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Limited enrollment, tech programs have openings
These BSC limited enrollment, technical programs have openings for the spring semester, beginning Jan. 12.
Mechanical Maintenance Technology is a two-year program. Mechanical maintenance technicians install, repair and maintain industrial production and processing equipment. Classes are held in the new Mandan Campus, which features lab space for large industrial production and processing equipment and 18 welding booths. Completion leads to a certificate or an associate in applied science (AAS) degree.
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning is a 40-week program that leads to a certificate, diploma or AAS degree. Sheet metal work is an integral part of this curriculum. BSC is a nationally registered training center for sheet metal and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning through the National Center for Construction Education and Research.
Process Plant Technology focuses on the equipment, systems and technology used in process industries such as petroleum refining, ethanol and biofuels production, coal gasification and natural gas processing. Students learn safety and technical aspects of operating a plant, the work of a plant operator, mechanical and chemical technology needed to gain employment in these facilities, and more. Classes are held in the National Energy Center of Excellence, featuring state-of-the art equipment. The two-year program leads to a certificate, diploma or AAS degree.
For information, contact Admissions at (701) 224-2475.
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Abraham Lincoln is topic of humanities program
The Conversations at BSC humanities series continues Sunday, Dec. 6, with Abraham Lincoln's "footprint" in North Dakota at 3 p.m. in Bismarck State College Sidney J. Lee Auditorium.
Clay Jenkinson, BSC's distinguished scholar of the humanities, and BSC President Larry C. Skogen, a history specialist, take part in a dialogue about the breadth of the 12th president's influence in creating opportunities and institutions that settled and developed Dakota Territory.
"Abraham Lincoln never set foot in North Dakota, but his footprint is enormous," Skogen says.
Discussion will include the Homestead Act of 1862, which opened vast areas of land to settlement; the Morrill Land-Grant Colleges Act of 1862, which encouraged states to create institutions of higher learning; and building of the Northern Pacific Railroad through North Dakota and the Lakota and Dakota hunting grounds. Questions from the audience will complete the conversation.
Held on selected Sunday afternoons, Conversations at BSC will present three more programs in the Distinguished Scholar of the Humanities series: Jan. 24 - "Wounded Knee;" Feb. 21 - "Mussolini's Last Day;" and April 25 - "The Day Neil Armstrong Walked on the Moon."
The programs are unrehearsed and emphasize the 360-degree perspective of the humanities lens. Read more about this inclusive look at the world in which we live at the Conversations at BSC Web site,www.bsctalk.com. Click the "Resources" link for Jenkinson's thoughts on the humanities and Conversations at BSC.
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BookTalk series to focus on Iran
Topics about Iran shape the BookTalk theme of "Strange Times, My Dear" for the 11th annual discussion series at Bismarck State College.
Led by local facilitators, the three BookTalk discussions are scheduled for 1 to 3 p.m. on selected Sundays beginning Jan. 10 in the BSC Library. Discussions are open to everyone.
"Caspian Rain," a novel by Gina B. Nahai, opens the series Jan. 10. In the decade before the Islamic revolution, a 12-year-old Iranian Jewish girl faces her impending deafness and struggles to prevent the breakup of her family. Facilitator Arlene Gray, BSC music instructor, spent two years in Iran as a Peace Corps volunteer at Babol, a town near the Caspian Sea.
On Feb. 7, Suzanne Kramer-Brenna will lead a discussion of "The Bathhouse" by Farnoosh Moshiri. The final book is "Iran Awakening: One Woman's Journey to Reclaim Her Life and Country," a memoir by Shirin Ebadi. Facilitator for the March 7 discussion is Dr. Daphne Ghorbani.
The BookTalk theme was inspired by Ahmad Shamlu's poem, "In This Blind Alley," written in response to the Islamic revolution. Books were selected in part to complement the BSC appearance April 20 of formerly imprisoned Iranian-American journalist, Roxana Saberi, and to offer literary perspectives on Iran, the focus of much recent media coverage.
BookTalk is funded by a grant from the BSC Foundation. For more information, call the BSC Library at (701) 224-5450.
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BSC ChoirFest draws top singers
Talented vocalists from 11 area high schools will have a college-level music experience Nov. 20-21 during the Bismarck State College 15th annual ChoirFest.
