Hotline // January 31, 2024

Spring Semester Progress at Valley City State University

Greetings from Valley City State University!

The winter weather has been kind to us this past week and it appears we have more good weather fortune ahead – and it is certainly welcome! There have been and will continue to be some exciting events that I’d like to highlight this week.

• Free application month will continue until February 15. If you know of any interested high school students searching for a university home, please encourage them to apply by visiting vcsu.edu/apply to start the process. Any student that applies before February 15 and is admitted by February 28 will be entered into a drawing for a free mini fridge. This would be a welcome addition to any residence hall room!
• I had the honor of joining some of our VCSU music faculty members in their spring recital performance on February 26 in the Center for the Arts. The audience was treated to a varied and excellent program, illustrating the talent of some of our outstanding faculty. I especially enjoyed performing a duet with our new clarinet professor, Dr. Katrina Clements (clarinet) and Dr. Oswald Johnson (piano). Interestingly, we both studied with the same clarinet professor at Arizona State, Dr. Robert Spring. Dr. Spring will be retiring this year after a 40+ year career. If you couldn’t attend the recital, you can watch and listen to the recorded performance on YouTube.
• Congratulations to an outstanding group of VCSU students who were recently recognized for their work on “The Forge”. The locally published literary magazine was recently recognized as a Superior Magazine by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).
• More than 40 businesses have registered for our upcoming career fair for students at the end of February. We have reached the maximum capacity of participating businesses! However, if you’d like to reach out to our students for anticipated workforce needs, internships, or other assistance, please contact Janna Kohler, director of career services at 701-845-7534 or janna.kohler@vcsu.edu.
• The annual Giving Hearts Day is February 8. Early giving is now open. Donations received will be used for student scholarship support. For more information, contact the VCSU Advancement Office at 701-845-7203. Donate $10 or more to the VCSU Foundation at https://app.givingheartsday.org/#/charity/383 and your gift will be matched up to $5,000 by Ludvigson, Braun & Co. – Matt Pedersen. The dollars raised during Giving Hearts Day help our students through scholarship support in addition to hosting alumni gatherings, award programs, Homecoming activities and our alumni newsletter. It’s a win-win for both students and alumni!
• The long-awaited renovation of McCarthy Hall continues to move forward. Thanks to the generous support of individual donors and the ND Legislature, this $13.5M project will be going to bid soon. It is anticipated the 12-month construction process will begin in March.
• Finally, we look forward to reconnecting and meeting with VCSU alumni and friends in Arizona at the end of this week (February 1-3). These events are an excellent opportunity to share many campus updates and stay in close contact with our wonderful supporters.

As always, we look forward to greeting you on campus at one of the many activities happening in the fast-paced spring semester!

Go Vikings!

Biennial Faculty Staff Exhibition reception today

The Biennial Faculty Staff Exhibition reception will take place today, Wednesday, Jan. 31 in the Center for the Arts from 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

The exhibition runs through Feb. 9 and showcases work made by faculty and staff across VCSU. Works include ceramics, drawings, quilts, photography, paper quilling, stained glass, jewelry and more.

VCSU Offers Free Tax Preparation

Tax preparation dates begin Monday, Feb. 5

Valley City, ND – Valley City State University (VCSU) students will offer free tax return preparation clinics for low-to-moderate income taxpayers from Monday, Feb. 5 to Monday, April 15. This is a basic tax service for qualified taxpayers with income less than $64,000 per year. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is offered by VCSU’s Department of Business.

The clinics begin on Monday, Feb. 5, and will be located on VCSU’s campus in McFarland 122. Walk-ins and appointments are accepted. Appointments can be made online at www.vcsu.edu/vita.

The clinics include face-to-face meetings between students and the tax filer to complete their return. The returns are then reviewed by a faculty member. Filers should bring a government-issued photo identification such as a driver’s license to the appointment. A married couple filing jointly will need photo identification for both the husband and the wife.

“These clinics offer a service for our community and provide students and faculty the chance to work together as a team,” said Brenda Tyre, chair of the VCSU Department of Business. “We are happy to coordinate these clinics to give students the opportunity to develop strong leadership, tax law knowledge, and communication skills. Every student volunteer working in the clinic has passed a tax preparation and code of standards exam to ensure returns are prepared accurately, maintain privacy, and ensure all personal information is secure.”

