Welcome Issue Fall 2014

Lions’ Roar

StudentVoice A NORMANDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT MEDIA OUTLET FOR AUDIO, VISUAL AND WRITTEN WORK.

Welcome students, faculty and staff to another great semester here at Normandale Community College. In this issue, we have various articles giving great advice for students as well as inform them of the fantastic organizations we have on campus. We have also included an interview with our new President, Dr. Joyce Ester, which will let you get to know her and hear some of her thoughts on Normandale and where we are going.

This semester also marks a new change for the Lions Roar itself. We are now opening up the magazine to submissions from all students, faculty and staff. What ever creative endeavors you, your friends or your classmates are working on, we want to share it with everyone. We will even come to you to do photographs, record audio or take video for what you are doing.

Check out our ad at the end of the issue to find out more!

We hope you all have a great semester here at Normandale and we look forward to seeing what you are creating and sharing it soon!

Mark Daniels Editor in Chief

Our Fall 2014 Staff Mark Daniels Editor in Chief Greg Lyons Staff Advisor Visit us in room K1401 of the Kopp Student Center Lionsroar@normandale.edu The views expressed in this publication are strictly those of the student contributors.

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Issue 7 Features 7

4 year @ 2 year

3

Extracurricular Excellence

5

Welcome President Joyce Ester

7

17

Volunteering To Learn

19

Get your AFA Write Now!

21

Food for Thought

25

Helping them, Helping you

31

21

Writing your way to success

27

Student survival guide

28

Get involved at Normandale!

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4 Year @ 2 Year For the longest time, obtaining a Bachelors Degree at a community college was unheard of. We were told that to obtain that kind of higher education, one would need to attend another college, either a state or private school. We were told that community colleges only provide a two year degree to the students that attend. Now, those rules no longer apply to Normandale Community College, for now, Bachelor Degree courses are being offered in order to give students even more opportunity to succeed. These courses are being provided through the new Partnership Building, which was completed in January of 2013. By partnering with other colleges, Normandale can now provide students with the opportunity to obtain a four year degree in several different majors.

Currently, Normandale is partnered with Mankato Minnesota State University and Metropolitan State University and provides degrees in several majors including accounting, business, computer science, nursing, engineering, dental hygiene, education, and more. This year there are about 9 Bachelor Degrees and 3 Masters Degrees being offered at Normandale.

Allison Alstrin, Project Consultant for Partnerships and Collaboration, says they are “looking and seeking other schools” to partner with but it is not a race.

They want to partner with the schools that will be most beneficial to the students and that also means providing the most requested degrees to Normandale students. In the future, they are hoping to provide five or six more degrees, but it really depends on when the school runs out of space to provide the degrees. Most of these classes are provided in the Partnership Building and the partnering schools would like it to stay that way, but if student demand for the degrees increases over the years, then negotiations with the partnering schools may be needed to outgrow the provided space.

For anyone interested in taking these courses,

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there are some differences in registering for these classes. Although they are provided at Normandale, students must register at the partnering school, in our case, Mankato or Metro. Also, the Bachelor Degree classes are the tuition cost of the partnering schools, not Normandale tuition costs. This tuition cost must also be paid directly to that partnering school. There are also many positives to taking these Bachelor Degree classes at Normandale, with a major factor being money. Although one must pay the tuition prices of the partnering school, there are no added extra fees like parking and gym costs. Another major factor is the rising cost of gas. Allison also mentioned “internships and great part-time work opportunities” as well as Normandale being “a convenient location in the metro area.” For many of us who attend Normandale, the campus is a closer drive than many universities.

Whether it be close to home or work, many of us chose Normandale Community College for its accessibility as well as good education. By providing these four year degree opportunities to Normandale students, one can

continue to work or stay close to home while getting a great education.

As far as classes are concerned, most of these classes are offered similarly to regular classes with most of them being face to face and some being offered as hybrid classes. A new technology called Tele-presence is also being introduced into some of these classes.

Allison says that it’s like skyping but with screens all around the room. By using this kind of technology, a professor can teach a class from home or from another campus even. “There is no delay and it has great graphics. It’s just like you’re talking to them face to face. It’s a great experience,” said Allison.

Although this program was started just this fall semester, many students did not know anything about it or why the Partnership Building was made. Allison says the Partnership Building was “designed to handle additional space for additional students, define a specific space for continuing education, and to allow growth of Bachelor Degrees and partnerships” with more schools. And although only about 400 students are currently attending these classes this fall, Allison expects the program to gain popularity and awareness as the marketing efforts around Normandale and the partnering schools gains speed. But when considering

the most in-demand courses and degrees, Normandale has succeeded in choosing the ones students want. This will most likely lead to more popularity of the program among students. Allison says, “We have the ‘If you build it, they will come.’ mentality.”

So what happens next? Are there plans to extend the program to include other schools? Allison says, “It depends. We never know what’s coming on the horizon.” She says that they are doing a lot of work around partnering while watching the environment to see what is happening in the world of degrees.

Although there have been some problems, there have also been many more improvements and everyone is pitching in to make this a success. Allison says they are “always improving the process.” We do not know the future of partnering degrees at Normandale but we do know we can trust our staff and faculty to make the best decisions for Normandale’s students.

(Story originaly printed Fall 2013, Issue 2) Story by Brianna Egge Photographs by Amelia Warwick

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Extracurricular Excellence Camaraderie can be a rare commodity in a school as large as Normandale. Other than saying “hello” to every classmate, there are few viable options for forging ties at a two-year school. Some students simply attend classes, and leave for the day. In contrast, Normandale’s Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), acts as a hub for motivated and outgoing students to engage with their classmates, contribute to their school, and create familiarity in a rapidly shifting social dynamic.

“It gives you a sense of community in a community college” wrote Dan Renningen, (former) Vice President of PTK’s Public Relations. The feeling of closeness is indisputable. In the meeting rooms people greet each other warmly and hugs are frequently given between committee reviews and seminars. The PTK office is one of the places on campus where few are strangers and all are close friends.

This team-spirit has a practical use though.

