Dr. Phyllis Johnson, UND vice president of research and economic development, addresses the audience while helping announce a new partnership between UND and LM Wind Power on Wednesday, April 6, at the REAC building in Grand Forks.
]]> Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=76
Key findings of the report include:

• Students who reported consuming five or more alcoholic drinks in one sitting (binge drinking) in the previous two weeks decreased from 50.5 percent in 2008 to 48.3 percent in 2010. (Both numbers represent a downward trend from the 55 percent reported in a 2003-05 study.)
  
  
• The average number of drinks consumed by students per week is down from 5.39 in 2008 to 4.78 in 2010.
  
  
• Consequences/negative impacts encountered by students because of drinking/use of other drugs also decreased. For example, 29.7 percent of students reported missing a class because of alcohol/other drug use in 2010 compared to 33 percent in 2008.
  
  
• 89.6 percent of students said alcohol is not necessary to have a good time.
  
  
• 92.1 percent of student reported being familiar with campus policies regarding alcohol and other drugs.
  
  
• In contrast to the declining alcohol use, the percentage of North Dakota college students who reported using marijuana in the past year increased slightly from 22.7 percent in 2008 to 23.5 percent in 2010; this compares to a national college student usage rate of 31.1 percent.

"Alcohol is still the number one drug of choice," said Jane Vangsness Frisch, director of the Higher Education Consortium for Substance Abuse Prevention, in her report to the SBHE. "However, the majority of North Dakota college students are not consuming alcohol in high-risk ways. In fact, the number of students who choose to abstain from alcohol use is increasing."

"The consistent downward trend in high-risk alcohol use among college students can be attributed, in part, to the prevention efforts of the campuses and strong State Board of Higher Education policies related to alcohol and other drugs. These numbers reflect a changing campus environment where almost 90 percent of North Dakota college students now say alcohol is not necessary to have a good time," said Vangsness Frisch.

The Higher Education Consortium for Substance Abuse Prevention uses evidence-based prevention strategies and partners with local community and statewide prevention efforts. The NDCORE Alcohol and Other Drug Survey is conducted every two years among undergraduate students from the 11 North Dakota University System campuses and Jamestown College. The 2010 survey involved 3,951 students.]]> Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=71
UND was designated by Sen. Dorgan as the repository for the papers and records of his three decades served in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. More than 1,700 boxes of records have now been received by the Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections in the Chester Fritz Library which will categorize and be the repository for those records. The Chester Fritz collection also includes the congressional records of Sen. Quentin Burdick and Sen. Milton Young among others.

In December 2010, UND and Sen. Dorgan launched a Memorandum of Understanding that, at some point in the future, it is his intent to deposit hundreds of boxes of material, documents and writings to the UND Department of Special Collections.

"We are deeply honored that the University of North Dakota, through the Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections in the Chester Fritz Library, is the repository of Sen. Dorgan's Congressional papers, notes and writings," said UND President Robert Kelley. "We are very proud to claim Sen. Dorgan as one of our esteemed alumni, whose legacy of service to his alma mater, state and nation over 30 years, is nothing short of legendary. In the future, The Byron L. Dorgan Papers will rest alongside the writings of other North Dakota political giants, including Quentin Burdick, Usher Burdick, William Langer, Milton Young and William Lemke, for the benefit of public understanding and discourse."

The Byron L. Dorgan Papers also will join other important historical archives of local, national and international significance in the Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections. The department already is home to the papers of famed American military commander Gen. George S. Patton, and renowned North Dakota poet Thomas McGrath and playwright Maxwell Anderson.

Dorgan, who received his undergraduate degree from UND, said he's enormously proud of his service in Congress and he's pleased that UND has agreed to be the repository for his official papers.

"It's a great honor for me to have my Alma mater maintain the official records from my Congressional career," Sen. Dorgan said.

Dorgan was on campus Thursday for another purpose as well. He is doing guest lectures at a number of university classes in his role as Distinguished Visiting Professor. Also, while in Grand Forks, Sen. Dorgan attended a meeting of the Red River Valley Research Corridor, which he created while he served in the Senate.

Dorgan said that he's also keeping busy in other areas of his life outside of the Senate. He's affiliated with a bipartisan think-tank doing energy work, a Senior Adviser to a law firm, he's a Visiting Professor at Georgetown University, and has a contract to write two more books.

In addition, he has created a new program called the Center for Native American Youth, which works with American Indian children on issues such as teen suicide prevention, substance abuse prevention and more.

"I'm keeping very busy with a wide variety of things I enjoy doing and which I believe will continue to contribute to the public good," Dorgan said.

U.S. Sen. Byron L. Dorgan:

Sen. Dorgan became North Dakota's youngest-ever constitutional officer, at age 26, when he was appointed State Tax Commissioner in 1969. He is well-known for his advocacy on behalf of family farmers, seniors, veterans, American Indians and small businesses.

His Red River Valley Research Corridor initiative has created thousands of jobs in the state and has had a $1 billion impact on the region. The tremendous success of the Research Corridor has helped to curb out-migration and has contributed greatly to North Dakota's economic prosperity.

Sen. Dorgan held many influential positions in the U.S. Senate. He served as Chairman of the Senate's Democratic Policy Committee; Committee on Indian Affairs; Energy and Water Development Subcommittee; and Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety and Security. He also was a senior member of the full Appropriations, Commerce and Energy Committees.

Senator Dorgan's rural upbringing is something he's very proud of. He grew up in the small southwestern North Dakota community of Regent, where his family worked in the farm equipment and petroleum business and raised cattle and horses.

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]]> Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=72
Events for Time-Out Week begin 11 a.m. April 4 at the Memorial Union with a spiritual blessing and welcome. Throughout the week, a variety of activities that are free and open to the public will be held on campus. Some events include:

April 4 - "Voice of a Contemporary Native Sculptor," a presentation by Bruce LaFountain, 3-4:30 p.m., Memorial Union Lecture Bowl

April 5 - "Contemporary American Indian Cooking," a cooking demonstration by Hillary Kempenich, 12-2 p.m., Wellness Center Culinary Corner

April 6 - Earl Bullhead discusses his experiences teaching the Lakota language, 2-3:30 p.m., Memorial Union Lecture Bowl

April 7 - A hoop dance demonstration by Wayne Fox, 7 p.m., Memorial Union Lecture Bowl

These events provide educational opportunities highlighting the cultural traditions, talents, and contributions that American Indians bring to the community and region.

A Wacipi is a celebration featuring dancing and singing. Drum groups and dancers come from all parts of the continent to take part in this cultural celebration.

On April 8, the grand entry for UNDIA Wacipi dance competition begins at 7 p.m. in the Hyslop Sport Center. Grand entries will also take place on April 9 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and on April 10 at 1 p.m. The categories are:

• Adult men's and women's Golden age 55 +
• Senior adults men and women ages 35-54
• Junior adults men and women ages 18-34
• Teen boys and girls ages 13-17
• Junior boys and girls ages 6-12
• Tiny tots ages 0-5
• Singing contest: First to fourth place

Registration begins April 8 at 4 p.m. and closes April 9 at 1 p.m. Admission is free to UND students with ID and those over 60 and under 5 years old. The cost to all others is $10 for the weekend or $6 per day. A traditional feed on April 9 at 5 p.m. is free to the public.

In conjunction with Time-Out Wacipi, the North Dakota Indian Education Association will host a conference on "American Indian Education: The Link and Connection for Indian Children" April 7-8 on the second floor of the Memorial Union.

The UND Indian Association is sponsoring the Timeout Tournament April 8-10 at Hyslop Sports complex. The 16-team, double-elimination men's competition is open to teams with 10-man rosters.

Time-Out Wacipi sponsors include the City of Grand Forks, UND Student Government, Student Organization Funding Agency (SOFA), American Indian Student Services, Department of Indian Studies, UND Indian Association (UNDIA), UND Indian Studies Association (U ND ISA) and the Cultural Awareness Committee.

For more information, call 777-4291 or 777-4314 or visit the following websites:
www.und.edu/dept/indian/ISA.htm (UND Indian Studies Association)
www.und.edu/org/undia (UND Indian Association)
]]> Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=70 The North Dakota Law Review will host a one-day Sports Law Symposium on Friday, April 8, 2011 beginning at 9 a.m. at the University of North Dakota School of Law. All lectures are free and open to the public and will be held in the Baker Courtroom on the third floor of the law school.

Throughout the day, panelists and speakers will survey various issues related to sports law in areas such as intellectual property, sports facilities, owners and agents, steroids and Native American nicknames in sports. Some of the distinguished panelists include, Gene Allen, former Corporate Counsel and Vice President of TCF Bank, Carla Christofferson, co-owner of the Los Angeles Sparks, and Grant Shaft, attorney and Vice President of the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education. For biographical descriptions of all participants please see http://web.law.und.edu/LawReview/symposium-sports.php

This program has been approved for 4.5 credits of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) for attorneys in both North Dakota and Minnesota attending all sessions.

