Campus Life 2023

2023 T E G LIFE CAMPUS

Welcome

THE EMPLOYEES of Flint Hills Technical College welcome you to campus and Emporia.

If you are not a student at Flint Hills Technical College, please reach out and tour the College. We are proud of how we contribute to our region’s needs, whether that is in developing the workforce, accommodating transfer needs, engaging with community through events and activities, or serving as a community partner. We look forward to what this year brings – see a few highlights below.

60TH YEAR DIAMOND JUBILEE: 1963-1965 – 2023-2025

FHTC was approved in 1963, and we started offering courses in 1965. If you have a family member who was part of those classes and attended our programs in that era, please have them reach out to us. We will celebrate this milestone over the next few years, and we want to celebrate our community members who began their careers upon completing a program with the College. In addition, this fall we will host and celebrate prior College presidents by way of a facility naming ceremony. The next two years will be significant for the College as we commemorate our past while planning for our future.

COMMITMENT TO STUDENT SUCCESS: 97% Job Placement Rates

Our 2023 placement report reflects placement rates for 2021-2022 graduates of the programs. That report shows a 97% placement rate for students with an average starting salary of $43,923.Our highest average starting salaries, with ranges from $51,000-$72,000, are in Business Technology, Practical Nursing, Power Plant Technology, and Dental Hygiene. We are proud to support students as they accomplish their goals for employment in their professional fields. This placement is a way FHTC fulfills its mission of preparing a community of learners for professional and civic responsibilities that meet the needs of our region and employers.

COMMITMENT TO STUDENT SUCCESS: Employees

Flint Hills Technical College employs industry-trained and high-quality faculty who lead their academic and technical programs. As well, our professional staff members ensure pathways are in place to support your investment in your education. We commit to an accessible learning environment with relevant technology,

clean and tended facilities and grounds, and effective and responsive academic support. We take a holistic, campus-wide approach to support your success.

NEW PROGRAMMING AND PROGRAM EXPANSIONS: Relevant and Responsive

The newest program the College offers is Early Childhood Education, and the first cohort is enrolled this fall. We have expanded our welding programming at our South Campus to accommodate more students in Year 1, and an outdoor learning classroom will provide water wall welding and trench welding experiences for Year 2 students. A new mobile welder can support industry needs throughout the region. As well, the Industrial Engineering Technology (IET) Program will undergo facility renovations to support an increase in IET enrollment. FHTC takes our responsibility in developing a regional workforce seriously; these examples show our organization’s commitment to meet the needs of Kansas employers.

I am very proud of our educational programming and related technical knowledge and expertise. Please join us and see the technology at work. It’ll change your perspective on technical education and open your eyes to a new world. Journey to campus and we’ll show you. The door is open! #WeAreWranglers!

See you soon!

Dr. Caron Daugherty Flint Hills Technical College President

Caron Daugherty

Dawn of a New Year

THE COUNTDOWN to a thrilling new year at Emporia State University kicks off in early August when the campus comes alive with a vibrant buzz as our first wave of students move into our residence halls.

Among these first arrivals are studentathletes, gearing up for an explosive fall sports season with the powerhouse trio of football, soccer and volleyball. Not to be outdone, the ESU Marching Hornets arrive on the scene following the beat of their own exciting rhythm. And let’s not forget the trailblazing first-year students in our BRIDGE program who are embarking on their individual journeys.

As all of our students settle into their classrooms, they will find a myriad of ways to fill their leisure time. The Welcome Back Block Party organized by Emporia Main Street kicks off the first week of classes, and the first weekends of the semester begin Aug. 25 with special events in the Friday Nights series.

Then it’s time to find school spirit and fun with friends when the Hornet football season opens with a special Thursday night game against the Lincoln University Ti-

gers — 7 p.m. Aug. 31 in Welch Stadium. August on our campus is always a month filled with excitement and anticipation, and 2023 is no exception. Please join us in welcoming our many Hornets to Emporia!

Ken Hush

EMPORIA STATE UNIVERSITY FACULTY, STAFF DIVES

HEADFIRST INTO NEW SCHOOL YEAR WITH FALL KICK OFF

By Shayla GauldinG shayla@emporia.com

Emporia State leadership put their confidence in the university’s new organizational structure at Thursday morning’s fall semester Kick Off.

