2020 Calendar Report to the Community

2019-20

CALENDAR REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

A member of Minnesota State | www.rctc.edu

• Relaunching a successful lecture series as a way to feature RCTC faculty sharing their expertise and experiences in an array of topics from music to public service.

• Being designated a hunger free campus by the LeadMN (Minnesota’s state-wide two-year college student association) for actively taking strides to reduce food insecurities faced by our students.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE The year 2020 could possibly be declared the “Year Things Didn’t Happen.” The 2020 Olympics, March Madness, and Wimbledon didn’t happen. But, even with schedules disrupted, a lot did happen at RCTC, and I’m excited to share with you some of those success stories in our 2019-20 Annual Report. They include such things as:

OUR CITY OUR COLLEGE

• Reaffirming our accreditation for such programs as Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene.

• Opening our new Memorial Hall building, an initiative 10-years in the making.

• Being a recipient of a $50,000 grant from Minnesota State system to help with our Mental Health Initiative on campus.

• Expanding our summer online offerings, including offering Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II completely online for the first time.

• Opening an Equity and Inclusion Resource Center as a way to bring community resources to campus for our students.

This year has definitely affected all of us, but not at the cost of a quality education for our students.

During an unprecedented pandemic, RCTC’s faculty and staff showed their ability to be agile by effectively and efficiently migrating both instruction and support services to alternative delivery modes. They truly are an extraordinary team of professionals committed to improving people’s lives through learning. For more than 100 years, RCTC has been preparing students for leadership, service, and the workforce; and we look forward to building upon our successes from the

past to ensure the best opportunities await our students in the future.

On behalf of the students, faculty, and staff, thank you for your support to our College. I invite you to join us in writing new success stories in the upcoming year!

Sincerely,

Jeffery S. Boyd, Ed.D. President

STRATEGIC PLAN: 2024 Pathways to Success

GOAL ONE

GOAL TWO

GOAL THREE

GOAL FOUR

STUDENT SUCCESS

INSTITUTIONAL SUSTAINABILITY

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Improve student retention and completion by increasing access to learning opportunities, leveraging educational technology, enhancing support services and resources, and strengthening pedagogy and curriculum.

Ensure the College’s offerings, functions, and processes are sustainable and responsive to the evolving needs of internal and external stakeholders.

Promote equity and inclusion across the institution by increasing cultural competency, culturally responsive pedagogy and service, and partnering with community organizations.

Strategy 1 STUDENT SUCCESS PLANNING Create processes, structures, and opportunities for students to successfully plan and achieve their educational goals in a timely manner.

Strategy 1 ADVANCE A CULTURE OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT Institution-wide commitment to foster systematic processes for assessing, evaluating, measuring, and communicating RCTC improvement efforts.

Strategy 1 FOSTER A CULTURE OF EQUITY AND INCLUSION Implement a dynamic equity and inclusion plan that integrates equity-minded strategies across all institutional divisions.

Strategy 2 FLEXIBLE AND ACCESSIBLE EDUCATION Expand access through high-quality online learning, flexible scheduling, and alternative pathways to fit the needs of students.

Strategy 3 SUPPORTING LEARNING Implement integrated institutional practices, technology, and services aimed at supporting student learning and improving student outcomes.

Strategy 4 ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING Further cultivate a culture of assessment to better understand how students learn and use assessment results to improve teaching and learning inside and outside of the classroom.

Strategy 2 BOLSTER AN EXCEPTIONAL TEAM OF EMPLOYEES Recruit talent and further develop staff and faculty to meet the changing needs of students and stakeholders.

Strategy 3 EFFECTIVE PLANNING AND ALIGNMENT Realize RCTC’s mission through a meaningful planning process that aligns resources with the College’s strategic priorities.

Strategy 4 ENSURE INSTITUTIONAL CONTINUITY Establish structures and processes that ensure continuity of services and processes that impact the ability to serve students and constituents.

Strategy 2 EQUITY IN STUDENT OUTCOMES Ensure equity in student experience and success by applying the lens of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) to institutional academic and non-academic services and functions.

