CALENDAR REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY
2019
A member of Minnesota State
851 30th Avenue SE | Rochester, MN 55904 507-285-7557 | RCTC.EDU | 1-800-247-1296
OUR CITY. OUR COLLEGE.
As I wrap up my first year as President, I’m excited to share with you RCTC’s 2018-19 Annual Report. Our report is prepared in a calendar format and populated with important dates to keep you in touch with what’s happening on RCTC’s campus. In addition, it highlights many of our successes from the past year. These include: • • • • • • •
•
Launching the Aviation Pilot AAS program. Reaffirming our accreditation status with the Higher Learning Commission. Beginning construction on the new Memorial Hall Building. Becoming a Compassionate Campus. Securing almost a half a million dollars in Minnesota Job Skills Partnership grant funding. Entering into an agreement with Zumbro Valley Mental Health to bring their services to our campus. Receiving the keys to a Hyundai Elantra from Luther Automotive for our Automotive Technician Program. Thank you, Dave MacLeod, for ensuring our students learn on the latest technologies in their field. Receiving the Post Bulletin Best of the Best in Higher Education award. Thank you, everyone, because this recognition isn’t the result of the work of one or two people, but our entire college team!
This is just a short list of our many accomplishments; and I encourage you to take a few minutes to read even more highlights throughout the report! On behalf of the students, faculty, and staff, thank you for your ongoing support! Sincerely,
Jeffery S. Boyd, Ed.D. President
VISION: 2020 STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1
Rochester Community and Technical College’s Strategic Plan
Provide high-quality, affordable, learner-centered educational pathways, workforce training, support services, and resources to meet the diverse needs of students, the region, and the global community. GOAL 1.1: Advance programs and services that support student success through evidence-based systemic planning, assessment, and review. GOAL 1.2: Achieve excellence in teaching and learning through rigorous and relevant educational offerings, engaging and innovative instructional delivery, and superior support services. GOAL 1.3: Nurture a comprehensive, learner-centered culture to support student from inquiry through completion. GOAL 1.4: Advance educational, business, and community partnerships to create opportunities for students to attain their educational and career goals.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 2
Collectively develop strategic approaches to systemically plan, prioritize, and implement future-focused initiatives. GOAL 2.1: Implement continuous environmental scanning processes to strategically position the College for the future. GOAL 2.2: Engage college-wide stakeholders in the planning and allocation of resources to create innovative learning and working environments. GOAL 2.3: Create on-going employee professional growth and advancement opportunities. GOAL 2.4: Advance continuous quality improvement processes to ensure College-wide accountability.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 3
Cultivate a culture of collaboration and communication that values diversity and mutual respect. GOAL 3.1: GOAL 3.2: GOAL 3.3: GOAL 3.4:
Foster an environment to encourage collaboration across College units that embraces our Core Values. Improve internal communication structures and processes. Provide exemplary, engaging service to students, employees, alumni, and the greater community. Expand community partnerships that focus on diversity and inclusiveness to encourage multi-cultural experiences.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 4
Enhance RCTC’s image as the region’s college and employer of choice. GOAL 4.1: GOAL 4.2: GOAL 4.3: GOAL 4.4:
Communicate the value of RCTC’s high-quality, affordable, and accessible programs and services. Heighten RCTC’s reputation as a world-class educational institution. Recruit and retain exceptional and diverse employees. Improve the effectiveness and efficiency of hiring and onboarding processes.
09 2019
RCTC FAST FACT
The RCTC Echo student newspaper was ranked the best in the state in the Minnesota Newspaper Association’s Better Newspaper Contest. It beat out newspapers from four-year colleges and universities.
SEPTEMBER 2019 SUNDAY
MONDAY
1 GRANDPARENTS’ DAY
8
29
2
3
9
10
16
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
9/13
9/21
9/28
SATURDAY
5
11
12
13
17
18
19
20
23
24
25
26
27
28
30
1
2
3
4
5
LAST DAY FOR ALL BOOK RETURNS
FALL EQUINOX
9/5
4
LABOR DAY NO CLASSES
15 22
TUESDAY
MOON PHASES
AUGUST 08/2019 SU MO TU WE TH FR SA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
STUDENT SUCCESS DAY NON-CLASSROOM OPPORTUNITIES PATRIOT DAY
OCTOBER 10/2019 SU MO TU WE TH FR SA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
FALL FINANCIAL AID DISBURSEMENT BEGINS
6
7 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS CEREMONY INCOMING/RETURNING RECIPIENTS
HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME
14 21
A member of Minnesota State
851 30TH AVENUE SE | ROCHESTER, MN 55904 507-285-7557 | RCTC.EDU | 1-800-247-1296 RCTC PROVIDES ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE, QUALITY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE A DIVERSE AND GROWING COMMUNITY.
