Hotline // March 4, 2026

VCSU Hosting Public Lecture Series on Artificial Intelligence

Valley City State University will host a free three-part lecture series in April titled “Making Sense of AI: Education, Workforce and Community.”

The three sessions will be available both in person and online, allowing people statewide to attend and learn about how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the workplace. The sessions are being presented by VCSU’s AI Institute for Teaching and Learning.

“We invite people across the state to join us for this three-part series exploring how AI or Artificial Intelligence is already transforming the workplace and redefining the skills employers value most,” said Jerry Rostad, Director for Special Projects at VCSU. “We’ll cut through the hype and focus on practical, real-world insights that matter to students, parents, and professionals alike.”

The in-person sessions will be held at VCSU’s Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts. The virtual, statewide sessions will be hosted through Microsoft Teams. Dates and times are below. Both options are free and open to the public. No pre-registration is required.

Virtual Sessions

Live Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/24315919923598?p=XUlR258n6NbHRBRSxq

Monday, April 13, 6 p.m. – AI Intro

Monday, April 20, 6 p.m. – AI In Education

Monday, April 27, 6 p.m. – AI In Workforce

In-Person Sessions

At VCSU’s Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts

Tuesday, April 14, 6 p.m. – AI Intro

Tuesday, April 21, 6 p.m. – AI In Education

Tuesday, April 28, 6 p.m. – AI In Workforce

Session One: AI Intro

This plain‑language session is designed to help you understand what AI really is, how it’s being used today, and where the real opportunities and risks lie. We’ll explore key ethical considerations, data privacy and security concerns, and responsible AI use.

Session Two: AI in Education

This session features educators who are already using AI to support teaching and learning. They will demonstrate real examples of how they are using AI – what works and what challenges they have encountered along the way.

Session Three: AI in Workforce

This session will explore how AI is changing job roles, creating new opportunities, and redefining the skills needed across industries. The session begins with a brief overview of workforce trends and emerging job opportunities influenced by AI and will be followed by professionals who are already using AI in their daily work.

For additional information, contact Jerry Rostad at jerry.rostad@vcsu.edu or 701-845-7104.

31st Annual Scholarship Auction Set for April 17

This year’s auction theme, “Stars, Stripes & Scholarships,” brings a patriotic celebration to the Valley City Eagles Club on Friday, April 17. Expect an evening filled with red‑white‑and‑blue spirit, standout auction items and support for the students who represent the bright future of VCSU.

Auction tickets are on sale now for $70 each, which includes admission, two drink tickets and a buffet dinner. Purchase tickets online or by contacting the VCSU Foundation office at 701-845-7203.

NEW OPTION THIS YEAR:  RESERVED SEATING!

Skip the rush, sit together, and enjoy the night. Tables of 4 or 8 can be reserved, for more details or to reserve a table go to VCSU Auction 2026  or by calling the VCSU Foundation office at 701-845-7203.

Viking Sports Update

It was a quiet week for athletics at VCSU. Only the baseball team had any games this week as we get ready to crossover into the spring sports season in March.

BASEBALL
The Viking baseball team is in Orlando, Fla. for the RussMatt Invitational. VCSU kicked off the ten game Florida schedule with games on Monday and Tuesday. The Vikings are 1-2 so far in Florida. They opened the trip with a game against Mount Vernon Nazarene University out of Ohio. On Tuesday, the Vikings faced former NSAA opponent Waldorf University and Northwestern College out of the GPAC. The Vikings are scheduled to play Waldorf again on Wednesday before taking a couple of days off and getting games in over the weekend.

SOFTBALL
The Viking softball team is heading to Tucson, Ariz. for ten games in five days. The Vikings first game in Arizona will be on Saturday when they play #17 Northwestern College from Iowa. The Red Raiders ended the Vikings five game winning streak with an 8-1 win in Sioux Center, Iowa on February 21. That was the last game played by VCSU.

TRACK AND FIELD
The Track and Field teams are between seasons. They will begin the outdoor season right after Spring Break. The Vikings will head to Bismarck to compete in the Marauder Outdoor Open at the University of Mary, March 20 and 21.

GOLF
The Viking’s Golf team has begun their preparation for the Spring Season. They will compete in a few tournaments before heading to Arizona for the conference tournament at the end of April.

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/