Top Online College 2017

1/20/17

Minnesota West Community & Technical College has been named a 2017 Best Online College in America by bestcolleges.com for the third year in a row. Minnesota West is ranked third out of twenty-five accredited schools offering online Associate Degrees nationwide.

Bestcolleges.com states that, “online degree programs have outpaced traditional degree programs in terms of growth in the last decade, and, according to Babson, 70% of academic leaders say that online learning is now a fundamental part of their postsecondary institution’s long-term growth strategy.”

Using data collected from the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES) and the institutions themselves, BestColleges.com included admissions, enrollment, retention, graduation rates, and cost of attendance to rank the top schools accordingly. All institutions included in the ranking are not-for-profit and offer at least three accredited, 100% online degree options.

View entire list of ranked institutions.

Top Online Associate Degree Institutions:

1. Florida Institute of Technology – Online
2. Southern New Hampshire University
3. Minnesota West Community & Technical College
4. Northcentral Technical College
5. University of Alaska Fairbanks
6. Thomas Edison State University
7. Foothill College
8. Excelsior College
9. Pennsylvania State University - World Campus
10. Liberty University
11. Wake Technical Community College
12. Northwest Iowa Community College
13. Bismarck State College
14. Shoreline Community College
15. Western Wyoming Community College
16. Surry Community College
17. Southwest Virginia Community College
18. Hodges University
19. Southwestern Assemblies of God University
20. Tiffin University
21. West Kentucky Community and Technical College
22. Alexandria Technical & Community College
23. Hutchinson Community College
24. Gateway Community and Technical College
25. Allen Community College

Minnesota State Legislative Request

1/19/17
As a part of the Minnesota State system, Minnesota West Community & Technical College receives funding via the legislative request submitted by Minnesota State.

Minnesota State is the fifth largest system of colleges and universities in the nation with 30 state colleges and universities across the state that serve as an essential resource to students, business, and industry.

In addition to requesting its operating budget, Minnesota State is requesting $178 million in new funding for fiscal years 2018 and 2019.

FY2018-FY2019 Legislative Request

• $178 million in new funding over the next biennium
• $143 million to support and protect campuses like Minnesota West Community & Technical College
• $25 million for critical technology replacements impacting Minnesota West Community & Technical College
• $10 million for student incentive grants

View Minnesota State FY2018-FY2019 Budget Request.

View Minnesota State FY2018-FY2019 Legislative Request book.

Impact of the Minnesota State Legislative Request to Minnesota West Community & Technical College

Minnesota West Community & Technical College will receive $2.8 million of the $143 million supporting and protecting campuses, and an estimated 285 students will be supported by the funding for incentive grants

A fully funded request will allow us to

• Expand and revitalize programming in manufacturing, healthcare, and STEM related areas in response to workforce demands.
• Expand career pathways in partnership with local industry and high schools to meet employment needs and fill the skills gap.
• Provide additional education and career support for students from diverse backgrounds, particularly in the Worthington area, the second most diverse community in greater MN.

• Stall investments in new programming to meet the needs of employers in southwest MN.
• Cause continued deterioration in the condition of our facilities.

 Learn more about the impact of the Minnesota State legislative request to Minnesota West Community & Technical College. Refer to page 24.

2017 Minnesota West Community & Technical College Capital Request >Should any portion of the Minnesota State capital request be funded, Minnesota West Community & Technical College is included for:

• $1.632 million in asset preservation (HEAPR)

Extraordinary Reasons to #Fundminnesotastate and Minnesota West Community & Technical College

• Minnesota West Community & Technical College is one of 37 state colleges and universities that are part of the Minnesota State system.
• The colleges and universities that make up Minnesota State are home to 54 campuses, 5 of which belong to Minnesota West Community & Technical College.
• Minnesota State serves 396,000 students annually, and Minnesota West Community & Technical College serves 10,107 of those students.
• Minnesota State serves more students of color, first generation college students, and low-income students, including the 18% of Minnesota West Community & Technical College students who are students of color and the 28% who are Pell eligible.
• Minnesota West Community & Technical College partners with business and industry in an effort to make sure we offer the right programs, in the right places, turning out the right number of graduates who are prepared with the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in the jobs of the future.
• We award approximately 1,000 degrees, diplomas, and certificates annually.
• 83% of our graduates live, work, and contribute to Minnesota.
• President’s Advisory Committee collaborates with business/ workforce leaders to meet workforce demands with technical-based programming.
• We offer accessibility to students through multiple class delivery options such as online, on-campus, and hybrid courses.
• We have strong ties with high schools through the NACEP accreditation program, partnering with 52 high schools and serving nearly 900 students last year for concurrent and dual enrollment courses.
• Service and success in our students is demonstrated by our graduation and persistence rates.

Learn More About the Legislative Session and Its Impact on Minnesota West Community & Technical College

• Follow Minnesota West Community & Technical College on Facebook or Twitter.
• Follow Minnesota State on Twitter.
• Follow any of these Minnesota State legislative session hashtags: #FundMinnesotaState, #54Campuses54Days, or #HEAPRisCHEAPER.
• Visit the Minnesota State Legislative Session information page.

Congratulations Lori Voss!

1/6/17

Freedom Rider to Visit Worthington Campus

1/6/17
Worthington Campus

Fall 2016 Dean's List

12/22/16

Minnesota West Community & Technical College would like to announce the Fall Semester 2016 Dean’s List and to congratulate the following students for their outstanding academic achievement. Students must be enrolled in at least 12 graded credits and earn a minimum 3.5 grade point average to be eligible for Dean’s List Honors.

Fall 2016 Dean’s List Honors were extended to the following students from Minnesota West:

Rieger Nominated for Excellence in Teaching

12/19/2016

The Minnesota State Board of Trustees will honor a faculty member with the Award for Excellence in Teaching. This honor acknowledges and rewards exceptional individual professional accomplishment and encourages ongoing excellence in teaching.

Minnesota West Community & Technical College has recently undergone an extensive process (using input from faculty and students from each campus) to identify candidates to serve as the Minnesota West nominee for the Award for Excellence in Teaching.  Laine Rieger, Child Development Instructor on the Minnesota West, Granite Falls campus has been chosen to represent for the Statewide Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Rieger will now compete with approximately 40 other nominees from fellow Minnesota State institutions from across the state. Nominations were based on criteria such as: innovative classroom delivery and/or programming, cooperation and partnerships within and outside of the college, campus involvement/leadership, and community involvement/leadership.

“Laine is steadfast in her dedication to students and their success.  Her teaching style is captivating, her demeanor nurturing, and her love for education, endless. We are very fortunate to have Laine as a member of our faculty,” comments Rebecca Weber, Dean of Canby and Granite Falls campuses.

Honorable mention to the other Minnesota West Community & Technical College instructors whom were also nominated for the award:
Peter Girard - Diesel Technology Faculty, Canby Campus
Jerry Deuschle - Electrician Faculty, Jackson Campus
Rita Miller - Medical Laboratory Technician Faculty, Pipestone Campus/Luverne Center
Deb Munsterman - Small Business Management Faculty
Eric Parrish - Music/Theatre Faculty, Worthington Campus

Congratulations to all nominees and especially to Laine Rieger as she represents Minnesota West in the Statewide Award for Excellence in Teaching!

Minnesota State Universities Guarantee Admission and Credit Transfer

11/17/16
Minnesota West Community & Technical College is one of 26 colleges within Minnesota State where students are able to complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and earn an A.A. degree and be eligible for guaranteed admission and full credit transfer to any of the seven universities within Minnesota State.

This guarantee saves students money because they can take advantage of the lower tuition rates at Minnesota State colleges for their freshman and sophomore years, then transfer to a Minnesota State university to complete their bachelor’s degree. Tuition and fees at a Minnesota State college are significantly lower – between one-half and one-tenth the cost -- of other higher education options within the state.  

“This guarantee is something that only Minnesota State can offer,” said Anne Blackhurst, president of Minnesota State University Moorhead. “In addition to our overall quality and affordability, it sets our state colleges and universities apart from other higher education options in Minnesota – both public and private. Only we can make this guarantee because we are a collaborative system focused on serving the needs of students and the state of Minnesota.”

While students who complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and earn an Associate of Arts (AA) degree from any of the 26 Minnesota State community colleges are guaranteed admission and full credit transfer to any of the seven Minnesota State universities, this collaboration does not guarantee admittance to specific majors. Academic requirements for major degree programs at state universities vary. For this reason, students considering credit transfer should discuss their academic goals with an advisor at the state university they wish to attend.