For more information, go to http://law.und.edu/news/spring-2011/ndlr-sports-symposium.cfm


The complete schedule of presentations is as follows:

9:00 a.m. - Welcome - Dean Kathryn Rand

9:10 a.m. - Introduction and Sports, Photography, Television and Intellectual Property
Eric E. Johnson

9:40 a.m. - Owners and Agents in Professional Sports
Carla Christofferson and Matt Striegel

10:50 a.m. - Steroids in Sports
Daniel Gandert, Fabian Ronisky, Dr. William Haug, Jr.,

1:00 p.m. - Legal Issues with Sporting Facilities
Gene Allen and Arline Schubert

1:45 p.m. - Native American Nicknames in Sports
Grant Shaft, Joseph Hylton and Dr. Robert Boyd


The list of distinguished panelists includes:

Gene Allen, J.D., Attorney and former Corporate Counsel and Vice President of TCF Bank
Dr. Robert Boyd, Special Assistant to the President as Transition Officer
Carla Christofferson, J.D., Attorney and Co-owner of the Los Angeles Sparks WNBA team
Daniel Gandert, J.D., Professor, Northwestern University School of Law
Dr. William Haug, Jr., M.D., Sports Medicine Physician
Joseph Hylton, J.D., Professor, Marquette Law School
Eric E. Johnson, J.D., Professor, UND School of Law
Fabian Ronisky, J.D., Attorney and Co-founder and Manager of World Series of Music
Arline Schubert, J.D., Attorney and Instructor
Grant Shaft, J.D., Attorney and Vice President of North Dakota State Board of Higher Education
Matt Striegel, J.D., NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor


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]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=68 NDSCS student Pausch named Outstanding Technical Student

St. Paul, Minn. — The American Technical Education Association (ATEA) named Terry Marohl the Outstanding Technical Teacher at its national conference in St. Paul last night. Marohl is the Associate Professor and Department Chair of the Diesel Technology program at the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, N.D.

In addition, NDSCS welding technology student Chance Pausch, Hankinson, N.D., was named the Outstanding Technical Student.

The Outstanding Technical Teacher Award recognizes full-time, post-secondary technical instructors from anywhere in the nation whose performance and contribution are exceptional. Nominations are submitted by individual and institutional members of the ATEA. Innovative teaching strategies, involvement with business and industry, and the positive impact on students are additional qualities that are considered for this award.

The Outstanding Technical Student Award is given to an individual who is currently a full-time student in a post-secondary technical program. The student must be very strong academically and show potential in his/her chosen field. The student should also have an impact on other students and the institution.

Dr. John Richman, NDSCS president, attended the ceremony in St. Paul when the awards were presented. He cited Marohl's innovative recruitment strategies and tireless work to develop partnerships within the diesel program that set him apart. "To have Terry Marohl recognized at the national level by his peers, speaks volumes about the quality faculty and staff at NDSCS," Richman stated. "NDSCS is honored to have two national ATEA winners on our campus."

Chance Pausch, an active NDSCS student, has served on the student senate for the past two years and has represented the student body on the College's management team. Pausch is also a student representative on the College's Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Committee. In 2009, Pausch won a bronze medal at the national SkillsUSA conference and received a national FFA award - the American FFA degree. However, most on campus are wowed by his talent as a metal welding sculptor; his most popular sculptures are metal roses.

"Chance is a great student and well-rounded individual," said Richman. "He is very deserving of this award."


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]]> Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=67
"We are thrilled at this $1 million endowment because there is a definite need for the program in North Dakota," said UND President Robert Kelley. "This is a wonderful development for The University, OLLI@UND and its members who so strongly support this unique program. UND will continue developing creative educational programming for mature learners."
With its first Osher Foundation grant of $100,000 in 2007, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute began the development of community-based lifelong learning programs for people 50 and over in the Grand Forks area. Continued funding led to the rapid expansion of OLLI into Bismarck in 2009 through a partnership with Bismarck State College (BSC). From an initial offering of a few courses to less than 20 students on the University of North Dakota campus, Osher has grown to over 580 members who have enjoyed over 200 courses across two primary sites: Grand Forks and Bismarck. Additional sites will be added to the state; Minot State University has expressed strong interest in the OLLI program already.

"UND and BSC have a long history of relationships, and we look forward to developing more," said BSC President Larry Skogen, who was linked up to the press conference at UND through the statewide IVN system. "The OLLI program is excellent for us because it's part of our strategic plan to connect with lifelong learners. We rolled this program out to retirees in the area, and they absolutely love it. People tell me that they're really happy to stay intellectually engaged. We're really appreciated that UND delivered to us a wonderful program that meets all of our strategic needs."

A small sampling of course subjects offered by faculty, faculty emeritus, and community experts includes Fall of the Roman Empire, Women in History: The Forgotten Ones, Hitler's Steppe Children, Genealogy - From the Beginning, Introduction to Poetry, Politics of the Supreme Court, and Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt. In addition to 6-week courses, the Institute's varied learning formats include day trips, movies and discussion, free lectures, free tours and special events.

"This is a very exciting time for OLLI@UND," said Lynette Krenelka, Director of OLLI. The Osher endowment will allow us to continue to lead the way in offering university-quality educational experiences for those who wish to learn for the sheer joy that comes from gathering together with your new found friends to discuss topics of which you have not yet explored."

Connie Hodgson, OLLI Coordinator adds "Reaching this goal could not have been possible without the tenacity of its members, the overwhelming support of the University, the generosity of our partners and sponsors, and all of our incredible instructors."

The Institute offers a $35 annual membership or $60 three-year membership. Classes cover subject areas in arts and humanities, politics, natural sciences and social sciences, art, recreation and wellness, and more.

Curious minds are welcome to join Osher and take part in the ever-evolving educational offerings and opportunities. Learn more by calling (701) 777-3000 or visit our website at http://www.olli.und.edu/

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For more information, contact:

Peter Johnson
UND Office of University Relations
(701)777-4317, or peter.johnson@email.und.edu
]]> Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=66
"With this agreement, NDSCS and VCSU are providing an alternative path for individuals to earn Bachelor's degrees while leveraging their technical education and career experience," said Dr. John Richman, president of the North Dakota State College of Science. "Individuals can start their career as an apprentice, become a journeyworker, earn an associate degree and culminate with a Bachelor's degree."

Dr. Steve Shirley, VCSU president, said, "This collaborative agreement addresses some of the main obstacles adult learners face as they further their education. By earning credit for their work experiences as well as their study at the Associate degree level, adult learners can substantially reduce the time and cost required to earn a Bachelor's degree. Moreover, individuals who complete this path will possess enhanced career skills that respond to private sector demands and help meet employment needs in North Dakota."

The articulation agreement allows students to apply technical credits earned under a NDSCS Associate in Applied Science degree in Technical Studies - Journeyworker Track towards VCSU's B.S. degree in Career and Technical Education. These credits transfer through VCSU's Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program, which allows adult learners to earn college credit for work experience. Under the agreement, these credits can be used to meet the technical specialty requirements of VCSU's Bachelor's degree. Individuals in apprenticeship programs can have years of experience working in technical fields, and this agreement offers them the first opportunity to apply their experience towards a Bachelor's degree.

The agreement outlines two options within VCSU's Bachelor of Science degree in Career and Technical Education. The Education option qualifies graduates to teach in post secondary levels such as career, vocational, and technical schools. A Management/Leadership option allows graduates to combine their technical education and experience with coursework in various fields of business administration such as accounting, project management¬¬¬, and marketing. "This is a unique and powerful option for people who would like to own, manage, or become leaders in technical enterprises," according to Dr. Shirley.

Another element of the program that makes it attractive for adult learners is that many of VCSU's courses required to complete the degree are available online. Work and family schedules and location frequently make it difficult for adult learners to add to their education, and online offerings can help adult learners overcome these challenges by allowing them to complete coursework from anywhere an Internet connection is available at times and places convenient to them.

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Tweet]]> Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=65 Marc Boucher, head of the Québec government office in Chicago, will visit the University of North Dakota March 7-9.


Boucher is a professor of history, a foreign relations officer, and a cultural and economic advisor for the province of Québec. He has wide-ranging experience in international relations as the former head of Québec's government offices in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Louisiana.


The Québec Delegation in Chicago opened in 1969. It covers the 12 states in the Midwest region of the United States, and promotes and defends Québec's interests throughout that area. It also contributes to the activities of regional organizations such as the Council of Great Lakes Governors and the Great Lakes Commission, of which Québec is an associate member.


Boucher has also served as an advisor in New York and London and has managed positions at the Ministère des Relations internationales where he served as director general of public affairs and director general of policy and planning. From 2005-2007, he was a professor at the École nationale d'administration publique.