After vocal workshops and rehearsals with guest conductor Dr. Rollo Dilworth, high school singers will combine with BSC music students for a concert at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, in Belle Mehus City Auditorium. Admission is $10 at the door and $5 for students and seniors.
Dilworth conducts the 111-voice Festival Chorus in the finale, "Battle Hymn of the Republic," plus three other selections and his own arrangement of "Roll, Jordan, Roll!" Dilworth is associate professor of choral music education at Temple University in Philadelphia and has composed and/or arranged more than 150 published choral works.
Area schools attending with their choral directors are Bismarck High (Michael Seil); Bismarck Century (Mary Pat Archuleta); Flasher (Ona Bures); Glen Ullin (Lana Meissner); Grant County High School in Elgin (Bonita Roth); Hazen (Sabrina Lee-Podoll); Hebron (Laurie Dahlen); New Salem, (Rex Waddingham); Steele-Dawson (Corinne Zenker); Strasburg (Kellie Wikenheiser); and Zeeland (Trudy Fraase-Wolf).
Choir directors selected students for the two-day education event based on musical ability, interest in music and commitment to their high school chorus.
"ChoirFest has given me the opportunity to work with so many great conductors," said Hazen choir director, Sabrina Lee-Podoll. "I attended as a high school student, as a BSC student and now I am thrilled to be sending my own students to this festival."
The BSC Wind Ensemble, directed by Dr. John Darling, opens the ChoirFest program. Other BSC performing groups are the Concert Choir, Women's Ensemble and Men's Ensemble conducted by choral director Dr. John Weiss.
Guest performer is Jubilate! of Central Dakota Children's Choir led by Dawn Hagerott, BSC music instructor. They perform two pieces by Andy Beck and "Jubilate Alleluia!" by Mary Lynn Lightfoot.
Hagerott sings a soprano solo from Mozart's "Solemn Vespers" with the Concert Choir. Eric Lawson, violinist and BSC music instructor, accompanies the choir in "Dreams of Thee" and "My Heart's in the Highlands." The Women's Ensemble performs three selections and the Men's Ensemble features tenor Karl Morford and guitarist Dustin Braaten.
The Festival Chorus under Dilworth concludes the concert with "Let Their Celestial Concerts Unite ("Samson") by Handel, "Earth Song" by Frank Ticheli, "The Pasture" by Z. Randall Stroope, "Roll, Jordan Roll!" and the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" accompanied by the BSC Wind Ensemble.
Dilworth was director of choral activities and music education at North Park University in Chicago for 13 years prior to his recent appointment at Temple University. From 1991-94, he taught choral and general music at middle school level in St. Louis, Mo. Many of Dilworth's choral works are crafted to enhance vocal development and musicianship of young singers. His compositions are part of a choral series with Hal Leonard Corp. and Colla Voce Music Company and the Santa Barbara Music Publishing Company. He is a contributing author for the "Essential Elements for Choir" and "Experiencing Choral Music" textbook series and wrote a book of choral warm-ups for elementary and secondary choral ensembles. In 2007, he co-conducted the American Choral Directors Association National Multicultural Honor Choir in Miami.
Following are quotes from the guest conductor and participating choral directors.
"I am very excited to be returning to North Dakota for the ChoirFest. I have great memories of working with festival and all-state choirs both in the state and in the region. The music educators of North Dakota are dedicated and committed to offering a quality program of repertoire and activities for the students they serve. I am honored to be once again connected to this fine tradition of excellence in music education." - Dr. Rollo Dilworth
"In the several occasions I've had to work with Rollo Dilworth, I've witnessed that he is a master composer and a marvel as a clinician and conductor." - Mike Seil, Bismarck High School choir director
"ChoirFest is a wonderful experience for students who come from small schools. It gives them the opportunity to sing with a larger choir. I have attended conferences and clinics where Rollo Dilworth was the guest clinician. He is very energetic, personable, and highly engaging with the students." - Laurie Dahlen, Hebron High School choir director
"Our students are in for a real treat this year at the BSC ChoirFest! Rollo Dilworth is one of the most dynamic clinicians/conductors of our time. Our singers will remember this choral experience for a lifetime!" - Mary Pat Archuleta, Bismarck Century High School choral director
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Alumni award nominations due Dec. 7
The BSC National Alumni Association seeks nominations for the 2010 Alumni of the Year Award and the Rising Star Award. Since 1978, the alumni association has honored BJC and BSC graduates from all walks of life with the Alumni of Year Award, the college's most prestigious honor.
