Mark your calendar for our biannual UMC passport drive!
Apply for your US Passport!
 
Date: Tuesday, November 3
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Northern Lights Lounge, Sargeant Student Center

* If you are planning to travel to Canada or Mexico you will need your passport.
* Your US Passport application will be processed at UMC, it's EASY!
* A US Passport is good for 10 years
* Passport photos are taken on the spot

Passport REQUIREMENTS
1) Certified Copy of your Birth Certificate (with seal)
    >If you do not have your birth certificate, and you were born in Minnesota, you can obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate through the Polk County Court House in Crookston.
2) $25.00 Check made payable to the Polk County Recorder (Cash not accepted)
3) $75.00 Check made payable to the US Department of State (Cash not accepted)
4) $10.00 Check made payable to UMC for passport photo (cash accepted)

Q: When Does Daylight Saving Time end?

A: In the US and Canada, Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday in November. In 2009, this will take place on Sunday morning, November 1.

As a Rule:
DST Starts in the US/Canada on the second Sunday in March when clocks are set ahead one hour at 2:00 a.m. local standard time, which becomes 3:00 a.m. local daylight time

DST Ends in the US on the first Sunday in November when clocks are set back one hour at 2:00 a.m. local daylight time, which becomes 1:00 a.m. local standard time.

Click for link to Official U.S. time

Link to history of Daylight Saving Time

University of Minnesota, Crookston Spring Semester Registration is November 9 to 25, 2009.
 
Schedule a meeting with your faculty adviser now!

Spring Semester 2010 Course Descriptions, Class Section Status, Registration Procedures, and Policies are now available online.

Click for link to Spring 2010 Class Schedule and Online Registration Web page

Registration Queue for Spring 2010.pdf

UMC Bookstore's 'WhoDunit' Sale
Mystery book savings are good at the UMC Bookstore
October 26-30, 2009
UMC Bookstore

Costume Contest
Wear your Halloween Costume and stop by the Sargeant Student Center to get entered for prizes for the top three individual and group costumes.

Friday, October 30
Sargeant Student Center
12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Sponsored by the Association for Computer Technology (ACT) Club

Check Today's Events for additional details

A special performance of Dona Rosita's Jalapeno Kitchen at the University of Minnesota, Crookston will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2009, in Kiehle Auditorium. The performance, which takes place from 12:15 to 1:45 p.m., stars Joy Chavarria as Rosita. Chavarria is a member of Teatro del Pueblo, a Latino theater based on the West Side of St. Paul, Minnesota. The performance is free, and everyone is welcome.

"Dona Rosita's Jalapeno Kitchen" tells the story of restaurant owner Dona Rosita who is considering selling her business to make room for a shopping mall. While contemplating her decision, Dona Rosita, surrounded by piles of chile peppers, shares her food and humor with the audience. "Dona Rosita's Jalapeno Kitchen" has received exceptional recognition from both critics and audiences.

This Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month event is sponsored by the Office of Diversity Programs.

The University of Minnesota Board of Regents recently granted approval to the University of Minnesota, Crookston to offer two new bachelor's degree programs.  Coursework for the two programs--the Bachelor of Science in Marketing and the Bachelor of Manufacturing Management in Quality Management--is set to begin in January 2010.  A minor in marketing was also approved.

Both of the new degree programs will be offered on the campus as well as entirely online, bringing the number of online degree programs the Crookston campus offers to six. 

Business Department Head Susan Brorson, Ph.D., said, "We have been attracting an increasing number of students--both online and traditional students--into our business programs.  There has been a great deal of interest in a full-fledged bachelor's program in marketing, and we are pleased we can now offer that option to our students." 

Link to story

The lab experience on Friday for the Precision Ag class was to try out various methods of GPS assisted steering. The students operated a wheelbarrow with a Trimble light bar, the Ag Systems Management (ASM) department Mules fitted with GPS equipment and a CaseIH 215 tractor with EZ steer.

Class members by the tractor are (standing l to r): Desiree Severance, Jeff Pokorney, Kenny Schmid, Andrew Duncomb, Charles Johnson, Jonathon Borge, Tom Haarstick and Jacob Hein. On tractor front to back: Virginia Carlson, Josh Lamecker and Gavin Waslaski
 
The class would like to thank Titan Machinery and salesman Mike Kolstoe for providing the tractor.  Students, mounted and calibrated the EZ Steer equipment manufactured by Trimble and then had an opportunity to try out the steering performance with the tractor. 