ESU President Ken Hush repeated his “students, students, students” mantra, highlighting the welcome back initiatives for students coming back to campus and unprecedented funding the university has seen in the past two years.

“Emporia State University, in addition to the general funding that the state gives us as a university and as they give the other five regent universities and some others, in addition to that, we have received more financial support in our entire ESU history in 18 months,” Hush said.

Hush cited last year’s $5 million in state funds allocated for the new nursing and student wellness building; $2 million from the Kansas Board of Regents to help tear down the former Central Morse Hall to make room for the nursing facility and a $1 million gift from the city, county and ESU Foundation. This year, he added, ESU has seen a $1.5 million grant for cyber security from the federal government; a $3 million contribution for student-focused initiatives from the ESU Foundation; $9 million for the new ESU model; $5 million from the Jones Trust for the nursing and student wellness building; $5 million for the nursing and student wellness building from the Sutherland Foundation and $400,000 from the City of Emporia for Welch Stadium.

In addition to physical improvements to and the construction of new buildings and facilities, the funding will aid the university as it works to implement the new model created under its recent realignment.

With the restructuring came a new way of dividing programs, including the creation of new schools, shifting of which programs were under the same umbrella and the creation of a new institute.

Under the new model, all schools are led by a dean. The selection of interim deans was completed by Provost Brent Thomas — selections he said he made with 100% confidence that the deans will be able to lead the university through the transition year as individual schools figure out what they want out of their deans.

At Thursday’s event, Thomas equated

transitioning and learning new roles and responsibilities in the new school year to his recent theatrical debut, starring as Pawnee Bill in Weact’s summer production of “Annie Get Your Gun.”

“In the very early rehearsals, there is a lot of uncertainty. At times, there is a little bit of stress. Everyone has received a script, but that script does not provide all the answers. It doesn’t provide solutions to all of the challenges,” Thomas explained. “The ensemble group is going to face a lot and they have to work together and take care of a tremendous number of details in the lead-up to pulling off a successful show.”

“As I reflected on my experience, I began to see many parallels between the work that we have done at this university in terms of our recent reorganization efforts,” he added. “We have a script, we have a cast, we are learning our roles, we are determining a lot of logistical and mechanical issues that are going to have to be necessary to have a functioning academic unit and a functioning show.”

School of Applied Health Sciences

Acting Dean Ed Bashaw said the school is anxiously awaiting the completion of its

nursing school, planned for fall of 2025. Additionally, the John “Doc” Baxter Athletic Training and Human Performance Lab will open back up to students in the spring semester.

School of Business & Technology

Bashaw, who also serves as Dean of the School of Business & Technology, highlighted the school’s new cybersecurity center, which will open up in the spring semester.

“Not only is the School of Business & Technology going to be known for that one day, I believe that our university, when people say cybersecurity in the state of Kansas, that is the thing they are going to associate with our school,” Bashaw said.

School of Humanities & Social Sciences

Dean Amy Sage Webb-Baza said the School of Humanities & Social Sciences has consolidated and relocated to the third and fourth floors of Plumb Hall and the first and second floors of Roosevelt Hall. This year, Webb-Baza said she is excited to see

amenities for both students and the public, including the film studio, podcast studio and print and online publishing studio.

School of Library and Information Management

Dean Wooseob Jeong said he was excited to announce that the Instructional Design and Technology program is officially part of SLIM, and will return to in-person classes on campus next spring. The new offerings, he said, should boost both in-person and international student enrollment.

School of Science & Mathematics

Dean Tim Burnett said he is excited about many opportunities within the school this year, including implementing a state-funded program to increase science and math teachers across the state by making college more affordable. Additionally, he said, this year is the first season for ESU’s prairie restoration and habitat improvement project at the Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center.

SHAYLA GAULDING/GAZETTE

From PAGE 4

School of Visual & Performing Arts

Dean James Ehlers promoted the school’s upcoming role as the presenting venue for the Oct. 6 First Friday Art Walk, which will highlight a teacher’s exhibition, musical performances and glass blowing. On Oct. 7, he added, the scholarship fundraiser music gala will feature classical guitarist Berta Rojas and Oct. 26 will be the debut of the university’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors.”

