Hotline // February 14, 2024
This week’s Hotline includes the following articles:
- Valley City State University Sets Spring Enrollment Record
- Kuntz and Thilmony receive ‘Difference Maker’ award
- McCarthy Surplus Sale
- VCSU Offers Free Tax Preparation
- Leap Into College With Free App Month and Win a Mini Fridge
- VCSU Career and Internship Expo Planned for Feb. 27
- Viking sports update
- What’s happening at VCSU and around Valley City…
Valley City State University Sets Spring Enrollment Record
Headcount of 1,747 students paired with highest FTE during spring semester in school history
Valley City, ND – Valley City State University has set another enrollment record with 1,747 total students enrolled for Spring 2024. This includes 1,628 undergraduate students and 119 graduate students.
The semester also set a Full Time Equivalent (FTE) record at 1,148 FTE. The FTE increased from spring 2023 to spring 2024 by six percent. There was a total of sixty-eight new students (freshmen and transfer students) enrolled at VCSU in the spring of 2024.
“We are thrilled to welcome so many new students into the Viking family. Enrollment growth is just one of the exciting developments at VCSU,” President Alan LaFave said. “From the updates to McCarthy Hall, to our multiple rankings for excellence and affordability, it’s clear that students and families recognize the outstanding quality, value and career opportunities associated with a degree from VCSU.”
“Our campus community is moving forward and growing in ways that will benefit current and future generations,” LaFave said. “Our faculty continue to invest their time and efforts to providing the highest-quality, accessible education for every student. Our staff have done a superb job supporting all aspects of our campus. I’m also grateful to our Viking alumni, supporters and community that help support students through scholarships, internships and in many high-impact ways.”
“Enrollment growth is the result of the continued support and hard work of many, and we are grateful to have a supportive, thriving campus and community to call home,” LaFave said.
VCSU’s spring semester headcount has increased by 35% since 2015. Likewise, fall enrollment at VCSU has continued to set records.
“VCSU’s programs continue to ensure our students find success and help meet workforce needs after graduation,” Mr. Larry Brooks, Vice President for Academic Affairs, said. “We offer a wide variety of programs and it is an exciting time to be a part of VCSU.”
For more information contact Tammy Jo Anderson Taft by emailing TammyJo.Taft@vcsu.edu, or call 701-845-7227.
Kuntz and Thilmony receive ‘Difference Maker’ award
Wayne Kuntz and Paul Thilmony, facilities services, recently received the “Difference Maker” award for February.
They were nominated by the Marketing & Communications Department, who said, “Wayne and Paul, the dynamic duo, went above and beyond last Christmas to make VCSU stand out in the Parade of Lights in Valley City to kick off the holiday season. From fixing the Viking ship float to riding in the parade, they made VCSU look great to our community and had fun doing it. They both routinely give their best to VCSU and ooze Viking pride! Wayne and Paul support all VCSU events including athletics, Staff Senate events and more, and you can always hear them down the hall laughing, coffee cups in hand. Wayne and Paul truly show that they are team players and help wherever they can, whenever they can.”
Thank you for all you do for VCSU, Wayne & Paul!
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.
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.
Viking Sports Update
Women’s Basketball
The Viking women’s basketball team swept a pair of home games last weekend, defeating Viterbo University 86-70 and then knocking off Waldorf University by a score of 87-56. Ashlyn Diemert was named the NSAA Player of the Week after averaging 23.5 points per game last week. The Vikings are now 12-12 overall and 6-4 in conference play. VCSU ends the regular season with road games at Dakota State and Bellevue University this weekend. The Vikings have clinched a first-round home playoff game, which they will host on Wednesday, Feb. 21.
Men’s Basketball
VCSU men’s basketball split its two games last weekend, including an 86-77 win against Waldorf University. The Vikings are now 11-13 overall and 3-7 in the conference. They close out the regular season with games at Dakota State and Bellevue this weekend. The first round of the NSAA playoffs begins Feb. 21. This weekend’s games will determine VCSU’s opponent and location of their opening playoff game.
Track & Field
VCSU Track & Field competes Sunday at the NSAA Indoor Conference Championships. The conference meet will be held in Brookings, S.D. The Vikings have several athletes vying for individual conference championships and all-conference (Top 3) honors.
Softball
VCSU Softball posted a 1-3 record last weekend during games at the University of Jamestown Tournament. The Vikings are back on the road this weekend with games Friday and Saturday at the Dordt University Dome Tournament.
Baseball
VCSU Baseball opens its spring schedule on Feb. 24-25 with four games in Kansas City, Kansas. The opener will be at 3 p.m. on Feb. 24 against Midland University.
Upcoming Events
Feb. 16: Softball at Dordt Dome Tournament, 12/4 p.m. (Sioux Center, Iowa)
Feb. 16: WBB/MBB at Dakota State University, 5:30/7:30 p.m. (Madison, S.D.)
Feb. 17: Softball at Dordt Dome Tournament, 10 a.m./12 p.m. (Sioux Center, Iowa)
Feb. 17: WBB/MBB at Bellevue University, 3/5 p.m. (Bellevue, Neb.)
Feb. 18: Track & Field at NSAA Indoor Conference Meet (Brookings, S.D.)