Members of PTK collaborate to perform services to the community and to orchestrate school events. Last semester, members sacrificed time and energy to “Feed My Starving Children”. This year the group has focused their efforts on the effects of social media on students’ careers. Seminars were held during October, “The goal was to engage students with something that relates to them,” said Izzy Dircio, (former) president of PTK. “We all use social media...students don’t realize that employers can look at their accounts if they wish”.

In spite of PTK’s extensive involvement in the school, some presumptions smother the good intentions of the group. Citing the Greek letters, some students believe that PTK is simply Normandale’s local frat house. This misconception bothers leadership in the organization. “No, we are not a sorority”, says Regina Taillefer, (former) Head of Public Communications, and added a resounding, “No.” PTK’s weekly agenda is

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written on a large whiteboard in the middle of the office; not on one day are booze or partying penciled in. There’s no space for those. “People see those Greek letters and think ‘oh, it’s a sorority’” notes Dircio, “or, ‘they’re some high-class society’”--in fact, PTK is none of those things. Dircio prefers that people see PTK as a team or family, one with constructive goals to better the student body. “We’re all here for the same reasons... we’re on the same level here” notes Dircio.

Despite this, there are barriers to entry. Students must have at least a 3.5 GPA and to be offered admittance. From there, students can choose to not to participate in the local group events of the school, but will not enjoy the familiarity of a student organization.

The benefits extend beyond community sentiments. The organization also allows students to apply for scholarships reserved for PTK members exclusively. Generous scholarships are sometimes awarded to students who exercise leadership or initiative in the organization. Last year a student was granted free tuition to Cornell University for her extensive work throughout the school and in the area. All the venues where she gave speeches and held meetings were through the Honor Society.

Induction into PTK has its pitfalls. Students involved in PTK are immensely busy, and dart from classes to activities, extra-curriculars to seminars, and fill in the gaps with frantic studying or preparation for the next committee meeting. If asked if it’s worth the all-nighters and shortage of spare time, they laugh.

“Definitely. No doubt about it”.

(Story originaly printed Fall 2013, Issue 2) Story by Rizwan Bankwala

Upcoming PTK Events If you are interested in seeing what PTK is all about, come check out one of their upcoming events and meet some of the people involved.

Sept 8. All-Member meeting. This is a meeting in which all our members are encouraged to attend. We typically do things like look into scholarships, study techniques, and sometimes just fun stuff. This month we’ll be asking what people want to do during the meetings. Non-members are always invited to come.

Sept 8-Sept 12 from 10:00-2:00 in Kopp student center and in the front of the school. Students can come and ask us questions about Phi Theta Kappa and see why they should join.

Sept 15-Sept 19 informational sessions will be going on, which are an hour long. Members must attend to join.

9/15 8:50, 1:50 9/16 10:50, 3:50 9/17 10:50, 2:50, 4:50 9/18 8:50, 10:50, 12:50 9/19 8:50, 10:50

Sept 26 Induction, Gymnasium. It starts at 6:30, however to attend one must R.S.V.P with Amanda Liligreen so that we have enough seats. There will be cake and refreshments afterwards.

Sept 29 Golden Apples Ceremony, Garden Room. It starts at 4:00. It’s purpose is to celebrate the wonderful instructors we have at our school. Each new inductee has the opportunity to give one instructor a golden apple in appreciation of their wonderful teaching.

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Welcome President Joyce Ester This fall Normandale Community College has a new President, Dr. Joyce Ester. We had the opportunity to sit down and talk to President Ester before the semester started to get to know her a better and to find out some of her thoughts on the school and where we are headed in the future.

Story by Mark Daniels.

Photographs submitted by Normandale Community College

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Mark Daniels: What interested you about coming to Normandale Community College?

President Ester: Really a lot of things. When I did research on the school, I saw how strong your academic programs were and when I came to visit I loved the vibrant student life feel and the energy that was on this campus was really exciting. I was also drawn to the partnership center and that whole idea of being able to facilitate a much more seamless process for students to move from their associates degree into a bachelors or even further. I was really excited about the academic energy around this institution so when I came here and met faculty, students and staff and saw that the things I was reading really seem to be true. People were excited about being here, students were engaged; it was really a cool place to be.

MD: How would you describe your first official days as Normandale President?

PE: When I came in, my first official day faculty and students weren’t here really. There were some summer school students and some faculty here but not the whole big crunch of students. So it kind of felt weird, in a way, but it was so inviting. People were stopping by to say hello and I was getting phone calls greeting me. People were stopping me in the hall to greet me and it was really, really nice. So my first day, I remember coming in and sitting down at the desk and I just kind of sat here for a minute and absorbed it. I know this is kind of going to feel cliché but it just fit and really felt right. It just clicked. I am still asking questions and when I walk around campus, I do occasionally get a bit lost still (laughs) but I think that is going to be some of the experience of some of our new students that come in and I will know what that is like. So my first week has been great and I can’t wait for the faculty and students to get back because that energy will be here then.

MD: What are some of the similarities and differences between Normandale and some of the other institutions you have had the opportunity to work at?

PE: I think one of the similarities for colleges, in particular community colleges, is that everyone is looking at how we can better service our students and help with student success, so I think that is a consistent pattern. People are really interested in what we are doing

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for student success and what does that mean and how can we help students to achieve their goals, whether that be certificates or being able to transfer, is all very consistent. I think one of the other consistencies is the passion the people who work here have. I have worked at lots of institutions where the people were really passionate and the students see it, I see it, the community sees it and so that’s really consistent. I have worked on campuses that were large, about this size when I was in California; Bakersfield College was about this size, and I have worked at institutions that were smaller as well.

I have had the opportunity to work on campuses that were more rural and others that were more urban.

MD: Kind of got the feel for everything then it seems.

PE: Yeah, and I think that will be very helpful as we have a nice meeting together here with lots of our students experiences. We are going to have students that come from rural areas and others from urban and

“I am one of those kinds of people that feels that its not my vision; its our vision.” suburban areas and having that opportunity. The biggest similarities are people who are really focused on success and academic success. I had said when I was interviewing that those were some things that were really important to me and I think that Normandale has that hands down.

MD: Can you share your vision for Normandale and some of the things that you would like to see happen in your time here?

