Welcome to the NSU News Update - providing information on events happening on campus or involving NSU students, staff and faculty.
To submit a news item, send it via email to NSUNews@northern.edu by 5 p.m. Thursday of the week before the announcement should run.
Enrollment Update
President Schnoor presented a fall 2022 enrollment update for faculty and staff last week that included planned changes to grow enrollment. A recap can be found here.
WolfPACT unleashed!
Northern announces a bold, yet strategic change to its merit-based scholarship program: WolfPACT unleashed! WolfPACT unleashed features a new test-optional category based solely on unweighted high school GPA, as well as traditional GPA and ACT/SAT scores, to determine generous award levels. In both categories, the GPA threshold has been lowered to a 3.0.
The figures above represent total awards over four years that will be awarded to first-year, full-time, degree-seeking students starting summer/fall 2023. Qualifying current students will remain under the past WolfPACT model.
EAB, Northern’s enrollment management consultant, modeled 10 scholarship simulations with the Enrollment Management Council. Simulations were shared with the Deans Council and NSU Foundation. Ultimately, the Executive Leadership Team approved WolfPACT unleashed.
Many thanks to Becky Pribyl, Dr. Brenda Mammenga and EAB for their consultation and feedback throughout this process. A huge thanks to the NSU Foundation and its alumni and donors who fund millions in scholarships each year.
WolfPACT unleashed is the first of many strategic changes that will emerge through our SEM planning process, some of which Dr. Schnoor outlined at the enrollment forum.
Along with this bold change, we must now turn our focus to notifying prospective students and their families of the great things Northern has to offer, including:
- Quality academics, undergraduate research and internship opportunities
- Personalized experiences and wraparound student success services
- Generous scholarships
- Fun, safe and welcoming campus environment
- A beautiful campus with state-of-the-art academic, residential and athletic facilities.
Student Success Center
Upcoming Student Success Center events include:
- Student Success GOLD Series - The One About Post-Career Fair Success– Monday, Sept. 26, 3-4 p.m. in MJ 101 or Zoom: Not sure what to do with all the business cards you collected at the Career Fair? Career Services will show you how to build successful relationships with potential employers, create a tailored resume, and apply for internship and career opportunities. If you are interested in attending this event online, please contact careerservices@northern.edu for a Zoom link.
- Student Success GOLD Series - The One About Note Taking– Tuesday, Sept. 27, 3-4 p.m. in MJ 101 and Wednesday, Sept. 28, 3-4 p.m., MJ 101 or Zoom: Find yourself having a hard time remembering what you talked about in class? Feel like you should have written something down, but didn’t know where to start? The NSU Student Success Center invites students to this interactive workshop to learn about ways to take notes and better utilize them to study more efficiently. See how to get the most out of attending class and set yourself up for studying success!
Steps for Shep Registration Open
Hello Wolves XC/TF Fans! We are happy to announce we will be hosting the 16th Annual Steps for Shep 5k Road Race/1 Miler in honor of former Northern State track and cross country student-athlete, Jason Shephard, on Homecoming Weekend. There is a one-mile route for those who would like a shorter race distance. Participants are able to walk, jog or run either route. For those that are out of town but would like to participate and support, we also have a virtual option! When: Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, 8 a.m. Register at this link.
Summer Course to Scotland with Northern Theatre
Come join Northern Theatre on our first-ever study abroad course to the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland in August 2023! Our interest meeting is on Sept. 28 at 6 p.m. in the Black Box Theater. We’ll talk about the trip’s fun activities, the costs and some support opportunities. If you have any questions, please email kane.anderson@northern.edu and noah.files@northern.edu.
Honors Student-Faculty Quiz Bowl
The Honors Student-Faculty Quiz Bowl will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 28, in the Centennial Rooms. It will start at 6 p.m. with an end time of 8 or 8:30 p.m. if you make it all the way to the finals. If you are interested in being placed on a team or creating your own team of four, please let Konnie Anderson know at Konnie.anderson@northern.edu.
Benefits Eligible Staff:
September’s EAP Well-Being Webinar will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at noon CDT. This webinar, titled Stress: A Way of Life or a Fact of Life, will focus on how all aspects of work and life require stress. Experiencing stress is not all bad, but how we perceive it is what matters. Stress is our body’s normal response to any extra physical, mental or emotional demand placed on it. This webinar will help you identify your stressors and learn ways to cope with and manage high stress levels. Click here to register.
College and Career Expo
On Thursday, Sept. 29 the Barnett Center will host nearly 1,500 high school students for the annual College and Career Expo. Due to the influx of traffic, we expect higher demand for parking on the east side of campus. If you commute, please consider arriving to campus well before 8 a.m. to avoid potential congestion. In order to accommodate our on-campus guests (and future Wolves), facilities will not be ticketing any lots on Sept. 29. For the one day, this also allows student, faculty and staff parking – regardless of permit – to use all campus parking lots.