The Teachers College

Dean Sara Schwerdtfeger said the overarching goal this year is to recruit and retain more future teachers. The school has received over $300,000 in grants from KBOR for the FAST grant, which incentivises students to complete the teaching program quickly and join the workforce. In the summer, the school hosts the Kansas Future Teacher Academy.

“This has grown from a few summers

ago having about 30 high school students on campus for a week in the summer to this last summer, we had over 150 high school students attending for a couple of weeks in the summer,” Schwerdtfeger said.

Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies

Assistant Dean Nyk Robertson said the institute has moved into the basement of

Plumb Hall. This year, the institute is focused on working with the Registrar and KBOR to create an Associate’s Degree in General Studies.

“Our hope with this degree is that some of our students come to campus and they think that they are getting a four-year degree and something happens in their life and they can’t stay,” Robertson said. “We really want our students to leave with some type of credential to have that time here at ESU be

worth something.”

Robertson said the hope is to have the degree available by the end of the fall semester.

Honor’s College

Dean Gary Wyatt said the Honors College is gearing up for an exciting year, as it moves to make the leadership training program and micro-credentials available to all students on campus.

Classes will begin at ESU on Aug. 21.

SHAYLA GAULDING/GAZETTE

HOW TO PAY FOR COLLEGE

College has become the traditional next step for many of today’s students despite its high price tag. According to information from Education Data Initiative, the average cost of college in the United States is now $35,551 per student per year, including books, supplies, and daily living expenses. However, many schools cost much more annually.

Colleges in Canada are not free to attend, but they are considerably less expensive than American schools, particularly because some are subsidized by provincial governments. International students will pay more for Canadian colleges and universities than domestic students.

Families facing the prospect of college on the horizon would undoubtedly like to do all they can to make college more affordable. There are many different ways to pay for college tuition. The following are some of the paths students and their families can take.

Savings and investment accounts

Some guardians feel that it is their responsibility to pay for college, while others say that it is up to the students to handle some, if not all, of the costs. Most people cannot afford to pay college tuition bills each semester as they would a utility bill or mortgage. That makes it essential for families to begin saving for college very early on.

People can put funds in bank accounts or tax-advantaged investment opportunities, and Education Savings Accounts, such as Coverdell accounts and 529 Plans. It’s important to note that investment accounts have a higher percentage of risk than low-interest savings accounts, particularly because they are tied to investments. However, such accounts boast the potential for greater growth. Families must weigh the pros and cons accordingly.

Financial aid

One of the first steps prospective college students in the United States who need help paying for college should do is fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form will help the government, as well as individual schools, determine financial need and aid eligibility. The FAFSA will ask for personal and family income information as well as tax records to determine eligibility. It also will establish an Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which will be renamed a Student Aid Index (SAI) for a given school year. It is a formula that the Department of Education uses to crunch family financial data and determine eligibility for financial aid, says Lending Tree. Those with lower EFCs/SAIs generally receive more financial aid. There are ways to lower EFCs if families start well before the college application process.

Grants and scholarships

Some schools offer grant money or scholarships to students based on academic performance, alumni ties or other factors, which does not have to be paid back. Students also can pursue private scholarships and grants through outside organizations, such as parents’ employers.

Loans

After all financial aid, personal savings, investments, and scholarships/grants have been exhausted, student or parental loans may be needed to round out the cost of attendance. If possible, students should opt to, at the least, make interest payments on student loans while in school. In the U.S., lenders require students to take out a Federal Direct Loan prior to applying for private loans. It’s essential to shop interest rates and payback rules for each loan to secure the best deal.

College tuition is expensive, but students and their families have various options to plan for and potentially mitigate those costs.

Essay-writing tips for students

Students face a number of challenges during their academic careers. Those challenges are unique to each student, as some excel in certain subjects that their classmates find difficult, and vice versa.

At some point in their academic careers, students will be asked to write an essay. University applications typically feature student essay portions, but essays are even incorporated into elementary school curricula. Indeed, students of all ages are periodically asked to write essays, which underscores how useful some basic essay-writing tips can be.