10 2019
RCTC FAST FACT
RCTC’s Center for Business and Workforce Education was awarded Minnesota Job Skills Partnership grants totaling $421,407. MJSP allocates grants to educational institutions that are working to expand employment opportunities in growth sectors within Minnesota’s economy to keep high-quality jobs in the state.
OCTOBER 2019 SUNDAY
MONDAY
10/5
TUESDAY
29
30
6
7
13
MOON PHASES
2019-2020 FAFSA APP. OPENS
FALL GRADUATION APPLICATION DEADLINE
WEDNESDAY
10/27
SATURDAY
2
3
4
5
8
9
10
11
12
18
19
25
26
1
2
15
20
21
22
23
27
28
29
30
SEPTEMBER 09/2019 SU MO TU WE TH FR SA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
FRIDAY
10/21
1
14
COLUMBUS DAY
THURSDAY
10/13
BOSS’S DAY
16
NOVEMBER 11/2019 SU MO TU WE TH FR SA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
EDUCATION MN CONF. NO CLASSES
17
24 HALLOWEEN
31
EDUCATION MN CONF. NO CLASSES
OAKS SCHOLARSHIP APP. DEADLINE
A member of Minnesota State
851 30TH AVENUE SE | ROCHESTER, MN 55904 507-285-7557 | RCTC.EDU | 1-800-247-1296 RCTC PROVIDES ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE, QUALITY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE A DIVERSE AND GROWING COMMUNITY.
11 2019
RCTC FAST FACT
RCTC joins a short list of public schools with aviation programs after introducing its Aviation Pilot program. The new program begins this fall.
NOVEMBER 2019 SUNDAY
MONDAY
MOON PHASES 11/4
TUESDAY
27
28
3
4
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
11/12
11/19
11/26
SATURDAY
29
30
31
1
2
5
6
7
8
9
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26 W
29
30
DAYLIGHT SAVING ENDS
10
VETERANS’ DAY NO CLASSES
OCTOBER 10/2019 SU MO TU WE TH FR SA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
ELECTION DAY
LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW FROM CLASSES
27
DECEMBER 12/2019 SU MO TU WE TH FR SA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
THANKSGIVING DAY HOLIDAY BREAK NO CLASSES
28
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY BREAK NO CLASSES
A member of Minnesota State
851 30TH AVENUE SE | ROCHESTER, MN 55904 507-285-7557 | RCTC.EDU | 1-800-247-1296 RCTC PROVIDES ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE, QUALITY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE A DIVERSE AND GROWING COMMUNITY.
12 2019
RCTC FAST FACT
A partnership with Zumbro Valley Health Center paves the way for mental health services on the RCTC campus. Through this collaboration, all students attending RCTC will have convenient, on-site access to a mental health professional.
DECEMBER 2019 SUNDAY
MONDAY
MOON PHASES * SPRING PAYMENT INFO: Tuition and fees must be paid in full or an approved deferment in place by Friday, December 13, 2019. After this date, payment is due at the time of registration. Friday, January 10, 2020 is the last day to set up a FACTS/NELNET payment plan. To avoid late fees, account balances need to be paid in full by March 23, 2020.
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
12/3
FRIDAY
12/11
12/18
12/25
SATURDAY
1
2
3
4
5
8
9
10
11
12
15
16
17
18
19
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
BOOK BUY BACK OPENS
NOVEMBER 11/2019 SU MO TU WE TH FR SA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
JANUARY SU MO TU WE 1 5 6 7 8 12 13 14 15 19 20 21 22 26 27 28 29
CHRISTMAS DAY
TH 2 9 16 23 30
1 /2020 FR SA 3 4 10 11 17 18 24 25 31
6 SPRING TUITION DUE *
FALL SEMESTER ENDS BOOK BUY BACK ENDS BOOK RENTAL RETURN
PEARL HARBOR DAY
13
20
7
14 WINTER SOLSTICE
21
A member of Minnesota State
851 30TH AVENUE SE | ROCHESTER, MN 55904 507-285-7557 | RCTC.EDU | 1-800-247-1296 RCTC PROVIDES ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE, QUALITY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE A DIVERSE AND GROWING COMMUNITY.