Monday, March 7

6-8:30 p.m. - Reception at the International Center (open to the public)


Tuesday, March 8

11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. - Talk in French on "Le Québec, le Canada et la Francophonie en Amérique du Nord" (open to the public) in Merrifield Hall Room 303


2-3:15 p.m. - Talk in English on "Quebec, Canada, and the Evolution of La Francophonie in North America" (open to the public) in O'Kelly Hall Room 1

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]]> Sun, 06 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=64
Members of the 2011 All North Dakota Academic Team, the colleges they attend and their hometowns are:

• Luke Hushagen: Bismarck State College, Bismarck, N.D.
• Megan Toepke: Bismarck State College, Bismarck, N.D.
• Waynita Chaske: Cankdeska Cikana Community College, Oberon, N.D.
• Magdeline Harrison: Cankdeska Cikana Community College, St. Michael, N.D.
• Jacob Bean: Dakota College at Bottineau, Bottineau, N.D.
• Jennifer Thiessen: Dakota College at Bottineau, Bottineau, N.D.
• Leonie de Jonge: Lake Region State College, Devils Lake, N.D.
• Lee Dokken: Lake Region State College, Velva, N.D.
• Megan Dierks: North Dakota State College of Science, Chokio, Minn.
• Hannah Schradick: North Dakota State College of Science, Wahpeton, N.D.

"These students are outstanding examples of academic achievement and community involvement," said Bill Goetz, chancellor of the North Dakota University System. "Being named to the All North Dakota Academic Team is a significant accomplishment, one that both the students and their colleges can be proud of. Clearly, students who attend North Dakota's community colleges are well prepared to meet the evolving demands of the workforce or continue on for additional education."]]> Sat, 05 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=63
As a Leadership School, NDSCS works with other NC3 partners to develop instructional material, provide train-the-trainer opportunities and mentor other education members. "NDSCS's involvement with NC3 enables us to provide our students top-notch training based on industry standards from certified instructors in world-class facilities," Richman said. "It's a win for our students and industry."

The nine member board includes industry and education leaders selected to represent a diverse range of geographic, economic and educational perspectives. "Each of these board members, along with the leadership colleges are the most progressive educators in the country," said Roger Tadajewski, NC3 Executive Director. "This is an exciting journey in which we have the best leaders at the helm."

NC3 first national office is located at Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, Wis. For more information visit www.nc3.net.


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]]> Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=62 University of North Dakota freshman Kelly Sanders, a marketing student from Faribault, Minn., is being featured on the finale of MTV's reality series "I Used To Be Fat." Each week, the series focuses on one person's struggle with eating and the challenge of losing weight.

Those featured in the show are aided by tough-love personal trainers who guide them through pitfalls and triumphs on the way to reaching their individual goals. Sanders story revolves around the tendency to overeat to compensate for the death of her father.

Throughout the program, Sanders wears a UND T-shirt, showing support for her University. The show also follows Sanders to the UND campus for her first days as a freshman.

The program airs again Wednesday, March 2, at 1 p.m., and 7 p.m., on MTV (Grand Forks cable channel 64). It can also be viewed by going to the show's website at http://www.mtv.com/shows/i_used_to_be_fat/series.jhtml]]> Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=61 As part of the University of North Dakota's Division I reclassification effort, the institution is required to complete a self-study and undergo a certification process of their institution and the athletics department. The University of North Dakota has completed an initial draft of a comprehensive self-study evaluating the institution and its department of intercollegiate athletics. The report is available for public review and comment at http://und.edu/athletics/self-study/.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) requires all Division I schools to conduct self-studies every 10 years to provide faculty, staff and students, as well as the public, with an overview of the department and its relationship to the overall mission of the University.

UND's current self-study began in August 2010 with the formation of a university-wide steering committee. Three subcommittees were formed to explore the following areas: governance and rules compliance, academic integrity, gender issues, diversity issues and student-athlete well-being. The subcommittees comprised faculty, staff, student-athletes, coaches, community members, university and athletics department administrators, and members of student government.

The steering committee will take into consideration feedback provided by the public from February 28 through March 11. It will then finalize the report and forward it to the NCAA by April 29. The NCAA Committee on Athletic Certification will review the report and a peer review team will visit campus in Fall 2011. The NCAA Committee on Athletic Certification will finalize its findings by February 2012, and an announcement will be made publicly later in the spring of 2012.

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]]> Mon, 28 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=60 Nuclear Power Technology program was approved in January as the first online program to be approved by the Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program (NUCP) for the non-licensed operator track. This will allow BSC students completing the associate degree in Nuclear Power to substitute education for training at a nuclear facility, since they will receive a nuclear industry standard certificate.

In 2007, the U.S. nuclear industry launched the NUCP, which is a standardized certificate program designed to ensure the workforce is trained and in place at the right time. By organizing industry partnerships with two-year education programs, resources are leveraged to provide the next generation of highly skilled workers. NUCP is managed by the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI).

As part of the NUCP approval process, a college is required to obtain a Primary Utility Partner for the Nuclear Power program. BSC has partnered with Exelon Corp., the largest owner/operator of nuclear plants in the United States. Without a Primary Utility Partner, an institution's students would not be able to receive a nuclear industry standard certificate.

"The most important benefit of the new NUCP provision is that it allows prospective students and employees greater access to nuclear training," said John Lindsey, director, Fleet Support & Partnerships, Nuclear Training at Exelon Nuclear and member of the NUCP Ad Hoc Committee at the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations. "The online format is beneficial for those who live far from a plant and want to work at one, and also for those who are already busy with their current lives and would like to continue their education; this fits their needs and schedules."

For the past two years Lindsey has been a member of BSC's Nuclear Power Technology Curriculum Advisory Committee working with other select industry representatives as part of the Energy Providers Coalition for Education (EPCE) to advance BSC's nuclear-related online educational programs. The nuclear industry representatives include American Electric Power, Constellation Energy, Dominion Nuclear Business Unit, Duke Energy, Exelon Corporation, Palo Verde Nuclear Generation Station, and South Texas Project nuclear power plant.

"The National Energy Center of Excellence at BSC is honored to tie the Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program to its Nuclear Power Technology associate degree program," said Kevin Holmstrom, nuclear program manager at BSC. "The National Academy for Nuclear Training Certificate is a tremendous opportunity for students to now earn an industry-approved degree and certification to get them on the right path for a career in the nuclear industry."

Holmstrom and other BSC faculty members have been working with Exelon representatives and EPCE over the past year to revise BSC's Nuclear Power Technology curriculum to meet the requirements for BSC students to receive the National Academy for Nuclear Training Certificate. BSC has been approved by NEI as a Non-Licensed Operator program.

BSC's Nuclear Power Technology program is an online program and one of six BSC energy programs leading to an associate in applied science degree. BSC also offers a bachelor of applied science online degree in energy management.
]]> Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=59
The RAIN Program is part of a grant awarded to the O'Tanka Tewicahidapi (Treasured Elders) Program at Cankdeska Cikana Community College in Ft. Totten, N.D., at Spirit Lake Nation. The five-year grant - Next Steps: An Empowerment Model for Native People Entering the Health Professions - aims to create a career ladder enabling entry and promoting advancement within the healthcare workforce through a variety of options.
The rungs on the Next Steps ladder range from entry to expert levels: a) quality service providers with certified nursing assistant training, b) licensed practical nurse, c) registered nurse, and d) completion of the bachelor's degree in nursing.

The RAIN Program will incorporate a range of proven, culturally specific recruitment, retention, and mentoring strategies to assist the Next Steps project in meeting its goals. The RAIN Program is recognized as a premiere program for assisting American Indians to access and complete professional nursing education. The retention rate for RAIN nursing students at UND is above 90 percent. Eighty-three percent of RAIN graduates return to work in tribal communities.

There are 32,257 American Indian people in North Dakota, comprising 4.88 percent of the total population. However, there are only 91 American Indian nurses in the state, 78 of which have graduated from the RAIN Program. The number of American Indian nurses is insufficient to serve the state's Indian population.

For more than 20 years, the RAIN Program, under the leadership of Deb Wilson, program coordinator, and Barb Anderson, assistant program coordinator, has been providing support and mentorship services to American Indian students pursuing nursing degrees at UND.

The UND College of Nursing offers both undergraduate and graduate programs of study in nursing, including a BSN, LPN-BSN, RN-BSN and RN-MS distance delivered degrees, and undergraduate programs in dietetics and community nutrition.

The master's program, leading to a Master of Science degree with a major in nursing, boasts six tracks: psychiatric & mental health, family nurse practitioner, advanced public health nursing, nurse anesthesia, nursing education, and gerontological nursing. The master's program is targeted to prepare clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, nurse educators, and nurse administrators. The focus of the masters nursing program is based on scientific knowledge of nursing practice and education through research. The College also offers a Ph.D. program to prepare nurses for roles as nurse scientists and faculty.

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Contact

Becky Cournia, alumni & development coordinator
UND College of Nursing
701-777-4526
beckycournia@mail.und.edu

]]> Thu, 24 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=57
"The workforce enhancement grants help increase the capacity of our higher education institutions like NDSCS to provide a consistent pipeline of well-trained workers educated right here in North Dakota," Department of Commerce Acting Commissioner Paul Govig said. "The partnership of industry, education, and state and local governments is needed to meet the developing workforce needs of North Dakota."

