As I plowed through the fog last Thursday morning on my way to a 7:30 am meeting in Grand Forks, I reminded myself that some of those things that we sometimes think of as “boring” can be blessings in other circumstances: flat and straight roads and little traffic. I know I prefer the fog over the drifts and ice that we fought all winter last year.
I have a couple of really upbeat things to bring to your attention this week:
- Architectural Tech Students Designing a House
- TRF Open House Success
Architectural Tech Students Designing a House
About a year ago, Vice President Kent Hanson announced the reorganization of academic programs at both of Northland’s Campuses. One outcome of that reorganization was the development of a “Building Trades Center of Excellence.” The Architectural Technology program was moved to East Grand Forks where it could be co-located with all of the college’s other building trades programs: Carpentry, Construction Electricity, Plumbing, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning).
Already, exciting things are happening. The Architectural Technology program is in newly-remodeled facilities designed by the two instructors, Rod Lahren and Kim Phillips. The program has full enrollment with students on the waiting list. And, students have taken on exciting, applicable projects.
Second year students have each developed floor plans for a house to be built by the students in the other building trades programs. For several years, FORX Builders Association has provided up-front resources for the students in the college’s building trades programs to build a house, and do the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work on it under the supervision of their licensed instructors. This has been a superb learning experience – really hands-on!
Last Thursday, the Architectural Technology students formally presented their plans to a leadership group from FORX Builders. The plans will be considered and one of the plans will be selected for the college-built house next year.
I really want to commend the leadership of instructors Kim Phillips and Rod Lahren and the instructors of the other building trades programs. Their quick response to the co-location in a “Center of Excellence” and their willingness to collaborate to provide excellent learning experiences for our students is an awesome example of best practices in training students for the workforce.
TRF Open House Success
There was a great deal of excitement on the Thief River Falls Campus last Wednesday. A well-planned open house brought nearly 250 regional high school students from nearly a dozen schools to the campus. Students were able to meet with instructors, participate in orientation sessions, attend classes or labs with college students, and talk with student services professionals in admissions, registration, and financial aid. The bookstore had specials for students to consider. And both the college choir and the Northern Jazz performed.
We were disappointed that more community members did not take advantage of the evening open house. But, there are so many activities scheduled for Wednesday evenings that another day might work out better in the future.
I am so excited at the response from the high schools and their principal, counselors, and superintendents. It is important that our regional students are aware of the many great opportunities available to them at Northland. Whether aiming toward a baccalaureate degree or a career and technical pathway, Northland is a good choice. My thanks go out to the faculty and staff who rearranged their schedules and gave the extra effort to be available throughout the day and to provide great information to the students. In particular, I want to acknowledge the awesome organizational talents of Norma Konschak, Dean of Academic Affairs, and Gene Klinke, Director of Enrollment Management.
Upcoming College Events
Wed. Feb 8:
7 pm – Mixed Blood Theater presents “Daughters of Africa,” TRF Theater
6 pm – Women’s Basketball at Rainy River Community College
8 pm – Men’s Basketball at Rainy River Community College
Thurs. Feb. 9:
Noon – Mixed Blood Theater presents “Daughters of Africa,” EGF Rm 129
Sat. Feb. 11:
3 pm – Women’s Basketball vs. Mesabi Range Community College, TRF Gym
5 pm – Men’s Basketball vs. Mesabi Range Community College, TRF Gym
Tues. Feb. 14:
9 pm – Valentine’s Day Dance, TRF Commons
Wed. Feb 15:
9:-45 am – 3 pm – Regional Spelling Bee (NW Service Coop) TRF Theater
6 pm – Women’s Basketball vs. Fond du Lac Community College, TRF Gym
8 pm – Men’s Basketball vs. Fond du Lac Community College, TRF Gym
Schedule
My schedule for this week:
Mon., Feb. 6 – MnSCU Leadership Council Meetings, St. Paul
Tues., Feb. 7 – MnSCU Leadership Council Meetings, St. Paul
Wed., Feb. 8 – TRF – various meetings
Thurs., Feb. 9 – TRF – Shared Governance Council
Fri., Feb.10 – Brainerd – Trends & Highlights meeting – MnSCU Finance and Administration
Have a wonderful week.