Photo submitted by Paul Aakre

This is to remind you that on Sunday, November 1, from 5 a.m. to noon, many important University of Minnesota IT systems and applications will be unavailable for use (i.e E-mail, PeopleSoft...). This outage is necessary so that OIT can resolve ongoing stability problems with the current configuration of our Cisco load balancer.

During the disruption, all Cisco load balanced servers will be impacted. Because of this, the applications, databases, or other services using this load balancer will be unavailable.

CLICK HERE for a list of services that will be impacted by this work, to view OIT's timeline for completing this work, and to view our back out plan.

Students in the Entr 4200 Field Studies in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management class presented at the Fifth Annual Bemidji Chamber of Commerce Business Expo on Thursday evening, Oct. 22 at the New City Ballroom in Bemidji, Minn. The hour-long presentation, "21st Century Marketing: Facebook and Twitter," was given to over 40 Bemidji area business professionals. In collaboration with Jorge Prince, director of the Northwest Minnesota Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the students addressed the use of social media in communicating and marketing with customers. 

Student participants included (l to r): Jared Hendricks, Thomas Melhorn, Krista Nelson, Brett Saari, and Jacob Karras. 

In addition to this presentation, the students are working with regional small businesses through the SBDC to develop marketing plans that address those businesses' specific needs.

Enjoy free mock cocktails! Try these tasty alternatives to alcoholic drinks.

When: Friday, October 23
Time: 12:00 to 2 p.m.
Where: Northern Lights Lounge, Sargeant Student Center

This event is part of National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week and is sponsored by the UMC Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug (ATOD) program.

Students, pick up a stamp card and collect at least three stamps from various alcohol awareness events this week.  Bring your card to the Golden Eagle Volleyball game on Friday, October 23, at 7 p.m., and you could win cool prizes!

Everyone is welcome to come to this fun interactive Be-Wise-er Program

When: TONIGHT Thursday, October 22
Where: Evergreen Hall Lounge
Time: 8 p.m.
Why: To learn something new and win some great prizes!

This special presenation involves a game that dispels the myths and helps you understand the facts about alcohol and its use. This event is part of National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week and is sponsored by the UMC Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug (ATOD) program.

Students, pick up a stamp card and collect at least three stamps from various alcohol awareness events this week. 

Bring your card to the Golden Eagle Volleyball game on Friday, October 23, at 8 p.m., and you could win cool prizes!

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend the GLBTA Community Awards and Recognition on Friday, October 23, from 1 to 3 p.m. in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center.  During the program, staff from the U of M, Twin Cities GLBTA Office will present the "Breaking the Silence Award" to Yvonne Valgren, a UMC senior majoring in organizational psychology.  The award recognizes individuals and organizations that improve campus climate by addressing issues based on gender and sexuality across University of Minnesota system. 

After the award presentation, the U of M, Crookston GLBTA Programs Office will present several other awards and recognitions for UMC community members who have dedicated many service hours and other resources in the name of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender people, and their allies.  Light refreshments will be served. 

Following the program, all are welcome to attend an open meeting where they learn more about GLBTA programs at the U of M, Crookston and contribute to planning the future of GLBTA services system-wide.  Questions or concerns can be directed to Kim Jorgensen (jorge382@umn.edu), UMC GLBTA Program Coordinator.

The U of M, Crookston has been selected to serve as a host site for a statewide initiative known as the Minnesota GreenCorps. The Crookston campus was one of 56 applicants to be selected as one of twelve GreenCorps sites.  Alumnus Chris Waltz, '09, has been appointed as the local government energy conservation specialist and will be trained for his role as part of a new generation of environmental professionals under the program. 

Based on the Crookston campus, Waltz will work closely with the City of Crookston and the U of M, Crookston's Center for Sustainability.  He will also assist local entities (city, county, school district, campus) in the conservation of energy involving the operations of their buildings and vehicles. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) coordinates the Minnesota GreenCorps, which is an environmental AmeriCorps program. 