The grant will allow NDSCS to upgrade permanent and portable training platforms in its Electrical Technician program. This program is expanding rapidly to address all of the possible areas of training in communications and data delivery. Electricians previously only needed to be familiar with basic test equipment for high-powered, hard-wired circuits; they are now required to understand and use non-conventional test equipment.

Emerson (Rosemount, Fisher, and Micromotion Divisions) and Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley Industrial Controls) are providing matching funds and resources for the project. The total value of the project including the grant and the match is $546,847.

"NDSCS is committed to graduating students who have the skills and competencies that North Dakota's business and industry needs," John Richman, NDSCS president, said. "This grant, along with the generous matching funds, will allow us to invest in today's technology to greater enhance the educational experience of our students."

Workforce enhancement grants enable two-year colleges to apply for funds to help create or enhance training programs that address workforce needs of North Dakota's private-sector employers. Projects require a dollar-for-dollar match of all state money with private funds.

Grant funding may be used for curriculum development, equipment, recruiting participants, and training and certifying instructors. Funds may not be used to supplant funding for current operations.

A workforce enhancement council reviews all proposals and provides funding recommendations to the commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Commerce. The council consists of the private-sector membership of the North Dakota Workforce Development Council, the state director of the Department of Career & Technical Education, and the division director of the Workforce Development Division of the North Dakota Department of Commerce, who serves as the chair.

NDSCS is a two-year, comprehensive college with a residential campus located in Wahpeton, ND, and a commuter campus, referred to as NDSCS-Fargo, in Fargo, ND. NDSCS offers degrees, certificates and diplomas in over 80 academic options in traditional career and technical studies as well as liberal arts. The College also offers a variety of distance education and online courses. Approximately 98 percent of graduates are employed or pursuing additional education.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce works to improve the quality of life for North Dakota citizens by leading efforts to attract, retain and expand wealth. Commerce serves businesses and communities statewide through committed people and partners who offer valuable programs and dynamic services.


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Services include: general business consulting, which helps with writing business plans and creating financial projections and operating challenges; assistance in finding funding resources; and training on beginning and running a small business, which consists of various topics, from how to find start up funding to how to properly price a product for the current market. Services are free of charge to start up and operating businesses with 500 employees or less and available to anyone who lives, operates a business or uses a bank in any of the three counties.

Dan Reilly is the lead consultant. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. For more information or to set up an appointment, call 701-640-5605 or e-mail dan.reilly@ndscs.edu.

About the SBDC: The Small Business Development Center's mission is to provide high quality business assistance in the form of consulting, training and research to existing and prospective small businesses, which results in job creation or retention and economic wealth. The North Dakota SBDC is administered by the University of North Dakota in a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the state of North Dakota through the Department or Commerce and through regional hosts. The support given by the U.S. Small Business Administration through such funding does not constitute an express or implied endorsement of the co-sponsor(s) or participants' opinions, products or services. Programs are nondiscriminatory and reasonable accommodations will be made, upon request, for persons with disabilities.


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The interviews will follow the same format, including presentations by each of the candidates on "Vision 2013 — Up to and Beyond: The Role of the VPAA Regarding Faculty, Student, Staff and Administration Engagement with Our Great Plains Region," followed by questions. The public is invited. Kalbfleisch's session is Tuesday (Feb. 22), 2-3 p.m., in the Conference Center (Student Center, third floor). Koczon's open forum is March 2, 1-2 p.m., in Aleshire Theater of Hartnett Hall. Harrold's presentation is March 9, 2-3 p.m. in the Conference Center. Geller concludes the open forums March 11, 2-3 p.m. in the Conference Center.

Since 2010, Kalbfleisch has been the special assistant to the president for strategic initiatives at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks. In addition to her special assistant duties, she teaches communication. For 2009 to 2010, she was an American Council on Education fellow in the Office of the President at Roosevelt University, Chicago, Ill. Kalbfleisch completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication from Boise State University, Idaho, a Master of Arts degree in communication from the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, and a doctorate in communication from Michigan State University, East Lansing.

Koczon is the academic dean, undergraduate college, at Rosemont College, Pa. From 1996 to 2005, she was the director of the University College at Northern State University, Aberdeen, S.D. She was at NSU for 15 years. Koczon earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the University of Notre Dame, Ind., and a doctorate in chemistry from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.

Since 2008, Harrold has been dean of the College of Social Sciences at St. Cloud State University, Minn. He served as dean of the College of Natural and Social Sciences at the University of Nebraska at Kearney from 2000 to 2008. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology from Loyola University, Chicago, and studied at that university's John Felice Rome Center in Italy. He served two years in the U.S. Navy and began graduate training in anthropology at the University of Chicago. He holds a Master of Arts degree and a doctoral degree in anthropology from U of C.

Geller is currently head of the Liberal Arts and Education Department at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. He served as the founding president of the Center for Rural Policy and Development, St. Peter, Minn., from 1998 to 2007. It is Minnesota's only statewide, non-partisan rural policy research center. Geller received a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology from Montana State University, Bozeman, a Master of Science degree in rural sociology from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and a doctorate in rural sociology from Iowa State University, Ames.

The search committee is chaired by Conrad Davidson, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. For questions, contact Davidson at 858-3159 or conrad.davidson@minotstateu.edu.

]]> Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=55 For Immediate Release:For More Information Contact: Feb. 21, 2011Debra A. Anderson, Director of Public Affairs and MarketingNorth Dakota University SystemPhone: 701.328.2962E-mail: debra.a.anderson@ndus.edu
North Dakota Community Colleges Respond to Evolving Workforce Needs
BISMARCK, N.D. - North Dakota's community colleges are responding to changes in North Dakota's economy and evolving workforce needs in growth areas ranging from energy education to building trades to sustainable vegetable production.

The five public community colleges also are reaching out to high school students and adults seeking new careers by showcasing technical careers, many of which lead to high-paying jobs.

"North Dakota's career and technical programs are evolving with the times and with demand from business and industry in North Dakota," said Bill Goetz, chancellor of the North Dakota University System. "The colleges have many partnerships with businesses across the state. These relationships help provide community college graduates many options to stay and work in North Dakota."

Several of the colleges have targeted their outreach efforts in February as part of national Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. According to the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) (www.acteonline.org), nearly 16 million students are taking career and technical courses nationwide.

New and innovative programs and activities at North Dakota's five community colleges include:

Bismarck State College
With placement rates of 97 percent for students in technical programs, BSC is developing three new programs, two that will support the workforce needs of the oil and gas industry:

• Petroleum Engineering Technology will provide students a broad background in geology, geophysics, drilling and related topics.
  
  
• Petroleum Production Technology builds on the curriculum of BSC's Process Plant Technology program. It will be offered online and emphasizes production operations, safety and environmental aspects of the petroleum industry.
  
  
• Sustainable Construction Technology will provide students with a broad background in the green construction industry. It will complement the Residential Carpentry and HVAC programs in place at BSC.

Dakota College at Bottineau

• In response to the growing organic and specialty vegetable industry, DCB is launching a Sustainable Vegetable Production Program in January 2012. This program will extend the college's programming in the natural resources. An associate's degree and a one-year certificate will be offered; the program will prepare students for opportunities as either a business owner or professional in the industry.
  
  
• DCB is reviewing its Natural Resource Management and Laboratory and Field Technology programs to make them a fit for the oil exploration and drilling anticipated in the Bottineau County region. The programs focus on field testing of water, soil and air to determine concentrations and sources of contaminants.

Lake Region College

• Focused on outreach and community awareness, LRSC partnered with the Lake Area Career and Technology Center to showcase different technical programs at Devils Lake High School every day during the week of Feb. 7 - 11, 2011. Other high schools in the area were invited to attend the showcases as well. Each day offered a different focus for students: business, IT and marketing; culinary arts and child and family services; medical and electronics; and auto, construction and welding career options.
  
  
• Devils Lake Mayor Dick Johnson declared February CTE Month in the city. Additional outreach events took place during the college-sponsored tailgate parties at the Lake Region Royals games on Feb. 23, 2011, and the Devils Lake High School Firebirds games on Feb. 18, 2011.

North Dakota State College of Science
Grants received from North Dakota Career and Technical Education and Southeast Career Resource Network allowed NDSCS to present the first Steer Your Career outreach effort at Oakes (N.D.) High School

• A collaborative effort between secondary and post-secondary education, Steer Your Career addressed the need for skilled workers in high-demand technical careers. Students received a first-hand look at the type of education and training needed for specific professions.
  
  
• The day portion of the event included hands-on demonstrations for Oakes students. In the evening, NDSCS academic departments conducted two interactive career sessions for students and parents from around the region. Area businesses were invited to discuss employment trends and industry needs.

Williston State College

• With financial assistance from the WSC Foundation, WSC's Residential Carpentry Program purchased a run-down house in west Williston to use as a hands-on project for the class. The class will remodel the existing structure and build an addition, giving students experience in new construction. Work is scheduled to begin in June.
  