Apply now to Minnesota West.

Military Friendly School 2017

11/10/16

Minnesota West Community & Technical College has been designated a 2017 Military Friendly® School by Victory Media. Each year, the list of Military Friendly® Schools is provided to service members and their families, helping them select the best college, university, or trade school to receive the education and training needed to pursue a civilian career.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from Victory Media’s proprietary survey. More than 1,600 schools participated in the 2017 survey; 1,160 were awarded with the designation. Ratings methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Victory Media with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer) and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

For more information about Minnesota West Community & Technical College commitment to attracting and supporting military students, visit www.mnwest.edu or contact Minnesota West Certifying Officer, Barb Staples at barb.staples@mnwest.edu or 507-372-3470.

About Military Friendly® Schools
The Military Friendly ® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources for more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly ® Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weightings were developed by Victory Media with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. Data calculations and tabulations were independently evaluated for completeness and accuracy by EY . The survey is administered for free and is open to all post-secondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at https://militaryfriendly.com.

About Victory Media
Founded in 2001, Victory Media is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs ® , Military Spouse, Vetrepreneur ® , STEM Jobs SM and Military Friendly ® brands. Learn more about Victory Media at www.victorymedia.com.

College to Present Monty Python's Spamalot

11/9/16

Minnesota West is proud to present its fall theater production, Monty Python's Spamalot.

Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, and features a bevy of beautiful show girls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits, and French people. Did we mention the bevy of beautiful show girls?

The 2005 Broadway production won three Tony Awards, including "Best Musical," and received 14 Tony Award nominations.

This show contains adult humor.

Show Dates and Times
Friday, November 18 & Saturday, November 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 20 at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets are available at the door for $10/$5
Minnesota West students – Free admission with Student ID.
Minnesota West Community & Technical College- Worthington
Fine Arts Theater

Monty Python's Spamalot
Book & Lyrics by Eric Idle
Music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle
A new musical lovingly ripped off from the motion picture, Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

From the original screenplay by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin.

Original Broadway Production produced by Boyett Ostar Productions, The Shubert Organization, Arielle Tepper Madover, Stephanie McClelland/Lawrence Horowitz, Elan V McAllister/Allan S. Gordon, Independent Presenters Network, Roy Furman, GRS Associates, Jam Theatricals, TGA Entertainment, and Clear Channel Entertainment.

Minnesota West to Host Law Enforcement Training

10/31/16
Minnesota West's Law Enforcement program will be hosting Law Enforcement Training: Domestic Violence Intervention and Investigation by the National Sheriffs' Association November 30 - December 1, 2016 on the Worthington campus room 202.

The cost to attend the training is 185.00 per student.

Interested individuals should register for the course through Customized Training or by contacting Customized Training directly at 507-223-1334. Refer to course #869 when registering for the class.

A special rate has been set up with Comfort Suites and Conference Center for those attending the course. Registrants can reserve a room online or by calling the hotel and asking for the National Sheriffs' Association group block (507-295-9185).

Description of the Course
This two-day training is open to members of law enforcement, criminal justice, advocacy agencies, and other community organizations involved with domestic violence prevention and awareness.

An expert law enforcement officer will teach the five main components of this training: liability, the dynamics of domestic violence, investigation and interviewing, prosecuting domestic violence cases, and solutions and resource development.

During this training, participants will learn how to:

• Use new interviewing, evidence gathering, and probable cause determination techniques in domestic violence cases.
• Conduct more effective investigations to hold offenders accountable and therefore prevent future abuse.
• Enhance the safety of victims of domestic violence and of responding officers.
• Decrease the risk of lawsuits against law enforcement agencies.
• Apply federal and state laws pertaining to domestic violence.
• Enforce protection orders.
• Describe evidence-based investigation and prosecution.
• Describe the dynamics of domestic violence.
• Identify counseling, shelter, and legal resources for the victim.
• Identify law enforcement's role in a coordinated community response to domestic violence crimes.

Depending on state regulations, individuals who complete this training can receive 14 hours of POST certification.

Veterans Day 2016

10/30/16
Minnesota West Community & Technical College is proud to celebrate Veterans Day 2016.

Campus Events

Canby Campus
Veterans Day Program
Thursday, November 10, 2016
10:00 a.m.
Refreshments served.
Open to the public.

Granite Falls Campus 
Veterans Day Program - Featuring Michelle Gatz
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
12:00 Noon - Cafeteria.
Light lunch will be served.

Jackson Campus
Veterans Lunch hosted by Campus Dean, Dennis Hampel
Veterans please RSVP by Thursday, November 4, 2016 by contacting Connie Beckhius at 507-847-7921.
Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at 12:00 Noon.

Pipestone Campus
Student Senate sponsors Veterans Day meal for all past and current service members.
Thursday, November 8, 2016
12:00 Noon - Cafeteria.

Worthington Campus
Thursday, November 10, 2016 – Veterans Club Fundraiser
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Worthington Commons
Walking taco, dessert, water/soda.
Veterans free.
Non-veterans $4.25.

Friday, November 11, 2016 - Veterans Day
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Worthington Commons
Presentation of the Flag.
Introduction of video presentation .
Coming Back with Wes Moore “Moving Forward.”

Please cut and paste the YouTube link into your browser to view or broadcast the video. 
https://youtu.be/VeItRe5viOA

For the past two years, we have shown two of the three part series of Coming Back with Wes Moore called, “Coming Back” and “Fitting In.”  This third and final video is called “Moving Forward.” 

This is another glimpse into the lives of the Veterans we have met in the other two videos. It also shows that a Veteran’s service may not be done once they come home. In order to move forward and on with their lives, they must find a new purpose. The Veterans, in these videos, find their purpose in serving others.

All Campuses
On Veterans Day, Friday, November 11, 2016,  Minnesota West will be broadcasting the third and final episode of Coming Home with Wes Moore “Moving Forward” at 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the Commons on the Worthington Campus.

The YouTube video will be available so faculty and staff can watch it at his/her convenience and it can also be shown on campus.  The link is https://youtu.be/VeItRe5viOA

Please take the time to attend the Veteran's Day Program on your campuses as we honor our Veterans and current Service Members. If you have any questions, please contact Veterans Coordinator, Barb Staples at 507-372-3470.

Tackling Career Goals One at a Time

10/19/16

Jennifer Takle has an impressive list of credentials and has most recently tackled another goal in passing her CPC - Certified Professional Coder Exam!

In 1994, she graduated from Minnesota West with a Practical Nursing Certificate; in 2015, a Healthcare Management and Supervision AAS; in 2016, a Medical Coding Diploma. And now in 2017, Jennifer will graduate with an A.A.S. Degree in Health Information Technology.

In order to become a Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Jennifer had to pass a rigorous examination. The CPC certification is recognized as the gold standard in Medical Coding. Jennifer's background and experience set her apart from competition in the job market.

Jennifer shared the following on her goals and experience at Minnesota West: "My experience at Minnesota West has been a very positive one. I think I have succeeded as a result of deliberate focus, organization, planning and drive to excel with specific goals in mind. My advisor and my professors have held a key role in helping me accomplish what I wanted to accomplish. My goal was to become a diverse healthcare employee with emphasis on Health Information Technology, and also to have a background in practical nursing, medical coding and healthcare management. Minnesota West has proved to be a valuable foundation for me as I am now pursuing certification in the cancer registry field through AHIMA."

Congratulations on your success, Jennifer! We wish you all the best in your future endeavors as you continue to learn with purpose!

Lanoue Finalist in Faces of Farming & Ranching

10/17/16

Dean of Management Education, Paul Lanoue, was chosen as one of the eight finalists in the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance Contest (USFRA) Next Class of Faces of Farmers & Ranching!

Individuals can vote at the link below for Paul starting today through October 23 to help him be the next face of American agriculture.
 

The direct link for voting for Paul can be found at:  https://www.facebook.com/USFarmersandRanchers/app/610925878965605/
 
Paul’s video is posted on USFRA’s YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dssUI5xX8qQ
 
Paul’s bio can be found at:  http://www.fooddialogues.com/profile/paullanoue

A Tale of Two Bluejays: Friendship and Football

10/15/16

Fifth Grade. That is when Austin Pulse and Andrew Sorensen met for the first time and became friends not too far away, in Brandon, South Dakota. Fast forward a few years to today. Andrew and Austin, still friends and now roommates, both freshman at Minnesota West, both Law Enforcement majors and once again teammates - Bluejays this time.

Photo: Austin Pulse is pictured on the left and Andrew Sorensen is on the right.

