Constitution Day is an important day honoring the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787, a pivotal moment in American history that established the foundation of our nation's government and the freedoms we enjoy today.
Why We Celebrate Constitution Day
Constitution Day provides an opportunity to learn about the Constitution’s role in shaping the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens and its continuing relevance in modern society.
We honor this important tradition through engaging events that explore both the creation of the Constitution and the founding principles of our nation. These events provide a chance to deepen your understanding of the Constitution, its impact on modern society, and your role as a citizen in upholding its values.
Event Highlights
We’re proud to offer a variety of events and activities to engage students, faculty, and staff, including:
- Constitution word search and quiz
- Participants will be added to a drawing to win a prize!
- “Did you Know” signs posted on campus
Join us in celebrating Constitution Day by participating in the college's activities, learning more about the foundational documents that continue to shape our lives, and reflecting on their lasting significance.
Campus Events
Stop at student services for details about the activities
Granite Falls - Word Find Puzzle – complete and receive a treat and name goes in for a Bluejay Nest certificate. Constitution Facts Posters around campus
Pipestone - Constitution Crossword Puzzle – completers go in a drawing to win a sweatshirt. Crossword goes September 9-16th. Drawing on the 17th. Constitution Facts table in the main hallway.
Worthington - Word Find Puzzle – completers get a treat.
Canby - Word Search from 9-17-9-19. Students names go in for a Blue Jay Nest prize. Constitution information posted in Commons, Student Services, and LARC.
Jackson - Constitution Word Find and Quiz Sheet – return and get a treat. Names in for a Bluejay Nest gift.
About Constitution Day
The Constitution of the United States—just four pages long—created a new government more than 200 years ago, yet continues to shape the lives of every American profoundly. On Constitution Day, observed annually on September 17, the United States pauses to commemorate the drafting of this remarkable document. Join us in reflecting on the Constitution’s historical significance and enduring impact on our nation today.
Creating a New Nation
The Constitution marked a turning point in American history, establishing a government for a fledgling nation. Though it provided a strong framework, one document could not address every issue. In response, the Bill of Rights was written, ensuring citizens a foundation of protected liberties under the new government. These first ten amendments set forth critical expectations, guaranteeing individual freedoms such as free speech, the right to a fair trial, and protection from unreasonable search and seizure.
As the nation has grown and evolved, so has the Constitution. New amendments have been introduced, reflecting the country’s changing values and responsibilities over time. Like a child maturing into adulthood, the Constitution has adapted to help guide the nation’s progress, ensuring that the ideals of justice and liberty continue to thrive.
Additional Resources
The Declaration of Independence
The Legislative Branch
The Judicial Branch
Connect with the MN Government
Student Calendar
2024-2025 Academic Year
Fall Semester 2024
Monday |
August 5 |
Financial Commitment Date |
Mon - Fri |
August 19-23 |
Administrative Days, Faculty Report |
Monday |
August 26 |
Fall Semester Begins |
Friday |
August 30 |
Last Day to Add Classes Without the Instructor's Permission |
Friday |
August 30 |
Last Day to Drop Classes With Refund |
Friday |
August 30 |
Process Begins for Canceling Class Registrations Due to Non-payment |
Monday |
September 2 |
Labor Day Holiday, College closed |
Tuesday |
September 10 |
Financial Aid Overage Disbursement Begins |
Monday |
September 30 |
Balance of Tuition & Fees Due; Late Fee Will Be Assessed |
Thurs - Fri |
October 17-18 |
EM Break, No Classes |
Monday |
October 21 |
Spring Registration Begins - Current Students |
Monday |
October 21 |