Among criteria considered for this award are demonstrated success in a vocation and/or distinguished and recognized leadership in the community; charitable, church, community or political service; or local, state, national or international recognition.
The Rising Star Alumni Award was established in 2006 to recognize achievements of BSC's graduates age 40 or under. Nominees must have attained exceptional achievement in career, public service and/or volunteer service; and/or a position of distinction or recognition.
Recipients of both awards will be honored May 13, 2010 during the Alumni Recognition Dinner in the BSC Student Union Missouri Room.
Anyone can make a nomination, which must be submitted by Dec. 7. Access the nomination forms at bismarckstate.edu/alumni/; contact the Alumni office at 701-224-5692, 800-272-2586; or e-mail Rita.Nodland@bsc.nodak.edu.
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Conversations at BSC humanities series continues
The Conversations at BSC humanities series continues Nov. 15 with the history and future of the Missouri River at 3 p.m. in Bismarck State College Sidney J. Lee Auditorium.
Clay Jenkinson, BSC's distinguished scholar of the humanities, and BSC President Larry C. Skogen, a history specialist, take part in a dialogue about whether the benefits of damming the Missouri outweigh the costs.
Discussion will range on how damming helped electrify rural North Dakota and created a recreation destination. Diverted water was planned for various areas that needed it. But Garrison Dam also destroyed rich farmland and displaced a portion of North Dakota's Indian population. Questions from the audience will complete the conversation.
Held on selected Sunday afternoons, Conversations at BSC will present four more programs in the Distinguished Scholar of the Humanities series. Dec. 6 - "Abraham Lincoln's 'Footprint' in North Dakota;" Jan. 24 - "Wounded Knee;" Feb. 21 - "Mussolini's Last Day;" and April 25 - "The Day Neil Armstrong Walked on the Moon."
The programs are unrehearsed and emphasize the 360-degree perspective of the humanities lens. Read more about this inclusive look at the world in which we live at the Conversations at BSC Web site, www.bsctalk.com. Click the "Resources" link for Jenkinson's thoughts on the humanities and Conversations at BSC.
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BSC bachelor's degree approved for Air Force members
Bismarck State College's bachelor of applied science (BAS) in energy management is now available for students of the Air Force Virtual Education Center.
BSC recently received approval from the Air University Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative Program (AU-ABC) to provide the online program for Community College of the Air Force graduates. To be eligible, the graduates would need to have completed one of six specific associate in applied science degree programs.
"We're delighted that the Air Force has selected this Bismarck State program," said BSC President Larry C. Skogen. "The excellent reputation of our energy education programs, and our ability to deliver quality educational programs online factored into this new program approval that expands BSC's offerings for our nation's service members."
Airmen who are interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree will be able to learn about BSC's degree through AU-ABC. This is an initiative between the Air Force and civilian higher education institutions to offer baccalaureate degree opportunities to every Air Force enlisted member. The program directs airmen with associate in applied science degrees to a collection of accredited "military friendly" colleges and universities to consider when pursuing a four-year degree. Airmen who choose BSC will work directly with the college to complete program enrollment and degree requirements.
Since early in 2009, BSC has been a partner school with Community College of the Air Force to provide general education classes to Air Force members who are working on associate degrees.
BSC's BAS degree in energy management is designed to educate energy students to move into supervisory and management positions. Kari Knudson, vice president of BSC's National Energy Center of Excellence, said the BAS degree provides an opportunity for Air Force students to receive a degree in the highly demanded energy area. The BAS program was launched in January 2008 and has approximately 120 students located throughout the U.S.
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BSC and MDU partner on wind power project
Bismarck State College and Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. (Montana-Dakota) are partnering on installation of a wind turbine for demonstration and educational purposes. The small turbine, recently installed at the southwest corner of the BSC campus, will provide power to a maintenance building behind the BSC Armory.
