Hotline 1.19.21
This week’s Hotline includes the following articles:
- President’s Column
- VCSU Faculty & Staff Giving Campaign
- Dr. Haneishi attends virtual NAKHE conference
- Anna Bratsch awarded Staff Employee of the Quarter
- VCSU Sodexo excels in customer satisfaction survey
- COVID-19 testing to be held this week at W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse
- Put Care19 Alert app to work for you
- Coronavirus update
- Viking sports update
- What’s happening at VCSU and around Valley City…
The VCSU Hotline online newsletter is published weekly during the academic year. Deadline to submit articles (photos encouraged) is 3 p.m. Friday. Please submit articles to jerilyn.beckman@vcsu.edu.
President’s Column: Capital campaign update – inclusions
We are excited to embark on the first ever capital campaign for Valley City State University! Our plan is to raise $25 million for the benefit of the students and institution. Our mission to provide our students the best possible experience in the classroom and in athletic competition continues, but as I’ve mentioned before, we’ve outgrown our athletic and student activity facilities. Titled “Forward Together: The Campaign for Valley City State University,” the fundraising effort comprises four components: an addition to the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse, additional funds for student scholarships, repurposing McCarthy Hall for VCSU’s renowned teacher education program, and a renovation of the Student Center. This column will focus on the specific inclusions for the proposed addition to the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse.
The W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse was built in 1960 and has remained largely the same, with the exception of some seating upgrades and basketball court refinishing. Over the last 60 years, Viking Athletics has outgrown the facility. Our student-athletes have increased from 111 to nearly 300; more than 20 athletic staff have been added to accommodate several new sport offerings, and the number of teams on campus has doubled.
The facility addition, a “double-bubble” if you will, will include a multi-purpose indoor turf practice facility which can be utilized by several sports. It will also offer a 200-meter indoor competitive track, an updated strength and athletic training facility, new and expanded locker rooms, updated and expanded public areas, classrooms and meeting rooms, and the Viking Hall of Fame.
There is a significant difference between the new fieldhouse facility and the outstanding Gaukler Wellness Center. The wellness center is a joint community/university facility that provides wellness classes and fitness equipment for community members and university students to enhance their own wellness. Our general university students pay fees each semester to help with the ongoing cost of operations and provide them with the opportunity to use the facility. Our athletic teams do not hold their practices or formal weight training in this facility. The proposed field house addition gives our athletes more space.
Additionally, the proposed new athletic facility will provide opportunities to bring even more athletic and non-athletic events to Valley City. The indoor track will provide options for hosting track meets year-round and bring regular and post-season championship events to our community. The turf practice area could be used for a variety of purposes as well.
In a recently released study titled, “Economic Impact of the North Dakota University System,” the fiscal year 2019 report estimates the total economic impact of Valley City State University at $83 million. In addition to the economic contribution resulting from the institution’s expenditures, spending by students also contributes to the local economy. The study indicated that the direct effects of student spending in the Valley City area was $13.1 million in fiscal year 2019 and the total economic contribution of student spending at $32.5 million.
We greatly appreciate the tremendous support we continue to receive from the community and friends of VCSU. In these difficult economic times, we want everyone to know how much we value the support from our community. As we work to solidify and transform VCSU’s direction and opportunities for the next 50 years, let us move Forward Together!
Go Vikings!
VCSU Faculty & Staff giving campaign
This past year we have collaborated as a University to overcome tremendous challenges and set an enrollment record at VCSU. That campus community effort allowed our University to stay fully operational without the anxiety of furloughs or reductions that many others faced.
The support we receive through our Faculty & Staff giving program positively impacts our ability to fund scholarships for the enrollment growth we are experiencing. We appreciate the loyalty and generosity displayed by our current givers. You MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Our inability to conduct business as normal since last March has left us with a void just under $100,000 in our scholarship commitment to VCSU that would have been met if events could have taken place. We are urging you today to help us with our goal of 100% Faculty & Staff giving participation. We are currently at 63%. Many use payroll deduction as a convenient way to support this program. The Foundation Deduction Form is located on the One Drive for your convenience or stop by our office.
– The VCSU Foundation & Alumni Staff
Dr. Haneishi attends virtual NAKHE conference
Dr. Haneishi from the Department of Kinesiology and Human Performance attended the virtual conference with National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education (NAKHE) on Jan. 6-9. One interesting session was about Emotional Intelligence (EI) in High Education. Four aspects of EI are 1) self-awareness, 2) self-management, 3) social awareness, and 4) relationship management. While intelligence quotient (IQ) is commonly used to measure effectiveness in higher education, the EI skills actually address important aspects to help instructors become more effective, more influential, and more well-rounded educators and leaders in higher education.
Another powerful session was about social justice and cultural diversity through Physical Education. Physical Education teachers have a critical role not only in teaching the importance of physical activity and health but also in delivering a strong message on social justice and cultural diversity. Overall, the conference provided useful teaching tools and knowledge as well as reinforced how our work in education is important for social justice, diversity and inclusion.
Anna Bratsch awarded Staff Employee of the Quarter
Anna Bratsch, VCSU’s head athletic trainer, has been named the Staff Employee of the Quarter.