Strategy 3 FURTHER DIVERSITY ENGAGEMENT Expand resources, opportunities, and infrastructure to better understand and engage diversity, in efforts to impact the experiences of students and employees.

Promote campus and community engagement that fosters collaborative relationships which mutually benefit the College, our students, partnering organizations, and the economic vitality of the region.

Strategy 1 GROW EXTERNAL COLLABORATIONS Establish collaborations and relationships with external partners that bring value to the College and favorably impact the experiences of students, faculty, and staff.

Strategy 2 GROW INTERNAL COLLABORATIONS Establish internal collaborations that build collegial relationships in order to better serve the needs of students and employees.

Strategy 3 PARTNER TO MEET THE NEEDS OF STAKEHOLDERS Ensure the College’s educational offerings serve the best interests of students and needs of the community through engagement of external constituents.

Strategy 4 ADVANCE THE COLLEGE’S SERVICE TO, AND PRESENCE IN, THE COMMUNITY Active engagement of faculty, staff, and students in the community.

SEPTEMBER

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RCTC

GOODBYE PLAZA HALL AND OLD MEMORIAL HALL

MOON PHASES

The demolition of Plaza Hall and old Memorial Hall was completed the first week of April 2020 as part of the third and final phase of the Memorial Hall project. Phase three also includes the complete renovation of the Plaza to incorporate new green space, learning spaces, and recreation spaces.

FAST FACT SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THUR SDAY

9/2

9 10

FR IDAY

9 23

9/17

SATUR DAY

FALL FINANCIAL AID DISBURSEMENT BEGINS

30

31

GRANDPARENTS’ DAY

7

3 STUDENT SENATE INTENT TO RUN DEADLINE

4

5

PATRIOT DAY

8

9

10

11

12

15

16

17

18

19

STUDENT SUCCESS DAY NON-CLASSROOM OPPORTUNITIES

RCTC FOUNDER’S DAY STUDENT SENATE ELECTIONS ON D2L

13

2

CLUB DAY

LABOR DAY NO CLASSES

6

1

LAST DAY FOR ALL BOOK RETURNS

STUDENT SENATE ELECTIONS ON D2L

14 FALL EQUINOX

NOTES:

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

2020 OCTOBER

2020 AUGUST SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

1

THU

FRI

SAT

1

2

3

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

30

31

OCTOBER

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RCTC

RCTC 2019-2020 OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS

MOON PHASES

RCTC is proud of all its talented educators. This year Gayla Winslow, Nursing instructor; Karin Wright, Communication Studies instructor; and Mark Erickson, Law Enforcement Skills adjunct instructor, were recognized as RCTC Outstanding Educators for 2019-2020.

FAST FACT SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THUR SDAY

10/1

10 9

FR IDAY

10/16

10 23

10/31

SATUR DAY

2021-2022 FAFSA APP. OPENS

27

28

29

30

1

2

3

6

7

8

9

10

FALL GRADUATION APPLICATION DEADLINE

4

5

EDUCATION MN CONF. NO CLASSES

COLUMBUS DAY

EDUCATION MN CONF. NO CLASSES BOSS’S DAY

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24 HALLOWEEN

NOTES:

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

2020 NOVEMBER

2020 SEPTEMBER SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

27

28

29

30

NOVEMBER

A member of Minnesota State www.rctc.edu

RCTC

RCTC WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL IN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

MOON PHASES

RCTC was the host campus for the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Women’s Division III Volleyball Championships in November 2019. The RCTC Yellowjacket Volleyball team finished fourth in the nation. At the conclusion of the national tournament, Yellowjackets Brekkin McCready and Carrie Rutledge were named to the NJCAA National Tournament All-Tournament team.