The turbine, a Skystream 3.7, is designed for homes and small businesses with a rated capacity of 2.4 kW (kilowatts).
"This is a great opportunity for our company and BSC to both benefit from this collaborative project," said Dave Goodin, president and CEO of Montana-Dakota. "The data from this demonstration site will help us assess the efficiency and benefits of small-scale projects while BSC will have a wonderful learning opportunity for its students."
The turbine provides access for students enrolled at BSC's National Energy Center of Excellence (NECE) to learn about wind as a renewable source of electricity generation. This renewable component will be integrated into existing energy program curriculum, said Kari Knudson, BSC vice president of the NECE.
"Having this demonstration turbine on campus will enhance the education about wind generation, which is becoming increasingly important across the nation," Knudson said.
Montana-Dakota provided direct and in-kind contribution for the purchase and installation of the wind turbine. This project was also funded in part by the North Dakota Office of Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency, N.D. Department of Commerce. The $13,000 grant required a 50 percent match.
Shane Goettle, commissioner of Commerce, said wind energy is an important component of North Dakota's extensive energy portfolio. "We are at the early stages of developing our state's wind energy potential," Goettle said. "We will continue to see small and large-scale wind energy development in our state so it's vital that future energy leaders educated at the National Energy Center of Excellence have this opportunity to learn first hand about wind energy."
BSC President Larry C. Skogen said the college greatly appreciates the support of Montana-Dakota and the state Department of Commerce to fund this project. "Anytime we can partner with industry on projects that enhance our students' education, it provides a benefit to both the college and then to industry through the comprehensive education their future employees are receiving," Dr. Skogen said.
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BSC makes list of Military Friendly Schools
Bismarck State College was recently named to the 2010 list of Military Friendly Schools by G.I. Jobs magazine. The list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America's veterans as students.
Lane Huber, chief distance learning and military affairs officer, said this designation is important because it demonstrates BSC's commitment to our nation's service members and veterans in providing a quality educational experience that's delivered in a manner that is flexible and affordable.
BSC will be listed in the 2010 Guide to Military Friendly Schools, on a poster distributed to all education services offices, and on a website that will launch in September.
"This list is especially important now because the recently enacted Post-9/11 GI Bill has given
veterans virtually unlimited financial means to go to school," said Rich McCormack, G.I. Jobs
publisher. "Veterans can now enroll in any school, provided they're academically qualified. So
schools are clamoring for them like never before."
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Instrumentation and Control Tech program goes online
The new Instrumentation and Control Technology program at Bismarck State College begins its second year this fall with offerings of online classes.
Students interested in this high demand field can take the first year of electronics theory and lab courses entirely online. Second year, the six Instrumentation and Control Technology (I&C) theory courses will be available online.
"It's important for online students to know that the second year of Instrumentation and Control laboratory classes must be completed on campus," said Robert Arso, chair of the Industrial Technology Department.
For that reason, online students will have an additional step in the BSC enrollment process - an interview with Arso or I&C instructor Vance Vesey to make sure they understand the on-campus requirement for lab courses.
The Instrumentation and Control Technology program, the only one in the North Dakota University System, was developed at the request of regional energy plant managers. Automation has increased the need for highly trained technicians to operate the increasingly complicated machinery and computerized controls in plants and manufacturing industries of all kinds.
"Any company that takes raw materials and makes a product needs trained I&C operators," Arso said.
Graduates receive an Associate in Applied Science degree or a Diploma. The first year is spent studying electronics. Second year curriculum includes mechanical practices, measurement, automation, process control theory, and mastering control techniques with simulation equipment.
Job Service North Dakota predicts significant growth in industrial technology occupations. Production, manufacturing and engineering related occupations are projected to grow 14-16 percent with instrumentation technicians achieving nearly 13 percent job growth.
BSC developed the program with grant assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor and North Dakota Workforce Enhancement. Classes began in fall 2008.
For more program information, contact Arso at 701-224-5416 or R.Arso@bsc.nodak.edu. To learn about applying, contact BSC Admissions at 1-800-445-5073 or 701-224-5429 and visit bismarckstate.edu/prospectivestudent/.