  
• WSC's Diesel Technology program received ASE Master Certification from the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, Inc., the highest level of achievement recognized by the National Institute for Automotive Excellence. WSC's program was evaluated according to strict standards set by the automotive industry. Many apply, but few programs receive the certification.

For more information about North Dakota's community colleges and the programs they offer, visit www.ndcommunitycolleges.com. ]]> Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=53 For Immediate Release:For More Information Contact: Feb. 15, 2011Debra A. Anderson, Director of Public Affairs and MarketingNorth Dakota University SystemPhone: 701.328.2962E-mail: debra.a.anderson@ndus.edu
Two State Board of Higher Education Members Confirmed by the Senate
BISMARCK, N.D. - The North Dakota Senate today confirmed Kirsten Diederich, Ph.D., and Duaine Espegard as members of the State Board of Higher Education.

The initial phase of the confirmation process took place Feb. 9, 2011. Diederich and Espegard each appeared before a separate subcommittee of four senators.

"The State Board of Higher Education is one of the most visible boards in North Dakota," said Gov. Jack Dalrymple. "Being a member of this board carries a tremendous amount of responsibility and requires a significant time commitment. I'm deeply appreciative of each board member's dedicated public service."

Diederich and Espegard were appointed by Gov. John Hoeven to four-year terms, which began in July 2010. Diederich, Fargo, N.D., is an assistant professor of biology at Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn. Espegard, Grand Forks, N.D., is a retired Bremer Financial bank director, chief executive officer and regional president as well as a former state senator. He was first appointed to the SBHE in March 2007 and is the current chair of the board's Budget, Audit and Finance Committee.

Two additional SBHE members await confirmation. Terry Hjelmstad, Ph.D., and Grant Shaft were appointed by Gov. Dalrymple Jan. 20, 2011. They appeared before Senate subcommittees Feb. 10, 2011, and their confirmations will appear on the Senate calendar at a later date. If approved by the Senate, their four-year terms will begin July 2011.
]]> Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=52 For Immediate Release:For More Information Contact: Feb. 14, 2011Debra A. Anderson, Director of Public Affairs and MarketingNorth Dakota University SystemPhone: 701.328.2962E-mail: debra.a.anderson@ndus.edu
University System Marks Record Enrollment
BISMARCK, N.D. - Spring 2011 enrollment at the 11 North Dakota University System colleges and universities has reached a record spring term high, according to the official Spring Semester 2011 Enrollment Report released today to the State Board of Higher Education.

The Spring 2011 systemwide enrollment of 45,152 students includes an increase of 1,794 students or 4.1 percent compared to 43,358 last spring. University System officials attribute this increase to a number of factors that point to enhanced responsiveness to today's learning environment.

"Responsiveness to student and state needs is a top priority of the 11 University System campuses," said Bill Goetz, chancellor of the North Dakota University System. "Students expect high-quality education at an affordable price, and all 11 institutions deliver on that expectation. Also - now more than ever before - systemwide, our programmatic offerings are responsive to North Dakota's emerging workforce needs."]]> Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=51 The University of North Dakota and representatives from the Grand Forks Air Force Base signed a historic lease agreement today (Saturday, Feb. 12), providing the University's unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) program a new home on base for research, training and education.



A signing ceremony took place inside a massive base facility, part of which -- about 5,000 square feet -- will house UND's Center for UAS Research, Education & Training. On hand for event were UND President Robert Kelley, Bruce Smith, dean of UND's John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, Al Palmer, director of the UND UAS center, Air Force Col. Don Shaffer, 319th Air Refueling Wing commander, North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple and U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., among others.



The lease agreement is the latest achievement for UND's UAS program, placing its headquarters in the heart of the action of the burgeoning UAS industry. State and Congressional leaders who took part in today's event hailed the growing partnership between the Air Force and UND as a way of the future for both organizations.



The Air Force is investing heavily in unmanned aircraft and related technologies. By turn, Grand Forks Air Force Base is in the process of transitioning into a major military hub for some of those aircraft: the Predator and Global Hawk classes.



At the same time, UND's UAS program already is a designated North Dakota Center of Excellence, drawing expertise from researchers across campus, from aerospace to engineering to allied health fields to the Center for Innovation. The University also was the first in the nation to offer a four-year degree in UAS piloting.



UND's UAS presence on base clearly demonstrates the close working relationship that has evolved between the Air Force and the University. The research and education that will take place in the UAS center, especially on behavioral and other human factors influenced by unmanned flight, is something the Air Force is extremely interested in.



"UND is proud to be able to work hand-in-hand with the U.S. Air Force, State and local leaders and our State's Congressional delegation to make this signing a reality," said UND President Kelley, "This building will ensure that UND's growing UAS research, training and education endeavors continue on a rapid upward trajectory in meeting our nation's civilian and military needs when it comes to unmanned aircraft."



A decade ago, there were fewer than 100 unmanned aircraft in service, whereas today there are 25 times as many. Further more, since 2001, annual UAS flight hours have increased by more than 500,000.



"Having UND located right here at the Grand Forks Air Force Base shows the kind of close-knit relationship that exists between the University and the Air Force," said Col. Shaffer.



Sen. Hoeven, even before his days in Congress, when he was governor, was a staunch supporter of UAS endeavors in North Dakota. Under his watch, the North Dakota Department of Commerce supported UND's UAS Center of Excellence bid with an initial $2.5 million in funding. That investment was used to leverage another $8.3 million in matching money from the private sector.



"Through our Centers of Excellence Program, we worked to make the UAS Center a global leader for UAS training and technology, and today it takes flight to an even higher level of excellence." "Today's ceremony marks the culmination of many months and years of hard work and the beginning of a very exciting new era for UND Aerospace, the Grand Forks Air Force Base and the entire region," Sen. John Hoeven said. We look forward to UND being recognized as the premier aircraft training program in the world, and we're proud to be a part of it."



Sen. Hoeven, working with U.S. Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., and Rep. Rick Berg, R-N.D., have continued to champion, in Congress, North Dakota's unique value to the UAS industry in an effort to make the state a national hub for unmanned aircraft operations.



"Since we first helped ensure that Grand Forks Air Force Base would be central to the Air Force's efforts in the rapidly developing field of UAS, the community has seized this opportunity to stay at the vanguard of our national security. And the Odegard School has been a leader in that effort," Senator Conrad said. "This collaboration between the University and the Air Force underlines that North Dakota is at the forefront of technology in support of our national security. I am proud to celebrate that collaboration today."



Together, they and former Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., and Rep. Earl Pomeroy, D-N.D., have secured tens of millions of dollars in UAS funding for UND and North Dakota since 2005.



"North Dakota's tradition of innovation and enterprise is evident in this partnership between the University of North Dakota and the Grand Forks Air Force Base," Congressman Berg stated. "Remotely piloted aircraft technology has the potential to become a core part of the Air Force's mission, and I am proud to see North Dakota at the forefront of research and training."



As lieutenant governor and now as governor, Jack Dalrymple, also has proven to be a solid advocate for UAS technology and the potential benefits it holds for North Dakota and the nation.



"This agreement marks an exciting next step in advancing the missions of UND and the Grand Forks Air Force Base, as well as positioning North Dakota as a leader in UAS research, education and training," said Gov. Jack Dalrymple.



Today's lease agreement comes on the heels of another major development for UND's UAS program. On Jan. 28, UND signed a deal with L-3 Communications, an electronic systems and surveillance defense contractor, to install a Predator Mission Aircrew Training System (PMATS) in its new center at the base. With it, UND will be the first-ever civilian operator of the Predator control station simulators.



"It's rewarding to see everything come together the way it has," said Mike Nelson, UND UAS course manager and the driving force behind the program. "This has been our life for the last 16 months."



Nelson said now that the lease is signed UND likely will "break ground" on the facility next month, making upgrades and adding state-of-the-art security and educational support equipment. He anticipates an official grand opening by early summer.



UND's new facility and the cutting-edge equipment that will fill it, including the PMATS, only strengthens its ability to work seamlessly with the Air Force as well as the North Dakota Air Guard's 119th Wing in Fargo and the Grand Forks-based Customs and Border Protection office, both of which fly Predators.



Palmer said that, in addition to UND students enrolled in the UAS program, there may be a time in the future when the center contracts with governmental agencies and nonmilitary UAS users to train their pilots.



"What we have put together is a unique partnership of several important stakeholders when it comes to UAS technology and we've been working on it for a long time," Palmer said. "The best part about it is it's a sunrise mission, not one where the sun is setting."]]> Sat, 12 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=50
"The nursing program's early success can be attributed to our dedicated and professional faculty and staff," said John Richman, NDSCS President. "Our gratitude is extended to our local and regional hospital partners and clinics that accept our RN students into their facilities and provide excellent hands-on learning opportunities."