Austin Pulse has been aware of Minnesota West for quite a while, both of his parents attended Minnesota West and were student athletes. Austin's father Scott Pulse wrestled under Bluejay Football head coach, Jeff Linder, and was also a graduate of the Minnesota West Law Enforcement program. His Mother, Karli Oye, played volleyball and softball as a Lady Jay. Austin said, “They both encouraged me to look into Minnesota West. So I did and I ended up loving it.” He decided to apply to the Law Enforcement program as his Father and many other family members have worked in law enforcement which has inspired Austin to make the same choice. Austin is an offensive and defensive lineman in the Bluejay football program. His favorite part of being a Bluejay is the way the team has come together and feels like a family as well as all the new people he has met and friends made in the last few months.

Andrew Sorensen learned about Minnesota West through Austin, as well as through his own Father. He was further drawn to Minnesota West by the comprehensive Law Enforcement program. Minnesota West was a great choice for Andrew to prepare him for his future career, as well as to continue playing football. And with an added bonus of being only about 45 minutes from home. Andrew’s draw to the Law Enforcement program comes from his desire to continue to be physically active within his career, but more importantly is his desire to be involved in community and make a difference. Andrew is a middle linebacker with the Bluejays and currently leads the NJCAA in tackles. Andrew was very modest when congratulated on leading the nation in tackles. Like Austin, he enjoys being part of a family here at Minnesota West, not only as part of the Bluejay Football Program, but also within the Law Enforcement Program.

We look forward to seeing many great things from Austin and Andrew to come! We are proud of our student athletes learning with purpose at Minnesota West.

Evening With the Stars

10/7/16

The Minnesota West Foundation invites you to attend their Annual Scholarship Fundraiser, Evening With the Stars.

The Scholarship Fundraiser will be held on November 5, 2016 on the Worthington Campus of Minnesota West Community & Technical College. The fundraising event will be held in the Commons area and begins with a social hour from 5:45 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.

A silent auction, entertainment and special guests will highlight the evening.

Tickets are available by contacting Sharon Balster at 507-372-3473 or via email at sharon.balster@mnwest.edu

Tickets are $25/person; $125 for a Table of Six.

Please make plans to join us for a great evening to benefit all students!

Mandatory Personal Empowerment Course for New Students

08/25/16

The Minnesota Legislature has mandated that all new incoming students must complete sexual harassment training within the first ten days of the semester.

Minnesota West's training program is called Personal Empowerment Through Self-Awareness (PETSA).

This training is listed in your D2L Brightspace account and consists of three modules and a completion quiz.

• The training must be completed by September 2, 2016.

• Students who do not complete the training will have a hold placed on their account for spring semester.

Thank you for your cooperation.

REACH Faculty Meet Area Educators

8/22/16

The REACH program is a collaborative effort between Minnesota West Community & Technical College and area high schools. This partnership offers qualified high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn college credit in their high school setting. These courses are often referred to concurrent enrollment courses.

All REACH program courses are taught by a pre-approved, credentialed high school teacher who partners with a college faculty member. Students who successfully complete a REACH program concurrent enrollment course receive high school credit and Minnesota West college credit.

Minnesota West is proud to offer the REACH Program that provides academically strong high school students the opportunity to earn college credits without leaving their high school. The REACH program is accredited through the National Association of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP).  

On August 18, Minnesota West, along with their partnering high school teachers, spent the day collaborating and sharing ideas, working on NACEP accreditation standards, and provided our high school partners with the opportunity to work within their college discipline and their peer instructors on the Worthington Campus.

It was a wonderful day of teamwork, building relationships, and creating cohesiveness between everyone. We look forward to further developing our partnerships with the area schools and strengthening educational services not only this year, but in the years to come!

Getting Connected Days

8/15/16

Minnesota West is excited to have you on campus!  To start off your college experience, we encourage you to participate in the campus activities and learn more about what is available to you, meet friends and staff, and have fun!

Campus Activities

Canby Campus

Monday, August 22, 2016
8:30 a.m. - Student Welcome in the commons
12:00 - 12:45 p.m. - Ice cream floats with faculty on the patio

Tuesday, August 23, 2016
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Businesses/vendors, prizes every 15 minutes and mixer bingo cards
12:00 - 12:30 p.m. - Lunch in commons/cafeteria, prizes continue every 15 minutes
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Outdoor games, prize drawing every 15 minutes, GRAND PRIZE drawing at 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

12:00 Noon in Computer Lab - Refresh Session
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Student senate snack bar & information table in commons

Thursday, August 25, 2016

10:00 a.m. in Computer Lab - Refresh Session

Granite Falls Campus

Monday, August 22, 2016:
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. by the pergola - Ice cream floats with faculty
12:00 noon in Computer Lab - Student Welcome & Refresh Session

Tuesday, August 23, 2016
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Businesses/vendors, prizes every 15 minutes and mixer bingo cards
12:00 - 12:30 p.m. -  Lunch in commons/cafeteria, prizes continue every 15 minutes
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Outdoor games, prize drawing every 15 minutes, GRAND PRIZE drawing at 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 24, 2016
12:00 noon in Computer Lab - Refresh Session
11:30 a.m.  - 12:30 p.m. - Student senate snack bar & information table in commons

Jackson Campus

Information coming soon...

Luverne Center
Monday, August 22, 2016

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Ice cream social in the student services lobby/commons

Tuesday, August 23. 2016
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. -  ReBorn Home Furnishings chalk paint project and demonstration
12:00 - 12:30 p.m. - Lunch at the city park
12:30 p.m. - 1:45 -  Walking tour of downtown Luverne
1:45 - Meet back at the Center (Room 208) for drawings and prizes

Thursday August 25, 2016
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Create-a-cookie day in the student services lobby/commons

Pipestone Campus

Monday, August 22, 2016

• Free coffee & donuts (morning)

• Free ice cream treats (noon)

• Refresher: D2L, Smarthinking, eServices, etc.

Tuesday, August 23, 2016
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Canvas painting
12:30 p.m. -  Free pizza
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. -  Bingo/door prizes

Thursday August 25, 2016
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Create-a-cookie day in the student services lobby/commons

Worthington Campus

Tuesday, August 23, 2016
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

• Free Lunch

• Local clubs, organizations, and business displays

• Bookstore 25% off sale

• Walk-in advising and career counseling

• Financial Aid/Work Study Q&A table

• Intramural sports sign-up table

• LARC activity

College Offering Free Transportation

8/12/16

Minnesota West will offer free transportation for students between the Worthington and Jackson Campus locations starting fall semester 2016.

There will be one round trip available in the morning and one round trip available in the afternoon, Monday - Thursday. The route will pick-up at the Worthington campus at 7:15 a.m. and drop off at Jackson campus at 8:00 a.m. and return to the Worthington campus.

The afternoon route will pick-up at Worthington campus at 2:25 p.m. and drop off at the Jackson campus at 3:00 p.m. and return to Worthington.

For more information about the free student shuttle, or to reserve your spot, please contact Tammy Neyens at 507-372-3402 or tammy.neyens@mnwest.edu.

Fiene to Receive ACCT Award

Minnesota West mathematics instructor, Shannon Fiene, has been selected to receive the 2016 ACCT Central Region Faculty Award. The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) is a non-profit educational organization of governing boards, representing more than 6,500 elected and appointed trustees who govern over 1,200 community, technical, and junior colleges in the United States and beyond. The ACCT recognizes exemplary members in each if it’s five regions in the categories of Trustee Leadership, Equity, Chief Executive Officer, Faculty Member, and Professional Board Staff Member.

Dr. Terry Gaalswyk, Minnesota West President, stated, “Shannon’s motto of “Tear down the wall” communicates a deep understanding and sincere appreciation for the complexities of being a true teacher. Shannon has answered a call to a vocation of service. She strives to awaken curiosity and to advantage the abilities of those seeking; and she pursues personal growth through reflection and culling that which inhibits her own understanding.” 

As the 2016 ACCT Central Region Faculty Award recipient, Fiene will be recognized at the 2016 ACCT Annual Leadership Congress in New Orleans in October, along with the recipients from other regions and categories.

Summer Semester 2016 Dean's List

8/11/16

Minnesota West Community & Technical College would like to announce the Summer Semester 2016 Dean’s List and to congratulate the following students for their outstanding academic achievement. Students must be enrolled in at least 12 graded credits and earn a minimum 3.5 grade point average to be eligible for Dean’s List Honors. Summer 2016 Dean’s List Honors were extended to the following students from Minnesota West Community & Technical College:

Inter-campus Shuttle

Minnesota West offers shuttle transportation between the Worthington and Jackson campuses and the Worthington campus and the Luverne Center during the academic year. This is a free service offered to current registered students and has space limitations.  If seat capacity on the shuttle is full, you will be placed on a wait list and contacted when an opening occurs.