In fall 2003 the city of Crookston suffered an unlikely natural disaster. A section of embankment along the Red Lake River gave way, leading to the loss of a motel and a number of homes. Various factors led to the "slope failure," including a low water table level and some heavy rains that added weight to the top of the bank.

Six years later, the area now known as the Sixth Street Park has a new life and a new look, thanks to students from three classes at the University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC).

When the city received funding about a year ago to renovate the area, it contacted UMC for help. There, Eric Castle, an assistant professor in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department at UMC, immediately saw an opportunity for students in his various classes.

Photo caption: UMC students in Eric Castle's Landscape Installation and Maintenance class beautify the entrance to the Sixth Street Park in Crookston.

Click for story link on the University of Minnesota site

Link to complete Rick Moore story

UMC's Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug (ATOD) Awareness Program kicks off the NCAA Collegiate Alcohol and Drug Awareness week in cooperation with the Crookston Police Department, Officers Ryan Bergquist and Don Rasicot and UMC Coordinators Vicki Svedarsky, Amoy Carty, and Don Cavalier.

On Monday, the group set up a "driving course" and a "Walk the Line" Course using alcohol simulation goggles that simulated various stages of alcohol intoxication. Photo shows an "OOPS" when a student hit a tree while wearing the simulation goggles.

Polk County Attorney Greg Widseth will discuss alcohol use and abuse and the law on Tuesday, October 20, at 7 p.m.  in Kiehle Auditorium. 

On Wednesday, October 21, Sergeant Barb Erdman will demonstrate alcohol goggles with student volunteers from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Northern Lights Lounge, Sargeant Student Center. 

Be-Wiser, a game of myths and facts about alcohol, will be offered in Evergreen Hall Lounge at 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 22. 

And on Friday, October 23, free mock cocktails will be offered in the Northern Lights Lounge from noon to 2 p.m.

Check out Today's Events Calendar for more activities taking place to encourage responsible behavior when it comes to drugs and alcohol.

A team of students involved with UMC's Horticulture Club competed and earned third place honors overall at the 37th Mid-American Collegiate Horticulture Society (MACHS) Conference, held October 8-11 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  The team (l to r), comprised of Jennifer Zoch, Kristine Neu, Jada Ellenberg, and Stepheni Tietje, with coach Theresa Helgeson (not pictured), placed third overall just after Iowa State and Michigan State. 

Additionally, Jennifer Zoch earned first place honors in individual knowledge and tied for first place in herbaceous identification.  Stepheni Tietje tied for second place in herbaceous identification.  Students Theo Lenneman, Michael Field, Nathan Peikert, and Katy Diers also attended the conference and competed as individuals. 

A planned information technology (IT) outage is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, from 2 a.m. through Sunday, October 25, at 7 a.m.  During that time many important University IT systems and applications will be unavailable for use, including PeopleSoft Financials, Student Registration, and approximately one-third of all University e-mail accounts. 

All applications are expected to be restored to service by 7 a.m. on Sunday, October 25.  The Office of Information Technology (OIT) is working on a plan to keep some of the University's key applications running during this period--particularly those used by students and faculty.  OIT will provide regular updates regarding this outage.

Click for information

UMC Students -- come to the football game and register to win a free iPod!

What: HOME FOOTBALL GAME, SATURDAY
Who: UMC Golden Eagles vs. BSU Beavers
Time: 1 p.m. TODAY

During Half-time of the UMC Football Game we will be giving away 2 iPods to the winners of the 2nd Annual "UMC Bookstore Amazing Race"

You can register at the UMC Football game today (Saturday).

Must be at the game to win and play for a Free iPod!

The University of Minnesota, Crookston's newest food service venue is located in Evergreen Hall.  This facility is comprised of the Evergreen Grill and Gathering Space.  Both areas have been open, but the official "Grand Opening" for the Evergreen Grill will be this Friday night, October 16, 2009. There will be lots of fun and activities in the Evergreen Grill. The Wii & Playstation3 consoles and sound system will be up and running for your entertainment.

This new food facility will offer students and the UMC Community a wide range of food items such as pizza, sandwiches, wraps, salads, hamburgers, French Fries and other foods served from the deep fryers, grill and specialty oven. The Evergreen Grill will also sell fountain and bottled beverages, coffee and snack food items.