Retirement Open House!
Tammy Griffith is retiring after nearly 30 years of service to NSU Graduate Studies. Stop by to congratulate Tammy on her retirement on Thursday, Sept. 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Centennial Rooms of the Avera Student Center.
Dacotah Bank and NSU Reception
Dacotah Bank invites all NSU students to a networking event on Thursday, Sept. 29, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Dacotah Bank Aberdeen, 308 S. Main St. This event will explore careers and internships with Dacotah Bank. Food and refreshments will be provided.
Intro to 3D Printing
Join us in the Williams Library Creation Lab at 4 p.m. Sept. 29 to check out how 3D printing works and what steps you need to take to print something of your own. Everyone is welcome!
Noon Forums
Fall 2022 Noon Forums will continue at noon Sept. 28 in the library, with Dr. Kristi Brownfield presenting “Five Essential Social Changes.” Noon Forums, which are free and open to the public, are sponsored by Faculty Senate, the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, and the Center for Public History and Civic Engagement. Remaining topics for fall semester are:
- Oct. 5: The Candidates on Education (Carl Perry, Brian Bengs, and others)
- Oct. 12: Native American Day Presentation (Pam Monaghan-Geernaert and Lara Nelson)
- Oct. 19: Four Feet Better: Animals and Mental Health (Chris Puglisi)
- Oct. 26: Town and Gown: Northern and the Aberdeen Community (Travis Schaunaman, Mike Bockorny, Zach Flakus)
- Nov. 2: Apocalypse Now! What’s at Stake in the 2022 Elections (Steven Usitalo, Ken Blanchard, Jon Schaff)
- Nov. 9: Over There and Over Here (Brooke Louise Thielbar and Sgt. Brock Thielbar)
- Nov. 16: Effective Engagement Strategies in HyFlex Modality Based on Intrinsic Motivation in Students (Kristi Bockorny, Theresa Giannavola, Shalini Mathew, and Hannah Walters)
- Nov. 30: How Local Botany Has Altered Our History (Jeff Bartel)
Oct. 4: Art Marmorstein and Josh VanLaecken—Community
Join the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning with hosts Art Marmorstein and Josh VanLaecken on Tuesday, Oct. 4, at 2:30 p.m. in the CETL Pedagogy Lab (Library 141A). This pair will discuss the importance of building community among faculty. If you are unable to attend in person, please join via this zoom link.
Next Silent Book Club Meeting is Oct. 4
This isn’t your regular book club. No set books to read. No pressure to share or discuss. Never worry if you haven't finished the book. No judgment.
The Silent Book Club model means we are not all reading the same book at the same pace. There is no homework and no pressure to lead or contribute to a discussion. We introduce our books and ourselves at the start of the meeting and then we dive into reading for an hour. Simply bring yourself and whatever you're currently reading (we don't care about genres or formats, anything goes!) All readers are welcome—even e-readers.
The Silent Book Club meets the first Tuesday of every month from 4 to 5 p.m. on the Campus Green (by flagpole), weather permitting. Fall semester meetings:
- Oct. 4
- Nov. 1
- Dec. 6
In case of inclement weather, meet in the library Round Room. Everyone is welcome, and anyone can join! Consider joining if you are unable to find time and space to just enjoy a book. That's it! No pressure whatsoever. For additional information, contact Nicole.Christiansen@northern.edu. Hosted by Williams Library.
Service Learning Spring Break in Guatemala
Service Learning Spring Break in Guatemala is now accepting applications! The program, which takes place March 10-18, 2023, will involve building a bottle school in Tecpan. Interested students can fill out the application here, and email StudyAbroad@Northern.edu with any questions.
International Programs Gypsy Day Parade
Do you have a connection to your heritage and its culture? Do you want to represent it in the homecoming parade on Oct. 8? Join the Office of International Programs as we march through Aberdeen representing the great diversity of our international students and community. You may carry a flag or represent your culture in some other way. If you are interested, please complete this survey. Contact Lisa Kanizar with any questions.
Seeking Parade Volunteers
The Gypsy Days Committee is looking for parade volunteers. Individuals interested in assisting with parade operations should contact kennedy.lorenz@northern.edu. This year’s Gypsy Day Parade is Saturday, Oct. 8. Volunteers are needed from 6 a.m. through noon, with the parade starting at 9 a.m. Volunteers will receive a complimentary general admission ticket to that afternoon’s football game.