We are asking students who are currently enrolled for 2023 fall semester to submit their information for the 2023-2024 shuttle services (see form below). We will contact you as soon as we have a set schedule and further directions.

The Shuttle will run Monday-Thursday during fall and spring semesters based on need.

Work Study van driver positions are available.
If you are interested in getting paid to be the driver of the van. Please reach out to Trisha Heidebrink: trisha.heidebrink@mnwest.edu | 507-372-3473

Morning and Afternoon route times will be emailed out to students a week before classes begin.

Questions?
Jackson Shuttle-Contact Trisha Heidebrink at trisha.heidebrink@mnwest.edu
Luverne Shuttle-Contact jill.arp@mnwest.edu

Sign up for shuttle is required:

Signup for Inter-campus Shuttle

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Street Address:(*)	Street Address
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Sexual Violence - Resources

The following campus community resources are available:

Canby

Hendricks Community Hospital & Clinic
507-275-3134

Lincoln County Attorney
507-247-5515

Lincoln County Court Administrator
507-532-9661

Lincoln County Court Administrator
507-694-1355

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department
507-694-1664

Lyon County Attorney
507-537-6755

Lyon County Court Administrator
507-537-6734

Lyon County Sheriff’s Department
507-537-7000

Murray County Medical Center
507-836-6111

Sanford Canby Medical Center
507-223-7221 or 800-535-1615

Sanford Tracy Medical Center
507-629-3200 or 800-515-6544

Granite Falls

Granite Falls Municipal Hospital & Manor
320-564-3111

Redwood Area Hospital
507-637-4500
ER Nurse: 507-637-4999

Redwood County Attorney
507-637-4010

Redwood County Court Administrator
507-637-4020

Redwood County Human Services
507-637-4050

Redwood County Public Health Services
507-637-4041

Yellow Medicine County Attorney
507-637-4036

Yellow Medicine County Attorney 
320-564-5832

Yellow Medicine County Court Administrator
320-564-3325

Yellow Medicine County Family Services
320-564-2211
    Canby Satellite Office
    507-223-5078

Yellow Medicine County Sheriff’s Department
320-564-2130

Jackson

Jackson County Attorney
507-847-2850

Jackson County Court Administrator
507-847-4400

Sacred Hearth Mercy Health Care Center - Jackson
507-847-3571

Sanford Jackson Medical Center
507-847-2200

Southwest Crisis Center – Jackson
507-800-1260

Southwestern Mental Health - Jackson
507- 847-2423

Pipestone/Luverne

Murray County Attorney
507-836-6194

Murray County Court Administrator
507-836-6148

Murray County Medical Center
507-836-6111

Murray County Sheriff’s Department
507-836-6168

Pipestone County Medical Center
507-825-5700

Pipestone County Police Department
507-825-6700

Rock County Law Enforcement Center
507-283-5000

Sanford Luverne Medical Center
507-283-2321

Sanford Tracy Medical Center
507-629-3200 or 800-515-6544

Southwestern Mental Health Center - Avera Luverne

Southwestern Mental Health Center - Pipestone
507-825-5888

Southwest Crisis Center – Pipestone/Luverne
Pipestone: 507-825-5688; Luverne: 507-283-9917

Tyler Healthcare Center Avera
507-247-5521

Worthington

Minnesota Department of Health
507-537-7151

Project Turnabout Addiction Recovery Center 
507-532-3008 or 800-862-1453

Southwest Crisis Center – Worthington
507-376-4311

Worthington Police Department
507-295-5400

College Wide

Minnesota State Bar Association Lawyer Referral
800-882-6722 or 612-333-1183

Safe Avenues
800-792-4210 or 320-235-0962
    Safe Avenues Outreach Satellite Office
    800-792-4210 or 320-523-1015

Southwest Health and Human Services
507-537-6747 or 800-657-3760

Southwest Health and Human Services
507-694-1452 or 800-657-3781

Southwest Health and Human Services - Public Health
507-694-1270

Southwest Health and Health Services – Public Health
507-537-6713

Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Inc. (SMRLS)
507-372-7368
Current clients only: 800-233-0023
New clients call: 888-575-2954 or 507-377-7401

Western Community Action
507-537-1416 or 800-658-2448

Western Mental Health Center
Business Line: 507-694-1658
Crisis Line: 800-658-2429

Western Mental Health Center
Business Line: 532-3236 or 532-3607
Crisis Line: 800-658-2429

Western MN Legal Services
320-235-9600 or Toll Free 888-360-3666

AGCO Scholarships Awarded

7/20/16

Minnesota West would like to congratulate five students receiving AGCO scholarships.  Pictured (left to right) are Alfredo Barajas, Daniel Magana, Jesus Soto, Ricardo Soto, and Noe Verdin. The scholarships will provide tuition assistance for the students to the Welding and Mechatronics programs. In addition, AGCO will also sponsor internship opportunities for each of the students.  

AGCO is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural solutions.

Interested in a career in Welding or Mechatronics? 
Check out our program information:
Welding: http://www.mnwest.edu/index.php/programs/list/welding-certificate
Mechatronics: http://www.mnwest.edu/index.php/programs/list/mechatronics-diploma

If you have any questions please contact Minnesota West at 800-658-2330.

Alliss Grant Funds Available

07/17/16

Alliss Grant funds are available for Minnesota West students! The best part? It is easy to apply!

Download the application below to review eligibility criteria and student information you will be asked to provide.

• You will need to meet with your college advisor to complete your application.

• Once completed, return your Alliss Grant application to your campus Resource Specialist.  

Alliss Grant applications are due August 1, 2016 for Fall Semester 2016.

The Alliss Two-Year Opportunity Grant is available to students with financial need who are attending Minnesota State Colleges, and who are enrolled in A.A., A.S., A.A.S., A.F.A., diplomas, certificates and MnTC courses designed to transfer to baccalaureate programs.

If you have any questions about the Alliss Educational Grant or the application process, please email them to financialaid@mnwest.edu.

Download the Alliss Educational Foundation Grant Application from our Financial Aid Forms page.

Also see other types of grants that are available at Minnesota West.

Sexual Violence

Mandatory Sexual Violence Prevention Course for New Students
The Minnesota Legislature has mandated that new Minnesota college students are required to complete the mandatory training on sexual violence at the beginning of their first semester of enrollment (this includes PSEO students). This training is called Sexual Violence Prevention Training. This important training is in your D2L/Brightspace Account and consists of three modules and a completion quiz. Students who do not complete the training within the first 10 days of the start of the semester will have a registration hold placed on their account.

Campus Eye: Sexual Violence Reporting
     - Web Form Reporting

Resources
    - Community Resources 
    - Confidential Campus Contacts 
    - Minnesota Sexual Assault Data Report 

Sexual Violence Policy Statement

Sexual violence is an intolerable intrusion into the most personal and private rights of an individual, and is prohibited at Minnesota State colleges and universities.

Minnesota State colleges and universities is committed to eliminating sexual violence in all forms and will take appropriate remedial action against any individual found responsible for acts in violation of this policy.

Acts of sexual violence may also constitute violations of criminal or civil law, or other Board Policies that may require separate proceedings. To further its commitment against sexual violence, Minnesota State colleges and universities provides reporting options, an investigative and disciplinary process, and prevention training or other related services as appropriate. 

Reporting

Please use this confidential Web Reporting Form to notify the College of sexual violence acts.

Reporting Incidents of Sexual Violence
Complainants of sexual violence may report incidents at any time, but are strongly encouraged to make reports promptly in order to best preserve evidence for a potential legal or disciplinary proceeding. Complainants are strongly encouraged to report incidents of sexual violence to law enforcement for the location where the incident occurred. Complainants are also encouraged to counseling and health care providers for appropriate action.

Definitions

Consent - Consent is informed, freely given and mutually understood. If coercion, intimidation, threats, and/or physical force are used, there is no consent. If the complainant is mentally or physically incapacitated or impaired so that the complainant cannot understand the fact, nature, or extent of the sexual situation, there is no consent; this includes conditions due to alcohol or drug consumption, or being asleep or unconscious. Silence does not necessarily constitute consent, and past consent of sexual activities does not imply ongoing future consent. Whether the respondent has taken advantage of a position of influence over the complainant may be a factor in determining consent.