PE: Well as I said, I have been here only a week (laughs). Faculty and students are not all here yet and I think it would be really premature to say this is what my vision is. I am one of those kinds of people that feels that its not my vision; its our vision. Don’t get me wrong, I have some things that I am thinking about because they are part of the national dialogue about

success and those things, but really as I start to talk to people and students and faculty arrive and get going that its going to come together.

MD: So once you see what’s working and what’s not here…

PE: Absolutely. Once I see what’s been tried and what things fit for this community. I am very interested in the relationship with our P-12 partners and our relationship in the community but what that is going to look like can’t really be decided until I get to talk to our community here and figure out what is going on. Not to say that I don’t have my own ideas and thoughts but they won’t be able to take place or be acted upon until I can really get to know and understand our community.

When I was here, I was hearing people support things that say they really want to get our name out there.

One of the things I have been doing and will continue to do as I talk to people is ask them four questions that came from a book I read. They are: What do you love or like about Normandale? What don’t you like, if anything, about Normandale? What do you hope I as the President will do? What are you concerned that I as the President may do? So far, there have been A LOT more things that people like about Normandale than they don’t, but no place is perfect. Those things are small compare to the things that people like though.

When I ask the question “what do people hope I will do,” one thing, and remember this is a really small sample size so far, but one thing that is already becoming consistent is that people really want our message out there. They feel that people out there in the nation and the state don’t really know just how great Normandale is. People here seem to know and people who are close by know it, but other people need to know the great things that are here and I have heard it often times that we need to get our story out there and I support that. One of the things I said in my interview, and I believe it whole-heartedly, is that community college is not pre-college or post high school; this is the academy. I think it is really true here at Normandale because our faculty really takes that to heart and our student services and student affairs take that to heart.

So you are going to get the same experience here as from your first two years at a four-year institution and in some ways even get a better one.

MD: Student involvement is something that I have heard many people talk about while I have been here in my time at Normandale. One of the big issues seems to be getting them interested about what is going on here on campus. What are some of the things you think you can do to help encourage students to step outside the classroom and get involved around campus?

PE: I think first and foremost is to just say that and get it out there. One of the first things I say when I meet students is “Hi, how are you? What’s your major?

What are you interested in and how are you involved on campus?” Even with that there is a subliminal message that “Oh; I guess I am supposed to be involved on campus or in an internship. “ I think we need to be really transparent about those things. One thing that people will learn about me as president is that I am really open and upfront, so I am going to ask questions and say things that will make sense to get people thinking. You are absolutely right; I think student engagement is key.

Just last week, a former student stopped in and wanted to meet me. He is currently a student at the University of Minnesota, but he had come back because a student had asked him to come help with some homework.

The student talked about how when he first came here he just wasn’t focused on school and didn’t do a very good job because he would just come to classes and then go home or would miss sometimes. He got poor grades in classes he really shouldn’t have. Someone then told him that he needed to not only focus on school but also get engaged at school. He said to himself that what he had been doing wasn’t working so he decided to get engaged and get involved and retook the classes he had troubles in and got A’s in them. He really went on and on about how, in his own experience being involved really helped. From the simple act of sitting in the back of the class the first year and then deciding to sit up front the next. Being engaged out of the classroom helped him to then become more engaged inside the classroom, which helped him succeed.

From my background, I come from the student affairs side of things and having students engaged and engaging with students is kind of key to what I do. I think it’s important for students to know what opportunities thay have and provide ways for them to make new opportunities. I think that’s part of the college experi-

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ence, to be involved, and I as President plan to be out and about as much as possible to attend events. I have said to students at other places I have been at “invite me.” It doesn’t mean I will always be able to come or be able to stay for the entire time, but invite me. The school is large and I wont be able to make it to everything, but I am going to try!

MD: How do you think Normandale will help you grow and what do you hope to achieve from your time her with us?

PE: I think of the things Normandale is going to help me grow the most is time management (laughs). Because it is so large and there are so many faculty, staff and students, I am really going to have to balance my time. At my last institution, it was a much smaller student body so I went to practically every home game because I could; we were smaller. I will have to learn some time management here because it is in my nature to want to be everywhere. If someone invites me to see something, I want to go. If someone wants to talk to me, I want to do that. So time management is going to be one of the things that will be very important here.

Some of the other things I will learn is there is a strong relationship with the Partnership Center and I think that is a wonderful opportunity for us as an institution to get our name out there on the world stage and can be a model for others, and professionally for me its wonderful to get to be a part of that. For me, this is really where I want to be. I think it is like a perfect storm but in a positive way, lets call it a perfect rainbow (laughs), with everything kind of coming together.

I like schools like these that are not necessarily in a major city but are close to one, where you get that mix of suburban and urban. I think the size of this institution and the focus on academics and student life all fit with the kinds of things that I want to be doing and be a part of. There is a great team of folks, and I have not even met all of them, but of the folks I have met now, they are so very dedicated and are always thinking.

What has really impressed me, and I think will help me as a leader, is that when I talk to people they are saying “here is what we are doing and here is an idea.” It doesn’t mean that I can act on every idea but it is really nice that people are putting them out there and they are good and thoughtful.

This community is amazing. There were five presidents hired (into the state system) this year that we

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“...I come from a place that needs to honor the past and needs to understand where we came from to get where we are to help us move forward.” have our own little cohort that communicate. There are also the past presidents that I have had the chance to meet. Just the other day, former president Horak, who had a long history here, was very gracious to reach out to me with an email welcoming me and we got to meet and speak here on campus which was wonderful. My transition with President (Joe) Opatz has been wonderful as well. I said in my opening speech that I thank Joe and I thank Joe (laughs). I thank him because he left a great legacy and I thank him because he left some big shoes to fill. He left the Partnership Center and the wonderful facilities with our campus in a really great place, and those are some big shoes to have to fill. He did amazing and I honor that.

I am one of those people who believe in honoring the past which is why I want to hear what other people have to say. I know there are some leaders that like to come in and say “we are going to do everything different and do it my way,” and for them it may work, but for me, I come from a place that needs to honor the past and needs to understand where we came from to get where we are to help us move forward. There is a concept from African folklore called Sankofa that says reach back and fetch it, talking about learning from your history to move towards the future. Now you cant just be constantly looking back at the past because your gonna run into something (laughs), but you have to know where you came from in order to move forward.

