Hotline // November 9, 2022
This week’s Hotline includes the following articles:
President's Column: A Valley City visit with the Chancellor
Greetings from Valley City State University!
As I write this message, the autumn sun is low in the sky creating a shadowy landscape on the campus front lawn. The leaves are mostly fallen, and I’m reminded of the beauty of the changing seasons and how fortunate we are to fully experience four vastly different seasons.
We were fortunate to host Dr. Mark Haggerott, Chancellor of the North Dakota University System and Vice Chancellor for Strategy, Mr. Jerry Rostad in Valley City on Friday, October 28 for an informative and educational day highlighting some of the collaborations between the Valley City Public Schools and VCSU – most notably the substitute teacher program and the high school dual credit opportunities.
The day began with a visit to Washington Elementary to have a conversation with students, teachers, staff, and administration on the integration of technology into an elementary classroom and “Purpose Driven Preparation” – a collaboration between VCSU and Valley City Public Schools (VCPS) in preparing teachers for a career in education. Following a robust description of the educational opportunities for the students at Washington and a question and answer session with the assembled group, we were given the opportunity to watch sixth grade students applying their knowledge of technology in advanced and creative projects. We were all impressed with the ease at which students were utilizing technology and applying concepts.
We then transitioned to the Hi-Liner Activity Center (HAC) at Valley City High School (VCHS) where a large panel of current students, former students, high school dual credit teachers, technology staff, directors and administrators assembled to discuss how VCHS students are using a partnership with VCSU to be better prepared for college and careers. The choice ready options for students, along with alternative education – an education platform that integrates CTE and work-based learning – and technology-driven education addressing how students are prepared for the digital world of technology beyond secondary and higher education were the three main topics of discussion. It was gratifying to hear the positive impact high school dual credit has had on so many students. 22 VCHS students have earned the 24-credit college studies certificate prior to graduation. This gives them a wonderful jump start on college and, in many cases, reduces the time it takes to complete a bachelor’s degree by up to one year.
We then assembled at VCSU for a luncheon including senior administration from VCSU and VCPS, local legislative members, city, county, and economic development officials. This was an opportunity for the group to hear from the Chancellor some of the challenges facing higher education and expectations for the upcoming legislative session. It was great to have such a wide spectrum of participants engaged in conversations focused on the importance of quality education.
Following lunch, we had a brief tour of the Center for the Arts. The Ployhar Band Festival was in full swing, so it was great to see a beehive of activity and the facility being utilized by students from across North Dakota, many of whom will choose VCSU as their destination for their university studies.
Chancellor Haggerot then addressed a faculty, staff, and student open forum discussing the current state of higher education and the importance of Valley City State University as part of the 11-member NDUS system. This was followed by a brief exit meeting with the VCSU president’s cabinet and shared leadership team including the presidents, or designees, from the faculty, staff, and student senates.
It was an informative and invigorating day and would not have been possible without a great team effort! While attending a recent joint board of boards meeting in Bismarck, Superintendent Josh Johnson believed this would be a wonderful opportunity to showcase our community and collaborations that are working so well. He and his team including VCHS Principal Kristi Brandt, Washington Elementary Principal Chad Lueck, Dr. Allen Burgad, VCSU Dean of the School of Education, Dr. James Boe, VCSU Dean of Graduate Studies and Extended Learning, and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Mr. Larry Brooks did a tremendous job of organizing and hosting the day.
We are grateful for these partnerships and look forward to maintaining excellence and developing new initiatives in response to changing workforce needs – placing high-quality educational experiences at the forefront.
Go Vikings!
VCSU students raise over $550 during Shatter the Silence week
Valley City State University students recently presented a check of over $550 to the Abused Persons Outreach Center in Valley City, N.D. The funds were raised during Shatter the Silence events on campus Oct. 10-14 where various clubs and organizations on campus put on events to raise awareness for domestic abuse and relationship violence while showing support for the survivors.
The following clubs were involved in Shatter the Silence week at VCSU: Viking Campus Activities Board, VCSU Student Senate, Individuals Taking Action, Psychology and Human Services Club, VCSU Green Dot, English Club, Art Alliance, Social Justice Council and Native American Club.