Dating and relationship violence - Dating and relationship violence includes physical harm or abuse, and threats of physical harm or abuse, arising out of a personal intimate relationship. This violence also may be called domestic abuse or spousal/partner abuse and may be subject to criminal prosecution under Minnesota state law.

Employee - "Employee" means any individual employed by Minnesota State colleges and universities, its colleges and universities and system office, including student workers.

Non-forcible sex acts - Non-forcible acts include unlawful sexual acts where consent is not relevant, such as sexual contact with an individual under the statutory age of consent, as defined by Minnesota law, or between persons who are related to each other within degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.

Sexual assault - "Sexual assault" means an actual, attempted, or threatened sexual act with another person without that a person's consent. Sexual assault is often a criminal act that can be prosecuted under Minnesota law, as well as form the basis for discipline under Minnesota State Colleges and Universities student conduct codes and employee disciplinary standards. Sexual assault includes but is not limited to:

1. Involvement without consent in any sexual act in which there is force, expressed or implied, or use of duress or deception upon the victim. Forced sexual intercourse is included in this definition, as are the acts commonly referred to as "date rape" or "acquaintance rape." This definition also includes the coercing, forcing, or attempting to coerce or force sexual intercourse or a sexual act on another.

2. Involvement in any sexual act when the victim is unable to give consent.

3. Intentional and unwelcome touching, or coercing, forcing, or attempting to coerce or force another to touch a person's intimate parts (defined as primary genital area, groin, inner thigh, buttocks, or breast).

4. Offensive sexual behavior that is directed at another such as indecent exposure or voyeurism.

Sexual violence - Sexual violence includes a continuum of conduct that includes sexual assault, non-forcible sex acts, dating and relationship violence, stalking, as well as aiding acts of sexual violence.

Stalking - Stalking is conduct directed at a specific person that is unwanted, unwelcome, or unreciprocated and that would cause a reasonable person to fear for her or his safety or the safety of others or to suffer substantial emotional distress.

Student - The term "student" includes all persons who are enrolled in one or more courses, either credit or non-credit, through a college or university; withdraw, transfer or graduate, after an alleged violation of the student conduct code; are not officially enrolled for a particular term but who have a continuing relationship with the college or university; or have been notified of their acceptance for admission or have initiated the process of application for admission or financial aid; or are not college or university employees and are not enrolled in the institution but live in a college or university residence hall.

System property - "System property" means the facilities and land owned, leased, or under the primary control of Minnesota State colleges and universities, its Board of Trustees, system office, colleges and universities.

Related Documents

www.mnwest.edu/index.php/policies/1b3

Resources

Campus Community Resources and Legal Services

Title IX Coordinator
For Staff:
Katie Meyer, VP of Human Resources
katie.meyer@mnwest.edu
507-372-3408

For Students:
Abdullahi Farah Abdigaani, Dean of Equity, Inclusion, and Student Development
abdullahi.farahabdigaani@mnwest.edu
507-372-3423

Confidential Campus Contacts

 

EMERGENCY – CALL 911

Minnesota West Offers Soccer

6/21/16

Minnesota West will be offering club soccer for the fall 2016 athletic season. John Gossom will coach the women’s team and Kris Babler will coach the men’s team.

Gossom has experience while in the Czech Republic building athletic teams. He holds a U.S. Soccer coaching license and played soccer in the past. He has also helped with the Dakota Alliance Soccer Club in Sioux Falls. Gossom works in the LARC on the Worthington campus, teaches adjunct courses for the college, and leads classes at the YMCA.

Babler was most recently hired at Minnesota West to coach men’s basketball and will also be coaching soccer; he has over 10 years’ experience coaching at the high school and college level. He has started a boys' basketball and boys' track program at the high school level. Previously, he was the head men’s basketball coach & instructor at Rainy River Community College and is returning home from a deployment with the U.S. Army Reserves.

For more information on participating, call 800-658-2330.

In Memory: Nursing Program Gift

6/16/16

Lori Beck, Minnesota West 1990 Nursing graduate, class president, and honors graduate, believed in compassionate care, in giving back, and in helping others.

Which is exactly what her husband, Brian, is doing in her memory. Lori recently passed away after a battle with cancer; and as Lori wished, he made a special stop at Minnesota West.

Lori loved her experience at Minnesota West.  She also knew the struggles of being a nursing student and how the little things helped.

Lori had over 120 pieces of nursing attire, numerous shoes, sphygmomanometers, and stethoscopes that she wanted donated to the Minnesota West Nursing program to help students as they start their careers.

Lori had most recently been in nursing in White Bear Lake. She is remembered for her passion in nursing and care for her patients.

Students that have a need or want for the articles will have the opportunity to donate to a fund for a nursing scholarship in Lori’s memory.

Awarded $5.5 Million Xcel Energy Grant

6/8/16
 
The Minnesota Energy Center, a collaboration of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities campuses, was awarded a $5.5 million grant from the Xcel Energy Renewable Development Fund. The grant will fund leading edge research that will ensure the growth, development, and delivery of renewable electric energy technologies throughout Minnesota.

“For renewable electric energy to continue its impressive growth in Minnesota, our state needs a talented workforce that is proficient with innovative technologies,” said Steven Rosenstone, chancellor of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. “The projects funded by this grant will provide opportunities for our students to conduct state-of-the-art research that will deliver economic benefits for Xcel Energy customers and create a better environment for all Minnesotans.”

One of eight Centers of Excellence, the Minnesota Energy Center was established by Minnesota State Colleges and Universities in 2012 to develop partnerships with business and industry that ensure alignment with the current and future workforce needs of the state’s energy industries. 

“Investing in innovative technology that leads to future wind, solar and other renewable energy projects benefits our customers and builds a better Minnesota,” said Chris Clark, president of Xcel Energy Minnesota. “Xcel Energy’s Renewable Development Fund creates jobs, improves the environment, and increases renewable energy use in Minnesota.”
 
Minnesota West Community and Technical College and St. Cloud Technical and Community College are the co-campus leads in the Energy Center.  Minnesota West Community and Technical College will serve as the fiscal agent for the grant. University faculty from St. Cloud State University and Minnesota State University, Mankato will serve as principal investigators in the program.

“The opportunity to expand research projects at our colleges and universities to explore and develop renewable electric energy products and increase generation capacity in our state is incredible,” stated Bruce Peterson, director of the Minnesota Energy Center.  “The conversations we are engaging in to prepare for this opportunity are rich as we explore how we can expand our educational opportunities for current and future students across the state of Minnesota.”

The Center will select and oversee up to 14 quality research and development projects at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities related to renewable electrical energy technology. Projects will be chosen based on their ability to improve and stimulate the use of renewable electric energy technologies throughout Minnesota. 

Rosenstone said, “The projects enabled by this grant will demonstrate the applied research strength of our state colleges and universities in ways that affect all regions of the state and leverage pathways that bring technology to industry for the benefit all Minnesotans. They will exemplify how collaboration among our colleges and universities delivers outstanding results that would otherwise be impossible.” 

Additional information:
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Centers of Excellence
Xcel Energy Grant Process
 

Peace Officer: State Vehicle Use Agreement and Consent Form

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
System Procedures
Chapter 5 – Administration
Consent Form associated with Guideline 5.19.3.1  

Vehicle Use Agreement and Consent to Obtain Driving Record(s)
Effective September 1, 2009 
The information you are being asked to provide on this page will be used by Minnesota State Colleges and Universities to determine your eligibility to drive state-owned or leased vehicles for system activities.

This information will be submitted to the state Department of Motor Vehicles for each state where you have held a driver’s license in the past five years. The driving record(s) obtained will be reviewed by the state Risk Management Division of the Department of Administration, which will rate the acceptability of your driving record. This rating will be maintained by the applicable system Human Resources Office and available to other system personnel including, but not limited to, your supervisor, who has a need to verify your eligibility to drive a state-owned or leased vehicle.

This consent form will be used to annually verify your driving eligibility unless you rescind your consent in accordance with the applicable campus or office procedure. You are not required by law to provide this information, but if you do not do so you will not be eligible to drive a state-owned or leased vehicle. If your job responsibilities require that you drive a state-owned or leased vehicle and you do not wish to complete this form, please discuss it with your supervisor. Your ability to drive a personal vehicle for system activities is not affected by your completion of this page. If you have any questions about this form or policy, please discuss them with your supervisor.

The submission and review process may take 7 to 10 working days. Effective 9/1/09, an employee’s driving record must be acceptable before reserving a state-owned or leased vehicle.