Normandale Program Board

CAMPUS TO LIFE ::::::::::::::::::::With::::::::::::::::::::::

RIDICULOUSLY AWESOME

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Fall 2013 * Advertisement

Get to Know President Ester We took at moment at the end our interview to ask President Ester some quick questions to help us all get to know her a bit better!

Mark Daniels: What’s your favorite book or the last one that you read?

President Ester: Oh my gosh, I have lots of favorite books (laughs). Its not necessarily my favorite book, but its one I had a great conversation with my faculty and staff at my last institution with. It’s a book called The Other Wes Moore.

MD: What’s your favorite type of music?

PE: Well, I like jazz and I like gospel. I also like Native American flute music. But if I was going to go somewhere and listen to music, it would be jazz.

MD: What’s your favorite movie?

PE: Imitation of life.

MD: What’s your favorite food?

PE: Over a year ago, I stopped eating meat. Since then, my favorite type of food has become Indian food. A specific food, my favorite comfort food, is moms macaroni and cheese.

MD: What was your favorite subject while in school?

PE: English MD: Where is one place you have always wanted to visit?

PE: There are so many places I have always wanted to visit. Greece.

MD: If you could have any other job in the world, what would it be?

PE: This one (smiles).

MD: What is something most people don’t know about you, like a passion or a hobby?

PE: I am such an open book, so most people know everything about me (laughs). I used to be a sign language interpreter. I taught ASL but then I was also a professional interpreter.

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Volunteering to Learn “Experiential Education builds knowledge, develops skills and clarifies values by engaging learners in direct experience, community engagement and focused reflection. The Center for Experiential Education includes Service-Learning, Internships, Volunteering, and Leadership Through Service.”

(Mission Statement for the center for experiential education) The Center for Experiential Education provides students with experience-based learning. It increases knowledge, teaches skills and allows students to work towards their goals while gaining experience and interacting with the community. The Center for Experiential Education began in 1998; the main goal of this organization was to encourage students to engage with the community, while developing work skills and gaining real world experience. I had the chance to sit down with one of the coordinators of the Center for Experiential Education, Monica Saralampi. She gave me an overview of the programs they offer and how valuable connecting with the community can be, when it comes to your educational success and future. “On the forefront of all of our work we empower students to be promoters of making things happen on campus, that’s a really significant piece, that our students are a huge part of the work that we do.” The Center for Experiential Education offers many different programs, which makes it easy for students to find one that interestS them. A few of the most popular programs include: Service Learning, Cooperative Education, Leadership Through Service and America Reads and Counts.

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Service Learning: Service Learning gives students who are taking certain classes the chance to gain credits by serving the community. Students serve 5-90 hours at different non-profit organizations. This allows students to connect with the community while learning more about what they are studying in the course. If you’re interested in Service Learning, you can find classes that correlate in the course on the Normandale website.

Leadership Through Service: The main goal of the Leadership Through Service (LTS) is to establish a network with other students to help out with issues in the community.

Students provide 300 hours of service over the course of a year. This allows students to gain deeper connections through more hours of service. LTS focuses on recruiting students who are the first-generation of their family to attend college as well as students who come from low-income families, who may not typically be set up for success at college. LTS allows these students to participate in a program that supports them. During our interview, Monica gave a lot of good insight about the leadership aspect and the ways it can help students. “They gain a deeper connection with the community partner because they spend so many hours there throughout the year, and they get to engage in issues that are important to them while gaining leadership experience. We do training on leadership skills, they lead programs on campus to get students involved, they develop their own programs, and that really builds them up and drives them to be successful in their futures.”

America Reads and Counts: America Reads and Counts gives Normandale students the opportunity to tutor kindergarten through middle school children from the Bloomington area.

This tutoring program helps kids improve their reading and math skills while increasing their confidence in learning. This program is perfect for students interested in the education field as it allows them to gain teaching experience, which can help them decide if it’s the right field of work for them. Monica also really

emphasized the fact that “tutoring and mentoring contributes to these kid’s (Bloomington middle school students) lives, in that they have a positive adult role model in their lives, but also for college students in the role of a mentor increases your responsibility and kind of adds meaning and drive. There’s this two-part thing to service, it feels good, you get a lot out of it personally but there’s also the skill development piece and it might help you figure out what career you might want to go into while developing to your resume!” Applications for this program are accepted before the start of fall and spring semesters in C1066.

The Center for Experiential Education also offers many different internship opportunities. Students can spend 7.5 to 20 hours per work in supervised work settings, where they can earn between 1 and 8 credits depending on what their course provides. Students

meet with faculty members to reach the course requirements. Internships allow students to make network connections, while testing out the career field.

The Center for Experiential Education also works with students who aren’t interested in any specific programs to set up volunteer work in the community depending on their interests and availability. If any of these programs interest you, everyone is encouraged to stop by the Center for Experiential Education and get some more information on the program that’s right for you. Also, feel free to visit their website, http://www. normandale.edu/current-students/experiential-education/courses.html (Story origninal printed Fall 2013, Issue 3) Story by Kiley Hoese Photographs by Mark Daniels

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Get Your AFA Write Now!

Normandale Community College has many excellent degree and transfer programs available to students but the Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) in Creative Writing might be the most ground breaking. It was the first AFA in Creative Writing program in not just Minnesota, but in the entire Midwest. Along with Kris Bigalk, Normandale’s Director of Creative Writing, and the talented teaching faculty, students work to become better creative writers. Most students hope to transfer to Bachelor of Fine Arts programs in the area after their time at Normandale, although, that is not mandatory. Normandale has partnered with great schools like Hamline and Augsburg Universities to provide easy credit transfers should a student decide to continue their education. The program is also designed to work within the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum to ensure student will meet the minimum criteria for transferring schools.