 For the students' convenience they can use Eagle Bucks, cash, checks and credit cards (in a week or two) to purchased food items and special combinations. This facility will be open seven days a week during the following times:
                                  Evergreen Grill            Gathering Space
Sunday - Thursday       7:00 p.m. - Midnight       7:00 a.m. - 2 a.m.
Friday & Saturday        7:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.      7:00 a.m. - 2 a.m.
Sunday Football           Noon -  4:00 p.m.

UMC Evergreen Grill Grand Opening.docx

Join Myron Just (former ND state senator) and Richard Strong (senior research fellow at U of M) in a student discussion and input session about UMC's Climate Neutrality Plan and Sustainability.

Date: Thursday, October 15, 2009
Time: 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Location: Prairie Room, Sargeant Student Center

What: Balloon Sale
When: October 15, 16 & 17 only!
Where: UMC Bookstore
Savings: Save 20 to 80% on almost everything in the store*

1) Select your favorite campus fashions, supplies, and general books from the UMC Bookstore
2) Pick from hundreds of maroon and gold balloons loaded with discounts from 20 to 80% off your entire purchase
3) Bring a balloon and your items to the cashier and discover your savings

The fine print
*One balloon per customer. Savings good on clothing, supplies, and general books only. Discount will be applied to your entire purchase. Bookstore staff must pop your balloon at the register to receive a discount. No other discounts apply. No other merchandise may be added once the balloon is popped. Savings valid at the UMC Bookstore 10/15, 10/16, and 10/17 only. Sale excludes textbooks, New York Times best-sellers, cap & gowns, college rings, electronics, software and special orders.

2010 United Way Campaign UMC Kick-off

When: Thursday, Oct. 15, 2008
Time: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Prairie Room, Sargeant Student Center

Come out and join your co-workers in the University's support of the United Way. We will have snacks, beverages, door prizes and information about this year's campaign on campus.

You will receive a packet at the Kick-off or from your Area Team Captain. Contact Peter Phaiah, at 281-8505 if you need a packet or more information.

LIVE UNITED

The University of Minnesota, Crookston welcomes visitors to the campus.

If you would like to explore the possibility of attending U of M, Crookston, please visit the Admissions Office located in 170 Owen Hall, or check out our Admissions Web page.

To schedule a campus tour, please call 1-800-UMC-MINN (1-800-862-6466) or 218-281-8569.

SEASONAL FLU SHOTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS ONLY on:
   Tuesday, October 13, 2:00-4:00 p.m., Bede Ballroom A,B

There are a limited number of doses available, so high risks students will be taken care of first. Again, this is for STUDENTS ONLY. THESE WILL BE FREE OF CHARGE.

Students--Please be sure and bring your U-Card.

 Thank you. Please contact me with any questions.
   Stacey Grunewald, RN
   UMC Student Health
   sgrunewa@umn.edu
   218.281.8512

  The University of Minnesota, Crookston 2009-2010 academic year marks the second consecutive year the campus has seen record undergraduate enrollment. As a reflection of that enrollment growth, campus residence halls, including a new apartment-style complex, are at capacity.

According to official enrollment data, the number of degree-seeking students attending the Crookston campus is reported at 1,310 for fall semester 2009. That number bests last year's historic high mark for undergraduate enrollment and signifies an increase of 8.5% over fall 2008. It also marks the third consecutive year the Crookston campus has recorded an undergraduate enrollment increase.  The number of degree-seeking students was 1,207 for fall semester 2008 and 1,142 for fall semester 2007. Total enrollment for the Crookston campus has seen an increase of 3.6 percent, from 2,199 last year to 2,279 this year.

Click for story

Congratulations to Coach Brett Saari and the UMC Club Hockey Team on a 7-4 win on Saturday against Bemidji State's Club Hockey Team! 

Please join us on Friday and Saturday, October 23 and 24 for the home opener against Northern Iowa. Game times are 7:30 p.m. (Friday) and 2:00 p.m. (Saturday) at the Crookston Civic Arena.  