Complete and submit the following only if you authorize Minnesota State colleges and universities to obtain your Driver’s License Records to be eligible to drive a State owned or leased vehicle:

*indicates required



Minnesota West Peace Officer Program
Supervisor:  Ronald Schwint
507-372-3405
ronald.schwint@mnwest.edu

Manufacturing & Trades - Minnesota Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (MNAMP)

Minnesota Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (MNAMP) was created to help close the "skills gap" in Minnesota by implementing a structure for advanced manufacturing education that emphasizes a standardized core curriculum, along with employer-driven apprenticeships and cooperative education opportunities.

MNAMP is a Minnesota State colleges and universities consortium of 12 colleges and two Centers of Excellence, which include South Central College (lead institution), Century College, Dakota County Technical Colleg, Lake Superior College, Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Minnesota West Community & Technical College, Normandale Community College, Northland Community & Technical College, Ridgewater College, Riverland Community College, Saint Paul College, 360° Manufacturing and Applied Engineering ATE Regional Center of Excellence (led by Bemidji State University), and  Minnesota Center for Engineering & Manufacturing Excellence (led by Minnesota State University, Mankato).

To align training and fill jobs across the state, MNAMP established the Learn, Work, Earn program, which targets TAA-eligible workers, veterans and other adult learners seeking training to secure and/or maintain employment. In September the U.S. Department of Labor announced that South Central College would receive a $15 million Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) grant to fund Learn, Work, Earn. The project focuses on providing career pathways in advanced manufacturing in the fields of mechatronics, machining and welding. Participants will be able to earn stackable, portable industry-recognized credentials while simultaneously working in the industry. Participants will be able to enter academic programs at multiple points based on assessment results that match individual skills.

Key components of system change will include:

1. Incorporating a Core Curriculum in all three programs which aligns with the Certified Production Technician (CPT) through MSSC.

2. Providing Employer-driven apprenticeships and cooperative education opportunities

3. Establishing an assessment system to award credit for prior learning which aligns with national industry standards and credentials.

4. Enhancing the image of manufacturing and raise awareness of available high wage jobs.
   
   

Pathways

Minnesota West Eligible Programs

Mechatronics 
Welding, Certificate

 
For more information on Learn, Work, Earn, visit the MNAMP website or contact:

James Wee, Manufacturing & Trades Coordinator
507-537-7532
james.wee@mnwest.edu

Precision Machining and Mechatronics to be Offered in Fall

5/26/16

Minnesota West will now offer Precision Machining and Mechatronics beginning fall semester 2016.

Precision Machining is a 35-credit, one-year diploma program, which will train students and provide them with the skill set they need to confidently pursue a career as a machinist in the manufacturing field. Machinists are skilled craftspeople who use blueprints, precision measuring instruments and gauges, hand tools, and a variety of manual and CNC (computer numerical control) machines. They create precision and intricate parts for medical, computer, aerospace, automotive, shipping/transportation, petroleum and recreational industries.

The Mechatronics program will have two pathways for students: a 63-credit diploma program or a 72-credit Associate of Applied Science degree. Mechatronics integrates mechanical, electronics, fluid power, and computer control systems to create automated manufacturing production systems. This program prepares students to technical positions in the areas of robotics, industrial manufacturing and maintenance, fluid power, instrumentation, electronics and process control automation.

These programs and their learning outcomes have been developed in partnership with leading area employers and industries, along with support and funding from the Learn Work Earn project established by the Minnesota Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (MnAMP.)

Rebecca Weber, Canby and Granite Falls Campus Dean stated, “Both the Mechatronics and Precision Machining programs bring forward the input and expertise of the industry to the classroom and labs. Industry collaboration has been key in retooling the curriculum to better prepare students for the workforce.”

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For more information about the Mechatronics or the Precision Machining program, please visit www.mnwest.edu, call 800-658-2330 or email info@mnwest.edu.

Spring 2016 Dean's List

5/20/16
Each semester Minnesota West recognizes our students' outstanding academic achievement through the Dean's List. Students must be enrolled in at least 12 graded credits and earn a minimum 3.5 grade point average to be eligible for Dean’s List honors. Spring 2016 Dean’s List honors were extended to the following students:

Dental Assistant Program Accreditation Visit

5/20/16
Canby Campus

On September 8-9, 2016, the Minnesota West Dental Assistant Program will be hosting representatives from the Commission on Dental Accreditation, American Dental Association, for an on campus site visit as part of the seven year cycle of accreditation.

The Commission provides an opportunity for third party comment with respect to the programs scheduled for review. Comments must be signed, and signatures will be removed from comments prior to forwarding them to the program. Comments must pertain only to the standards for the particular program or policies and procedures used in the Commission’s accreditation process. Third party comments are due in the Commission’s office no later than 60 days prior to the site visit, which would be July 8, 2016.

A copy of the appropriate accreditation standards and/or the Commission’s policy on third-party comments may be obtained by contacting the Commission

The mailing address and other contact information:
Commission on Dental Accreditation
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611
800-621-8099 extension 4653.

Fluid Power Grad Returns with Daughter

5/19/16

Michael Pate, a 1997 Minnesota West Fluid Power graduate, comes back to tour the Granite Falls campus with his daughter. Rachel Pate wants to follow in her Dad’s footsteps.  She is a high school junior making plans for after graduation. Michael, a native of Texas, was attracted to the Fluid Power program on the Granite Falls campus as a high school student.  He worked in a hydraulics shop and enjoyed it. His Dad started looking around for schooling and found out there was a good school in Minnesota - Minnesota West Community & Technical College.

Michael is now the president, owner, and founder of DNP Americas in Alvin, Texas. The company is a manufacturer of hydraulic quick couplings and hydraulic valves. “A lot of the components that go into the systems that we learned about in this school,” notes Michael.

When asked how Minnesota West prepared him for what he is doing today, the immediate response from Michael was, “Priceless. When I came here, I didn't know what a cylinder was. I didn't know what a pump was.  All I knew was a little bit about hydraulic hose and fittings. The things that they taught me here, every year, it's something new. I still use my training for what I did last week and what I did the first week out of school. I went straight to Nigeria, Africa after graduating and got a lot of experience. I was a little scared but the education kicked in. If it weren't for it, I wouldn't be where I am today.”

“My wife and I talk about this all the time. My father and I talk about this all the time. This program, in two years, will give you the necessary tools to work in the field and make the money that you need. You can pretty much work anywhere in the United States that you choose. It's one thing that you do not have to go to any place that you don't want to be at. You will find work as a hydraulic technician, a hydraulic salesman, a hydraulic manufacturer, “ comments Michael.

“My child, Rachel, is obviously a girl; and we were a little bit hesitant because this is dominated by ninety eight percent men, but I take disadvantages and turn them into advantages. I think a female on the sales force, if she knows just as much as a male, could be more deadlier in sales than a man can be. I highly recommend females coming out to fluid power school and getting the training and the knowledge.”

The Minnesota West Fluid Power program most recently has combined with Industrial Technology, meeting industry demand and changes. The program is now offered as Mechatronics.

BPA Participates in National Leadership Conference

5/12/16
Granite Falls Campus

Top students from Minnesota West's Granite Falls campus attended the Business Professionals of America 2016 National Leadership Conference, “This is our Time,” in Boston, Massachusetts May 5-9, 2106.

Granite Falls campus chapter members, Kristin Quist, Jeshua Thao, Mark McClain, Maddie Jensen, Preston Meyer, and Markus Quist along with advisor Pam Jensen,  joined over 5,000 other conference delegates from across the country to participate in national-level business skills competitions, workshops, general sessions, and the national officer candidate campaigns and elections.

“The conference is the culmination of a school year’s worth of business workforce education and training which members of the Granite Falls chapter of Business Professionals of America have received,” said chapter advisor, Leslie Bauman. The Network Design Team of Kristin Quist, Jeshua Thao, Mark McClain, and Markus Quist finished in 2nd Place. Maddie Jensen and Mark McClain earned their National Ambassador Award. Maddie Jensen placed 8th in Merit Scholar. Mark McClain received his Certiport certification in PC Servicing and Troubleshooting. Preston Meyer and Jeshua Thao received their Certiport certification in Computer Security. Jeshua Thao also placed 7th in PC Servicing and Troubleshooting and 10th in Computer Security.

Business Professionals of America is a national organization for high school, college and middle school students preparing for careers in business and information technology occupations. The organization’s activities and programs compliment classroom instruction by giving students practical experience through application of the skills learned at college. Business Professionals of America acts as a cohesive agent in the nationwide networking of education and business and industry, and is contributing to the preparation of a world-class workforce through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic, and technological skills.