1 2020
RCTC FAST FACT
The new Memorial Hall building is currently being constructed. The project is continuing on pace with crews painting, putting up ceiling grids, installing new walls, and so much more. The $23 million project will conclude in 2020.
JANUARY 2020 SUNDAY
MONDAY
29
MOON PHASES 1/2
TUESDAY
30
WEDNESDAY
31
NEW YEAR’S DAY
THURSDAY
1
FRIDAY
2
1/10
1/17
1/24
SATURDAY
3
4
10
11
17
18
24
25
31
1
SPRING NEW STUDENT APPLICATION DEADLINE (FAST PASS DAY)
5 12 19 26
ONLINE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PORTAL OPENS
6
7
8
13
14
15
21
22
28
29
FIRST DAY TO CHARGE BOOKS USING FA DEFERMENTS
SPRING SEMESTER STARTS
MARTIN LUTHER KING HOLIDAY NO CLASSES
LAST DAY FOR ALL BOOK RETURNS FOUNDATION TROUBLESHOOTING SCHOLARSHIP PORTAL SESSION HEINTZ CENTER
20 27
DECEMBER 12/2019 SU MO TU WE TH FR SA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
FOUNDATION TROUBLESHOOTING SCHOLARSHIP PORTAL SESSION MAIN CAMPUS
OAKS SCHOLARSHIP EVENT
9
16
FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP SESSION
23 STUDENT SUCCESS DAY NON-CLASSROOM OPPORTUNITIES
FEBRUARY 2/2020 SU MO TU WE TH FR SA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30
LAST DAY TO SET UP FACTS/NELNET PAYMENT PLAN
LAST DAY TO DROP FULL-TERM COURSES
SPRING FINANCIAL AID DISBURSEMENT BEGINS
A member of Minnesota State
851 30TH AVENUE SE | ROCHESTER, MN 55904 507-285-7557 | RCTC.EDU | 1-800-247-1296 RCTC PROVIDES ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE, QUALITY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE A DIVERSE AND GROWING COMMUNITY.
2 2020
RCTC FAST FACT
President Jeffery Boyd officially affirmed the Charter for Compassion, making RCTC a full educational partner in the Charter movement. RCTC is the only college or university in the Midwest to join the Charter for Compassion, and one of only a few other community colleges nation-wide.
FEBRUARY 2020 SUNDAY
MONDAY
MOON PHASES 2/1
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
2/9
2/15
2/23
SATURDAY
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
17
18
19
21
22
16 23
PRESIDENTS’ DAY NO CLASSES
24
JANUARY 1/2020 SU MO TU WE TH FR SA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
MN PRECINCT CAUCUS NO CLASSES AFTER 6PM
25
SPRING GRADUATION APPLICATION DEADLINE
26
MARCH 3/2020 SU MO TU WE TH FR SA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
SPRING EQUINOX
VALENTINE’S DAY ONLINE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PORTAL CLOSES
20 27
EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT DAY NO CLASSES
28
LEAP YEAR
29
A member of Minnesota State
851 30TH AVENUE SE | ROCHESTER, MN 55904 507-285-7557 | RCTC.EDU | 1-800-247-1296 RCTC PROVIDES ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE, QUALITY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE A DIVERSE AND GROWING COMMUNITY.
3 2020
RCTC FAST FACT
The College’s Welcome Center is now a one stop shop for comprehensive services to students. It can now help with an assortment of things, from address changes, to financial aid for admission, and more.
