A NEWSLETTER FOR EMPLOYEES AND FRIENDS OF MINOT STATE UNIVERSITY » Archived Issues
March 3, 2021
Next Issue: April 2, 2021
Submissions Due: March 26, 2021
Administration, second floor
Voice: 858-3298 - Fax: 858-4481
michael.linnell@minotstateu.edu

Minot State offers tax preparation through VITA program

Minot State University is  offering 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 (VITA) 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 Nicole Wald, assistant professor in accounting and finance. “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, three Minot State students are participating in the program.

Services will be offered every week starting Friday, Feb. 4 until Wednesday, April 7. Hours of operation are Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-7:30 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling 701-858-3122 or by going ONLINE.

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


Enjoy 'A Little Night Musik' with the Minot Symphony Orchestra

The Minot Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will present “A Little Night Musik” featuring music by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and a world premier by one of their musicians, Matthew Benbenek.

The MSO will welcome a limited, socially-distanced, live audience to attend the performance at Minot State University Ann Nicole Nelson Hall on Saturday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. The performance will also be available via livestream.

Tickets for the performance must be purchased in advance and are available at minotsymphony.com. Following the MSU Beavers Restart guidelines, musicians and patrons will be required to wear a mask at all times.

The performance will feature the winner of the annual Minot State Honors competition, Hannah (Veazey) Deplazes, who will perform Tchaikovsky’s “Variations on a Rococo Theme.”

For more information, read the PRESS RELEASE.


NDCPD leadership changes

In 2021, the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities had significant changes in their leadership. Lori Garnes was announced as the NDCPD’s fourth executive director succeeding Brent Askvig who had served as executive director since 2008. In addition, Hilory Liccini was announced as NDCPD’s associate director, replacing Garnes.

Garnes has a bachelor’s degree in education from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree in special education from Minot State University. She received her doctorate degree in special education from Utah State University in 2004. Garnes served as NDCPD’s associate director for the past 10 years, leading the center’s faculty and staff in grant writing efforts. During that time, NDCPD was very successful in obtaining grants and contracts with efforts to improve the lives of people with disabilities. In addition, Garnes brings 17 years of experience as an MSU special education professor and she also served as MSU’s department chair in special education.

Liccini obtained a master’s degree in elementary education from the University of West Florida in 2008 and a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from Nazareth College of Rochester in 2004. Liccini is in her second year of doctorate school with the University of Northern Colorado, completing a degree in special education. Liccini has had several roles within NDCPD, most recently as the assistant director for program management since 2017. In addition, Liccini has an appointment of assistant professor for MSU’s Department of Special Education, where she previously taught as an adjunct instructor.

Garnes assumed the executive director role on Jan. 1, 2021 and Liccini assumed the associate director role on Feb. 1.


Minot State Spring Commencement

At this time, the Commencement Committee is proceeding with planning an in-person ceremony and, as promised, it will include 2020 and 2021 graduates. Currently, we anticipate a limit of a few guests per person and will potentially make other alterations to our standard ceremony. Of course, we will continue to monitor our environment and make any changes necessary to ensure the safety of everyone. The ceremony we are currently planning includes numerous safety protocols aligning with best practices outlined by the NDDoH and Governor Burgum.

While we understand not all students can attend this in-person event for a variety of reasons, we still want to support as many graduates as possible. An option to celebrate those who cannot attend in-person is to read their name and honors as part of the ceremony this year. Students must opt-in to this as part of the participation form, which is why we ask students to complete the form whether they plan to attend or not.


ACHA Women's Division I National Championships to be held in Minot

The American Collegiate Hockey Association, the governing body for non-NCAA college hockey in the United States, announced that the 2021 Women’s Division 1 National Championships will be held in Minot from April 15-20, 2021.

Details regarding the form and structure of W1 Nationals, including the number of teams competing and game dates and times, are currently being assessed by the ACHA staff and ACHA W1 leadership.

The entire release is available HERE.


Buffalo Wild Wings is Staff Senate's March Dine-to-Donate

Minot State Staff Senate is working with local businesses to have a Dine-to-Donate event each month for the remainder of the academic year. The events kicked off with Marco's Pizza in January and Slim Chickens in February. A special thanks to both companies and all that attended the first two events!

Buffalo Wild Wings will be Staff Senate's March event on Monday, March 15 from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. with 10% of the total bill donated.  Buffalo Wild Wings is located at 3820 South Broadway in Minot. April and May dates and locations will be announced soon. For more information on the March event, including some restrictions, see attached FLIER. Eat Wings, Raise Funds!


2021-2022 Small Grants for Faculty Research - Call for Proposals

The 2021-2022 Small Grants for Faculty Research - Call for Proposals is now open. The deadline for proposals is Friday, March 26. Please see the MSU Small Grants for Faculty Research webpage for more details. In addition, a decision about the Annual MSU Research Poster Session, previously cancelled for 2020, will be announced later. 


COVID-19 testing site change

Due to the North Dakota State Class B Girls Basketball and Boys Basketball tournaments, testing for COVID-19 will move from the MSU Dome to the Minot State Student Center Conference Center for events on March 5, 9, 12, and 16. The Conference Center is located on the third floor of the Student Center. Parking for the community will be available in the administration lot. Testing events will continue to be held from 8-10 a.m.


Faculty and staff achievement awards nominations

Nominations for the Minot State University Board of Regents faculty and staff achievement awards are due in the Office of the President by April 14, 2021. There are separate forms and criteria for each award. In brief:

Faculty: nominations may be made by anyone knowledgeable about the achievements and contributions of the faculty member. Self-nominations are allowed. Self-nominations must include an endorsement by a faculty member or supervisor. Nominations must be specific for the area of teaching, scholarship or service and must include a one-page supporting narrative.

Staff: nominations may be made by anyone knowledgeable about the staff member. A description of the personal characteristics and accomplishments of the nominee must be provided.

More specific details are contained on the nomination forms. The forms are attached and may also be found on the MSU Web site under the Faculty and Staff section. Faculty Nomination Form and  Staff Nomination Form.

The awards will be presented at the MSU Employee Appreciation event on May 12, 2021.


IN THE GALLERIES

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. The arts center is open Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 1-5 p.m., and by special arrangement. It is closed holidays. Masks and physical distancing are required.

  • Of This Place: An exhibition by North Dakota artist and painter Avis Veikley will be on view in the Northwest Arts Center’s Walter Piehl Gallery Feb. 9-March 9.

Hartnett Hall Gallery
The 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.

  • Shutter Drag - Multimedia student Joshua Strong's exhibition, "Shutter Drag," will be on display at the Hartnett Hall Gallery through March 19.

Flat Tail Press
Flat Tail Press is an educational printmaking studio at Minot State University. The gallery is located in the landing space on second and third floor of the Minot State Student Center, west entrance. It is open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-12 p.m.


ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Michael Linnell, director of university communications, was named Minot State University Staff Senate's January High Five Award winner.

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


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Minot State University mission
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.