✦ Identify the assignment. Essays run the gamut from personal essays to papers on historical figures to precis on particular texts. Before students can write an effective, engrossing essay, they must first identify what’s being asked of them. Does the instructor want students to argue a point? Is the idea to examine a meaningful personal experience? Is the essay similar to a book report? Once the ball gets rolling and writing begins, it’s easy to lose track of the assignment. But an effective essay must follow the guidelines set forth in the assignment. Students can routinely read the assignment provided by the instructor so they stay the course.

✦ Identify the point of the essay. Once students gain a firm grasp of what the instructor is looking for, they can then identify what their point of view or argument will be. This can require some research and should conclude with a thesis statement that will determine the rest of the essay.

✦ Write an outline. Outlines can help frame the essay and keep writers on track. An outline also serves as a time for writers to determine what to keep and what to omit from an essay. Longer essays typically require ample research, and it’s unlikely that all of that research will make it into the final essay. Writing an outline provides a chance to narrow the scope of the essay and cut it down, which should prove useful when sitting down to begin writing the composition.

✦ Engage readers early. An engaging question or assertion at the beginning of an essay will entice readers

to want to continue reading. The question should be one writers can answer while an assertion should be supported throughout the rest of the essay. But some engaging prose in the opening paragraphs can draw readers in and set the stage for a well-written essay.

✦ Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence. Topic sentences are similar to outlines because they establish the structure of a paragraph. Each new paragraph should include its own topic sentence. If a new topic needs to be addressed, then do so in a new paragraph. Paragraphs should flow into each other, but writers should avoid introducing more than one topic in a single paragraph.

✦ Write a strong conclusion. The thesis statement will help to define the introductory paragraph, and it also can be utilized to establish the conclusion. Revisit the thesis in the conclusion and show how the points made throughout the body of the essay support that thesis. Conclude the essay with a statement that highlights the significance of the point the essay attempted to make.

Students of all ages write essays. Some basic writing tips can help students master those assignments.

What students can do to block out distractions in the classroom

An ability to focus in the classroom can go a long way toward helping students achieve their academic goals. But distractions lurk in every corner, making it easier than ever to succumb to a lack of focus.

Maintaining focus in the classroom can be difficult in the digital age, but students can try various strategies to block out distractions once class begins.

✦ Disconnect your devices. A 2020 report from the nonprofit association Educause found that the majority of students report connecting two or more devices to campus Wi-Fi each day. Devices often serve as useful tools that augment classroom lessons, but they also can distract students. Students can turn off notifications on their phones and tablets before class begins so that familiar ping does not sound during lectures and lessons. In addition, unless devices are necessary during a class, students can

store them in places where they won’t be tempted to check for messages or other alerts when they should be learning. Storing devices in a separate pocket in a backpack or even in a locker outside the classroom can remove the temptation to log on during class.

✦ Prepare for class in advance. Organizing before class can help students stay focused when a teacher is lecturing, explaining classroom material or engaging students in a discussion. Students who can’t readily access their notes, books or assignments may be forced to spend valuable class time looking for such materials, thus distracting them from the lesson.

✦ Bring questions to class. Students who jot down questions about a subject prior to class are more likely to be engaged once class begins. Students can ask their questions during the lesson and

Please see Distractions, Page 11

GIFT IDEAS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

College is the natural next step for many graduating high school students. According to Best Colleges, in 2022 there were 17.9 million students enrolled in degree-granting colleges and universities in the United States. Many other students began their college careers in the fall 2023 semester, joining the ranks of people working toward their degrees.

Holiday gifts that aim to meet the needs and interests of recipients can ensure presents will be enjoyed and utilized. Modern college students likely can use a few things to simplify life on campus.

Laptop or tablet

Gone are the days when students primarily utilize pen and paper for school assignments. Students are often introduced to tablets and other digital devices to complete assignments and take notes as early as elementary school. This reliance on paperless communication continues at the high school and university level. Most, if not all, assignments are posted online and then completed and submitted through various portals or cloud services. Therefore, college students will require a laptop or high functioning tablet with the right processing speed and memory capacity to handle the demand.

Student card funds

Colleges utilize different programs for paying for meal plans and incidentals purchased on campus. This likely involves funds linked to a proprietary card that functions similarly to a debit or credit card. Savvy gift givers can deposit funds into students’ accounts so that they’ll have a little extra spending money to put toward books or that mocha latte at the campus coffee shop.