MOON PHASES
MARCH 2020 SUNDAY
MONDAY
8
2 SPRING BREAK NO CLASSES
15 22 29
9
16
3/16
3/24
WEDNESDAY
3 SPRING BREAK NO CLASSES
10
THURSDAY
4 11
SPRING BREAK NO CLASSES
FRIDAY
5 12
SPRING BREAK NO CLASSES
SATURDAY
6
7
13
14
20
21
SPRING BREAK NO CLASSES
17
18
19
23
24
25
26
27
28
30
31
1
2
3
4
SUMMER GRADUATION APPLICATION DEADLINE ACCOUNT BALANCES DUE IN FULL TO AVOID LATE FEES
3/9 SUPER MOON
TUESDAY
1 DAYLIGHT SAVING BEGINS
3/2
FEBRUARY 2/2020 SU MO TU WE TH FR SA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
ST. PATRICK’S DAY
APRIL 4/2020 SU MO TU WE TH FR SA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
SPRING EQUINOX
A member of Minnesota State
851 30TH AVENUE SE | ROCHESTER, MN 55904 507-285-7557 | RCTC.EDU | 1-800-247-1296 RCTC PROVIDES ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE, QUALITY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE A DIVERSE AND GROWING COMMUNITY.
4 2020
RCTC FAST FACT
Luther Automotive Group donated a Hyundai Elantra to the Automotive Technician program, as well as a gift card for parts. The car helps students learn their trade by repairing built-in issues.
APRIL 2020 SUNDAY
MONDAY
MOON PHASES 4/1
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
30
5
6
12
13
14
20
21
19 W 26
27
MARCH 3/2020 SU MO TU WE TH FR SA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
4/14
4/22
4/30
SUPER MOON
29
LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW FROM CLASSES
4/7
31 EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT DAY NO CLASSES
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS CEREMONY GRADUATING/TRANSFERRING RECIPIENTS
28
SATURDAY
2
3
4
8
9
10
11
15
16
17
18
22
23
24
25
29
30
1
2
7 TAX DAY
EARTH DAY
FRIDAY
1
APRIL FOOL’S DAY
ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS DAY
THURSDAY
MAY 5/2020 SU MO TU WE TH FR SA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
A member of Minnesota State
851 30TH AVENUE SE | ROCHESTER, MN 55904 507-285-7557 | RCTC.EDU | 1-800-247-1296 RCTC PROVIDES ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE, QUALITY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE A DIVERSE AND GROWING COMMUNITY.
5 2020
RCTC FAST FACT
RCTC honored 840 graduates on May 16. Of these, 134 graduated with Honors and 143 with High Honors. We are proud of every single one of our graduates.
MAY 2020 SUNDAY
MOON PHASES * SUMMER PAYMENT INFO: Tuition and fees must be paid in full or an approved deferment in place by Friday, May 1, 2020. After this date, payment is due at the time of registration. Monday, June 1, 2020 is the last day to set up a FACTS/ NELNET payment plan.
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
26
27
28
29
30
3
4
5
6
10
11
12
13
18
19 26
MOTHER’S DAY
17 24/31
BOOK BUY BACK OPENS
1st DAY TO CHARGE BOOKS USING FA DEFERMENTS
MEMORIAL DAY
25
APRIL 4/2020 SU MO TU WE TH FR SA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
SUMMER SEMESTER STARTS
5/7
FRIDAY
5/14
5/29
5/22
SATURDAY
1
2
7
8
9
14
15
20
21
22
23
27
28
29
30
SPRING SEMESTER ENDS
JUNE 6/2020 SU MO TU WE TH FR SA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
COMMENCEMENT BOOK BUY BACK ENDS BOOK RENTAL RETURN
SUMMER TUITION DUE *
ARMED FORCES DAY
16
A member of Minnesota State
851 30TH AVENUE SE | ROCHESTER, MN 55904 507-285-7557 | RCTC.EDU | 1-800-247-1296 RCTC PROVIDES ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE, QUALITY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE A DIVERSE AND GROWING COMMUNITY.
6 2020
RCTC FAST FACT
RCTC launched a new Radiography program. It’s an 18-month program in partnership with Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences. Radiography is an exciting and challenging career involving the use of highly sophisticated equipment to create X-rays, which are anatomical images used by physicians to diagnose disease, injury, or disability.
JUNE 2020 SUNDAY
MONDAY
31
MOON PHASES 6/5
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
1
2
3
4
8
9
10
14
15
16
21
22
28
29
7 FLAG DAY
FATHER’S DAY
LAST DAY TO SET UP FACTS/NELNET PAYMENT PLAN
YELLOWJACKET GOLF CLASSIC
MAY 5/2020 SU MO TU WE TH FR SA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
FRIDAY
6/12
6/20
6/28
SATURDAY
5
6
11
12
13
17
18
19
23
24
25
26
27
30
1
2
3
4
JULY 7/2020 SU MO TU WE TH FR SA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
SUMMER FINANCIAL AID DISBURSEMENT BEGINS
SUMMER SOLSTICE
20
A member of Minnesota State
851 30TH AVENUE SE | ROCHESTER, MN 55904 507-285-7557 | RCTC.EDU | 1-800-247-1296 RCTC PROVIDES ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE, QUALITY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE A DIVERSE AND GROWING COMMUNITY.