Dates available on Monday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. include:

• Monday, Feb. 5        – Monday, March 11          – Monday, April 8
• Monday, Feb. 12       – Monday, March 18          – Monday, April 15
• Monday, Feb. 26      – Monday, March 25

Dates available on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. include:

• Tuesday, Feb. 6         – Tuesday, March 12           – Tuesday, April 2
• Tuesday, Feb. 13        – Tuesday, March 19          – Tuesday, April 9
• Tuesday, Feb. 20       – Tuesday, March 26
• Tuesday, Feb. 27

There will be no clinic hours on the following holidays:

• Monday, Feb. 19
• Monday, March 4
• Tuesday, March 5
• Monday, April 1

To schedule an appointment, visit www.vcsu.edu/vita/ or contact the Department of Business at (701) 845-7508.

VCSU Receives Economic Diversification Research Funds

Valley City State University (VCSU) has received an Economic Diversification Research grant from the North Dakota University System (NDUS).

The grant allows VCSU students and faculty to develop a business incubator for new start-up businesses and those who wish to expand operations. The business incubator will be open one night per week during the school year and will provide area businesses with assistance on a variety of tasks including preparing business plans and entry-level marketing.

“This project will provide students with valuable experiential learning opportunities that will benefit them as they enter the workforce,” said Brenda Tyre, chair of the VCSU Business Department, Experiential or hands-on, practical learning is a cornerstone for many of VCSU’s academic programs.

“In addition to benefitting VCSU students, this project will provide the necessary assistance to new and existing businesses to spark workforce development in Valley City and the surrounding region,” said Larry Brooks, VCSU Vice President for Academic Affairs.  “I applaud Brenda for her vision and commitment to student success.”

According to VCSU President, Alan LaFave, “We are pleased to be part of this NDUS initiative. As this business incubator grows, we look to create partnerships with organizations that encourage and promote small business development across the region and state.”

In addition to benefiting area businesses, the business incubator will host a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteer program that will be available to community members who qualify for this service.

The purposes of the Economic Diversification Research funding are;

• to stimulate economic activity across the state through innovation of new technology, concepts, and products,
• to promote job creation and career and wage growth,
• to enhance health care outcomes,
• to address the loss of revenue and jobs in communities with economies that depend primarily on the fossil fuel industry; and
• to provide experiential learning opportunities for students.

For more information on the VCSU business incubator, contact Brenda Tyre at (701) 845-7515 or brenda.tyre@vcsu.edu.

Russi selected as a featured comedian for Sno Jam Comedy Festival

Jenni Lou Russi was selected as a featured comedian at the 2024 Sno Jam Comedy Festival in Sioux Falls, S.D. from January 18-21. Russi was featured in two comedy showcases and selected as a storyteller for the Hiring Crisis show. She worked with TEDx speaker, coach, and emcee, Paul Currington in preparation for her performances.

In addition to her three performances, Russi attended workshops in Audio Production and Marketing/Branding in Entertainment. An associate professor in the department of communication arts, Russi will use this experience in her Public Speaking, Introduction to Media Writing, and Public Relations courses.

Leap Into College With Free App Month and Win a Mini Fridge

Valley City State University (VCSU) announced today that all VCSU applications will be FREE from Jan. 15 to Feb. 15.

Any student who applies for undergraduate admission by Feb. 15, and is admitted before Feb. 28, will be entered to win a custom mini fridge on Feb. 29. Students who visit for the first time between Jan. 15 to Feb. 15, will also be entered to win. This means students who apply, are admitted and tour for the first time will be entered in the drawing twice! The application fee is waived by using the code VIKINGS when submitting the application online.

“Applying early for college gives students more time to make the decision that is right for them,” Director of Enrollment Services Erin Heide said. “Whether you’re starting college for the first time, transferring from another school, or earning an additional degree, the application process is quick and simple.”

Students who have submitted an application and been admitted to VCSU are also automatically offered various scholarship packages to assist with the financial cost.