The AFA program consists of a combination of creative writing and literature classes along with a Capstone course, where the student designs their own writing project or does an internship with a literary organization. The Capstone course is the most exciting part of the program for many students as it allows them to pursue their own long term goals while still in school. All of these courses can be taken by any student at Normandale, but to actually be in the AFA program a student must first apply and be accepted.

Application forms are available online as well as in person at Normandale.

Normandale’s partners for this program have embraced the chance to team up with Normandale and its AFA graduates. Kris Bigalk was gracious enough to sit down with me and discuss the program, despite her being on a sabbatical for the Fall 2013 semester. “All the four-year schools have been very receptive (to the program) and very complementary about our students,” Bigalk said. “Faculty there will often contact

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me and say, ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t believe this wonderful student you sent me, thank you.’ As if I decided they were going to go there.” Bigalk joked about her role in the students’ success, but her passion and commitment to the students and the program was evident during our interview.

It is not just the faculty that is excited for the success of the program, students also rave about their education. Brigitte Kildahl is a current student at Normandale and she is enrolled in the AFA program. She originally came to Normandale to learn more about art, but after talking a creative writing course, she became interested in writing instead. “(My professor) told me he thought I was especially talented in writing poetry and that I could pursue a Masters (degree),” Kildahl said, “That is what got me to sign up for the AFA program.” She went on to explain that after being somewhat rudderless in her education before, she had finally found her calling, “I feel like I have a set path to follow.”

The AFA in Creative Writing program at Normandale is still in its early stages and is set to make some changes for the Fall 2014 semester, but one thing has become clear, it is a big success. Other community colleges in the area have begun to offer similar degree programs modeled after Normandale’s. While those programs surely will be successful in their own right, the bar set by Normandale remains a high mark for them to strive for.

(Original story printed Fall 2013, Issue 3) Story by Dan Petterson

ll a t u bo a t u do d n i f e s! n Com clubs a n campu e h t so n f o o i t iza n a g or

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Advertisement Fall 2013 *

munity partner. From providing food for hungry college students; to clothing and supporting those in need, this nonprofit organization has gone above and beyond. Shawn Morrison, the executive director, has dedicated his life to changing others in the urban community. Outside of serving a large majority of students at Normandale, Good in the ‘Hood provides groceries and meals for over 2,500 college students and other individuals. Despite his tight schedule, Morrison was generous enough set aside some time while away on a retreat and answer a few questions.

Amanda Lerom: Has Campus Cupboard undergone any major changes in the last 2 years?

Shawn Morrison: We made a change in our food allocation from year 1 to year 2. In year 1 we provided students with up to 21 foods items per month. We made a change and now provide 3 items per day. This enabled the students to get more of the necessary items and to have the opportunity to eat every day.

AL: Has Campus Cupboard come across any major setbacks?

Volunteer working at Campus Cupboard

Food for Thought Campus Cupboard Thriving In fall 2012, the Campus Cupboard was established. Located in the Activities Building of Normandale Community College, this food pantry has become quite a success over the last two years. Students facing financial hardships now have access to a free, healthy breakfast or lunch on campus. This means less grumbling stomachs during an early morning lecture; 300 less, to be exact. This nonprofit program has exceeded the initial goal of serving over 300 students in need.

Many people, students and teachers alike, have stepped up to create awareness and eliminate the issue of student hunger one granola bar at a time.

SM: No major setbacks, however we’re always challenged to find enough student leaders and volunteers to staff the Campus Cupboard for the entire day, 5 days a week. In addition, finding the non-perishable, single-serving food items at a cost-effective price is very difficult. Most items are very expensive and they are difficult to find unless we want to purchase them by the pallet. This is too much inventory for us to store, therefore we end up buying by the case and the cost reflects this.

AL: Does Normandale contribute to the program, other than supplying space on campus?

SM: Normandale made a generous one time financial contribution at the beginning of last year. Since then, they provide use of the room for free and help procure and receive food donations. Good in the ‘Hood pays for all food purchases, liability insurance, licensing, etc.

Behind the Scenes

AL: How many students does Campus Cupboard serve on a daily basis?

Campus Cupboard would not exist if it wasn’t for the aspirations of Good in the ‘Hood, their com-

SM: Monica Saralampi (Service Learning Coordinator) has the precise stats. Approximately 150-200 students

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use the program per week during the school year or 30-40 per day. Last year, 2012-2013, we had over 4,300 visits and more than 12,000 food items given out. For 2013-2014, we’re on pace for over 6,000 visits and well over 18,000 food items distributed.

AL: In your own opinion, what are some reasons Campus Cupboard has become such a thriving success?

SM: I believe the program is a success because there was a legitimate need for this hunger relief initiative.

The willingness by Normandale leadership and Good in the ‘Hood, to come together in partnership, allocating space and to prioritize the need to provide food subsidy for students is a key factor to our success. The buy-in and support from the student body and staff/ faculty, particularly Wanda and Monica, has been key. The type of food we provide is also a key factor in our success. Rather than providing groceries that the students take home as most campus food programs do, we provide food products that will help students concentrate during classes. Combining the program with a service learning initiative has also been a key factor. This enables students to receive experiential learning credits from certain classes for time served at the Campus Cupboard.

AL: Is there anything else you believe Normandale students should be informed about Campus Cupboard?

Volunteer working at Campus Cupboard

“For the students,by the students”

SM: It’s a program run “for the students and by the students”. This makes it a unique initiative and it’s one that students can help fellow students with a spirit of dignity. Data collected remains private so I never see the names of the participants.

Swartzer and Sydney Quakenbush, to talk about their experiences volunteering at Campus Cupboard.

Who is Involved

Matt Swartzer: About a year. We’re actually the two student leaders who help run the Campus Cupboard.

It’s for the Leadership Through Service organization.

“For the students and by the students” is exactly what Campus Cupboard is all about. Normandale students put in their time to keep the food shelf running smoothly and efficiently. The operation is open Monday-Thursday from 7:30 am - 6:00 pm, and Friday from 7:30 am to 2 pm. To qualify for 3 food items per day, registered students merely have to fill out a yellow food order form to identify their current financial situation. This can be done at the Campus Cupboard location, A2503. All information is kept confidential.

I sat down with two fellow Normandale students, Matt

Amanda Lerom: How long have you been working at Campus Cupboard?