7 2020
RCTC FAST FACT
RCTC received high marks from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). As an accredited college, RCTC provides quality education, financial aid opportunities, and credits that transfer. The next visit from HLC is in 2020.
JULY 2020 SUNDAY
PARENTS’ DAY
MOON PHASES 7/4
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
7/12
7/20
7/27
SATURDAY
28
29
30
1
2
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
JUNE 6/2020 SU MO TU WE TH FR SA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
AUGUST 8/2020 SU MO TU WE TH FR SA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY OBSERVED NO CLASSES
3
INDEPENDENCE DAY
4
A member of Minnesota State
851 30TH AVENUE SE | ROCHESTER, MN 55904 507-285-7557 | RCTC.EDU | 1-800-247-1296 RCTC PROVIDES ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE, QUALITY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE A DIVERSE AND GROWING COMMUNITY.
8 2020
RCTC FAST FACT
The College women’s volleyball team placed third in the NJCAA Division III Volleyball Championships. The team last won a national championship in 2015, appearing in the tournament on five occasions.
AUGUST 2020 SUNDAY
MONDAY
MOON PHASES * FALL PAYMENT INFO: Tuition and fees must be paid in full or an approved deferment in place by Friday, August 7, 2020. After this date, payment is due at the time of registration. Friday, August 21, 2020 is the last day to set up a FACTS/NELNET payment plan. To avoid late fees, account balances need to be paid in full by October 26, 2020.
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
26
27
28
29
2
3
4
5
10
11
12
17
18
19
24/31
25
26
9
FALL NEW STUDENT APPLICATION DEADLINE (FAST PASS DAY)
16 23/30
FALL SEMESTER STARTS 8/24
JULY 7/2020 SU MO TU WE TH FR SA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
SEPTEMBER 9/2020 SU MO TU WE TH FR SA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
THURSDAY
8/3
FRIDAY
30 SUMMER SEMESTER ENDS
6
20 27
8/25
SATURDAY
1
7
8
14
15
21
22
28
29
FALL TUITION DUE *
LAST DAY TO SET UP FACTS/NELNET PAYMENT PLAN
LAST DAY TO DROP FULL-TERM COURSES
8/18
31
13 STUDENT WELCOME DAY
8/11
A member of Minnesota State
851 30TH AVENUE SE | ROCHESTER, MN 55904 507-285-7557 | RCTC.EDU | 1-800-247-1296 RCTC PROVIDES ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE, QUALITY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE A DIVERSE AND GROWING COMMUNITY.
HIGHLIGHTS HLC GIVES RCTC HIGH MARKS The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) site visit occurred on April 29 and 30, 2018. RCTC has spent the past two years developing a campus-wide culture of assessment and thoughtfully documenting our processes, results, and improvements. The site visit team shared that they were very impressed with the great work of RCTC faculty, staff, and Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs, Michelle Pyfferoen. The next HLC visit will occur in 2020. RCTC NAMES 2019 OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS Jeff Lepper, (English), Mary Shelerud (Nursing), and Jennifer Kiehne (Psychology) were selected as this year’s recipients of the RCTC Outstanding Educator Award. All three were nominated by faculty/staff/ students for this honor and were recognized and celebrated at an April reception.
PLAZA-MEMORIAL HALL PROJECT: A FLURRY OF ACTIVITY RCTC broke ground in early November on the Plaza-Memorial Hall project. The ceremony marks the beginning of a $23 million project funded by the passage and signing of the 2018 bonding bill. The project consists of three phases: construction, renovation, and demolition.
SCHOLARSHIP RECEPTION A SUCCESS The RCTC Foundation held a reception on April 30, 2018, for scholarship recipients who graduated this past spring and are planning to continue their education at a four-year college or university this fall.
By June 2019, the new Chiller Plant’s structural steel and concrete block walls were completed, Endicott Hall renovations were nearing the final stages, the skeleton of the new addition was taking shape, and interior remodeling was well underway.
