Wednesday, June 17, 2009
www.msureporter.com
Minnesota State University, Mankato
A second chance at success
Inspiring women Mankato College Access Program works to help to lead underrepresented students in higher education MSU faculty members organize a leadership program for women NICOLE SMITH
editor in chief
After previously attending a well-respected Pennsylvania women’s leadership institute, four female faculty at Minnesota State wanted to give back to women in the region by offering something similar — an opportunity for women to gain valuable leadership skills right here. “It was a very powerful, intense four weeks and I came away from it with a lot of enriching information and a new-found confidence that I wanted to share with others,” said Jean Haar of her experience attending the Bryn Mawr Higher Education Resource Services (HERs) Institute in Philadelphia during the summer of 2006. Each year, President Davenport offers this opportunity to one MSU female faculty or staff member through the President’s Commission on the Status of Women. But the few who have had this opportunity don’t want to be the only ones who benefit from an experience that some have called “life changing.” So last summer, Haar, along with Jennifer GuyerWood and others, successfully proposed, created and organized their own version at MSU — the upcoming Midwest Women’s Leadership Institute (MWLI). With the help of the MSU
index
Women/ page 2
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This allows MA-CAP staff to conform to the needs of Sometimes each student students on the brink and provide the of college success most effective need just a little push scholastic plan. to get them over the Once accepted edge. into the program, The Mankato participants College Access undergo a fourProgram (MA-CAP) day academic is designed to help boot camp that these students pursue acclimatizes them their academic to life as a student aspirations through and includes a structured and group running conducive learning at 6 a.m. as well environment. The as a variety of MA-CAP program classes, ranging works closely with from American Mankato East racial minorities and West High submitted photo to reading Schools to identify Mankato College Access Program students and staff enjoy the weather at a local Mankato park. and writing underrepresented development. students who show program began with 14 students, at MSU. Once boot camp is completed, potential for success but have 66 participants are expected “It’s helped me learn about the week ends with a family not met the requirements for during the 2009 school year. a lot of things,” he said. “We cookout at Highland Park that admission to Minnesota State. Twelve of the original fourteen learn about culture and time brings together students, parents The focal point of the MA-CAP students have successfully management; we’re like a and faculty members. program is to prepare students stayed with the program and are family.” Once the semester begins, for college life and responsibility. looking forward to graduation. Students considered for the students are under a watchful eye Since its creation in 2006, Abdul Qanyre, one of these program go through an intensive by MA-CAP staff. Students are MA-CAP has grown at an twelve, said participating in the evaluation that illustrates where exponential rate. Although the program helped him fit in better they need help academically. Success/ page 2
STEVEN PIROSO
staff writer
Freshmen orientation in full swing MATT SAUER
wale agboola• msu reporter Incoming MSU students get a taste of the freedom that comes with college life while visiting campus for freshman orientation.
Frustrations with Favre: Will the all-star join Minnesota? PROS AND CONS, PAGE 6
staff writer It’s the middle of summer and Minnesota State is humming with commotion. The parking lots are crammed to capacity while campus volunteers frantically shuttle from one building to the next, guiding strings of people toward destinations unknown. Strangers to the hilltop peer wearily through construction ladders and newly-paned glass, their eyes searching frantically for the purple and gold signs whose bold print promises salvation in the form of direction. It’s orientation and new
freshmen are arriving. As in the past and undoubtedly, in the future, the early months of summer break offer every incoming MSU student a two-day asylum complete with campus tours and information. “I guess I’m just excited to get started,” said Nicole Helgren, an incoming freshman from Omaha, Neb. “I’m going to school here for nursing. I wanted to get out of Nebraska for college, and MSU just seemed right when I toured in the fall. I’m actually dorming with a friend
Orientation/ page 2
See page 4 for Reporter’s guide to summer music festivals