NSU Hall of Fame and Distinguished Alumni Banquet
The NSU Foundation will honor six Northern alumni and friends of the university at the 2022 NSU Hall of Fame and Distinguished Alumni Banquet. The event will take place at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, in the Kessler’s Champions Club Room in the Barnett Center. This year, the NSU Foundation honors the following individuals:
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Lester Clarke
- Kretchman Coaching Award: Charles (Chuck) B. Welke
- Distinguished Alumnus: Roger Youngman
- Hall of Fame inductees: Doyle Everson, Adam Kampsen and Rachel (Krogman) Rieger
For more information, click here.
Flu Shots:
Be sure to attend the on-campus flu shot clinic. On Oct. 12, the flu shot clinic for employees will be held in the Student Center Centennial rooms from 2 to 6 p.m.
NSU Theatre
Northern Theatre will present the musical "First Date" in the Johnson Fine Arts Center Black Box Theater at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13, 14, and 15 as well as at 3 p.m. Oct. 16. "First Date," written by Austin Winsberg with music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, follows Aaron and Casey on their first blind date at a trendy New York restaurant. In this musical comedy, she quickly assesses him as overdressed and tense while he is immediately intimidated by her artsy and provocative exterior. “First Date” is an upbeat musical about the downbeats of dating and includes some adult language. Please use discretion with bringing younger patrons. All tickets are general admission and will be available at the door. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and NSU faculty/staff. Students will be admitted for free. Payment will be cash or check only; debit or credit cards will not be accepted. There will be no advance or online ticket sales. For more information, contact the School of Fine Arts at 605-626-2497.
Wolf Talks
Northern will hold fall 2022 Wolf Talks in conjunction with the 2022 Common Read Lecture, which are free and open to the public. Remaining Wolf Talks are:
- At 6:30 p.m. Oct. 19 in the JFAC Jewett Theater, presenters will be Debra Butman-Perkins, Clark Perkins and Deb Langrehr, will discuss where stress comes from and how to incorporate “de-stressing” activities in our daily lives. The presentation, “Never Too Old to Play,” will be interactive, with participants trying out new and fun techniques. This event is sponsored by TRIO SSS in conjunction with Mental Wellness Week.
- At 6:30 p.m. Nov. 16 in the JFAC Jewett Theater, Dr. Darryl Tonemah will deliver an unforgettable experience, bringing his intimate storytelling of friendship and family loyalty to Northern. A 1989 NSU graduate, Tonemah is an acclaimed singer, songwriter and author. He has spoken on campus in the past, including delivering Northern’s spring commencement address in 2014. Tonemah’s Wolf Talk and concert performance is sponsored by TRIO SSS and the NSU American Indian Circle Program.
‘Claiming Her Seat at the Piano’
The School of Fine Arts, in cooperation with the Edvard Grieg Society of the Dakotas, will host a one-day mini-festival, “Claiming Her Seat at the Piano,” on Sunday, Oct. 23.
The festival, which will feature music by Norwegian women composers of the 19th and early 20th centuries, will take place in the Johnson Fine Arts Center and include the following events:
- A brown bag luncheon with a presentation by Danish-Canadian pianist Sandra Mogensen, “Exploring a Wealth of Piano Music Composed by Women in 19th Century Norway,” 1 p.m. in JFAC 117 (Red Room).
- “A Showcase of Norwegian Women Composers” featuring performances by students, faculty and community pianists; 3 p.m. in the Harvey and Cynthia Jewett Theater.
- “Agathe Backer Grøndahl 175th Jubilee Concert,” featuring NSU faculty Drs. Marla Fogderud and Christopher Stanichar and guest performers Drs. Benjamin Druffel and Jean Hellner; 5 p.m. in the Harvey and Cynthia Jewett Theater. Reception to follow in the JFAC lobby.
All events are free and open to the public. The two concerts (3 p.m. and 5 p.m.) will also be livestreamed at the NSU Music Department Facebook page. For more information, visit the Grieg Society on Facebook.
Common Read is Nov. 7
Northern’s fall 2022 Common Read book will be “Send,” by Patty Blount. Blount will deliver the 2022 NSU Larry and Julie Poeppel Family Common Read Lecture at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, in the NSU Johnson Fine Arts Center’s Harvey and Cynthia Jewett Theater. The event is free and open to the public. Copies of “Send” are available for purchase at the NSU Wolf Shoppe. For more information about Northern’s Common Read, contact NSU Honors Program Director Dr. Kristi Bockorny, Kristi.Bockorny@northern.edu.
Pre-Health Club Blood Drive
The Pre-Health club will be hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Centennial rooms of the Student Center. Sign up to donate at this link, or contact George Nora by email at George.nora@northern.edu.
‘Be Northern’ Nominations
Do you know someone in the NSU campus community who should be featured on Northern social media? Nominate a student, faculty, staff or alum to be featured as a Be Northern on NSU Instagram and Facebook! Nominated are accepted through this online form.