Pictured from left: Dr. Jeffery Boyd, Jennifer Kiehne, Jeff Lepper, Mary Shelerud, Michelle Pyferroen.
WRESTLING TEAM WINS SEVENTH STRAIGHT MCAC TITLE The Yellowjackets wrestling team proved to be the best in the Minnesota College Athletic Conference, winning its seventh straight conference title. With the win, six different RCTC wrestlers qualified for the NJCAA National Tournament. RCTC Wrestler Shane Siewert was also named the MCAC Wrestler of the Year.
COLLEGE NEWSPAPER RANKED BEST IN STATE The RCTC Echo won five awards including General Excellence for best college newspaper in the Minnesota Newspaper Association’s Better Newspaper Contest. This contest recognized work done during the previous 2017-2018 academic year.
Construction, renovation, and remodeling will conclude in 2020. A camera is in place which allows the public to view construction activities for RCTC’s new Memorial Hall. The camera is currently pointed at the west side of main campus where the new addition is being constructed. Go here to watch construction: https://app.oxblue.com/open/marketjohnson/rctc.
The RCTC Foundation Board of Directors moved the new and current students’ annual scholarship ceremony (typically held in the spring) to the fall. The scholarship ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 14 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the Rochester Regional Sports Center. OAKS EVENT AWARDS SIX SCHOLARSHIPS The 19th annual OAKS Event (formerly known as Beat the Odds) was held on Jan. 10 at the Rochester International Event Center. The evening was filled with inspiration and celebration as the RCTC Foundation awarded scholarships to this year’s deserving recipients. Incoming high school students include Amber Guillen (Winona Sr. High School), Beth Leeper (Triton High School) and Andrea Hart (Mayo High School). Current first-year RCTC students include Carroll Harrod, Diana Sanchez, and Rasha Al Salehy.
AVIATION PILOT PROGRAM LAUNCHED In response to unprecedented industry demand, RCTC, in partnership with Great Planes Aviation, launched the new Aviation Pilot program set to take off fall of 2019. The new program features general education and aviation coursework plus flight training allowing students to earn not only an associate degree, but also obtain certification as a private pilot, single-engine commercial pilot with instrument rating, plus certification as a certificated flight instructor for single-engine land planes with an instrument rating.
WORKFORCE EDUCATION RECEIVES GRANTS Rochester Community and Technical College’s Center for Business and Workforce Education, in collaboration with Crenlo Manufacturing, was awarded a Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP) grant totaling $49,485. RCTC was also awarded a Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP) grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) totaling $371,922 to train cybersecurity professionals at Mayo Clinic. MJSP allocates grants to educational institutions who are working to expand employment opportunities in growth sectors within Minnesota’s economy to keep high-quality jobs in the state. MJSP allocates grants to educational institutions that are working to expand employment opportunities in growth sectors within Minnesota’s economy to keep high-quality jobs in the state. These grants are distributed through the custom training departments at the colleges, which require training to be developed specific to the partnering business’ needs. LUTHER AUTOMOTIVE DONATES TO AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN PROGRAM RCTC Automotive Technician students and instructors proudly accepted the keys to a Hyundai Elantra which was generously donated by the Luther Automotive Group. The vehicle will be utilized for training purposes in the Automotive Technician program. Luther Automotive also presented a gift card to the RCTC Automotive Technician program which can be used for purchasing Hyundai parts.
CAMPUS FOCUSES ON COMPASSION RCTC was proud to announce the signing of its Charter for Compassion. President Jeffery Boyd officially affirmed the Charter for Compassion, making RCTC a full educational partner in the Charter movement. Unveiled in 2009, The Charter for Compassion is an international network of organizations that believes “compassion impels us to work tirelessly to alleviate suffering of our fellow creatures” and that we must treat “everybody, without exception, with absolute justice, equity, and respect.” RCTC is the only college or university in the Midwest to join the Charter for Compassion, and one of only a few other community colleges nation-wide.
GREEN BIKE SHELTER ERECTED The RCTC Horticulture Program teamed up with University of Minnesota Extension Forester Angela Gupta and additional volunteers to build a bike shelter during fall semester at the Heintz Center. It was built with reclaimed wood from ash trees. A variety of sedums and native nodding onion were planted on the green roof. “These plants tolerate the shallow soil depth (5-6 inches), and also tolerate the drier soil conditions during the summer months,” Horticulture program lead and instructor Robin Fruth-Dugstad said.