"We realize the importance of getting involved and helping with simulation labs. Offering the students the opportunity to learn in our facility is just the next step. NDSCS ASN-RN students have always been extremely well-prepared when beginning their clinicals with Lake Region," said Leslie Anderson, registered nurse at Lake Region Healthcare of Fergus Falls, Minn. Anderson has assisted with Maternal Newborn simulation experiences since the programs inception.

2010 marks the sixth year NDSCS has offered the registered nursing program. Students in the program graduate with an Associate in Science in Nursing (A.S.N.) degree and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam after graduation.

"Being ranked number one in the nation is particularly significant, as this is only the sixth year we have offered the RN program. A special thank you goes to our students, faculty, staff and especially our clinical affiliations - they are a critical part of the educational process and without their assistance, this achievement would not have been possible," commented Ruth Gladen, A.S.N.-RN Program Coordinator.

Clinical affiliations include: Allina Hospital and Clinics, St. Paul, Minn.; Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, N.D.; Anne Carlsen Center for Children, Jamestown, N.D.; Avera McKennan, Sioux Falls, S.D.; Essentia Health Clinic, Wahpeton, N.D.; Lake Region Hospital, Fergus Falls, Minn.; Lisbon Area Health Services, Lisbon, N.D.; Medcenter One Health Systems, Bismarck, N.D.; Mercy Hospital, Valley City, N.D.; North Dakota State Hospital, Jamestown, N.D.; Prairie St. Johns, Fargo, N.D.; Regions Hospital, St. Paul, Minn.; Richland County Public Health, Wahpeton, N.D.; St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck, N.D.; St. Francis Medical Center, Breckenridge, Minn.; St. Francis Home Health and Riveredge Hospice, Breckenridge, Minn.; Trinity Health, Minot, N.D.; Triumph Hospital Fargo, Fargo, N.D.

This ranking follows the NDSCS Practical Nursing (PN) program that was ranked number one out of 1,087 PN programs across the nation in late January 2011.

For further information on the NDSCS nursing programs, visit www.ndscs.edu/nursing.


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As the people of the Fargo-Moorhead area begin preparing for this year's flood, Strand is helping through art. Thousands of sandbags to be used against the rising Red River will be decorated beforehand by area children, seniors and others who may not be able to endure the work of filling or slinging sandbags.

Strand imagines a volunteer filling bags at 3 a.m. on the sandbag line. She's tired and sore from hours of heavy work. Along comes a sandbag with a pink robot created by an area second-grade student. Later, a bag flies by with quick words of encouragement such as, "Way to go." Strand hopes these brief moments of levity or support will help boost morale.

Strand and his students pre-apply "thought bubbles" with spray paint onto the bags for others to fill in using permanent markers. Testing didn't wash off the art or affect the usefulness of the bags. From today through the weekend, Strand is delivering 3,000 prepared sandbags to area grade schools, day care centers, assisted living centers and anywhere else he can find people who want to help. He sees this project as an example of what a land-grant, research university art department can do.

"It gets our students to think about the inclusion of community with their own work," he said. "Art can exist as creative activity, community outreach, research and service all at the same time."

The city provided Strand with several thousand bags, and he could get more if needed. He's hoping to hit 10,000. Strand plans to return the finished bags in such a way that the pieces of art show up randomly to help brighten the mood of volunteers. This also provides a way for more people to become part of the flood effort, regardless of their physical ability.

"That's the part I love - getting them to feel good about helping out," Strand said.
]]> Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=48
"It was an exciting, productive day in our dental clinic. The event is a great educational experience for our students and we are so thankful for the help and support of area volunteers. Their time, talent and supplies were critical to the success of this event and we are very fortunate to have their support and assistance," said Lucinda Johnson, NDSCS GKAS Program Coordinator.

Local and regional volunteers teamed up with the 43 students, faculty and staff of the Dental Education team to ensure each child received the highest dental care.

Volunteers include: dentists: Dr. Paula Sabbe and Dr. Judith Schmidt, Wahpeton, N.D.; Dr. Lana Schlecht, Ellendale, N.D.; Dr. Mark Shields, Fargo, N.D.; Dr. Kenneth Weidman, Breckenridge, Minn.; hygienists: Barb Nelson and Brittany Summerville, Breckenridge, Minn.; Judy McDougall and Kirsten Lathrop, Wahpeton, N.D. Donations were received from ADA/Henry Schein, Patterson Dental, North Dakota Dental Foundation and the participating dentists.

The total service value was estimated at $20,221.

About Give Kids a Smile: Give Kids a Smile® is an annual event, usually held on the first Friday in February, when thousands of the nation's dentists and their dental team members provide free oral health care services to children from low-income families across the country. The American Dental Association's Give Kids A Smile® program enhances the oral health of large numbers of children in need. Give Kids A Smile activities also highlight for policy makers the ongoing challenges that disadvantaged children face in accessing dental care.


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]]> Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=47
"I am honored to be participating in a conversation that will have a nationwide impact on the education of our university and college students," said Fuller. "This is a great topic for higher education to discuss and one that aligns well with Minot State University's Vision 2013 and our commitment to civic engagement and community support."

The AAC&U is the leading national association concerned with the quality, vitality and public standing of undergraduate liberal education. Consequently, it maintains a long-standing commitment to elevate civic learning as a fundamental part of every student's college education.

AAC&U is now partnering with Global Perspective Institute Inc. to facilitate a national dialogue on civic learning and democratic engagement that can influence future actions by the Department of Education. GPI was established in 2008 to study and promote global holistic human development, especially among college students.

The AAC&U and GPI are formulating a broad-based, national action plan for enhancing civic learning and democratic engagement in colleges and universities. The two entities are convening five national roundtable meetings that include a wide range of constituents — off-campus civic organization heads, campus-based centers, community partners, faculty, researchers, students, university and college presidents, policy makers and other stakeholders—to respond to and amend the national action plan.

The AAC&U and GPI plan to present the national action plan to the Department of Education by late summer 2011.]]> Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=46
"We're at a point in the lake level's rise where the rate of change is dramatic," he explains. "As bad as things have been, we're transitioning into a period where there will be greater expansion of the lake's area for each foot of rise in its level."

Located in northeastern North Dakota next to the city of Devils Lake, the lake's level has risen more than 29 feet since a regional wet cycle began in 1993, causing millions of dollars in damage by inundating communities, farms, homes and recreation facilities. Eighteen years ago, Devils Lake covered approximately 70 square miles. During that period, the average increase of area covered was less than 11 square miles per year.

However, Todhunter says the forecast three-foot rise in Devils Lake caused by runoff from heavy snow in the area this winter could increase the lake's size by more than 50 square miles in a single year.

Comparing the glacially formed Devils Lake Basin's shape to a bowl, Todhunter explains, "We've been filling the deeper part of the bowl. Now we're moving from that area to the flatter areas. Instead of a bowl-shaped area, we're filling a platter-shaped area. It's a more gradual depression that causes the water to spread out more."

Todhunter warns that Devils Lake has reached a point at which any additional increase in its level will likely result in an exponential increase in the area it covers. He refers to a graph based on U.S. Geological Survey data showing the amount of acreage Devils Lake covers in relation to its elevation above sea level.

From its lowest recorded level of 1,402 feet in 1940 to its current level of near 1,452 feet, the area covered by water is represented by a gradually rising curve. But past the current level, the line's slope increases sharply, indicating that every increase in the lake's level will cause it to spread out more.

Todhunter studies natural hazards related to climatology and hydrology. He's been interested in Devils Lake since it began to rise in 1993, and has conducted research, presented papers and taught courses on the subject. He says Devils Lake in northeastern North Dakota is unusual because it's a terminal lake, a unique flood hazard in the United States.

Terminal lakes exist in closed drainage basins. While water from rain and melting snow can flow into them, there is normally no natural outlet for water to escape. Like a bathtub that eventually runs over when the water is left running, Devils Lake will naturally overflow into the Red River Drainage Basin when it reaches 1,458 feet above sea level. This has not occurred in recorded history, although there is evidence that it has happened at least twice in the last 10,000 years.

"The basic fact of terminal lakes is that water can only be removed from them by evaporation, which varies relatively little from one year to the next - especially in North Dakota where summers are short," Todhunter says. "When the water level goes up sharply, it can only be brought down slowly."

The geologic record of Devils Lake shows that it has never remained at a stable level; it is either rising or falling. During the 1980s and early 90s, falling lake levels were the greatest concern to area residents.

"The wet cycle we have been in not only adds water directly onto Devils Lake by precipitation, but it also increases surface runoff into the lake from streams feeding into it," Todhunter says. "This surface inflow is the largest source of water input to the lake and is highly variable from year to year.

"Some years, little or no surface runoff occurs, while the water is now gushing into the lake," he continues. "This means that without artificial removal such as an outlet, it will be some time before the lake levels drop to a less threatening level."

Although the state of North Dakota has operated an outlet on the west end of Devils Lake since 2005, it has not significantly reduced the lake's level. Plans are being made to increase its capacity and add another outlet on the lake's east end. The goal is to prevent an uncontrolled release of water from Devils Lake that would not only cause flooding along the Sheyenne and Red Rivers, but also cause water quality problems.

