MEMORANDUM

Critical Data Feasibility Study Last fall the MSU-Northern Foundation hired Galusha Higgins Galusha Critical Data Inc. to conduct a comprehensive unbiased analysis of MSU-Northern. Their findings were released to the faculty and staff of Northern during a meeting on Monday, February 5. Critical Data, Inc. recommended that the campus focus its efforts on three important areas: recruitment, a comprehensive master plan, and the campus infrastructure; particularly as it relates to the residence halls, student union and library. You will receive a copy of the survey conclusions and recommendations.

Bus Tour During the last week in February, I took a busload of faculty on a Recruiting Bus Tour to the eastern part of the state. I feel it was a great success. We left Sunday afternoon (Feb. 25) in 6 inches of snow and traveled to Plentywood. We spend the next three days working our way back to Havre. The faculty taught in Plentywood, Scobey, Wolf Point, Glasgow, Nashua, Frazer and Malta. I met with administrators and H.S. guidance counselors during lunch and the entire group met with prospective students and Alumni in the evenings.

We were well received by everyone especially when they realized that I was from Opheim and knew half the town. One thing became very clear to me; we have to work harder to recruit students from that part of the country. North Dakota has been able to effectively recruit that part of the state, but I think we have some opportunities for Cohort masters degrees and advance placement agreements that could help us win some of those communities back.

We are starting to plan for a second faculty bus tour to Shelby, Cut Bank, Conrad, Great Falls and Lewistown right after graduation.

Indian Ed Grant - The Blackfeet grant has over 70 applicants, in addition to the 31 participating in the program. Five students will be student teaching this fall on the Blackfeet Reservation (most are scheduled for Spring 2002). The demand for education classes is growing at Blackfeet Community College as students seriously consider education as a major. We are discussing alternative funding sources that will enable these individuals to earn an education degree and OPI certification for those who cannot be served by this grant.

Fort Belknap has a small group of students who are attending on campus and, also taking advantage of the distance delivery through NorthNet. Most of the on-campus students have majors in secondary education.

Fort Peck has requested a "second" round of course delivery from Northern--they are gearing up for and preparing a second cohort group of students. President James Shanley has been working hard to have this grant extended/renewed to facilitate Northern's program delivery model so that more tribal members who wish to enter the schools as certified teachers have the opportunity.

This summer session, we are "bringing" all the grant students on campus. Additional sections of courses have been added to accommodate the 40+ students.

MCTM Math Contest On March 13, 2001, Montana State University-Northern was host to between 900-1000 students for the Montana Council of Teacher of Mathematics Math Contest. Northern has been a regional site for the contest for more than twenty years. During the day-long activity, 4000-5000 tests are scored and the results are revealed at an awards assembly about mid afternoon. MCTM awards scholarships at the state level and to the top male and female senior students at each regional level. The top senior students in the Havre region, for the 2001 contest, are Brad Benjamin of Fort Benton and Katie M. Somerfeld of Power. These students vie for state level scholarships and also receive the $200 regional scholarship. MSU-Northern welcomes the event, as it gives us a chance to showcase our campus to these possible future students.

Hi-Line Regional Science Fair On March 19th, MSU-Northern hosted the 16th annual Hi-Line Regional Science and Engineering Fair. There were approximately 160 students from 14 regional high schools coming from as far away as Plentywood. The Havre Science Fair has been associated with the International Science and Engineering Fair for the last 10 years. The winner of this fair receives a trip to the international fair held in San Jose, CA in May. Other corporate sponsors along with MSU Northern are Montana Power, Washington Corporation, and US West.

KNMC Radio Station Recently, several students have indicated an interest in starting up the radio station again. On Thursday, March 8, 2001 in coordinating efforts with the Students Stepping Up initiative, various members of the student body, faculty and the radio committee, a live broadcast was done from 8 pm to 1 am in the Havre listening area. Over 25 students participated in the broadcast and at the same time, a dance was being held to show student support of the radio station. Due to spring break, I was unable to obtain information on what the students voted for in terms of support both physically and financially.

MSU Northern Wrestling Turk Lords, a senior in diesel technology and agriculture mechanics recently won the NAIA national championship title during the NAIA national tournament in St. Charles, MO. He is only the sixth wrestler in the 44-year history of the NAIA to achieve four individual national titles. He also earned the most outstanding wrestler award and the Gorrarian award for the most pins in the least amount of time.

Skylights Basketball -The MSU Northern Women's Basketball Team recently finished a strong season in the Frontier Conference. The 10th-ranked Skylights went on to compete in the NAIA National Tournament in Jackson TN from March 13-20. They represented Northern well, and we are very proud of their accomplishments.