More information about the new program can be found at rctc.edu/aviation.
HIGHLIGHTS
CHANGES ABOUND FOR RCTC STAFF In bittersweet news for Rochester Community and Technical College, Michael Anthony, Ph.D., Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, announced his appointment in June as Vice President of Student Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, IL. Other administrative staff changes include the addition of Mirwais Qader, chief information officer, and Peter Wruck, chief institutional effectiveness and planning officer.
RADIOGRAPHY PROGRAM ANNOUNCED The College announced in April the launch of the new Radiography Associate of Applied Science degree in partnership with Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences. This is the fifth joint program between RCTC and MCSHS. Students will complete courses at RCTC before moving on to MCSHS to complete the 18-month radiography coursework. COLLEGE LAUNCHES WELCOME AND ONE STOP CENTER Formally starting this fall, the new RCTC Welcome Center is shifting its focus to offer comprehensive services to students while minimizing barriers. The Welcome and One Stop Center will assist visitors and students at all points in the enrollment cycle – visitors, prospects, and graduates – with directions, paperwork, processes, demographic/address changes, applying for financial aid or for admission, and much more. NURSING STUDENTS VISIT ECUADOR Nursing students from RCTC were honored with a light and water show at the La Rotonda Park in Portoviejo, Ecuador. Scrolling across the bottom of the screen it read, “Welcome Nursing Students from...” and displayed the college logo! The nursing students were in Ecuador as part of a service-learning trip. Students visited a health fair, orphanage, and hospitals.
VOLLEYBALL TEAM FINISHES THIRD IN NATION The volleyball team had a very successful season but just fell short of winning nationals. The Yellowjackets team had a great season, capping it off with a thirdplace finish in the NJCAA National Tournament. Other honors included Brekkin McCready and Carrie Rutledge were named to the NJCAA DIII Nationals All-Tournament Team. Rutledge had a prolific season, also being named NJCAA First-Team All-American. The freshman outside hitter was instrumental in the Yellowjackets winning the Southern Division and Region XIIIA titles. She also was awarded second team All-American honors through the American Volleyball Coaches Association. And 28 student athletes over three RCTC teams made Minnesota College Athletic Conference All-Academic Team.
RCTC STUDENTS PRESENT ORIGINAL RESEARCH RCTC students Tom Yang (Rochester, MN) and Thy Duong (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam), were among more than 80 students representing 17 public and private colleges in Minnesota and Wisconsin who presented original research in oral and poster sessions at the 32nd annual Winchell Undergraduate Research Symposium held on April. Yang presented “The Mitigation of Photoinduced DNA-Oxidation by Using Antioxidants Found in Foods Under Different Temperature Settings” and Duong presented “Polymerization of Thermal Aspartate by Green Chemistry” at the Symposium. RCTC students Rebecca Seemann (Zumbro Falls, MN) and Duong presented their original research at Minnesota Undergraduate Scholars’ Posters in St. Paul in February and at the Minnesota Conference of Undergraduate Scholarly and Creative Activity in March. Their presentation was the “Implementation of Greener Labs for the Organic Chemistry Curriculum.” RCTC student Joseph Kinzer (Minneapolis, MN) presented his original research at Minnesota Undergraduate Scholars’ Posters in St. Paul in February on “The Impact of Homework Timing for Introductory Chemistry Students at RCTC.”