FAST FACT SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

DAYLIGHT SAVING ENDS

WEDNESDAY

THUR SDAY

11 8

FR IDAY

11/30

11 21

11/14

SATUR DAY

ELECTION DAY

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

VETERANS DAY NO CLASSES

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

THANKSGIVING MEAL - MAIN CAMPUS

LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW FROM CLASSES

THANKSGIVING DAY HOLIDAY BREAK NO CLASSES

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY BREAK NO CLASSES

THANKSGIVING MEAL - HEINTZ CENTER

NOTES:

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

2020 DECEMBER

2020 OCTOBER SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

1

2

3

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

1

2

3

4

5

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

27

28

29

30

31

DECEMBER

A member of Minnesota State | www.rctc.edu

RCTC

FIRST ANNUAL HIVE SUPPLY HOLIDAY STOCKING CHALLENGE

MOON PHASES

RCTC held its first annual Hive Supply Holiday Stocking Challenge in December 2019. RCTC faculty, staff, and administration donated 1,819 pounds of food to help stock the Hive Supply, the College’s food pantry. Donations also included 623 rolls of toilet paper and enough laundry detergent for students to do 1,500 loads of laundry!

FAST FACT SUNDAY

MONDAY

29

TUESDAY

30

WEDNESDAY

1

THUR SDAY

2

12 7

FR IDAY

12/29

SATUR DAY

3

PEARL HARBOR DAY

12 21

10/14

4

5

11

12

18

19

SPRING TUITION DUE *

STUDENT LIFE END OF SEMESTER CELEBRATION 12/7-12/10

6

7

8

9

10 FALL SEMESTER ENDS BOOK RENTAL RETURN

13

14

15

16

17

WINTER SOLSTICE

CHRISTMAS DAY

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

NOTES:

* SPRING PAYMENT INFO: Tuition and fees must be paid in full or an approved deferment in place by Friday, December 11, 2020. After this date, payment is due at the time of registration. January 8, 2021 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 22, 2021.

2020 NOVEMBER

2021 JANUARY

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

SUN

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

3

4

5

6

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

10

11

12

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

17

18

29

30

24

25

31

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

1

2

7

8

9

13

14

15

16

19

20

21

22

23

26

27

28

29

30

JANUARY

A member of Minnesota State | www.rctc.edu

RCTC

RCTC LAUNCHES NEW FACULTY LECTURE SERIES

MOON PHASES

RCTC launched its new lecture series in January 2020. The initial four lectures featured RCTC faculty sharing their expertise and experiences in topics from music to public service. The full lecture series will resume in fall 2020. All series events are free and open to the public.

FAST FACT SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THUR SDAY

1 6

1 20

1/12

FR IDAY

1/28

SATUR DAY

NEW YEAR’S DAY

27

28

29

30

31

1

2

4

5

6

7

8

9

15

16

SPRING NEW STUDENT APPLICATION DEADLINE (FAST PASS DAY) SCHOLARSHIP PORTAL OPENS

3 SPRING SEMESTER STARTS

10

LAST DAY TO DROP FULL-TERM COURSES

11 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. HOLIDAY NO CLASSES

17

STUDENT LIFE WELCOME BACK WEEK ACTIVITIES 1/18-22

12 CLUB DAY

18

14

CAMPUS CONNECTION FAIR

SPRING FINANCIAL AID DISBURSEMENT BEGINS

19

20

21

22

23

STUDENT SUCCESS DAY NON-CLASSROOM OPPORTUNITIES

LAST DAY FOR ALL BOOK RETURNS

NOTES:

13

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

1

2

3

4

5

6

2020 DECEMBER SUN

MON

2021 FEBRUARY

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

1

2

3

4

5

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

1

2

3

4

5

6

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

27

28

29

30

31

28

FEBRUARY

A member of Minnesota State | www.rctc.edu

RCTC

MOON PHASES

RCTC WRESTLING TEAM WINS EIGHTH STRAIGHT MCAC TITLE The Yellowjacket wrestling team proved to be the best in the Minnesota College Athletic Conference, winning its eighth straight conference title. With the win, nine RCTC wrestlers qualified for the NJCAA National Tournament.

