Minot State University announced a total of 433 students were named to the Fall 2019 President’s List, a total of 325 students were named to the Vice President for Academic Affairs’ Honor Roll and 15 students earned a spot on the Engagement Honor Roll for Fall 2019.

Students who earned a term grade point average of 3.8 or higher while enrolled for 12 or more credits during the 2019 fall semester were named to the list. The honor will show on the student’s transcript for the semester it was earned.

“Congratulations to the students who have earned the highest academic level of achievement at Minot State University — the President’s List. Each of these students are to be commended for achieving academic excellence during the fall semester and for their effort in earning this significant recognition,” Minot State President Dr. Steven Shirley said.

Students who earned a term grade point average of 3.5-3.79 while enrolled for 12 or more credits during the 2019 fall semester were named to the VPAA list. The honor will show on the student’s transcript for the semester it was earned.

The Engagement Honor Roll is an opportunity for Minot State University undergraduate students to receive recognition for the engagement activities they participate in while a student at MSU, through inclusion of this distinction on their transcripts. Students must complete a minimum of 50 hours, verified by supervisors, in any combination of engagement activities in order to be recognized during any given term.

To view the entire list of each award, click on the links below:
MINOT STATE FALL 2019 PRESIDENT'S LIST
MINOT STATE FALL 2019 VPAA & ENGAGEMENT HONOR ROLL

Minot State art student Darby Ness and art professor Linda Olson’s works will be featured in “Her Flag,” an art flag made of stripes designed by female artists from the 36 states that ratified the 19th Amendment in 1919 and 1920.

Marilyn Artus began the “Her Flag” journey in Wisconsin, the first state to enact the amendment, on June 10, 2019, exactly 100 years after the ratification in that state.  Since then, she has traveled to Illinois, Michigan, Kansas, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Texas, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Montana, Nebraska, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Utah, California, Maine, and Oklahoma.

According to her media release, Artus said, “‘Her Flag’ is a not a political piece of work, rather a powerful, positive symbol used to educate and celebrate this truly momentous American anniversary.”

Her next stop is Bismarck, North Dakota on Jan.28 at the Bismarck Art and Galleries Association at 5:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Artus will sew Ness’s 312-inch long stripe representing North Dakota onto “Her Flag” live while North Dakota Associate Poet Laureate Bonnie Staiger recites original poetry.

The Minot State University College of Business will again offer tax preparation services free of charge to individuals earning less than $55,000 a year, elderly individuals, military members, and taxpayers with small businesses that meet certain guidelines, through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

VITA was originally created by the Internal Revenue Service to assist low-income taxpayers in properly filling out and filing their tax forms.

“Taxes can be complicated,” said Minot State Assistant Professor Nicole Wald. “For people with tax situations that are not complicated, VITA offers a way for them to meet their tax obligation without an extra expense.”

All tax preparation work will be completed by fully trained accounting students. This year nine MSU students are participating in the program.

Services will be offered every week starting Tuesday, Feb. 4 until Tuesday, April 7. Hours of operation are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling 701-858-3122 or by going to Minot State’s VITA appointment page ONLINE.

Potential clients are reminded to bring all necessary documentation, including their ID and the ID for their dependents, to their tax appointment.

Tune in to Minot State's "THE LOOKOUT." Each week we have interviews with students, faculty, and others who are in some way part of our community and doing something of interest. Samuel Stinson from the English department is host, and Lee Johnson from broadcasting is the producer. This week's guests are Emerson Eads, Minot State assistant professor of music; tenor David Cangelosi, who performs the part of the witch in this weekend's Western Plains Opera production of "Hansel and Gretel;" and Robert Kibler, Division of Humanities, Literature, and Language chair and professor of English, who will explain and recite a poem by Dante. This show goes out on public Channel 19, exists as a YouTube video, and will also be logged on the Division of World Languages and Cultural Studies website. We hope everyone out there will consider becoming a guest. For more information, contact Robert Kibler via EMAIL or extension 3876 or host SAMUEL STINSON, extension 3871. 

The Minot State Writing Center will open Monday, Jan. 27 for spring tutoring. We have an online appointment site that students should use. Once on the WEBPAGE, students can click on "Register for an account." Once they create an account, appointments can be made. We work with students at all stages of the writing process, from idea generating to revision to editing. Tutoring is free for all MSU students and we offer both face-to-face and email tutoring. The Writing Center is located on the lower level of the Gordon B. Olson Library and is part of the new Academic Support Center. We can be reached by EMAIL or at 858-3060. For questions or more information, please contact Patti Kurtz, Writing Center director, via EMAIL or by calling 858-3073.