HIGHLIGHTS 2018-2019 SHINING STARS The following RCTC employees were recognized during All-Employee Development Days in 2018-2019 with Shining Stars for going above and beyond. Michele Altman, Ariel Amy, Michael Anthony, Kyle Aure, Bob Banker, Jerry Becker, Kay Bjoraker, Jeffery Boyd, Dwight Boyum, Keith Brown, Teresa Brown, Jennifer Bruce, Melanie Callister, Steve Carlson, Dave Carr, Ruth Casper, Jerry Casper, Stacy Chew, Shelah Christensen, Annie Clement, Crist Dahl, Jennifer Dahle, Alex Decosta, Mary Dennison, Beth Diekmann, Terry Eich, Laura Engelman, Mark Faas, Bonnie Flaig Prinsen, Cara Fox, Greg Frana, Robin Fruth-Dugstad, Matt Haack, Ben Hain, Lori Halverson-Wente, Andy Hamann, Guy Hamernik, Anna Hanson, Steve Higgins, Teri Hill, Greg Holm, Lori Jensen, Shayn Jensson, Wylie Johannessen, Jamie Johnson, Steve Juenemann, Cris Kellas, Jennifer Kiehne, Judy Kingsbury, Renea Kispert, Travis Kromminga, Brooke Kosok, Jon Krusmark, Jesse Krusmark, Marty Leonard, Mike Lester, Louis LivingstonGarcia, Dave MacLeod, Michele McCaughtry, Heather McEldowney, Jenee McGurren, Michelle Messenger, Trepp Meyer, Cheryl Morgan, Jean Musgjerd, Mike Mutschelknaus, Chao Mwatela, Craig Narveson, Tim O’Neill, Becca Peine, Mona Permann, Diane Pollock, Michelle Pyfferoen, Bonnie Robinson, Wayne Roerish, Michon Rogers, Anthony Rostvold, Kerry Schad, Brendan Shea, Mike Sheggeby, Heather Sklenicka, Nate Stoltman, Katie Swegarden, Jennifer Taber-O’Neill, Courtney Thoreson, Deb Ward, Josh Whalen, Pam Whitfield, Ken Wickelgren, Jeannie Wilson, Karin Wright, Stacey York, Alicia Zeone, Dan Ziebell
2018-2019 BEST BEES The following RCTC employees/departments were recognized as Best Bee of the Month for going the extra mile in their position(s). Mark Lawstuen and Will Gould – October 2018 Jonathan Wetenkamp – November 2018 Kyle Aure – December 2018 Jaime Tjossem – February 2019 College Relations and Marketing – March 2019 (Louis Livingston-Garcia, Jenee McGurren, and Michelle Messenger)
Communications Studies Division – April 2019 (Annie Clement, Lori Halverson-Wente, Joshua Petersen, Ashley Saari, Taresa Tweeten, Dan West, and Karin Wright)
PHI THETA KAPPA STUDENTS ATTEND HONORS INSTITUTE EVENT Instructor Jamie Mahlberg spent a week in San Diego with RCTC’s Omicron Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. “We’re in San Diego for PTK’s Honors Institute. It’s a week-long event where students dive into the PTK Honors Study Topic, network with other students/ chapters, and develop strategies to complete the “Honors in Action” project back at RCTC,” Mahlberg explained.
RCTC AND ZUMBRO VALLEY HEALTH PARTNER FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RCTC and Zumbro Valley Health Center announced a new partnership which brings enhanced mental health counseling and therapy services to RCTC students. This project, spearheaded by student leaders and mental health advocates, paves the way for much needed mental health services on the RCTC campus. “College students today are dealing with higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression than ever before,” said Chief Executive Officer Beth Krehbiel, RN, FACHE. “This partnership is designed to make it easier for students to access care for their mental health issues on the RCTC campus.”
2018-2019 RETIREES The following 2018-2019 retirees were honored for their service to the College and our students at a reception in May. Donald Baldus, Christine Bushaw, Bonnie Crawford, Leonard Cronin, Marjorie Reif (pictured), Fan Shen (pictured)
The mental health professional will provide therapy services within the Student Health Services area and, as necessary, will work closely with the college’s health care staff to help integrate mental and physical health issues. “RCTC is overjoyed at the opportunity to provide access to this critical resource for our students,” said former Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Michael Anthony, PhD. “We recognize the growing need to support our students’ basic needs, including mental health care and treatment. This partnership is designed to help our students be their best selves, so that they can succeed in class, and meet their academic goals. We are thankful for our passionate student leaders for advocating for these increased services and look forward to what will come.” This document can be made available in alternative formats, such as large print, Braille, or audiotape, by calling RCTC Disability Support Services at 507-280-2968. It is the policy of Rochester Community and Technical College not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, sex, or handicap as required by Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as applied in admissions policies, educational programs, activities, and employment practices. The Affirmative Action Officer is the Director of HR and can be reached at 507-285-7183. The Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities and Title IX Coordinator can be reached at 507-285-7195. The designated coordinator for compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is the Disabilities Director and can be reached at 507-280-2968. Information contained in this document is accurate as of the printing date. Visit www.rctc.edu for the most up-to-date information.
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