Sydney Quakenbush: I started in January.

AL: What do you appreciate about Campus Cupboard?

MS: It’s really nice knowing that people who are in need get the help that they need!

SQ: Also Campus Cupboard creates awareness. There’s the need for food among Normandale students. Staff and students alike have reacted to that.

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AL: What’s the most popular food item?

How Can YOU Get Involved?

MS: Granola bars and drinks. Mac & cheese goes pretty fast too!

Volunteering is a great learning experience.

There are countless ways to get involved with community organizations such as Campus Cupboard. Hunger is a very real need that should be recognized and dealt with. The Center for Experiential Education staffs the Cupboard with service-learning students from various classes held at Normandale. If you aren’t a part of these classes, just visit the website listed below for volunteering opportunities available in your community. Good in the ‘Hood operates with the help of local churches and organizations such as Cedarcrest Church, Eagle Brook Church and Bloomington Public Health. Simply log onto the website and apply. Experiential Education will also host food drives for the Cupboard throughout the year. Help create a solution for hunger inside your community!

AL: When do most students stop by?

SQ: Usually around lunch time.

AL: Has Campus Cupboard inspired or encouraged you in any way?

MS: This was a great starting point for me to get involved. Now I’m actively involved in different volunteer organizations. It’s amazing that Normandale is the only college around that does this.

AL: In your opinion, what has made Campus Cupboard so successful?

MS: Basically Good in the ‘Hood opened their arms to us. All of our food is picked up from Cedarcrest Church. We also have some really awesome student workers. Shawn Morrison is amazing. Everything he says and does creates a ripple affect with people. Hearing him speak is inspirational.

Matt Swartzer volunteering at Campus Cupbord.

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Volunteer link: http://www.goodinthehood.org/volunteer.html (Story originaly printed Spring 2014, Issue 4) Story and Photographs by Amanda Lerom

Welcome Week Get acquainted with campus!

September 8th, - Monday

Spirit Day!

Look for pop-up t-shirt stands around campus for a chance to snag a free T. You’ll have to move quickly, they will “pop up” and be gone in a flash with a limited number of shirts each time. Get yours before they’re gone!

September 9th, - Tuesday

Take Back College

Your chance to win an iPad, one of two other tablets, or other fantastic prizes. Join us in the Garden Room at 3:00 for motivational speaker Ryan Penneau. Ryan speaks to college students all across the country on the importance of owning your college experience, engaging in your education, and getting involved on campus.

September 10th, - Wednesday Fair Day! 10AM—2PM Involvement Fair Stop by the Student Involvement Fair in front of the College Services building from 10AM—2PM and learn about all the exciting student clubs and campus organizations. Increased campus involvement leads to higher student success rates!

Involvement Fair is sponsored by Student Life.

3:30—5:30PM

Student Resource Fair

Various student services will have tables in front of the Colleges Services building.

The purpose of this event is for you to learn about what services are available for students and how they can help your college success.

September 11th, - Thursday

Kopp Student Center Open House

Come check out all the fun to be had in the Kopp Student Center! There will be Karaoke, sponsored by Normandale Program Board, from 11AM—1PM. Someone from Commuter Services will be on hand to answer questions about alternate methods available for getting to campus. There will also be FREE pool and Wii! Don’t miss it!

Welcome Week is proudly sponsored by:

http://www.494corridor.org/

www.usbank.com

Program Board, Office of New Student Programs, Theater Department, Records Office, Dental Clinic, and Campus Store

Advertisement

Helping them, Helping you: Whether it be a mental block, a challenging subject or material that just doesn’t seem to click, students often times will find themselves stuck with their studies and in need of help. At Normandale Community College (NCC) there is a place to fix that. Located on the second floor of the college Services building, the Tutoring Center is a place where NCC students can go to get the help they need.

The tutors in the center range from workstudy and volunteer students, faculty volunteers and even people from outside the school who come in and donate their time to work with students. Students looking to get help in a particular subject can come to the tutoring center from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Thursday and from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Fridays and meet with an available tutor. Each of the schools tutors work in a few specific fields, which you can check out the schedule for in the center itself or online to see when the subject you need help in will be available.

I spoke with James Dupree, a student at NCC who has been using the tutoring center ever since his return to college two years ago. I asked him about his time working with and getting help from the tutoring center. “The tutoring center is a great place. You get to know the people and you can tell they want to make sure you do well. When working on a paper, sometimes you get going and can’t see the big picture and they will say a little something to help you get started.

He (the tutor) will not rewrite your paper for you, it’s not like that, but he will give you a different way to think about it. It has been very helpful for me.”

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One of the unique programs offered at the NCC Tutoring Center is Supplemental Instructors.

These are students that will sit in with a class throughout the semester and provide specific help for students taking the class. While a standard tutor has about thirty minutes to work with each student, depending on how many other students are waiting, supplemental instructors have four hours per week that they are able to dedicate specifically to students in the class they are attached too, giving them more time to work with the students they are involved with. This can be done as both one-on-one meetings with the instructor as well as setting up group sessions that multiple students can be involved with and work together on.

“It’s good because he has read what we have read and I can throw ideas off him.”

I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Isaac Faleschini, one of the supplemental instructors working at NCC. Isaac explained his role in the class as “I come to act as a role model; coming to class on time, taking notes, having the readings prepared, understanding the material and being able to comment in class discussions. There are those moments when the teacher will ask a question that no one speaks up on and I will jump in with my thoughts to hopefully spark up a dialogue within the class room.”

James has a supplemental instructor currently in one of his classes. I asked him what he thought of having them there. “It’s good because he has read what we have read and I can throw ideas off him.”

I asked Isaac what one of the more memorable things about working with the tutoring center has been for him. “When you have worked with someone multiple times and you can actually see the improvement and see that what your have been doing has helped them, it’s pretty awesome.”

I asked both James and Isaac if they have any advice for people who may be nervous or self-conscious about getting help from the tutoring center. According to James, “Don’t be nervous, they are not going to demean you in any way. I have had every bonehead class you could think of and they have always been very supportive and when you finally figure it out and get something, they let you know you are improving and that they see a difference. I got to tell you, it makes me feel kind of good. Sometimes you can be kind of scared or embarrassed, not wanting someone to see how dumb you are cause you can’t do something and they have always been great and helped me grow. I would tell someone that the problem would be if you didn’t use it.”