FAST FACT SUNDAY

MONDAY

31

TUESDAY

1

WEDNESDAY

2

THUR SDAY

3

24

2 19

2/11

FR IDAY

2/27

SATUR DAY

4

5

6

SCHOLARSHIP PORTAL CLOSES

7 VALENTINE’S DAY

8

9

10

11

12

13

15

16

17

18

19

20

26

27

PRESIDENTS’ DAY NO CLASSES

14

MN PRECINCT CAUCUS NO CLASSES AFTER 6PM

NOTES:

EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT DAY NO CLASSES

SPRING GRADUATION APPLICATION DEADLINE

SPRING GRADUATION APPLICATION DEADLINE

21

22

23

24

25

28

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

2021 JANUARY SUN

MON

TUE

WED

EBONY NIGHT

2021 MARCH THU

FRI

SAT

1

2

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

1

2

3

4

5

6

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

28

29

30

31

31

MARCH

A member of Minnesota State | www.rctc.edu

RCTC

RCTC MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM IN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

FAST FACT SUNDAY

MONDAY

28

TUESDAY

1 SPRING BREAK NO CLASSES

7

WEDNESDAY

2 SPRING BREAK NO CLASSES

8

THUR SDAY

3 10

14

15 STUDENT GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE OFFICER ELECTIONS ON D2L

3/28

SATUR DAY

5

6

12

13

SPRING BREAK NO CLASSES

11 STUDENT GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE OFFICER ELECTIONS - INTENT TO RUN DEADLINE

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

3 21

3/13

FR IDAY

SPRING BREAK NO CLASSES

9

35

4

SPRING BREAK NO CLASSES

DAYLIGHT SAVING BEGINS

NOTES:

MOON PHASES

RCTC was once again the host campus for the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Men’s Division III Basketball Championships in March 2020. The RCTC Yellowjacket men’s basketball team qualified for the consolation game. Due to increasing COVID concerns throughout the nation, the consolation game to determine the third-place winner was not held.

SPRING EQUINOX

16

17

18

19

20

STUDENT GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE OFFICER ELECTIONS ON D2L

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

2021 FEBRUARY SUN

2021 APRIL

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

4

5

6

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

11

12

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

18 25

28

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

1

2

3

7

8

9

10

13

14

15

16

17

19

20

21

22

23

24

26

27

28

29

30

APRIL

A member of Minnesota State | www.rctc.edu

RCTC

MOON PHASES

RCTC WINS BEST OF THE BEST FOR THIRD YEAR RCTC was voted Best of the Best in Higher Education in the Post Bulletin’s annual readers’ choice poll. This is the College’s third win in a row in the higher education category.

FAST FACT

44

4 20

4/11

4/26 SUPER MOON

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THUR SDAY

FR IDAY

SATUR DAY

APRIL FOOL’S DAY

28

29

30

31

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

15

16

17

22

23

24

TAX DAY

11

12 LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW FROM CLASSES

18

13 EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT DAY NO CLASSES

19

14 ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS DAY

EARTH DAY

20

21

SUMMER TUITION DUE *

25

26

27

28

29

30

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

NOTES:

* SPRING PAYMENT INFO: Tuition and fees must be paid in full or an approved deferment in place by Friday, April 30, 2021. After this date, payment is due at the time of registration. June 8, 2021 is the last day to set up a FACTS/ NELNET payment plan.

2021 MARCH SUN

2021 MAY

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

28

29

30

31

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

1

MAY

A member of Minnesota State www.rctc.edu

RCTC

RCTC’S SBDC RECEIVES GRANT FROM MAYO CLINIC

MOON PHASES

Mayo Clinic donated $15,000 toward the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) hosted at Rochester Community and Technical College. RCTC is seeking support for the SBDC to ensure that business plan development, capital and loan packaging, financial analysis, and succession planning services can continue for small businesses within our region.