DISTRACTIONS

From PAGE 10

listen intently to hear if their teacher or professor is answering their questions during their lecture. Either way, bring-

Parking pass

Although freshmen may be restricted from bringing cars to campus unless they are commuter students, sophomores and upperclassmen may be able to park in campus lots. Parking typically is an extra cost for students, meaning friends or relatives can gift the cost of annual parking passes to the college students in their lives.

Dorm gear

College students who opt to live in campus housing often want to make their dorm rooms a home away from

ing questions to class and going over them before class begins can help students narrow their focus to the subject at hand, reducing the likelihood that they’ll succumb to distractions.

✦ Sit in the front of class. Students who are having trouble focusing can

home. They will need to outfit these tight quarters with items that won’t take up too much space. Small pod-type coffee pots, compact microwaves, mini fridges, under-bed storage shelving, area rugs, cozy comforters, and bathroom essentials can make college kids’ dorm rooms feel more like home.

Event tickets

Not every moment should be spent in classrooms or residence halls. College students may want to venture away from campus, and what better way to enjoy the sights and offerings of what nearby venues have to offer than by at-

try sitting in the front of class. Sitting in the front ensures students can hear their teachers or professors, and sitting so close might subconsciously compel students to perk up so they’re not caught wandering.

tending various events? Gift-givers can offer tickets to art shows, music festivals, comedy club nights, amusement parks, or other events in college towns.

Travel assistance

Attending college far from home means that students will take planes, trains or automobiles to return home for holidays and other special events. Gifting college students airline or train fare, or providing gift cards for gas station fill-ups, means students will be able to afford trips home when needed. College students can benefit from gifts geared to the college lifestyle.

Devices and other distractions can easily compromise students’ focus in the classroom. But various strategies can help students focus so they can perform better academically.

STRATEGIES TO HELP TRANSFER STUDENTS ADJUST TO A NEW SCHOOL

A new school year presents a wealth of opportunities for incoming students. Students returning to the same school can build upon the previous year’s successes, while students transitioning from elementary school to middle school or middle school to high school can embrace the excitement and accept the challenges posed by continuing on their academic journeys.

It’s not uncommon for all students to experience some first day jitters, but that nervous excitement might be especially pronounced for transfer students. The transition to a new school is made simpler for many students because they make it alongside classmates they’ve known for years. Transfer students have no such security blanket, but can embrace the following strategies as they prepare to begin the school year in a whole new environment.

✦ Attend student orientation sessions. Orientation sessions can benefit any student, but may be especially useful for transfer students. Orientation sessions typically include a campus

tour, a rundown of both academic and social activities and a chance to meet the school staff, including teachers and coaches. Transfer students who attend these sessions also may meet fellow classmates, who typically serve as guides on campus tours or in other capacities which requires them to interact with session attendees. This can be a great opportunity to connect with individuals who could serve as a familiar face come the first day of school.

✦ Schedule a visit with a guidance counselor. Guidance counselors can be invaluable resources for transfer students. Parents can come along and discuss the student’s interests in a direct conversation with a counselor, who can fill the family in on all that’s available on campus. That can include academics and extracurricular activities.

✦ Dive in socially. Though it’s not always easy to transfer to a new school that already has its own social networks,

Please see Transfer, Page 13

HOW STUDENTS CAN BENEFIT FROM STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS

Study abroad program participation understandably dipped in recent years as the world confronted a global pandemic, during which many countries closed their borders to non-residents for a period of time. In fact, according to NAFSATM: Association of International Educators, the number of students from the United States studying abroad in the 2020-21 academic year declined by 91 percent from the year prior. Since then, the world has largely returned to normal, and that means tens of thousands of students are once again considering study abroad programs.

Participation in a study abroad program can be a life-changing experience for young students. As students and their families consider study abroad programs, they can consider these notable benefits of signing up to study overseas.

✦ Experience a foreign culture: The chance to experience foreign cultures firsthand compels many students to study abroad each year. Data from NAFSATM indicates that 44 percent of American study abroad students study in just five countries: Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, France, and Ireland. But study abroad programs are active in just about every corner of the globe. That means study abroad participants can experience foreign cultures similar to their own or go to school in countries with cultures vastly different from their own homeland.