Isaac added, “On occasion I will see tutors who have done well in other courses get done with their shift and go to another tutor who is free and whose subject they may need help in and ask for it. We see everyone from ESL (English as a Second Language) type students in the lower level English and math classes all the way up to what you would call your “A” students all coming in and getting help. Everybody needs help sometime. Don’t be scared and come on in.”

(Story originally printed Spring 2013, April issue.)

Story and photographs by Mark Daniels

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Writing Your Way to Success Many of us would agree that since starting college, we find ourselves doing a significant amount of writing especially for classes that we all have to take such as Freshman Composition. While writing in and of itself can be a daunting task, there might be just the place at Normandale Community College (NCC) to get the help you need to write an “A” grade paper.

Tucked away in the Tutoring Center in College Services Building is the NCC Writing Center. This space is more than just some computers and tables. I had the opportunity to sit down with Phil Bontrager, a former Writing Center Tutor in spring of 2013, and learn about a fantastic resource for NCC students.

The goal of the Writing Center is to help students learn – not to write papers for students, but to walk them through their assignments and assist students in understanding what their professor is looking for. Students can learn how to write with tools such as grammar exercises, and learning how to effectively proof read their own work. The students that utilize the Center are almost exclusively students taking writing classes at NCC. Students often come to have their papers checked for continuity, structure, or perhaps to pitch ideas for an assignment that they are having difficulty starting.

Items such as dictionaries, books, and Modern Language Association (MLA) Official Citation Guide, and computers are available to students at the discretion of the tutors to enable students to write effective papers. Occasionally workshops are offered to students on certain topics and are scheduled on an as-needed basis during the course of the semester.

So, what if you are student that loves writing and wants to help tutor other students? To be eligible to apply for a Writing Center tutor, you must have completed 6 credits at NCC as well as the Freshman Composition course.

Students that are selected go through 5-6 hours of training that includes writing resources for possible tutees, as well as doing writing of their own for review by the Center Staff. Tutors go through continual technical training from outside lecturers as well as weekly meetings with coworkers and the staff to ensure all runs smoothly. One can be assured that the Writing Center Tutors are knowledgeable individuals that undergo continual training to help their students succeed.

Mr. Bontrager got involved with the Writing Center after completing Freshman Composition and receiving a recommendation from his professor. He started as a Supplemental Instructor for the course and moved on later to the Writing Center. He believes that possible tutors should have an interest in helping people and empathy as well as developing studying skills that will help students to become successful in their assignments. He said he considers his greatest success is when people ask to work specifically with him – it means they understand what he is teaching and he feels that he has made a difference.

So, what is his advice to students? In the words of his boss, students should “come early and come often.”

Whether you are a composition student looking for extra help, or a student looking to help students succeed in writing, you might want to check out the NCC Writing Center. Consider it a stop on your journey in writing your way to success.

Story by Lydia I. Wiff

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Student Survival Guide Normandale Community College currently has a student enrollment of over 14,000 students, and with a large number of them being first time general students as well as transfer students, settling into this new environment can be a little overwhelming! Whether you’re fresh out of high school or a few years into your college career, these tips and advice can be helpful to everyone!

Since I myself am a first time general’s student, I can tell you that taking on the loads of information you get as a new college student can be scary. Sometimes it’s hard to decipher what information will be vital during your time at Normandale and what isn’t completely necessary. This guide will help you understand what you need to know.

1. REMEMBER YOUR STAR ID – you will need to know this number and password to log onto D2L, which is where most professors post assignments and other information about classes. You will also need it to log onto the school Wi-Fi as well as using the computers, printers and copiers. It’s important!

2. Develop a relationship with an advisor. It’s their job to help students be successful and students don’t have just one assigned advisor; they can go to anyone! The working relationship with your advisor also goes hand in hand with utilizing the office hours of professors; they also want to see all of their students do well. If you’re having some trouble, set aside some time to meet with your professor and find a solution!

3. Prioritize your goals! Don’t overload your schedule with too many things at once. Break down big projects to make help make them less stressful. It’s better to do one thing at a time and do it well rather than taking on too much and being unhappy with the end result.

4. Give yourself a break! Be sure to schedule some time for leisure ahead of time, that way you know you’ll be able to get everything done that you need to, even relax a little!

5. Check your student E-mail! E-mail is the best way to get in touch with people at Normandale. Everyone has their own personal E-mail address and it’s important to stay in contact with people, especially your professors! If you have a question or concern, the quickest way to let them know is through E-mail.

Be sure to remember your own address and password!

In order to make sure I had covered all the basic necessities about student advice, I talked with one of Normandale’s very own Academic Advisors, Erik Berquist. He gave me some very helpful tips along with some good information about life in general. He said that he encourages students to, “find something you’re passionate about, and once you do that, everything will fall into place behind it”. He also stressed the point that, “You can’t always change the situation you’re in, and life presents us with many challenges and the best way to overcome these things, is to approach them with the right attitude and actions.” At the end of the interview he also gave me some books that he recommends to all of his students. They include: Making Hope Happen by Shane J. Lopez, Procrastination by Jane Burka and Lenora Yuen, and Willpower by Roy F. Baumeister and John Tierney.

(Story originally printed in Fall 2013, Issue 1) Story by Kiley Hoese

Fall 2014 28

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Fall 2013 *

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Fall 2013 * Advertisement

Get Involved at Normandale!

Normandale Community College offers students several great opportunities to get involved on campus. Check out some of the organizations, programs and clubs that are available to help you connect further with your fellow students and the school.

Normandale Student Organizations Student Senate

President: Charles Holman, holmanc@normandale.edu, Phone: 952-358 - 8125, Office: K 1423 Advisors: Amanda Lilgreen, amanda.lilgreen@normandale.edu

Normandale Program Board (NPB)

President: Mohammed Hassan mohammed.hassan@normandale.edu Phone: 952-358 - 8658, Office: K 1424 Advisor: Greg Lyons, greg.lyons@normandale.edu NPB is the official student programming board, composed of a group of students who plan, design, and produce a balanced program of events: live musical concerts, films, video, comedians, variety events, dance series, ethnic festivals, theatre performances and lecture speakers. NPB is student initiated and facilitated.