FAST FACT SUNDAY

MONDAY

25

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THUR SDAY

53

5 19

5/11

5/26 SUPER MOON

FR IDAY

SATUR DAY

26

27

28

29

30

1

3

4

5

6

7

8

STUDENT LIFE END OF SEMESTER CELEBRATION 5/3 - 5/7

2

SPRING SEMESTER ENDS

MOTHER’S DAY

COMMENCEMENT

ARMED FORCES DAY

BOOK RENTAL RETURN

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

31

1

2

3

4

5

MEMORIAL DAY

30 NOTES:

2021 APRIL SUN

MON

TUE

2021 JUNE WED

THU

FRI

SAT

1

2

3

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

1

2

3

4

5

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

25

26

27

28

29

30

27

28

29

30

JUNE

A member of Minnesota State | www.rctc.edu

RCTC

RCTC DESIGNATED LEADMN HUNGER FREE CAMPUS

MOON PHASES

RCTC is one of 16 Minnesota State community and technical colleges recognized for its work to reduce food insecurity on campus.

Minnesota State colleges are continuing to make efforts to address hunger amongst college students with the passage of the Hunger Free Campus Act approved by the Minnesota legislature in 2019.

FAST FACT SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THUR SDAY

62

6 17

6/10

FR IDAY

6/24

SATUR DAY

SUMMER SESSION STARTS LAST DAY TO DROP FULL SESSION COURSES

30

31

6

PARENTS’ DAY

1

2

3

4

5

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

FLAG DAY

FATHER’S DAY SUMMER SOLSTICE

NOTES:

2021 MAY SUN

MON

2021 JULY

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

1

THU

FRI

SAT

1

2

3

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

30

31

JULY

A member of Minnesota State | www.rctc.edu

RCTC

RCTC COLLEGE RELATIONS AND MARKETING WINS NATIONAL AWARD The RCTC College Relations and Marketing team was awarded a Silver Paragon Award from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) for the Spring 2019 edition of the RCTC Magazine. NCMPR is the only organization of its kind that exclusively represents marketing and public relations professionals at community and technical colleges.

FAST FACT SUNDAY

MONDAY

27 INDEPENDENCE DAY

NOTES:

TUESDAY

28

WEDNESDAY

THUR SDAY

MOON PHASES 71

7/9

FR IDAY

7 17

7/23

7 31

SATUR DAY

29

30

1

2

3

INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY OBSERVED NO CLASSES

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

1

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A member of Minnesota State | www.rctc.edu

RCTC

RCTC RECEIVES $50,000 MINNESOTA STATE MENTAL HEALTH GRANT

MOON PHASES

As part of the 2019 Legislative session, an appropriation was made to provide funding for up to five Minnesota State colleges to contract with one or more independent mental health organizations to provide mental health care on campus. RCTC is one of the colleges which received $50,000 (over the biennium) in grant funding to support students through a partnership with Zumbro Valley Health Center.

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* FALL PAYMENT INFO: Tuition and fees must be paid in full or an approved deferment in place by Friday, August 6, 20210. After this date, payment is due at the time of registration. August 20, 2021 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 25, 2021.

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HIGHLIGHTS RCTC MEMORIAL HALL GRAND OPENING RCTC celebrated the new Memorial Hall Grand Opening on Thursday, January 23, 2020. Minnesota State Chancellor Malhotra, legislators, faculty, staff, RCTC retirees, and students attended the standing room only event. The new Memorial Hall also includes a new installation honoring retired faculty and staff.

The entire project consisted of three phases: construction, renovation, and demolition. The construction phase included the New Memorial Hall with new offices, academic flex-space, and a large, versatile classroom which occupies the two-story addition that wraps around Endicott Hall, Coffman Center, and Singley Hall on the west side of Main campus. The existing maintenance garage and childcare center were torn down and a new building entrance and drop-off lane were constructed.

GRAND OPENING OF RCTC’S NEW EQUITY AND INCLUSION RESOURCE CENTER The new Equity and Inclusion Resource Center located next to The Hive Student Center serves as a bridge to community resources available to RCTC students, staff, and faculty. These resources include food insecurity, housing, healthy relationships, financial planning, scholarships, workforce opportunities, religious and ethnic affiliation groups, English language learners support, and social justice. The resources are available both in paper form as well as ‘living’ form. Representatives from community organizations are available to answer questions.

To maximize space utilization amongst existing square footage, spaces in Endicott, Singley, College Center, and Science and Technology buildings were upgraded, and renovations included moving walls, upgrading technology, updating furniture, and making the spaces more learner-friendly.