Photos (l to r): Athletes getting ready for parade around the Mall; 2009 Outstanding Alumni, Karissa (Dahl) Olson, David Genereux, Troy Olson, and Mary Jo (Melbye) Estes at the football game; and Sarah Nowacki being crowned homecoming queen.

Homecoming 2009 was an event filled week. This year's theme was "Flying Through Time in 2009."  Homecoming royalty for 2009 are Prince Joe Harren, Eagle Bend, Minn.; and Princess Katelyn Zins, Starbuck, Minn.; King Tim Ennis, Lancaster, Calif.; and Queen Sara Nowacki, Argyle, Minn.

Click for link to Homecoming 2009 photo gallery

This year's UMC Homecoming parade winners will each win $50. 

The winners are:

BEST THEME - Multicultural & International Club (left)

MOST CREATIVE - Rodeo Association/Animal Science Club (center)

BEST CROWD PLEASER - Ampride (right)

The U of M, Crookston Athletic Department recognized its 2008-2009 Newcomers of the Year on Saturday, October 3. Earning the honors were Megan Eul and Casey Woodside.

Megan Eul (So, F, 5-11, Rosemount, Minn.) started in 16 of 27 games played during the 2008-09 season. She averaged 10.8 points in 25 minutes per game. Megan shot 46 percent from the field and averaged five rebounds per game. She was an 85 percent free-throw shooter and was recognized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) as the top free-throw shooter in Division II Women's Basketball in games through January 4, 2009.

Casey Woodside (So, C, Albert Lea, Minn.) started in 43 of 45 games during the 2009 season. In the games that he played, Casey played at either the catcher or designated hitter position. Casey had a batting average of .277 (39 for 141) with eight doubles, three homeruns and 29 runs batted in (RBI). He also had 22 runs scored for the Golden Eagles.
 
Photo: Megan Eul, Casey Woodside, Athletic Director Stephanie Helgeson.

Click for story

Chuck MacFarlane, President and CEO, Otter Tail Power Company announces the Campus Energy Challenge with the U of M, Crookston

The new project brings Otter Tail Power Company and the University of Minnesota, Crookston together in an effort to reduce electric energy consumption on the UMC campus. The project was formally announced at the dedication Evergreen Hall on Friday, October 2. During the ceremony, the selection of UMC as the designated campus for Otter Tail Power Company's Campus Energy Challenge was highlighted.

In this first-of-its-kind program, the U of M, Crookston will work with Otter Tail Power Company to reduce electric energy consumption on campus by as much as 15 percent. Sustainability is a priority for UMC, and students helped lead the effort for Evergreen Hall to become the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified residence facility in the U of M system. The building's construction focused on minimizing environmental impact and saving energy throughout its development and construction.

Together, Otter Tail Power Company and the U of M, Crookston expect to nurture and develop energy efficiency habits that will help everyone on campus save money on their energy bills and model those habits to the Crookston community, other campuses, and the country.

Link to story

Ribbon cutting for Evergreen Hall
(l to r) Representative Bernie Lieder, Residential Life Director Gary Willhite, Regent Clyde Allen, Regent Venora Hung, CSA President Thomas Haarstick, Michael J. Burns (Michael J. Burns Architects), Chancellor Charles H. Casey, U of M President Robert Bruininks, Assistant Professor Brian Dingmann, Ruann Deschene (Community Contractors, Inc.), and Crookston Mayor David Genereux.

Sustainability is a priority for the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Students helped lead the effort for Evergreen Hall to become the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified residence facility in the University of Minnesota system. LEED certification, an internationally recognized green building certification system, means that Evergreen Hall's apartment-style living was designed with consideration for sustainability and less environmental impact.  Evergreen Hall makes use of green building materials, such as countertops throughout the facility that feature recycled glass, banana peel fibers, or paper; recycled vinyl and plastic in the flooring; energy-saving lighting; and interior woodwork milled from evergreen and ash trees removed from the construction site.

Another unique feature of the building is an innovative interactive classroom. Evergreen Hall is truly a living, learning center. It showcases the technological advantages offered by the Crookston campus and capitalizes on a history of computer-based innovation. 

Evergreen Hall was designed by Michael J. Burns Architects, Ltd. and built by Community Contractors, Inc. in conjunction with several local and regional subcontractors.