Meet Lindsey Kiecker
Upon transferring to VCSU, Lindsey Kiecker was met with peers and professors who foster her passion for teaching. She is busy preparing for a career as a science teacher and hopes to one day pursue her Ph.D. 
Read more about this chemistry major at https://www.vcsu.edu/lindsey-kiecker/
Center for the Arts calendar available
VCSU’s Center for the Arts hosts multiple events throughout the year that highlight the work of students, faculty and visiting artists. 
See a complete list of art and music events for the 2022-2023 school year here https://www.vcsu.edu/center-for-the-arts/fine-arts-calendar/ or download a printable PDF schedule.
Viking Sports Update
Football
Nov. 5: VCSU 21, Presentation College 10
Valley City State football won its final home game over Presentation College. The Vikings are now 4-5 overall and 3-2 in the North Star Athletic Association. VCSU concludes the season Saturday, Nov. 12 with a game at the Fargodome against Mayville State. Kick off is at 1 p.m. Tickets are available at the door. 
Volleyball
Nov. 2: VCSU 3, Mayville State 2
Nov. 4: VCSU 3, Presentation College 2
Viking Volleyball ended the regular season with three straight victories as the Vikings earned the No. 5 seed for the NSAA Tournament. VCSU (11-16, 6-8 NSAA) faces No. 4 seed Mayville State at 12 p.m. Friday during the NSAA Tournament in Watertown, S.D.
Women’s Basketball
Nov. 2: VCSU 61, Minnesota-Morris 58
Nov. 5: Dakota Wesleyan 65, VCSU 52
Nov. 6: VCSU 67, Mount Marty University 63
The VCSU women’s basketball team is off to a 4-1 overall record to start the season. The Vikings play three exhibition games this week at NCAA Division I and II teams.
Men’s Basketball
Nov. 2: VCSU 70, Minnesota-Morris 64
Nov. 5: VCSU 84, Dakota Wesleyan 77
Nov. 6: Mount Marty University 89, VCSU 82
The VCSU men’s basketball team posted a 2-1 record last week and is now 3-2 overall. The Vikings host rival Jamestown on Saturday at 7 p.m.
Upcoming Events
Nov. 11-12: Volleyball at NSAA Tournament (Watertown, S.D.)
Nov. 11: Women’s Basketball at Bemidji State, 6 p.m.
Nov. 12: Football at Mayville State, 1 p.m. (at the Fargodome)
Nov. 12: Women’s Basketball at St. Cloud State, 4 p.m.
Nov. 12: Men’s Basketball vs. Jamestown, 7 p.m.
Nov. 14: Women’s Basketball at North Dakota State, 7 p.m.
What's happening at VCSU and around Valley City...
Find out what’s happening in the community on the Valley City Community Calendar: https://www.valleycitycalendar.com/
November 13
3 p.m. Youth Symphony Performance, Center for the Arts Performance Hall
November 17
3 p.m. Artist Talk for Hannah Aberle’s Senior Art Exhibition, VCSU Art Gallery (Center for the Arts)
4 – 5:30 p.m. Reception for Hannah Aberle’s Senior Art Exhibition, VCSU Art Gallery (Center for the Arts)
November 18
7:30 p.m. Instrumental Concert, Center for the Arts Performance Hall
November 21
Laken Chase Senior Art Exhibition opens, VCSU Art Gallery (Center for the Arts)
On display Nov. 21 – Dec. 1
November 30
2 p.m. Artist Talk for Laken Chase’s Senior Art Exhibition, VCSU Art Gallery (Center for the Arts)
3 – 4 p.m. Reception for Laken Chase’s Senior Art Exhibition, VCSU Art Gallery (Center for the Arts)
Community Club meetings
- Valley City Community Band – every Thursday, VCSU Center for the Arts Room 171
- Kiwanis – Wednesdays at noon, Valley City Town & Country Club
- Optimist Club – Thursdays at 7:00 a.m., Vicky’s Viking Room
- Rotary Club – Tuesdays at noon, VCSU
- Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals – 2nd Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., Our Saviors Lutheran Church
- Barnes County Wildlife Federation – 2nd Wednesday of the month
- Grief Journeys for Adults Support Group – meet virtually, call Hospice at 701-845-1781 to take part
Go to https://www.valleycitynd.org/calendar.php to see more events happening in and around Valley City.