TO: Board of Regents

FROM: Alex Capdeville, Chancellor

DATE: January 17, 2002

SUBJECT: Campus Reports for the January 2002 Board of Regents Meeting

         Federal appropriations Continued funding for operation of The MIRROR Center, a part of MSU-Northern's College of Education was confirmed by Congress through June of 2003 as part of The Department of Education's Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to use Technology (PT3) grant initiative. The MIRROR Center is dedicated to infusing technology experiences into teacher candidate programs at MSU-Northern, and at each of the four tribal colleges in northern Montana. The congressional education bill approved the continuation of their efforts for $230,000. Havre Public Schools, The Golden Triangle Curriculum Cooperative, and St. Jude's School in Havre are K-12 partners in this Learning Community initiative.

Congress also appropriated $250,000 for MSU-Northern to develop educational programs to stimulate rural economic development opportunities for the region. The North American Rural Futures Institute (NARFI) aims to become a clearinghouse of rural efforts focused on overcoming the challenges and preserving the values of rural life. Bear Paw Development Corporation, the City of Havre, and many regional and national partners will collaborate to create the capacities necessary for transformation in northern Montana. A regional steering committee and national advisory board is forming.

 

         Enrollment - Prognostications for Northern's enrollment are up again this semester. New student applications are continuing to come in, and retention numbers seems to be holding. At this time, registration for Spring term is slightly above last year. Courses began Wednesday and it is nice to have the students back on campus.

 

         Cabin Fever The Cabin Fever Institute, sponsored jointly by MSU-Northern Extended University and Hill and Blaine County Extension Offices successfully completed its 9th year with a class enrollment of over 650 participants. Individuals from 51 different Montana communities came to Havre to enroll in one or more of the 52 offerings. Eight years ago when Cabin Fever began, nine classes were offered with 199 people attending. Offerings included a wide range of topics to meet the needs of our diverse audience. Computers, Pesticide Training, AutoCad, Alternative Health, Welding, and Car Restoration are but a few of the courses offered. College credit was also available for selected classes.

 

         New Dean in College of Technical Sciences Greg Kegel has been appointed the new Chair/Dean of the College of Technical Sciences at MSU-Northern. Greg brings new enthusiasm and ideas to the position and is looking forward to this new challenge. Greg replaces Darryll Thackeray who served in the position for several years. The university appreciates the years Mr. Thackeray devoted to the college.

 

         NAIA National wrestling tournament MSU-Northern will host the 2002 NAIA National Wrestling Tournament to be held at the Bison Fieldhouse in Great Falls on March 1 & 2. This is a great opportunity and exposure for Northern and I would like to invite everyone to attend.

 

         We Love Northern Ball The 16th annual We Love MSU-Northern Ball sponsored by the Soroptimist International of Havre will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2002. This gala event has a long track record of serving excellent food and providing some of the best entertainment available. During the past 15 years the Soroptimists have raised over $89,000 in scholarships for non-traditional students. These scholarships have made it possible for many of our students to get an education and in many cases start a new life. I would again like to invite everyone to attend. Please contact my office for further information.

 

         Bus tour planned for Central Montana Northern will again be conducting a recruiting bus tour in early February. Member of the faculty and administration will be visiting a number of schools in Central Montana such as Lewistown, Grass Range, Winnett, Roundup, Denton, Stanford, Hobson, Moore and Harlowtown.

 

         Food Service Northern has recently terminated their food service contract with Sodexho and has decided to self-op. Jason Degele has been hired as manager of the MSU-Northern dining services. Jason brings many years of experience to the position. MSU-Bozeman has been very helpful in guiding us through this process and we look forward to this challenging new endeavor.