Construction, renovation, and remodeling will conclude in fall 2020.

RCTC NEW INSTITUTIONAL ASSESSMENT PLAN: THE VIRTUOUS CIRCLE RCTC officially approved its new Institutional Assessment Plan (IAP). This is RCTC’s second IAP, which will be in place until 2022. RCTC’s first IAP guided college assessment efforts for the past three years. The first IAP helped build a culture of assessment. The new IAP builds on RCTC’s culture of assessment by creating virtuous circles.

RCTC HOLDS VIRTUAL COMMENCEMENT RCTC celebrated commencement virtually in 2020 due to COVID-19 safety concerns. Online graduation cards with photos were created and shared on RCTC social media to celebrate our graduates. Faculty and staff also shared their online congratulations during commencement week. A total of 764 students graduated. 157 students graduated; with High Honors and an additional 138 students graduated with Honors.

HIGHLIGHTS FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP EVENTS The RCTC Foundation hosted their annual scholarship event as well as the OAKS scholarship event. The Foundation provides scholarship awards each year to incoming, returning, and graduating/ transferring RCTC students. Scholarship awards range in value from $200 to $5,000 and are available for full-time and part-time students. More than 140 scholarships are offered in almost every major. Additional OAKS (Overcoming Adversity Keeping Strong) scholarships are awarded to incoming and returning RCTC students who have overcome tremendous odds to become successful both personally and academically.

Workforce Development scholarships are also available to students majoring in jobs deemed critical to the state’s economy.

SHARKTANK RCTC WINS SHARK TANK COMPETITION The RCTC Student Government was awarded $500 for winning the LeadMN 2020 Shark Tank competition at the January Leadership Conference. The conference was themed to support student advocacy around hunger and food insecurity among college students.

ECHO NAMED BEST COLLEGE NEWSPAPER FOR SECOND STRAIGHT YEAR RCTC’s Echo was named the best college newspaper for the second consecutive year at the Minnesota Newspaper Association’s Better Newspaper Contest.

The Echo’s first place finish in General Excellence category is a noteworthy achievement because it competes against student newspapers from four-year universities throughout Minnesota.

Three Echo staff members placed in individual categories. Hawa Sheikh-Adam placed second for arts and entertainment reporting for her story about an exhibition by artist Jennifer Onofrio Fornes. Photo Editor Nathan Hoover placed second in feature photography for his image of RCTC Band Director Michael Mangan leading students during rehearsal. Breanna Shen placed third in column writing for her column headlined "Ivy League doesn't guarantee success."

This is the fourth consecutive year that The Echo placed in General Excellence in the MNA’s Better Newspaper Contest.

It placed first in 2019, second in 2018 and third in 2017.

Members of student government attended a workshop in the morning on #RealEquipped: A Playbook to Win at Food Insecurity Programming. At the workshop, they learned from a national expert to develop new ideas and an implementation plan to support innovative programs related to addressing meal gaps among our students. RCTC students presented their plan to a panel of "sharks" and competed against seven other Minnesota State colleges.

RCTC was represented by student leaders: Fadumasahra Farah, Ali Abdi, Roberts Hoenisch, Hannah McMillan, Mohamud Mohamed, and Fatima Mohamed.

The $500 award will be used to support the development of a Campus Community Food Resource Guide that includes information on where to access hot meals within Rochester, food shelves, student discount opportunities, cultural food stores, and information on SNAP and other public assistance programs. In addition, the award will support the creation of "Mini Hives" that can be housed in individual offices to increase accessibility of services and promote the Hive Supply. RCTC Student Government also wants to ensure that current food offerings are inclusive of diverse student needs and that items stocked in the Hive Supply are clearly labeled to reflect cultural and dietary restrictions.

HIGHLIGHTS RCTC ANNOUNCED VICE PRESIDENT APPOINTMENTS RCTC announced the permanent appointment of Michelle Pyfferoen to the role of Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Teresa Brown as the Interim Vice President of Student Affairs. Both appointments were effective October 30, 2019.

