Hotline // February 7, 2024

VCSU Recognized for Best Online Programs

U.S. News and World Reports ranks VCSU for Best Online Bachelor’s and Master’s in Education Programs

Valley City State University (VCSU) has been ranked again by U.S. News and World Report as having one of the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. VCSU was also recognized for having one of the Best Online Master’s in Education programs.

VCSU was the only regional public university in North Dakota ranked as having a Best Online Master’s in Education Program. VCSU was also the second-ranked North Dakota institution for online Bachelor’s programs.

“Our faculty take pride in offering diverse, challenging coursework through different delivery methods. Everyone at VCSU works to help our students succeed academically and beyond. Rankings like this reinforce the quality of the educational experience we offer for students,” said Larry Brooks, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “I am pleased to see our online programs being recognized nationally again for their quality and accessibility.”

“These rankings once again show VCSU is one of the best schools in our region for academic quality, support and student success,” President Alan LaFave said. “We know our students are getting a great education regardless of the course delivery mode they choose to fit their situation. Our dynamic campus continues to grow and help students reach new heights. This is an exciting time to be a part of the VCSU community.”

Faculty at VCSU are experts at delivering coursework via multiple formats and have regular and thorough quality and content reviews.

LaFave said, “VCSU’s unwavering commitment to academic success is reflected in these rankings. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to providing our students with a valuable, affordable education that is competitive in today’s world.”

The U.S. News and World Report rankings are based on a variety of factors, such as student engagement, faculty credentials, and services and technologies.

To schedule an interview about the rankings or for more information please contact Tammy Jo Taft by emailing tammyjo.taft@vcsu.edu or calling (701) 845-7227.

Knapp selected for Virtual Exchange Academy

Travis Knapp, assistant professor for language and literature, was recently selected as a 2024 recipient of the Virtual Exchange Academy through the Stevens Initiative program. He was one of 50 international recipients of this award.

McCarthy Surplus Sale

VCSU will host a surplus sale on Tuesday, February 27. The sale will run from noon – 4 p.m. in McCarthy Hall on the VCSU campus (620 2nd Ave SE).

Items for sale include glassware, chairs, office supplies, Legos, tools and more. Photos of items will be posted to the VCSU Facilities Services Facebook page. All merchandise is to be paid for and picked up by 4 p.m. that day. Customers will be responsible for moving and loading their own items.

For more information contact Facilities Services at 701-845-7705.

Biennial Faculty Staff Exhibition concludes this week

The Biennial Faculty Staff Exhibition will conclude this Friday, February 9 at 4 p.m. in the Center for the Arts Gallery.

The exhibition 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.

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.

Student Profile: Beth Mehus

Beth Mehus is a student double majoring in English and Communications who hopes to use her degrees to enter the field of publishing after she graduates. She is an incredibly valuable student in the language and literature department where she is a member of the English club and an editor for VCSU’s student literary arts journal, The Forge.

Hometown: Finley, ND

Grad year: 2025

Major/minor: English with a marketing minor and a digital marketing certificate & digital design certificate

List any clubs, organizations, activities you are involved in on campus:
New Student Orientation, Viking Voyage Mentor, Student Senate, English Club Treasurer, and Learning Commons Tutor

Do you have a favorite professor or person who has influenced you on campus? Why?
That would have to be Lee Kruger, an English professor here. He’s one of the reasons why I decided to pursue English in college and stick with it. He’s also super personal and truly looks out for his students, and every class I took from him was fun and engaging.

Have you had any cool experiences since you’ve been in college that you’d like to tell us about?
I took a class called Writing in the Major in the spring of 2023, this is where I fell in love with web design and the marketing aspects of the English field. After taking the class, I explored several career options for myself since I was stuck and wasn’t sure what to do. This class helped pave the way for my future.

What does VCSU mean to you?
VCSU means home to me. I feel as though I have finally found a place where my ideas and words are valued, and my friendships as well. Everyone is inviting and welcoming and wishes to see you succeed.

What is your story? How did you end up at VCSU?
I have an older brother who is thirteen years older than me, and he’s the reason I came here. There’s an old picture of our family wearing VCSU Vikings merch from the Summer before my brother was heading off to college at VCSU. So, when it was time for me to start thinking about the future, VCSU was always in my mind as an option. So, I decided to book a tour with Valley, and I instantly found that love at first sight feeling I was hoping for. The campus, the atmosphere, and the people are what truly brought me back to campus and helped me decide where I wanted to pursue higher education. So, every time I look at that family photo of little five-year-old me wearing a VCSU sweatshirt, I can’t help but think that I was destined to be a Viking and it makes me feel like my time here is special.

What are your dreams and ambitions or career goals upon graduation?
Thinking about the future is scary to me, but I like to think I have a clear understanding on what it is I want to do. I love working with social media and web design, so I would love to work in any of those fields. I also love exploring the world of publishing, and I would love to be a part of this field as well. I am not exactly sure which path I’ll take, but I feel confident that I’ll acquire the skills at VCSU for any career I want to pursue.

Viking Sports Update

Women’s Basketball
The VCSU women’s basketball team posted a 1-1 record last week, defeating Dickinson State but dropping a road game at Mayville. VCSU is now 10-12 overall and 4-4 in conference play. The Viking women play their final regular season home games this weekend, hosting Viterbo University on Friday and Waldorf University on Saturday.

Men’s Basketball
The VCSU men’s basketball team dropped a pair of game last week to Dickinson State and Viterbo. The Vikings are now 10-12 overall and 2-6 in conference play. VCSU will host Viterbo University (Friday) and Waldorf University (Saturday) this weekend.

Softball
Viking Softball opened the 2024 season with a 1-2 record last weekend at the Minot State Dome Tournament. The Vikings defeated Dakota Wesleyan 17-2 in their victory. Valley City State is back in action Friday and Saturday at the University of Jamestown Dome Tournament.

Track & Field
Jasmine Barnes set a new school record in the mile run this weekend, highlighting some strong individual performances by VCSU track and field athletes at the large Bison Open. Read more: https://vcsuvikings.com/news/2024/2/3/womens-track-and-field-barnes-breaks-mile-run-record-at-bison-open.aspx

Upcoming Events
Feb. 9: Softball vs. Jamestown/Northern State, 1/3 p.m. (Jamestown, N.D.)
Feb. 9: WBB/MBB vs. Viterbo University, 5:30/7:30 p.m. (Valley City)
Feb. 9-10: Track & Field at SDSU Indoor Classic (Brookings, S.D.)
Feb. 10: WBB/MBB vs. Waldorf University, 3:00/5:00 p.m. (Valley City)
Feb. 10: Softball vs. Mayville State/Northern State, 4:30/6:30 p.m. (Jamestown, 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/