September 2026
August 2026
Q: After discussing internally, we would like to suggest that the University consider partnering with a donor to update the Administration Building. For example, the Admissions and Marketing offices are current and well-maintained. However, the second floor, where most students spend their time after enrollment, appears outdated and in need of improvement. The Business Office features wallpaper that is at least 20 years old, and the Registrar's Office is somewhat makeshift, lacking sufficient space for staff and maintained with limited resources. The Financial Aid office also appears cramped and lacks a cohesive plan for organization. Overall, the current state of these offices may give students an impression of a lack of professionalism and organization. I know that staff senate can't do anything about funding but could bring it forward to President's staff as a suggestion.
R: Thank you for your suggestion and it will be forward onto the appropriate department. This suggestion was sent out to all President Staff members.
Q: With the division between staff and faculty on campus, it would seem beneficial to have one motivating speaker for convocation and leave the senates to communicate to the employees they represent in another manner. Convocation was so long, it would make sense to have less speakers and to keep those speakers on topics relevant to the entire group and keep it short and positive.
R: Thank you for your suggestion and your comments will be forward onto the appropriate department. This suggestion was sent out to all President Staff members.
Q: I want to compliment our facilities personnel for working so hard to keep the grounds looking beautiful this summer. I truly appreciate the beautiful flowers and tress on campus. However, I was a little disappointed to see fake flowers in a number of high traffic areas like the quad and along University Ave this year. I am sure there was a justifiable reason why fake flowers were chosen. However, instead of using fake flowers, I would like to suggest removing some planters or choosing to plant some less densely. I understand this is just my personal preference.
R: Thank you for your suggestion and we will forward your comments to the facilities department.
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May 2026
Q: Why is the dome closed to the public for walking/running the whole week of graduation? Usually it is just closed the day of graduation.
R: Thank you for reaching out!
The Dome is only closed on May 15 from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for the commencement ceremony. It remains open the rest of the week as usual for walking and running.
We appreciate your understanding, and please let us know if you have any other questions!
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April 2026
Q: Hi. Do you know why the cafeteria went from using actual dishes to only using Styrofoam and plastic cutlery? It feels like that would go against our desire for sustainability and also just isn't the best look for students. Does it have something to do with the remodel of the Dam?
R: Sodexo has been utilizing disposable service items over the past few months due to an ongoing issue with the dish machine. The equipment is owned by the university, and unfortunately, the current unit is not operational. We are actively awaiting the installation of a replacement and are hopeful for a resolution soon so we can return to normal operations. Allen, Sodexo Director
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March 2026
Q: Can we please review and clarify staff dress codes?
Some office workers in my building wear jeans or I have even seen leggings while other stick to the dress code of business casual, similar work types. It needs to be consistently enforced. If it isn't going to be enforced then the standards should be updated to the minimum.
I think it also seems reasonable to consider if the dress code should change, are jeans acceptable all the time? Seems appropriate in 2026.
If it's a big issue, could employees pay a fee to wear jeans all year ($20 or something). Use it as a fundraiser for Staff Senate.
R: Thank you for raising this concern. It may be helpful for us to review expectations around workplace attire to ensure clarity and consistency across campus. As you mentioned, there are noticeable differences in how employees interpret appropriate dress, which suggests that guidance may not be uniformly communicated or enforced.
Currently, Minot State University does not have a campus‑wide dress code policy. Dress expectations are determined by each department chair, supervisor, or unit leader based on the nature of the work being performed. Because of this, variation between offices is expected, but it can understandably lead to confusion when roles and work types appear similar. All employees are representatives of Minot State University, and appropriate attire is expected.
If there is interest in establishing consistent standards, we can certainly bring this to the HR Department for consideration. Should campus leadership wish to move in that direction, HR could develop and implement a university‑wide dress code policy.
Your suggestion to reevaluate whether jeans or other casual attire should be broadly acceptable is also valid, as many workplaces have updated dress expectations in recent years. Additionally, the idea of a jeans‑day fundraiser is appreciated and could be explored if it aligns with campus policies and leadership direction.
Thank you again for bringing this forward.
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