RCTC STUDENTS AWARDED MARK W. WELTER WORLD CITIZEN AWARD AND SCHOLARSHIP RCTC student Oyindamola Baruwa was selected to receive the Mark W. Welter World Citizen Award and Scholarship for fall semester 2019.

Ms. Baruwa was one of 20 students from Minnesota State selected to receive this honor.

She has gone above and beyond in participating in equity and educational programming as well as interviewing students to get their perspectives on campus. Ms. Baruwa was nominated for this award by RCTC Multicultural Advisor, Chao Mwatela.

RCTC student Nhung Nguyen was selected to receive the Mark M. Welter World Citizen Award and Scholarship for spring semester 2020. Ms. Nguyen was one of 20 students from Minnesota State selected to receive this honor. Since emigrating from Vietnam in 2005, Nguyen has been active in volunteerism in the community, including having taught Vietnamese to young children in Rochester for several years. Ms. Nguyen continues to face the many challenges in her life with perseverance and optimism. Ms. Nguyen was nominated for this award by Sandy Aaby, a library technician at RCTC’s Goddard Library.

Through the generosity of Dr. Mark Welter, this award provides an annual tribute to Minnesota State students who exemplify an understanding of the interconnected nature of the world, its nations and all people; are in good academic standing; and who demonstrate financial need.

Michelle Pyfferoen

RCTC AWARDED ROTARY GRANT RCTC’s Collaboration Among Rochester Educators (CARE) Summer Bridge program received a $2,000 grant from the Rotary Clubs of Rochester. The grant helped fund transportation, supplies, and snacks for approximately 50 graduating seniors from Rochester Public Schools participating in RCTC’s Summer Bridge program.

RCTC’s CARE Summer Bridge program is an eight-week program designed to help John Marshall, Mayo, and Century High School seniors’ transition from high school to college. The primary focus of the Summer Bridge program is to help students develop the skills necessary to complete college-level coursework before they begin college.

Teresa Brown

Ms. Pyfferoen has been with the College for over 25 years, serving in such roles as Director of Business and Workforce Education, Dean of Career and Technical Education, and most recently, serving as Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs.

In the announcement of her appointment, President Boyd is quoted as saying, “Michelle has done an outstanding job in the interim role. She is well known and respected with community leaders. Her 25+ year history with RCTC provides stable leadership in this position.”

Dr. Teresa Brown has also been with the College for more than 22 years, most currently serving as Interim Dean of Sciences and Health Professions. Prior to the interim appointment, Dr. Brown was a Chemistry Instructor for the College, and served in several faculty leadership roles, including taking the lead for Assessment of Student Learning, Chair of the Science Division, and Chair of the Academic Affairs and Standards Council. Dr. Boyd is quoted as saying, “Her understanding and work with academic pathways will help Student Affairs finalize our new pathway advising model.”

RCTC SIGNS AVIATION ARTICULATION AGREEMENT WITH MINNESOTA STATE MANKATO RCTC signed an Aviation Articulation Agreement with Minnesota State University, Mankato on December 11, 2019 at the RCTC Aviation Training Center located at the Rochester International Airport. The articulation agreement enables a seamless transition for aviation students to complete a bachelor’s degree at Minnesota State Mankato after completing their associate degree at RCTC. The agreement specifies admission and graduation requirements of each institution’s program as well as course and credit requirements in each of the two programs.

HIGHLIGHTS

RCTC WRESTLING TEAM WINS DIVISION III NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP The Yellowjackets finished second in the NJCAA National Duals, won the MCAC Duals going 40-0 in matches during the dual tournament, and rolled to the North District Championship. RCTC Coach Randy Rager was also named NWCA Non-Scholarship National Coach of the Year before the start of the National Tournament.

RCTC competes as an NJCAA Division III college in all sports which means no athletic scholarships are permitted. At the NJCAA Wrestling Championships however, all teams (scholarship and non-scholarship) compete together. The Yellowjacket wrestlers finished the tournament with six All-Americans, a third place overall finish and a Division III National Championship.