"They've moved a lot more aggressively in the last couple years because the forecast that people said wouldn't occur is looking a lot more probable," Todhunter says.

--30--

Useful links

UND Department of Geography
http://arts-sciences.und.edu/geography/

Discovery magazine article: "Mapping the Monster"
http://webapp.und.edu/dept/our/discovery/mapping-the-monster

North Dakota State Water Commission flood information on Devils Lake
http://www.swc.nd.gov/4dlink9/4dcgi/GetCategoryRecord/Devils%20Lake%20Flooding

U.S. Geological Survey Devils Lake Basin
http://nd.water.usgs.gov/devilslake

August 2010 report of the Devils Lake Basin Technical Review Team
http://www.nd.gov/des/uploads/resources/656/2010-report-of-the-devils-lake-basin-trt-ver-2.1.pdf

Contacts

Paul Todhunter, professor
UND Department of Geography
701-777-4593
paul.todhunter@und.edu

Patrick Miller, writer/editor
UND Office of University Relations
701-777-5529
patrick.miller@und.edu]]> Wed, 09 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=44
Last fall, UND had its largest final enrollment of 14,194. Enrollment typically goes down in the spring semester due, among other things, to Winter Commencement.

Overall, UND's undergraduate enrollment is 10,421, up 5.1 percent (506) over last year's final spring number of 9,915. In terms of total numbers, the College of Arts & Sciences led the undergraduate growth with 2,835 students, up 7.4 percent (195) over last spring. Showing the largest undergraduate growth over last spring in terms of percentages: the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 12.8 percent (712 students, up 81); the School of Engineering & Mines, 12.7 percent (1,120, up 126); and the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, 12.1 percent (1,330, up 144).

The Graduate School has also shown impressive growth, up 8.3 percent (196) to 2,547, compared to 2,351 last spring. Since 2000-01, the Graduate School has grown by 1,005 students, an important trend, said UND President Robert Kelley, given UND's growing research enterprise. In FY10, UND recorded more than $143 million in sponsored programs and research.

Recent UND Spring Semester final enrollments:

* 2011 - 13,458
* 2010 -- 12,733
* 2009 -- 12,076
* 2008 -- 11,847
* 2007 -- 12,034
* 2006 -- 12,321
* 2005 -- 12,376 ]]> Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=43
By combining the resources of MSU's criminal justice program with DCB's two-year fish and wildlife management degree and the criminal justice expertise of TMCC's faculty, the schools will provide just what students are looking for, and what the state needs, at little to no additional cost.

"What we've done is bring together the most effective and cost-efficient model possible in higher education by combining existing programs and resources into a new configuration, connected through technology," said William Archambeault, chair and professor within the MSU Department of Criminal Justice. "Each institution contributes a unique set of faculty expertise and resources to give the best college preparation possible for future North Dakota fish and wildlife officers."

The essential criminal justice and wildlife management courses in the first two years of the program will be delivered to students through interactive video networking connections. TMCC will provide freshman and sophomore-level criminal justice courses, and DCB will offer fish and wildlife classes. Students will then have earned an Associate of Science degree in fish and wildlife management from DCB.

As juniors, they transfer into the MSU criminal justice program. They will complete advanced courses in criminal justice and crimes against wildlife and fulfill remaining degree requirements leading to a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice. At MSU, many of the junior and senior-level courses will be available either online or through IVN to assist students living outside of
Minot.

The focal point of this three-college collaboration is the protection of one of North Dakota's vital resources, its fish and wildlife. Through the collaboration, students will learn about fish and wildlife management, the enforcement of fish and game laws, the investigation of crimes against animals and the role of the American criminal justice system in protecting these valuable resources for future generations. Students will also learn about law enforcement careers in state and federal fish and wildlife protection agencies.

A student who earns this criminal justice degree will be an ideal fit to work in North Dakota as a fish and wildlife officer. This profession has an increasing need for highly trained candidates and employees in the state.

The agreement was signed by MSU President David Fuller, DCB Dean Ken Grosz and TMCC President Jim Davis.]]> Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=45 Higher retention, expanded marketing, excellent job prospects cited for increase

Spring semester enrollment at the North Dakota State College of Science has grown 10 percent over 2010 and has set the record for highest NDSCS enrollment in a spring semester. NDSCS has 2,639 registered students for spring semester through Monday, February 7, the 20th instructional day of the semester. The enrollment number is up 238 students, compared to spring 2010 when 2,401 students were enrolled.

Several recent initiatives are cited for the increased enrollment including expanded student retention efforts, and a significant marketing investment by the College in conjunction with the North Dakota University System's two-year college awareness initiative funded by the North Dakota legislature. The most compelling factor in drawing students to NDSCS is the excellent employment prospects for graduates.

"There is a high demand for career and technical education graduates in the state of North Dakota. In addition to retention, our strategy has been to increase the awareness of the career opportunities for two-year graduates," said Dr. John Richman, NDSCS president. "Our graduates launch their careers with low student debt and competitive salaries which, in turn, will help them be successful."

For spring semester, students from 50 of North Dakota's 53 counties are taking classes. There are 1,465 male students and 1,174 female students.

In 2010, the College, which offers classes in Wahpeton, Fargo and online, announced a 98 percent placement rate for graduates, with over 70 percent of them finding employment in North Dakota or transferring on to a North Dakota four-year university.


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Tweet]]> Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=41 Students will be recipients of grant to boost STEM workforce needs in North Dakota

The North Dakota State College of Science has received a $600,000 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) grant funded by the National Science Foundation to create a STEM Scholars program that is designed to address significant STEM workforce needs in North Dakota.

The STEM Scholars program will rely on unique partnerships between NDSCS, four regional universities, and industry partners to address the state's STEM workforce shortage. Upon completion of the STEM Scholars program, academically talented, but financially needy students, will earn either an Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science degree in a STEM field and will be prepared to either enter the STEM workforce, or transfer to a university to pursue a baccalaureate degree.

The grant will make available financial assistance to qualifying students through a comprehensive scholarship program that consists of three scholarship types and approximately 180 awards over five years. Students who are fully accepted into the STEM-Scholars program have the opportunity to receive up to $10,000 per year in financial assistance beginning in Fall 2012.

"With this grant, NDSCS has a unique opportunity to take a lead role in bridging the gap between STEM education and workforce needs," said Dr. John Richman, NDSCS president. "We look forward to actively recruiting gifted students into this program and placing them in high-demand, financially rewarding careers or helping them transfer to a four-year university."

NDSCS Science and Mathematics Chairman Dr. Kevin Gyolai, who authored the grant, believes a key attribute of the grant will position the college to increase the enrollment, retention, and graduation rates in STEM programs. "Scholarships made available through the grant will help reduce the financial burden many students experience during college," said Gyolai. "By alleviating financial concerns, students will have more time to concentrate on their studies, as well as the industry and professional internships that will be made available to them through our industry partners."

NDSCS has eight programs eligible for the STEM Scholars grant participation. They include three Liberal Arts transfer programs: Mathematics, Chemistry and Engineering; and five academic areas: Civil Engineering and Surveying Technology, Computer Information Systems (CIS) - Computer Programming, CIS - Computer and Network Support; CIS - Web Developer and Machine Tooling. Upon completion of the STEM Scholars program, students will have earned either an Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science degree in a STEM field and will then be prepared to transfer to university to pursue a bachelor's degree or enter the STEM workforce.

For detailed information on scholarships, go to www.ndscs.edu/stem-scholars. For more information on the work of the National Science Foundation, go to www.nsf.gov. The NDSCS grant is Award Number 1057574.

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]]> Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=42
The program, which begins in fall semester 2011, will allow Canadian and American students the opportunity to receive two degrees in five years - a Bachelor of Arts degree from Briercrest and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Minot State. The students' first three years are spent at Briercrest and the remaining two at Minot State. Students can earn an education degree with a focus on elementary education, music, physical education, English or history.

Roughly 300 Canadians are currently enrolled at Minot State, as traditionally the university has attracted about 6 to 8 percent of its student body from its neighbor to the north. Administrators at Minot State say this program will only help to strengthen ties with students interested in programs MSU has to offer.

"Our agreement with Briercrest College will attract a lot of good students, students who are interested in becoming teachers," said Neil Nordquist, MSU dean of the College of Education and Health Sciences. "It's a nice fit for both schools and will be a great relationship for years to come."

Nordquist expects to see groups of 20-25 students a year who are interested in the concurrent degree program. Earning a degree from both Briercrest and Minot State will allow a student to teach in either the U.S. or Canada.

"We're thrilled to announce a partnership with Minot State University that will allow both Canadian and American students to take advantage of the rich faculty resources and distinctive strengths of both institutions," said Wes Olmstead, Briercrest College academic dean.