Bratsch was recognized for her ability to adapt and help lead the athletic department through multiple guideline changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She helped organize testing and return to play guidelines for the VCSU athletic department and has continued to prioritize the health and safety of VCSU’s student-athletes.
“Anna is an inspiration when it comes to handling all tasks thrown her way and being able to adapt to them efficiently and quickly,” her nomination reads. “Anna’s attitude is positive and outgoing which makes working with her beyond enjoyable. She truly shows how much she loves her job and wants all who are around her to strive to push themselves and work hard.”
Congratulations, Anna!
VCSU Sodexo excels in customer satisfaction survey
A fall 2020 customer satisfaction survey of Sodexo dining sites revealed that VCSU averages a 90.6 percent satisfaction rating over the national average of 75.4 percent. VCSU ranks in the top 25 Sodexo sites as determined by a consumer insight team of analysts.
Thank you to our Sodexo and student center employees for providing outstanding service to our students and campus!
COVID-19 testing events this week at the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse, “The Bubble”
Free COVID-19 testing events for the VCSU and Valley City communities will be held this week from 1-2 p.m. at the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse, “The Bubble”. Rapid testing events will be held Jan. 20 and Jan. 22.
These are WALK-IN testing events. Colder temperatures have moved operations indoors. If you wish to be tested, please park your vehicle and enter through the west entrance. Handicap parking spaces and access are available at the east entrance. Preregistration at testreg.nd.gov is encouraged; one only needs to register once.
Care19 Alert App
VCSU students and employees are strongly encouraged to download a free smartphone app, Care19 Alert, to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by notifying users of possible COVID-19 exposure while protecting their privacy with technology developed by Apple and Google.
Coronavirus Update
Stay informed about campus coronavirus information with the following resources. Click each link to learn more.
- VCSU Coronavirus information
- COVID-19 Dashboard
- COVID-19: Campus Health & Safety Information
- Campus face covering policy
- Required Quarantine/Isolation Procedures for Employees
Vikings sports update
Women’s Basketball
Jan. 15: VCSU 81, Waldorf University 49
Jan. 16: Viterbo University 83, VCSU 69
Jan. 18: VCSU 87, Oak Hills Christian College 40
The VCSU women’s basketball team posted a 2-1 record this past week, including an 81-49 conference victory against Waldorf University. Valley City State is now 4-7 overall and 2-3 in conference play.
Men’s Basketball
Jan. 12: VCSU 105, Oak Hills Christian College 48
Jan. 15: VCSU 74, Waldorf University 61
Jan. 16: Viterbo University 88, VCSU 84
Valley City State’s men’s basketball team went 2-1 during games last week. The Vikings are now 11-3 overall and 3-2 in conference play. VCSU is receiving votes in the latest NAIA Top 25 Coaches’ Poll.
Track & Field
Valley City State All-American thrower Zachary Co wasted little time qualifying for nationals at Friday’s season-opening indoor track meet in Yankton, S.D. The Viking senior unleashed a monster shot put throw of 16.86 meters (55 feet, 3.75 inches) on his very first attempt of the season, soaring past the NAIA national qualifying mark and announcing himself as a national contender. Co easily won Friday’s meet, besting second place by more than 10 feet. Co’s mark is the second-best throw in the entire NAIA this season.
The big throw by Co highlighted VCSU’s first meet of the season, which also included 15 Top 3 finishes and four individual champions. Click to view complete meet results.
VCSU track and field will compete in a 3 p.m. dual at the University of Jamestown on Friday. No spectators are allowed at the meet, but a video stream link will be available at www.vcsuvikings.com
Upcoming Events
Jan. 22: Track & Field at Jamestown Dual, 3 p.m. (No spectators allowed)
Jan. 22: WBB/MBB at Mayville State, 5:30/7:30 p.m.
Jan. 23: WBB/MBB at Presentation College, 3/5 p.m.
Jan. 26: Men’s Basketball vs. Yellowstone Christian College, 6 p.m.
What’s happening at VCSU and around Valley City…
Tuesday, January 19
Rotary Club, 12:00 p.m., VCSU
Wednesday, January 20
Kiwanis, 12:00 p.m. VC Town & Country Club
Rapid COVID-19 testing event, W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse “The Bubble”, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 21
Toastmaster Club, 12:00 p.m., VCSU
Optimist Club, 7:00 a.m., Vicky’s Viking Room
Friday, January 22
Track & Field at Jamestown Dual, 3 p.m. (No spectators allowed)
WBB/MBB at Mayville State, 5:30/7:30 p.m.
Rapid COVID-19 testing event, W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse “The Bubble”, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 23
WBB/MBB at Presentation College, 3/5 p.m.
Tuesday, January 25
Toastmaster Club, 12:00 p.m., VCSU
Rotary Club, 12:00 p.m., VCSU
Wednesday, January 26
Kiwanis, 12:00 p.m. VC Town & Country Club
Men’s Basketball vs. Yellowstone Christian College, 6 p.m.
Thursday, January 27
Toastmaster Club, 12:00 p.m., VCSU
Optimist Club, 7:00 a.m., Vicky’s Viking Room