ACCREDITATION REAFFIRMATION RECEIVED FOR THE DENTAL ASSISTING AND DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAMS AT RCTC RCTC’s Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene programs’ accreditation have both been reaffirmed by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. Both the RCTC Dental Assisting program and the Dental Hygiene program were awarded the “accreditation status of approval without reporting requirements.” No additional information is requested from either program at this time. The next site visit for each program is scheduled for 2026.

RCTC HLC ACCREDITATION UPDATE RCTC is in the process of completing a large self-study in support of our continued accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. A cross-functional team of dozens of stakeholders from across the College have been hard at work during the academic year getting our narrative and evidence ready for review. The College will be visited by peer reviewers from institutions across the country on November 9-10, 2020.

Following this visit, the College will receive an official action on the part of the Commission. This mid-point checkin during our 10-year accreditation cycle will in part guide our continuous quality improvement efforts in support of our next full reaffirmation of accreditation in 2027.

SHINING STARS The following RCTC employees were recognized as Shining Stars during All-Employee Development Days in 2019-20 for going above and beyond: Dale Amy, Jerry Becker, Tiffany Betcher, Mary Bisbee, Jeffery Boyd, Kristin Buck, Jerry Casper, Ruth Casper, Shelah Christensen, Steve Cole, Jennifer Dahle, Shelly Danielson, Beth Diekmann, Lisa Eckhoff, Terry Eich, Laura Engelman, Jennifer Erwin, Greg Frana, Cheri Fritz, Mike Froisland, Bret Fuller, Kim Glarner, Matt Haack, Ben Hain, Guy Hamernik, Mike Harding, Carroll Harrod, Jennifer Haug, Beth Heim de Bera, Anne High, Teri Hill, Chad Israelson, John Jimenez, Jamie Johnson, Tom Kacir, Judy Kingsbury, Paul Kinion, Cheryl Klingsporn-Morgan, Brooke Kosok, Jennifer Krieger, Rebecca Kruetzfeldt, Jesse Krusmark, Tammy Lee, Mike Lester, Katrina Maass, Dave MacLeod, Jamie Mahlberg, Molly Matusiewicz, Scannell McCormick, Scott McCullough, Heather McEldowney, Jenee McGurren, Jason Meier, Michelle Messenger, Brittany Meyer, Trepp Meyer, Tonya Miller, Mike Mutschelknaus, Chao Mwatela, Dennis Olson, Becca Peine, Mona Permann, Deb Pesch, Kimberly Peters, Julie Peterson, Janelle Peterson, Chrisanne Pieper, Kelly Pyfferoen, Mir Qader, Randy Rager, Cassie Ray, Kathie Richie, Katie Ristau, Kimberly Rowley, Nikki Rud, Travis Rutt, Connie Sabotta, Glen Saponari, Steve Schmall, Carol Schultz, Aaron Shannon, Tom Soltau, Cathy Sparks, Brian Steele, Nate Stoltman, Suzanne Szucs, Ramona Taylor, Paula Theisen, Paula Titus, Jaime Tjossem, Beth Torgerud, Deb Vang, Pam Whitfield, Jeanne Wilson, Anne Wobschall, Gregg Wright, Alicia Zeone, and Amber Zitzow. In addition to these individual, Shining Star designations were also given to members of Advising/Counseling, the ASL Committee, Facilities Division, Math Department, Financial Aid, Finance Division, HLC Steering Team, IT Division, and Student Affairs Division.

2019-20 BEST BEES The following RCTC employees/departments were recognized as Best Bees for demonstrating the RCTC values of Excellence, Innovation, Learner-Centered, Teamwork, Respect, and Fun: • • • • •

Heather McEldowney (October 2019) Cathy Ellstrom (November 2019) Stacey York (December 2019) Information Technology and Facilities Staff (February 2020) Ruth Casper (March 2020)

2019-20 RETIREES The following faculty and staff retired during the 2019-20 year: Kevin Dobbe, Renee Engelmeyer, Catherine Egenberger, Suzy Finck, Scott Gresbrink, Julie Hager, Debbie Knaup, Joe Schlichenmeyer, James Scott, Shirley Wilson, Gregg Wright, and Dan Ziebell

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