Caronport is 20 minutes west of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, a town that is a sister city to Minot and located 265 miles northwest of the Magic City.]]> Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=39 It's hard to find someone who doesn't have their own "Dr. Boyd" story at The University of North Dakota. In my three years as a UND undergrad, Dr. Robert Boyd, Vice President for Student Affairs, has served the students of UND with distinction and honor.

More than 200 students, faculty and staff came to celebrate Dr. Boyd at the UND Memorial Union ballroom on Friday. He is stepping away from his position as Vice President, but isn't going far. He'll be leading UND's transition team focusing on the logo and nickname. Boyd was also in attendance with his closest family and friends.

"He's a true gentlemen," UND President Robert Kelley said. "[Dr. Boyd] is someone we all aspire to be like."

President Kelly hosted the afternoon's events with some lighthearted commentary, poking fun of Boyd's 32 years of service. A short video featuring scenes from around campus thanked Boyd for his hard work.

In a total of 32 years of service, Boyd has been a mentor for thousands of students. Boyd spent countless hours as a principle adviser to Student Government. "He's always been there if I had any concerns," said Student Government President Matt Bakke, who presented Dr. Boyd with a plaque on behalf of the student body.

"He was always there to provide advocacy for the students," Bakke added.

Bakke announced that the "student of the year" award will soon be renamed the "Robert Boyd Student of the Year" award, in his honor.
Students first

During my entire experience at UND, I have not met anyone more dedicated to the welfare of students than Dr. Boyd.

As a senator for Student Government, Boyd's office was always open for last-minute questions that my constituents had. Boyd and his office staff were always glad to go the extra mile to see things through.

It was tough to find a student at the celebration who didn't have a "Dr. Boyd story" of their own.

"The better question is 'what didn't he do for UND?'" said Mark Thueson, a recent UND alumnus. "In one way or another, Boyd was involved with almost everything that happened on campus," Thueson said. "He's someone that you could easily approach and talk with on a personal level."

Boyd gives much credit to the University community for his success during his tenure that spanned more then three decades. "From the person who mows the lawn up to the University president, everyone plays a terribly important role in helping students become successfully," Boyd said.

Dr. Boyd will officially retire as Vice President on February 7. He will remain on campus for "at least a while to help with the retirement of the nickname and logo," Boyd said.

"We're saying goodbye to one of North Dakota's finest," President Kelley added.
]]> Fri, 04 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=38
Dr. Robert M. Gates was sworn in on December 18, 2006, as the 22nd Secretary of Defense. Dr. Gates is the only Secretary of Defense in U.S. history to be asked to remain in that office by a newly-elected President. President Barack Obama is the eighth president Dr. Gates has served.

Before entering his present post, Dr. Gates was the President of Texas A&M University, the nation's seventh largest university. In 2004, he hired Bresciani from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to serve as Vice President of Student Affairs at Texas A&M. Prior to assuming the Texas A&M presidency in 2002, Gates served as Interim Dean of the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M from 1999 to 2001.

"Secretary Gates exemplifies a career of selfless service to our country at a level with few parallels, and through the course of his tenure leading Texas A&M University, became a broadly respected higher education leader," Bresciani said. "We are honored that North Dakota State University's graduates will have the opportunity to hear from such a notable patriot, scholar and public servant."

Dr. Gates joined the Central Intelligence Agency in 1966 and spent nearly 27 years as an intelligence professional. During that period, he spent nearly nine years at the National Security Council, The White House, serving four presidents of both political parties.

Dr. Gates served as Director of Central Intelligence from 1991 until 1993. He is the only career officer in CIA's history to rise from entry-level analyst to Director. He served as Deputy Director of Central Intelligence from 1986 until 1989 and as Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Adviser at the White House from January 20, 1989, until November 6, 1991, for President George H.W. Bush.

Secretary Gates has been awarded the National Security Medal, the Presidential Citizens Medal, has twice received the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, and has three times received CIA's highest award, the Distinguished Intelligence Medal.

He is the author of the memoir, From the Shadows: The Ultimate Insider's Story of Five Presidents and How They Won the Cold War, published in 1996.

While President of Texas A&M University, Gates also served as Chairman of the Independent Trustees of The Fidelity Funds, the nation's largest mutual fund company, and on the board of directors of NACCO Industries, Inc., Brinker International, Inc. and Parker Drilling Company, Inc.

Secretary Gates also has served on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the American Council on Education, the Board of Directors of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, and the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America. He has also been President of the National Eagle Scout Association.

A native of Wichita, Kansas, Secretary Gates received his bachelor's degree from the College of William and Mary, his master's degree in history from Indiana University, and his doctorate in Russian and Soviet history from Georgetown University.

NDSU's spring commencement is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, May 14, at the Fargodome.
]]> Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=37
The students are passionate about their campaign and its potential impact. "It is important that NDSU students do their part to create a safer community," said Denise Hagen, a campaign committee member. "By pledging not to text and drive, students are acknowledging the dangers and taking responsibility behind the wheel."

This is the second year students selected the topic of texting and driving for the class campaign. "I am proud of the work my students have done to educate the NDSU community about this important issue," said Amy O'Connor, associate professor of communication who taught the course.

Students continue to work on the project. They are compiling information from the campaign to submit to Oprah Winfrey to be part of her "No Phone Zone Challenge." The challenge, initiated in January 2010, asks drivers to stop using cell phones while driving.
]]> Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=36
Center advisers will help students with questions regarding general education requirements, academic policies and adding or changing majors, and will connect students with advisers within their disciplines.

Student body President Kevin Black and Vice President Shawn Affolter pushed for an advising center. "Shawn and I have always recognized that advising was a serious concern for our students. We proposed an advising center as a solution and talked extensively about this on our campaign," said Black. "The idea is to make sure that the needs of students are covered. We don't want anyone falling through the cracks. The center serves as a starting point for students looking for general advice or connecting with an adviser."

Ed Deckard, professor of plant sciences, who helped organize the center said, "The intention is to improve academic success of students. We in no way want to undermine traditional academic advising, but instead be a quick stop for students with questions and to connect them with their academic advisers."

The center is located in the Gunkelman Room adjacent to the Student Activities Office and the Memorial Union Coffee Shop. Walk-in visits are welcome Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call the Advising Resource Center at 701-231-8662.
]]> Mon, 31 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=35
The students put in between five and 15 hours a week outside of class, work and extra curricular activities during the fall semester to ensure completion for the December 8th deadline. Their solution meets NAHB Green Building Standards Silver Level requirements and has a full set of working drawings, labor and material estimates and a construction schedule.

The seven students include: Trevor Deyo, a second year construction management student from Breckenridge, Minn.; Justin Shannon, a second year architectural drafting student from Grafton, N.D.; Kelsey Fisch, a construction technology, architectural drafting and business and construction management student from Winona, Minn.; Brian Heinz, a second year architectural drafting student from West Fargo, N.D.; Lara Lekang, a second year architectural drafting student from Wahpeton, N.D.; Kate VanHout, a second year architectural drafting student from Alexandria, Minn.; and Casey Johnson, a first year architectural drafting student from Grafton, N.D.

This year 50 teams representing universities, community colleges, high schools and career technical schools across the country participated in the competition. The annual competition gives students a real-life construction management project to solve and then present their solutions to a judging panel of residential construction industry experts. This is the third NDSCS appearance at the national competition.

Information about the competition:
The NAHB Student Chapters Residential Construction Management Competition is one of the highlights at the annual International Builders' Show. The competition gives students the opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom to a real construction company by completing a management project/proposal. Proposals are submitted to a group of construction company executives who act as judges. During the convention students defend their proposals to the judges in front of an audience. Further information regarding this competition can be found at www.nahb.org/rcmc.


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]]> Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ndus.edu/happenings/detail.asp?newsID=34 Friends, colleagues, students and members of the University and Greater Grand Forks community are invited to join in celebrating the career of Dr. Robert Boyd, vice president for student affairs at the University of North Dakota, on Friday, Jan. 28. The event will run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., in the Memorial Union Ballroom, with a program at 2:30 p.m.


Boyd will be leaving his position as the students' vice president and will serve full time as UND's Nickname and Logo Transition Officer. Although he we will continue on as member of the UND family, the celebration commemorates a truly remarkable record of more than 32 years of service to UND as a leader and advocate for higher education and for students. Boyd's commitment to serving students and to their success is well documented through his many achievements, awards and honors


Boyd started his career at UND as the director of extension and professional services. He then became dean of outreach programs, and since 1998 he has been the vice president for student and outreach services (now student affairs). Areas reporting to Boyd included Health and Wellness, Enrollment Management, Student Services, and Outreach Services.



During his time at UND, Boyd has often been the "go-to" leader for UND presidents. In the late 1990s, for example, then President Ken Baker tapped Boyd to run the "virtual" University set up in the immediate aftermath of the Flood of '97. He then asked Boyd to chair the Exigency Task Force on Enrollment to help return UND to its pre-flood headcount. A year later, President Baker turned to Boyd to lead the newly reconstituted Division of Student and Outreach Services. Four UND presidents asked Boyd to lead the recruitment of high-level positions to campus. President Emeritus Charles