Scholarship Recipients 2016-2017

5/9/16

The following Minnesota West students have been awarded scholarships for the 2016-2017 academic year. The Minnesota West Foundation has awarded over $65,000 in scholarships to new and current students for the upcoming academic year.

Babler Hired as Men's Basketball Coach

5/6/16
Worthington Campus

Kris Babler is new head men’s Bluejay Basketball Coach.  Most recently on the court, Babler was head coach for the 2014-15 season at Rainy River Community College, leading a 17-win season which was a 14-win improvement. Babler also increased team GPA a full letter grade and 3 of 12 of his players went to Division I or II programs. 

Prior to that Babler was head basketball coach at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, building the school’s first JV team and having a record number of participants in the program. Babler’s has 10+ years experience on the basketball court at the high school and college level.

Most recently, Babler has served as an Army Captain for the United States Army overseas.

Coach Babler has a B.A in English Literature & Coaching Minor from Gustavus Adolphus College and a Masters of Education in Applied Kinesiology from the University of Minnesota. 

“Thank you to President Gaalswyk and Provost Williamson on the opportunity. I’m very excited about the upcoming season and building on the already-strong athletic traditions at Minnesota West,” comments Babler.

College Awarded NACEP Accreditation

5/2/16
The National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) granted national accreditation to concurrent enrollment programs offered by 15 colleges and universities, including Minnesota West Community & Technical College to be accredited by NACEP. Accreditation is awarded to concurrent enrollment programs that provide college credit-bearing courses to high school students taught by college-approved high school teachers. As the only national set of quality standards applicable to concurrent enrollment partnerships, NACEP’s standards serve as the model criteria for ensuring that the course content and expectations for student work in concurrent enrollment match those on the campus of the sponsoring college or university.

Concurrent enrollment programs at the following MnSCU colleges earned initial accreditation:  Minnesota West Community & Technical College and Minnesota State Community & Technical College.

“By taking advantage of opportunities such as concurrent enrollment, Minnesota students are accessing college earlier, and families are saving thousands of dollars,” said Steven Rosenstone, chancellor of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. “Accreditation by NACEP further demonstrates that the programs offered by our colleges and universities adhere to the highest standards and provide a seamless transition to college.”

Minnesota West Community & Technical College President, Dr. Terry Gaalswyk notes, “NACEP accreditation demonstrates Minnesota West’s concurrent enrollment and PSEO programs adhere to the highest academic standards. The college’s commitment to provide the highest quality, most accessible, affordable options for post-secondary education assures students of Southwestern Minnesota are advantaged when matriculating from high school to college.  We are pleased to share this news and look forward to expanding our high school partnerships in support of our talented high school students.”

Dr. Kayla Westra, Dean of Distance Learning & Technology at Minnesota West, comments, “NACEP provides us with a strong, evidence-based set of standards to ensure that our concurrent enrollment program with high schools is offering quality education to students in our area high schools.  We appreciated NACEP’s review of our policies, practices, and guidelines, as we have continued to evolve our REACH program since its inception in 1989.  Our concurrent enrollment program, REACH, aligns with Minnesota West’s mission of access to quality education, and we are proud to have earned this accreditation and look forward to serving our region’s students in the years ahead.” 

To earn accreditation from NACEP, concurrent enrollment programs conduct a self-study, document how their programs adhere to NACEP’s seventeen standards, and undergo a rigorous peer-review process conducted by a team of representatives from NACEP‐accredited programs as well as the NACEP Accreditation Commission. The Commission's commitment to public disclosure includes a complete Record of Decisions reached at its spring meeting that ended April 13.

“Policymakers are increasingly looking towards dual and concurrent enrollment as a fundamental way to improve a student’s chance for college success while reducing the cost of college to families,” noted NACEP Executive Director Adam Lowe. “If students are to fully realize the benefits of concurrent enrollment, institutions must devote adequate resources and develop effective systems to oversee the academic quality of these courses - which these fifteen programs have demonstrated by implementing our national standards of program excellence.”

NACEP’s standards were developed and refined over many years, serve as a model for quality standards in seventeen states and three disciplinary professional organizations, and are implemented by a wide range of higher education institutions.

NACEP-accredited programs recently elected Bretton DeLaria of St. Louis University to join the NACEP Accreditation Commission as a Four-year Postsecondary Institutional Representative and Katie Bucci of Broom Community College (NY) as a Two-Year Postsecondary Institutional Representative. NACEP also announces the appointment of Victoria Zeppelin of Tompkins Cortland Community College (NY) as the Chair of the Commission, a role held since the Commission's establishment in 2013 by Jaclyn Dumond of University of Southern Indiana. Deanna Jessup of Indiana University fills the new Vice Chair of the Commission, the position previously held by Ms. Zeppelin.

The full listing of 98 programs nationwide currently accredited by NACEP can be found at: http://nacep.org/docs/accreditation/NACEPAccreditedPrograms.pdf.

About the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (www.nacep.org):
NACEP works to ensure that college courses offered in high schools are as rigorous as courses offered on the sponsoring college campus. As the sole national accrediting body for concurrent enrollment partnerships, NACEP helps these programs adhere to the highest standards so students experience a seamless transition to college and teachers benefit from meaningful, ongoing professional development. To advance the field and support our national network of 375 colleges and universities, 45 high schools and school districts, and 23 state agency and system office partners, we actively share the latest knowledge about best practices, research, and advocacy. Our annual conference in Louisville, Kentucky on October 16-18, 2016, will once again be the premier destination for college officials, high school leaders, policymakers, and researchers interested in creating an effective academic bridge between high school and college.

Peace Officer: Minimum Selection Standards

Minnesota Rules, Chapter 6700.0300, subp. 5(D), requires all students be advised in writing of the minimum selection standards to become a licensed peace officer in Minnesota. Students are advised of these standards in order to help them make informed decisions about participation in the professional peace officer education program.

6700.0700 Minimum Selection Standards
Subpart 1. Selection standards. A person eligible to be licensed shall meet the following minimum selection standards before being appointed to the position of peace officer. The appointing authority may affirm that the applicant has already completed certain of these standards, but the affirmation must be documented pursuant to subpart 2.

1. The applicant shall be a citizen of the United States.

2. The applicant shall possess a valid Minnesota driver's license; or in case of residency therein, a valid driver's license from another state; or eligibility to obtain either license.

3. The applicant shall complete a comprehensive written application.

4. The applicant shall submit to a thorough background search, including searches by local, state, and federal agencies, to disclose the existence of any criminal record or conduct which would adversely affect the performance by the applicant of peace officer duties.

5. The applicant must not be required to register as a predatory offender under Minnesota Statutes, section 243.166 or 243.167.

6. No applicant may be appointed to the position of a peace officer who has been convicted:(1) of a felony in this state or in any other state or federal jurisdiction;(2) of any offense in any other state or federal jurisdiction which would have been a felony if committed in Minnesota;(3) under Minnesota Statutes, section 609.224, 609.2242, 609.231, 609.2325, 609.233, 609.2335,609.234, 609.324, 609.465, 609.466, 609.52, or 609.72; or convicted under any state or federal narcotics or controlled substance law irrespective of any proceeding under Minnesota Statutes, section152.18, or any similar law of another state or federal law; or(4) of any of the crimes listed in this item in another state or federal jurisdiction, or under a local ordinance that would be a conviction if committed in Minnesota.

7. The applicant shall be fingerprinted for the purpose of disclosure of any felony convictions. Fingerprint cards shall be forwarded to the appropriate divisions of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The chief Peace Officer shall immediately notify the board if a previous felony conviction is discovered.

8. A licensed physician or surgeon shall make a thorough medical examination of the applicant to determine that the applicant is free from any physical condition which might adversely affect the performance of peace officer duties.

9. An evaluation, including an oral interview, shall be made by a licensed psychologist to determine that the applicant is free from any emotional or mental condition which might adversely affect the performance of peace officer duties.

10. The applicant shall pass a job-related examination of the applicant's physical strength and agility to demonstrate the possession of physical skills necessary to the accomplishment of the duties and functions of a peace officer.

11. The applicant shall successfully complete an oral examination conducted by or for the agency to demonstrate the possession of communication skills necessary to the accomplishment of the duties and functions of a peace officer.

Subp. 2. Documentation. The chief peace officer shall maintain the documentation necessary to show the completion of subpart 1. The chief peace officer is not required to obtain documentation for subpart 1, item J, if the applicant completed part 6700.0500, subpart 3. The documentation is subject to periodic review by the board, and shall be made available to the board at its request.