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Bismarck State College goes BEYOND with launch of new brand
Bismarck State College (BSC) President Dr. Larry Skogen along with BSC Board of Governors President Kristine Weippert revealed today the college’s recently developed new brand identity and logo.
Using the word, BEYOND, BSC will begin to revamp its communication materials to focus on this concept. The new logo also will be rolled out in stages beginning this month.
"BSC has experienced evolutionary growth since we were established in 1939," said Skogen. "We have evolved with the needs of the communities we serve and in response to an ever-changing, competitive educational environment. Our new brand identity, BEYOND and all it encompasses, represents who we are and what we do today and in the years to come."
The planning process for the new brand development began in 2008. A team of staff and faculty realized that the new brand identity also would require a revamped logo in order to make a mark on BSC's new and current markets.
BSC marketing director Mary Friesz said, "BSC has become a truly innovative learning institution, meeting the education needs of our area and beyond. We've expanded online courses, built partnerships with the energy industry and with the military. All of this has shown the college's ability to serve beyond." Additionally, partnerships with Minot State University and Dickinson State University to provide four-year degrees on campus have established BSC’s movement beyond the role of a traditional two-year college.
"I believe the idea of BEYOND and symbolism of the logo perfectly represent the story of BSC that I’ve learned from being a student here," said Weippert.
BSC conducted a Benchmark Position Study in 2006 and later began developing a long-term enrollment management plan. The new brand identity and marketing strategy were developed partly in response to the studies. Together, these findings indicated an opportunity and need for BSC to more clearly communicate the vast and diverse offerings available at BSC.
"Our new brand shows we are thinking beyond mainstream with programs and opportunities for every stage of education," said Dr. Skogen. "We want all those who encounter BSC to move BEYOND their current place in life and become whoever they want to be. I believe we have created something that not only shows our forward motion but will contribute to it in the years to come."
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BSC among 'Top 10 Best Places to Work'
The Bismarck-Mandan Chamber Young Professionals Network presented BSC with a plaque denoting the college as one of the "Top 10 Best Places to Work for Young Professionals."
President Larry C. Skogen accepted the award on May 15. BSC also made this list two years ago.
Rita Lindgren, chief human resources officer, said HR is really pleased with the award. "This is a great way to enhance BSC's visibility in the community and help attract future employees," Lindgren said. "This recognition demonstrates our goals of the Recruitment and Retention Plan."
Comments from the nominator(s) were included in the YPN news release: "Young professionals are encouraged to become involved with the many committees on campus. Young professionals have the opportunity to voice their opinions to a campus-wide audience and have prominent roles on both our Staff Senate and Faculty Senate."
The other businesses receiving the recognition this year: Aetna, American Bank Center, Applied Engineering Inc., Barr Engineering Co., Capital Credit Union, Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson, National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC), N.D. Department of Transportation, and Odney Communications Group.
They were selected from more than 30 nominations through anonymous evaluation by a committee of six individuals from diverse backgrounds, according to the YPN news release.
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Online management program starts in fall
Bismarck State College plans to offer a management program online, designed for workers employed in emergency response careers. A sequence of five eight-week management courses will begin in late August 2009. Those enrolled could complete the program by the end of July 2010.
Completion of the 15 credit hours of online courses will lead to a Certificate of Completion in Management (Emergency Responders).
Those enrolled in the program will study principles of management, management information systems, project management, organizational behavior, and human resource management.
The certificate of completion program was developed through a partnership with the N.D. Firefighters Association. By enrolling in the program, firefighters will be preparing for fire officer training.
Bismarck Fire Chief Joel Boespflug said he sees the program, known as the "Firefighters Fast Track to Management," as an exciting fire service opportunity to advance the professionalism of fire officers. "I believe we could experience measurable results in productivity, customer service and fire company motivation with the education that firefighters will receive in this program," he said.
Others who would benefit from the program are EMT-paramedics and criminal justice personnel.
Current tuition and fees for the online courses is $182.78 per credit for students enrolled 12 or fewer credits per semester. Financial aid may be available for degree seeking students taking at least six semester hours each term: fall, spring and summer.
For information, contact Jim Wright, BSC Chairperson of the Business Department, 224-5462 or BSC Advisors at 224-5585 or 224-2459.
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