Spring Registration Begins - New Entering Students |
Friday |
November 1 |
60 + 1 day for courses that meet all semester |
Friday |
November 1 |
Spring Registration Begins - PSEO Students |
Friday |
November 1 |
Spring Registration Begins - Non-degree Seeking Students |
Tuesday |
November 26 |
Last Day to Withdraw from Course That Meets All Semester |
Weds - Fri |
November 27-29 |
Thanksgiving Day Holiday, College Closed |
Mon - Thurs |
December 16-19 |
Final Exam Days (see Exam Schedule) |
Friday |
December 20 |
Administrative Day, No Classes |
Winter Term 2024-25
|
December 30 - January 9 |
Winter Term Classes in Session |
Spring Semester 2025
Wednesday |
December 18 |
Financial Commitment Date |
Friday |
January 10 |
Administrative Day, No Classes |
Monday |
January 13 |
Spring Semester Begins |
Friday |
January 17 |
Last Day to Add Classes Without the Instructor's Permission |
Friday |
January 17 |
Last Day to Drop Classes with Refund |
Friday |
January 17 |
Process Begins for Canceling Class Registrations Due to Non-payment |
Monday |
January 20 |
Martin Luther King Day Holiday, College Closed |
Tuesday |
January 28 |
Financial Aid Overage Disbursement Begins |
Monday |
February 10 |
Summer & Maymester Registration Begins - Returning, new entering, and non-degree students Fall Semester Registration begins for returning students and new students |
Monday |
February 10 |
Balance of Tuition & Fees Due; Late Fee Will Be Assessed |
Monday |
February 17 |
President's Day Holiday, College Closed |
Saturday |
March 1 |
Fall Registration Begins - PSEO students and non-degree students |
Mon - Fri |
March 10 - 14 |
Spring Break, No Classes |
Monday |
March 31 |
60 + 1 day for courses that meet all semester |
Friday |
April 18 |
Easter Break, No Classes |
Monday |
April 21 |
Last Day to Withdraw from Course That Meets All Semester |
Thurs - Wed |
May 8, 12 - 14 |
Final Exam Days (see Exam Schedule) |
Friday & Thursday |
May 9 & 15 |
Administrative Day, No Classes |
Maymester Term 2025
|
May 19 - June 6 |
Maymester Term Classes in Session |
Summer Sessions 2025
Monday |
June 9 |
Summer Session I Begins |
Friday |
June 13 |
Last Day to Drop/Add Classes |
Friday |
June 13 |
Process Begins for Canceling Class Registrations Due to Non-payment |
Thursday |
June 19 |
Juneteenth National Independence Day Holiday College Closed |
Tuesday |
June 24 |
Maymester & SS I Financial Aid Overage Disbursement Begins |
Thursday |
July 3 |
End of Summer Session I |
Friday |
July 4 |
Independence Day Holiday, College Closed |
Monday |
July 7 |
Summer Session II Begins |
Friday |
July 11 |
Last Day to Drop Classes With a Refund |
Monday |
July 21 |
SS II Financial Aid Overage Disbursement Begins |
Wednesday |
July 30 |
End of Summer Session II |
Scholarships
Bluejay $2,000 PSEO/REACH Scholarship
If you are a high-school student enrolled at Minnesota West in our Postsecondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) or REACH program, and plan to attend Minnesota West in the Fall of 2025, you will earn $2,000 automatically!
All PSEO/REACH program students must re-apply as a New Student seeking admission. Steps to follow here >
After you graduate, we ask that you request an official copy of your transcript from your high school to the admissions staff or email it to admissions@mnwest.edu.
The Bluejay PSEO/REACH Scholarship award is to support high school seniors graduating in May/June 2025, who have earned 9 (nine) or more college credits in our PSEO and/or REACH (Concurrent Enrollment) programs and continue their education to complete an AA, AS, AAS degree, diploma or certificate program from Minnesota West.
The $2,000 Bluejay PSEO Student Scholarship will be awarded to any Minnesota West PSEO or REACH student who completes the following criteria:
- Graduate from high school in May/June 2025 with nine (9) or more Minnesota West college credits earning a “C” or better
- Enroll in 9+ credits in fall 2025 and 9+ credits in spring 2026
- Earn a 2.0 cumulative GPA or better each term at Minnesota West
- Complete the Bluejay PSEO/REACH Scholarship Application below by August 1, 2025
Applicants will receive $1,000 each term (Fall 2025 and Spring 2026) if eligibility criteria are met.
Application for Bluejay $2,000 PSEO/REACH Scholarship