✦ Enhance your career prospects: Study abroad programs can help students enhance their career prospects after graduation. NAFSATM notes that a 2014 survey found that nearly 40 percent of companies indicated they missed out on overseas business opportunities due to a lack of personnel capable of working abroad. Students who study abroad can stand out in crowded applicant pools,

particularly among employers looking to expand their international operations.

✦ Build networks: Networking is perhaps more valuable to professionals than ever before. Students who enroll in study abroad programs may ultimately graduate with both domestic networks and international networks through their universities at home and abroad. Career placement offices at both schools can help students connect with alumni and

professionals. In addition, students can build relationships with professors and fellow students they meet while studying abroad, further expanding their professional and personal networks.

✦ Improve your earning potential: The Institute for the International Education of Students, also known as IES Abroad®, reports that its alumni earn an average of $6,000 more in starting salaries compared to recent college graduates in the

United States. That’s a significant benefit for students on the cusp of graduating who will have to confront a rising cost of living that has made it as challenging as ever for young adults to establish their financial independence.

Study abroad programs have much to offer. Students who enroll in such programs may find the benefits of studying overseas pay dividends for the rest of their lives.

From PAGE 12

the best way to meet new people is to make a concerted effort to engage socially. Student-athletes may have an ad-

vantage because the team atmosphere provides a ready-made social network. However, extracurricular clubs also provide that benefit and do so without the added pressure of competing for a spot on a team.

✦ Don’t go it alone. Students should recognize that the transition is not some -

thing they need to do on their own. If students transferred because their family moved, then others in the family, including parents, are likely to experience their own ups and downs as well. Speak with parents and siblings if the transition does not get off to a smooth start. Such openness can open

the door to new strategies and help to alleviate some of the stress that can accompany a transition to a new school.

A new school year can be a nervous time for transfer students. However, various strategies can help to make the transition go more smoothly.

The field of nursing is vast. While providing medical assistance and support to patients is at the heart of any nursing career, the road to becoming a nurse varies.

There are many pathways to becoming a nurse, and each requires a specific amount of education, training and testing. Here’s a deep dive into the various professional degrees associated with nursing, courtesy of NurseJournal.org and Nurse. org.

Certified Nursing Assistant

A certified nursing assistant is how many people first enter the field of nursing. CNAs are not nurses, but they help nurses provide medical care. Becoming a CNA requires completion of a program that can last 12 weeks, a CNA certification exam and state (provincial) licensing.

THE VARIOUS EDUCATIONAL PATHS TO FOLLOW IN PURSUIT OF VARIOUS CAREERS IN NURSING

Licensed Vocational or Practical Nurse

To become an LVN or LPN, individuals must finish a one-year program to receive a diploma, and pass the NCLEX-PN licensing exam. State or provincial licensing also is required.

Registered Nurse

Prospective registered nurses can take two different paths. They can opt to get an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), which involves a two- to three-year program. After completion of that program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Aspiring RNs also can pursue fouryear degrees and earn a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN). They must then

pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Those enrolled in associate’s or bachelor’s programs can expect to take an array of classes, some of which may include Nursing Care for Elder Adults and Mental and Behavioral Health Nursing.

There is evidence that patient outcomes may be improved under the care of BSN-prepared nurses, according to the American Association of Colleges and Nurses. As a result, many hospitals prefer BSN-prepared applicants. Those with a BSN also may be able to advance to leadership and administrative roles more easily

Advanced Practice

Registered Nurse

Prospective APRNs will need a master’s of science in nursing to pursue this

career path. This involves a post-graduate program that will require in-person clinical hours and a passing grade in a certification exam in the area of specialization. Others go further to obtain a doctorate of nursing practice degree, which is a bit more involved. APRNs can enjoy careers as Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Leaders, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, or Certified Nurse Midwives, with salaries averaging around $115,000. Those with MSN or DNP degrees also may take nonclinical routes, becoming administrators, informaticists, educators, or researchers.

Individuals thinking about nursing careers can do their research to learn which level of schooling best aligns with their interests. More information is available at Nurse.org.