Normandale Programs

Student Senate is the official student government for Normandale. This representative body provides a student voice to campus administration and faculty as well as the governance function for the associated students. Senate meets every Tuesday at 2pm in Kopp Student Center room K 1450. All students are welcome.

Health Nuts— A group dedicated to informing the Normandale student community about a variety of important student wellness topics. Including awareness about: Nutrition, Alcohol, Stress, Heart Health, AIDS, Safe Spring Break, the Environment and Cancer.

Coordinator: Aimee Broman, aimee.broman@normandale.edu

Phi Theta Kappa

Recreational Sports & Outdoor Recreation—

Chapter President: Tyler Westland westlandt@normandale.edu Phone: 952-358 - 8128, Office: K 1422, Advisors: Amanda Lilgreen amanda.lilgreen@normandale.edu Linda Tetzlaff, linda.tetzlaff@normandale.edu

Recreational Sports provides leisure time activities to both students and staff and assures that every student has the opportunity to participate, regardless of athletic ability.

Coordinator: Aimee Broman 358 - 8712 aimee.broman@normandale.edu

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, recognizes and encourages scholarship among students in community colleges. Alpha Kappa Alpha, Normandale’s chapter, provides a variety of programs for the student body.

Invitations for this organization are sent out to qualifying students in the fall and spring semesters.

The Leadership! Program— The Leadership! Program is based on developing leadership in individual students by engaging them in a variety of activities to promote and develop holistic leaders in the following five components: Involvement, Service-Learning– Volunteerism, Cultural Awareness, Leadership Growth and Personal Growth.

Coordinator: Amanda Lilgreen, 952-358-8848 amanda.lilgreen@normandale.edu

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The Lions’ Roar (Student Newspaper) - “The

Lions’ Roar” is the student run newspaper at Normandale and provides a communication channel for the student.

Activity Director: Greg Lyons 952-358 – 8650 greg.lyons@normandale.edu

Leadership through Service– Students serve 300

Christian Student Fellowship- Establishes and assists groups of Christian students; presents the call of God to world missions of the Church.

Creative Writing Club- Provides an opportunity for students to solicit creative writing from Normandale students read submissions and evaluate them for inclusion in a literary journal.

hours over the course of one year. Students must be first generation or work-study eligible and willing to serve on and off campus. Applications are accepted from Normandale students for this program in November and April.

Advisor: Nilvia Brinkley, 952-358-8118 nilvia.brinkley@normandale.edu

Dance Club - A group dedicated to teaching and learning about the different styles of dance.

Normandale Student Clubs

Future Educators Assoc. - Promotes and sustains quality of education to represent common interests of teaching professionals.

Alliance of Normandale STEM—Provide students with opportunities to learn about STEM programs and gain leadership experiences.

Gay Straight Student Alliance- Enriches the lives of Gay, Straight, Bisexual and Transgender students and the Normandale community by providing social and educational opportunities.

Animal Rights Club- To educate students on animal rights exploitation Anthropology Club- Explores culture collectively through on-campus activities such as films, speakers, and colloquia and through outings.

Diversity Student Club - Exists to provide and environment conducive for discussion and to enlighten students about different cultures.

French Club—Promotes French language and culture.

Hip Hop Club - A group dedicated to teaching and learning about the different styles of hip hop.

Japanese Club – To provide students with cultural activities and events related to Japan

Archaeology Club- To provide a learning community of students with programs and events to support archaeology.

Juggling Club – A club dedicated to the art of juggling among fellow jugglers and beginners who wish to learn. Advisor: Sharon.Harvey@normandale.edu

Black Student Alliance- Designed to support Africans and African-Americans, and as an educational supplement to classroom education

L.U.N.A— Promotes Latino culture and provides support to and for Latino students and students who have interest in the Latino culture.

Campus Crusade for Christ- An interdenominational Christian organization seeking to provide a spiritual environment for students.

Math Club— Promotes understanding and appreciation of all forms and degrees of mathematics.

Chinese Club- To educate interested students about all things Chinese including politics, religion, geography, music food, social norms, and general beliefs.

Muslim Student Association- To unify Muslims to pray and implement the teachings of Islam.

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Normandale Book Club— Provides a group to engage in discussion over a common book and expose members to a variety of different books.

Tae Kwon Do Club - Teaches self-defense and helps to develop confidence, discipline, and self-control based on activities related to Tae Kwon

Nursing Club- Provides a means of communicating goals and ideals of nursing among nursing students.

Traditional Gaming Club – Creates an atmosphere where people can play, learn, and discuss traditional gaming including roleplaying and tabletop miniature gaming

Outdoors Club - Unites and educates Normandale students, faculty and alumni that have an interest in environmental activities and issues.

Philosophy Club - Exists to provide discussions and debates regarding philosophical and ethical issues to any and all interested Normandale students.

Pottery Club- Promotes the art of pottery in all forms.

Ultimate Frisbee Club- Teaches people how to play ultimate Frisbee.

Veterans and Friends- Provides a congregation for veterans and students who would like to assist veterans to adapt to college, support each other and support our troops in service.

Pre-Professional Club- Encourages the sharing of information about health professions and careers and organizing events.

Volleyball Club - To promote and play the sport of volleyball no matter the students’ experience levels.

Secular Student Alliance- To educate ourselves in topics such as science, philosophy and religion

For more information on any of the groups listed, feel free to contact any advisor or member listed. You can also head over to the The Zone: Clubs & Organizations in the Kopp Student Center, K1425 or contact them at Student.life@normandale.edu 952-358-8848.

Soccer Club - To promote and play the sport of soccer.

Somali Student Association- Provides understanding of the language, religion and culture of Somali Students.

Table Tennis Club - dedicated to teaching people how to play table tennis and providing opportunities for players of all experience levels to enjoy and play the sport.

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Check them out and get involved today!