“The application process is easy and I hope all students thinking about attending college submit an application to VCSU. We are one of the most affordable four-year schools in the upper Midwest and have been ranked as the top regional public school in the region by U.S. News and World Report,” Heide said. “This is a great opportunity for students to visit our campus and meet with faculty in an area of study they might be interested in pursuing. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity.”

• Applying for admission to VCSU is a simple process and begins online at vcsu.edu/apply. Use the promotion code VIKINGS to ensure the application fee is waived.
• Scheduling a visit to VCSU can be done at vcsu.edu/visit.
• Find a program to study by visiting the VCSU program listing.

The drawing will take place Feb. 29 and the winner will be notified by email and direct message.

For more information about applying or visiting VCSU, contact Erin Heide at Erin.Heide@vcsu.edu, or call (701) 845-7101 or text (701) 404-8354.

VCSU Career and Internship Expo Planned for Feb. 27

Employers Encouraged to Register by Jan. 18

Valley City State University (VCSU) will host a Career and Internship Expo from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, in the Memorial Student Union.

Employers interested in promoting career opportunities are encouraged to register for the event by Jan. 18 by emailing Janna Kohler at janna.kohler@vcsu.edu.

Students are encouraged to attend the event and discover employment and internship opportunities available with multiple local businesses and non-profit organizations.

“This event is one of the best ways we can connect our student population with the business community in Valley City and Barnes County,” said Janna Kohler, Director for Career Services. “We love to bring opportunities like this to campus for our students to see what great career offerings are in our region.”

In 2021 to 2022, 99% of non-education major graduates responding to a career survey said they were already employed or were continuing their education after graduation. Of education graduates, 100% responding reported they were employed or continuing their education. 70% of those graduates were employed in North Dakota.

“Our graduates are career-ready and our placement data supports that fact,” Vice President for Academic Affairs Larry Brooks said. “A diploma from VCSU helps our students enter the career of their choosing, often prior to graduation.”

The event focuses on opportunities for internships, seasonal, part-time and full-time work in the area. Students will be able to take a professional headshot and offer their resume to potential employers.

For more information about this event contact Janna Kohler at janna.kohler@vcsu.edu or call 701-845-7534.

Viking Sports Update

Men’s Basketball
The VCSU men went on the road and split a pair of games last weekend, falling 87-86 at Viterbo and then winning 76-74 at Waldorf. VCSU is now 10-10 overall and 2-4 in conference play. Cleveland Bedgood was named NSAA Player of the Week after averaging 32.5 points per game.

Women’s Basketball
The Viking women also split their road games, dropping an 84-80 game in overtime at Viterbo before bouncing back with a 73-55 win at Waldorf. The Vikings are now 9-11 overall and 3-3 in conference play. VCSU hosts Dickinson State on Jan. 31.

Track & Field
Jaiden Peraza and Jasmine Barnes both won individual event titles, and Emma Muggli set a new school record in the pentathlon this weekend as Viking Track & Field competed at the UND Indoor Open.

Read more: https://vcsuvikings.com/news/2024/1/29/mens-track-and-field-barnes-and-peraza-win-events-at-und-open.aspx

Softball
The Viking Softball team begins the 2024 season this weekend with a dome tournament at Minot State University. The Vikings play Minot State and NDSCS (exhibition) on Friday, and then face Dakota Wesleyan University and MSU-Moorhead on Saturday.

Upcoming Events
Jan. 31: WBB/MBB vs. Dickinson State, 5:30/7:30 p.m. (Valley City)
Feb. 2: Softball at Minot State Dome, 2 p.m. (Minot, N.D.)
Feb. 2: WBB/MBB at Mayville State, 5:30/7:30 p.m. (Mayville, N.D.)
Feb. 2-3: Track & Field at Bison Open (Fargo, N.D.)
Feb. 3: Softball at Minot State Dome, 12:15 p.m. (Minot, N.D.)

What's happening at VCSU and around Valley City...

Find out what’s happening at VCSU: https://www.vcsu.edu/news-events/

Find out what’s happening in the community: https://www.valleycitycalendar.com/