The June Minute with Mitzel can be viewed here: http://bit.ly/2N0VvD0 

Hello Dickinson family and welcome to A Minute with Mitzel.

The summer season on campus is a time of preparation and celebration. We are excited to be engaged in activities to honor our University’s centennial and to be planning for a strong future!

The North Dakota University System institutions have as part of their mission to “Deliver education to our students when and where it is needed.” Our campuses must remain flexible to meet the educational requirements of our students, and local workforce needs.

With this mission in mind, I attended a conference in May which focused on how institutions are evolving to meet educational obligations by adopting a Polytechnic model, which means that DSU will continue to offer traditional four year degrees while exploring options for adding needed certificate, associate and graduate programs. DSU has begun conversations on this topic and will continue these discussions with our faculty and staff, as well as the State Board of Higher Education.

As part of DSU’s dedication to helping workforce education, I attended a Leadership Roundtable at ConocoPhillips in Watford City. As part of the Roundtable, I shared emerging ideas regarding polytechnic education at DSU, and listened to needs and concerns of the other participants. We will continue working with our local industries to ensure that we have a ready workforce for their present and future necessities.

DSU Student Affairs has been implementing many programs over the past two years to help raise retention rates and foster connections among our students. To strengthen further connections with the University, DSU has begun a Parent Association. The Parent Association offers families an opportunity to remain integrated with campus events and highlights. We are happy to have this expanded connection with the parents of our Blue Hawks!

I wish to remind everyone of the Centennial Celebrations beginning on Thursday, June 28. All scheduled events are open to alumni, family and friends. A full program can be found at dickinsonstate.edu/centennial.

Our reunion events have been planned in alignment with city festivities, and we hope that you are able to enjoy the Rough Rider Days PRCA Rodeo, Parade, and city carnival, all of which are time-honored traditions in Dickinson. It is going to be a great several days, so come out and enjoy the activities!!!

Thank you Blue Hawk family, for 100-years of wonderful memories and excellence in education!!