Applications are being accepted for 2020-2021 Faculty Small Research Grants. Grants may provide funds for equipment, supplies, travel for research purposes, and student assistance money. The maximum application request is capped at $3,000. All proposals submitted through this program are required to have a written document that describes the proposed research project specifically. The proposal submission guidelines and required budget template are available on the SMALL GRANTS FOR FACULTY RESEARCH SITE. Applications must carry the endorsement of the respective department/division chairperson

Submission is electronic only. Word and pdf files are acceptable. Files should be sent via email attachment to ANN BESTE GULDBORG no later than March 27, 2020. Grants awards will be announced in mid-April 2020.

The Minot State Staff Senate professional development committee is sponsoring an event, Life Hacks for Living Well, presented by Terry Eckmann, professor/chair in teacher education and kinesiology, on Tuesday, Feb 11 from 2-3 p.m. in the Conference Center. Explore key lifestyle choices that enhance overall health and well-being throughout the lifespan. Identify 10-15 effective research-based strategies to increase activity level, improve eating habits, manage stress, and improve attitude. Practice a number of life hacks to fit fitness and overall wellness into day-to-day life.  Understand the power of simple choices. All staff, faculty, and students are encouraged to attend. This event is eligible for wellness voucher points toward your wellness benefit. For more information contact  COURTENAY BREKHUS.

Northwest Arts Center
The gallery is located on the lower level of the Gordon B. Olson Library, with its own entrance on the south side of the library. It is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday 1-5 p.m., and by special arrangement. It is closed holidays.

• Cataclysm: "Cataclysm" is a group printmaking exhibition and a response to the ebb and flow between angst and hope that many have experienced in the past decade both nationally and globally. In 2012, artist and printmaker Nicole Geary brought together a group of artists with the intention of creating works in response to the potential of a doomsday event. The exchange asked participants to explore their experience of the global phenomenon of doomsday predictions. With the close of 2019, the climate feels charged ever greater with the possibility of cataclysm. "Cataclysm" will run from Jan. 6-Feb. 17.
• Americas 2020: Paperworks: The annual juried exhibition "Americas 2020: Paperworks" features 54 artworks from artists in the United States, Canada, and Malaysia. Christina Z. Anderson, Montana State University professor of photography, is the juror for the 49th year of the annual "Paperworks" exhibition, which will be on view Jan. 13-Feb. 24 in the Walter Piehl Gallery.
• Public Reception: Americas 2020: Paperworks: Meet the juror for the 49th year of the annual exhibition, Christina Z. Anderson, Montana State University professor of photography, during the "Americas 2020: Paperworks" public reception on Thursday, Feb. 13 from 6:30-8 p.m. Anderson's work focuses on the family snapshot, gender identity, the altered landscape, and the contemporary vanitas printed in a variety of 19th century photography processes. Scheduled is a juror's talk and awards presentation at 7 p.m. the reception is free and open to the public.
• Art Seminar: Christina Z. Anderson: Artist and photographer Christina Z. Anderson, "Americas 2020: Paperworks" juror, will be presenting to art seminar students at Aleshire Theater at 12 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14. Anderson's work focuses on the family snapshot, gender identity, the altered landscape, and the contemporary vanitas printed in a variety of 19th century photographic processes, primarily gum and casein bichromate, salted paper, cyanotype, platinum, and mordancage. Her work has shown internationally in over 110 shows and 40 publications.

Flat Tail Press
The gallery is located in the landing space on second and third floor of the Minot State Student Center, west entrance. It is open while the Student Center is open, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 a.m.

• Band Together: Women Make Their Mark on Gig Poster Scene: "Band Together" is a collection of original screen prints designed by women and is on loan from the Laurie Geller collection. It runs Nov. 25-Feb. 11, 2020.

Hartnett Hall Gallery
The new gallery provides exhibition space for students, faculty, and community artists, and is located on the second floor on the west side of Hartnett Hall in Room 233. The Hartnett Hall Gallery is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

• Sommerreisen: Memories Captured by Hannah Streccius: "Sommerreisen" is a collection of 35mm color photographs taken by local artist Hannah Streccius during her trip to Germany in the summer of 2019. Streccius’ photographs capture her memories as she explores the land of her heritage using 35mm color film and traditional photographic techniques. The photos will be on display Jan. 28-Feb. 14.

Tonya Critz, a financial aid counselor, was named Minot State University Staff Senate's December High Five Award winner.

Hannah Schaefer was selected as the ASC Student of the Month for December. She has contributed to the Academic Support Center’s programs as a new student program leader and peer mentor.