Subp. 3. [Repealed, 18 SR 1961]

Subp. 4. More rigid standards. An appointing authority may require an applicant to meet more rigid standards than those prescribed in this part.

Additional Information:
The following points address issues frequently asked about by individuals interested in PPOE admission.

• If an individual has been convicted of a felony in Minnesota or any other state or federal jurisdiction the individual is barred from becoming a peace officer in Minnesota. Even if the individual has had a felony conviction expunged or continued for dismissal, the individual is still barred from peace officer licensure according to Minnesota Rule 6700.0100, Subp.9a.

• If an individual has been convicted of any of the following Minnesota Statutes, the individual is barred from becoming a peace officer in Minnesota. Even if the individual has had the conviction expunged or continued for dismissal the individual is still barred from peace officer licensure according to Minnesota Rule 6700.0100, Subp.9a.
    - 609.224 ASSAULT IN THE FIFTH DEGREE,
    - 609.2242 DOMESTIC ASSAULT,
    - 609.231 MISTREATMENT OF RESIDENTS OR PATIENTS,
    - 609.2325 CRIMINAL ABUSE,
    - 609.233 CRIMINAL NEGLECT,
    - 609.2335 FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION OF A VULNERABLE ADULT,
    - 609.234 FAILURE TO REPORT (MALTREATMENT OF VULNERABLE ADULTS),
    - 609.324 OTHER PROSTITUTION CRIMES; PATRONS, PROSTITUTES, AND INDIVIDUALS HOUSING INDIVIDUALS ENGAGED IN PROSTITUTION; PENALTIES,
    - 609.465 PRESENTING FALSE CLAIMS TO PUBLIC OFFICER OR BODY,
    - 609.466 MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FRAUD,
    - 609.52 THEFT,
    - 609.72, DISORDERLY CONDUCT, subdivision 3 Caregiver; penalty for disorderly conduct

• If an individual has been convicted under any narcotics or controlled substance law the individual is barred from becoming a peace officer in Minnesota. This includes possession of a small amount of marijuana or possession of drug paraphernalia, even if the conviction was a petty misdemeanor.

• A juvenile record does not bar an individual from becoming a peace officer in Minnesota unless the individual is required to register as a predatory offender; then, the individual is barred until no longer required to register.

MLT Lab Conference

5/1/16
Luverne Center

Three second-year MLT students attended the Clinical Laboratory Collaborative conference April 25-27, 2016 in Brooklyn Center.

They attended workshop sessions in the areas of: hematology, microbiology/virology, body fluids, bloodbanking, leadership,
and soft skills.  

Pictured from left to right are: Rita Miller, Program Director, Heather Magyar, Ana Zarate, and Tes Hallo.

PTK All-Minnesota USA Academic Team

4/29/16

Minnesota West students were recognized and named to the 2016 PTK All-Minnesota USA Academic Team. TreyLynn Bannister, Sarah Vogl, and Megan Westrum were three of the 45 students named to the All-Minnesota Academic Team.

Pictured left to right:
Megan Westrum, TreyLynn Bannister Sarah Vogl

Bannister is a student at the Jackson Campus from Jackson, MN, who is an active member of BPA in which she has participated in several state and national competitions and earned two Microsoft Certifications and the Statesman Torch Award. She has also been involved with numerous other activities include Phi Theta Kappa, the Runway fashion show, Breaking Traditions, homecoming festivities and assisting with new student orientations.

Vogl is a student at the Granite Falls Campus, from Marshall, MN, pursuing a degree in child development. While attending Minnesota West Vogl has been active in the Child Development Club and Student senate, and works as an infant teacher at the on-campus daycare four days a week. Following graduation Vogl plans to attend Southwest Minnesota State University to pursue her education degree. 

Westrum is a student at the Worthington Campus from Steen, MN. Westrum is an active member of Phi Theta Kappa and was a member of the 2014-2015 Lady Jay Basketball team. After Minnesota West, Westrum plans to pursue a degree at Southwest Minnesota State University majoring in Business Finance and Management and would like to continue her education in pursuit of a Masters of Finance degree from Arizona State University.

The All-Minnesota USA Academic team was introduced 21 years ago to honor and recognize two-year college students for their leadership, academic achievement, and community and college service. In 1994, state academic teams were introduced as a way to provide scholarships and scholastic recognition to Phi Theta Kappa members while promoting excellence at two-year colleges. The state academic teams are a division of the Academic All-American Team for Community, Technical, and Junior College Students, an international program sponsored annually by Phi Theta Kappa, USA Today, and the American Association of Community Colleges.

Minnesota’s public community and technical colleges are proud to be a part of a tradition that showcases the high achievements of students who are committed to success in the classroom and service to their communities. By recognizing these students, Minnesota demonstrates a commitment to scholarship and community service as essential objectives in the state’s public community and technical colleges.

Culture Corner Presents Where is Home?

4/29/16
Worthington Campus

The Culture Corner which is a partnership with Minnesota West and the Nobles County Integration Collaborative will present Where is Home? on Tuesday, May 3, 2016  from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Culture Corner Room 501 on the Worthington Campus.

“Where is Home? is a dramatic presentation of excerpts from letters written by a German immigrant to America in the late 1800s telling his story of struggles and successes. His experience has similarities and contrast to immigrant experiences today. Discussing the parallels can yield greater understanding. Jim Krapf portrays the character of JurnJakob Swehn with the assistance two other actors taking several roles. The nine episodes in the 30 minute presentation reveal the “mensch” (the internal character) of Jurnjakob in relationship with the old country, his family, work, failures and achievements, people in need, and his sense of home.”

A certificate of attendance will be provided for two clock hours. This event is open to the public. For more information contact Le Lucht at 507-372-3426 or Jaidy Kolander at 507-376-3300.

Medical Coding Program Earned Approval

4/28/16

Minnesota West's Medical Coding program is approved by the AHIMA Foundation’s Professional Certificate Approval Program. This designation acknowledges the coding program as having been evaluated by a peer review process against a national minimum set of standards for entry-level coding professionals. This process allows academic institutions, healthcare organizations, and private companies to be acknowledged as offering an approved coding certificate program.

Genevieve Velde, Minnesota West Medical Occupations instructor and advisor, comments, “I am proud to have been a part of the team that worked towards bringing the Medical Coding Specialist program to the national standards set by AHIMA. This process has solidified the high program standards that we have followed throughout each course.”

Terri Petersen, Minnesota West Medical Coding instructor comments, "I am excited that Minnesota West Community and Technical College has an accredited medical coding program to offer current and future students. It is a sign that Minnesota West ascribes to, believes in-and has met-an external set of basic criteria for its medical coding program. It indicates that threshold standards are adhered to in a way that provides a base of academic strength, operational integrity and quality education in medical coding. It will open doors for our students to become certified coders and have more opportunities for employment and for furthering their education."

Dr. Terry Gaalswyk, Minnesota West Community & Technical College President, also notes, “Approval of a Program is a hallmark of quality, our faculty’s dedication in assuring our Medical Coding Program meets these standards is evidence of our continue commitment to providing the highest quality, most affordable educational pathways for our students and industry partners”

Medical Coding Specialists work closely with other health care professionals in coding diagnosis and procedures on patient medical records, analyzing medical records for completeness of documentation, working with insurance companies, and reimbursement procedures.

For more information visit the Medical Coding program or 800-658-2330.

The AHIMA Foundation’s Professional Certification Approval Program designation:

1. Identifies specialized programs that meet established coding educational standards.
2. Stimulates improvement of educational standards through faculty development opportunities, and by involving faculty and staff in program evaluation and planning.
3. Promotes a better understanding of the goals of professional coding education.
4. Provides reasonable assurance that practitioners possess the necessary job skills upon entry into the profession.

Commencement 2016

4/27/16

Minnesota West Community & Technical College will recognize graduates at Commencement Ceremonies on each of the campuses:

• Jackson Campus - Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at the Jackson County Central Performing Arts Center.

• Pipestone Campus & Luverne Center - Thursday, May 5, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at the Pipestone High School Gymnasium.

• Worthington Campus - Friday, May 6, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at the Minnesota West Center for Health and Wellness.

• Canby Campus - Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at the Canby High School Gymnasium.

• Granite Falls Campus - Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at the Yellow Medicine East High School Gymnasium.

View Commencement 2016 Program.

Watch the Worthington Graduation Ceremony live.  (Note:  Our apologies, the sound was muted until 45:21.)

Minnesota West is pleased to announce the following students as 2016 Candidates for Graduation following the 2015-2016 academic year.