Student Affairs Annual Report July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 Last Updated: 09/09/24 Fourth Edition
STUDENT AFFAIRS 2 ANNUAL REPORT About Northern State University Northern State University offers a personalized educational experience, with rigorous, nationally accredited academic programs in arts and sciences, business, fine arts, and teacher education. With more than 45 majors, 55 minors, and 16 pre-professional programs, Northern provides hands-on learning and internship opportunities that will help unleash your potential and prepare you for a rewarding career. Located in Aberdeen, S.D., we’re known for our affordability and for having the largest guaranteed scholarship in the region. At Northern, you’ll learn from dedicated faculty and staff who truly care about you and want to help you succeed. You’ll also find a place to belong, with numerous diverse campus organizations in a safe, welcoming community. NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY ESTABLISHMENT AND AUTHORIZATION: Northern State University was established by the Legislature (SDCL 13-59-1) and authorized by the Board of Regents to deliver graduate and undergraduate programs, promote excellence in teaching and learning, support research, scholarly and creative activities, provide service to the state of South Dakota, the region, and the nation; and place a special emphasis on E-learning in the university curriculum and service. MISSION: Northern State University will provide diverse academic, civic, social, and cultural opportunities that prepare students through the liberal arts, professional education, and E-learning for their future endeavors while also enriching the local and regional community. VISION: Northern State University will be regionally recognized as a student-centered, diverse community dedicated to excellence in teaching and learning, creativity, and civic and global awareness. VALUES: Northern State University’s students, faculty, and staff are committed to the following values: • Community Building a culture of inclusion, belonging and collegiality that respects diversity in knowledge, culture, and world view. • Discovery Pursuing rigor and excellence in education, inquiry, and engagement for the benefit of our students, state, and region. • Integrity Adhering to the highest standards of honesty, fairness, and transparency with a commitment to responsible stewardship of resources, Land Acknowledgment Northern State University (NSU) acknowledges South Dakota as the ancestral territory of the Santee, Yankton, and Teton Lakota, which is an alliance known as the Oceti Sakowin (o-che-tee sha-koh-ween) (Seven Council Fires). Oceti Sakowin is historically known as the Sioux by non-Native people. The nine Native Nations that share the state’s geography include: Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Oglala Sioux Tribe, Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and Yankton Sioux Tribe. Northern State University acknowledges that before this land was called South Dakota, it was home to many Native Nations indigenous to this area. It is with profound respect that we acknowledge the indigenous peoples of this land past, present and future. Cover Photo: Students Rylie Reading (chemistry) and Alexis Phillips (biology) with Ripley Shilman (personal massage with an emphasis on belly rubs), Northern’s unofficial therapy dog in front of Northern’s first pet-friendly residence hall, McArthur Welsh.
STUDENT AFFAIRS 3 ANNUAL REPORT Student Affairs at Northern State University ENGAGED LEARNERS: We seek engaged learners who create inclusive communities, fully participate in the life of the university, connect classroom content to real-life situations, and integrate learning into their understanding of the world around them. Engaged students perform better academically, persist to graduation, and are more likely to remain connected to the university following graduation. Northern alumni leverage the knowledge and skills gained in and out of the classroom to contribute to their communities, our state, and the nation. Student Affairs advances the student success agenda of Northern State University through engagement, holistic wellness, providing excellent student-centered services and the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025). We are Campus Safety, Counseling Services, Dean of Students Office, Multicultural Student Affairs, New Student Programs (HOWL and Wolf Pack Welcome), Northern State Welcome Desk, Prevention and Wellness Services, Residence Life and Dining Services, Student Accessibility Services, Student Activities, Student Center, Student Government Association, Student Health Services, Student Organizations, Student Rights and Responsibilities, Summer Camps and Conferences, and Title IX. VISION: To promote student success through engagement, holistic wellness, and providing excellent student-centered services. MISSION: To advance the student success agenda of Northern State University, we will: • Provide safe, comfortable, affordable, and physically and programmatically appealing housing and dining programs to students living on campus; • Provide integrated wellness services to address physical and behavioral health; • Educate students; encourage personal accountability for their choices and actions; refer students to appropriate resources on and off-campus; • Engage students in leadership opportunities; provide educational, social, and entertaining programs and events; • Foster opportunities for students to provide feedback to the university and participate in shared governance. VALUES: Our values represent beliefs and principles that drive the culture and priorities of Student Affairs and provide the crucial framework within which decisions are made. Student Development Creating services, environments, and programs that develop students along intellectual, cognitive, social, ethical, and identity dimensions. Personal and Social Responsibility Educating students to strive for excellence, cultivate personal and academic integrity, contribute to a larger community, take seriously the perspectives of others, and develop competence in ethical and moral reasoning and action (Association of American Colleges and Universities, 2007). Holistic Wellness Promoting cognitive, cultural, emotional, environmental, financial, physical, social, and spiritual wellness as critical components of student success. Inclusion and Sense of Belonging Fostering a diverse and international community that includes, validates, recognizes, and respects all ethnicities, genders, sexualities, identities, abilities, cultures, and world views as a required foundation of student success. Engagement Developing an engaged student body that creates an inclusive community, fully participates in the life of the university, connects classroom content to real-life situations, and integrates learning into their understanding of the world around them. Engaged students perform better academically, persist to graduation, and are more likely to remain connected to the university following graduation. Transitions Welcoming and assisting students in the transition to college and Northern State University in ways that support the values and priorities of retention, persistence, engagement, and wellness.
STUDENT AFFAIRS 4 ANNUAL REPORT Despite multiple vacancies and competing priorities across the state and campus, Student Affairs has continued to make progress on our goals as defined by our Strategic Plan. “Proud” and “thankful” seem inadequate terms for how I feel about the team’s hard work, persistence, and dedication to student success. In its fourth year of publication, this annual report will highlight updates and progress made toward achieving the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025). Significant progress was made in housing, dining, safety, and mental health. We are extremely proud of all the work accomplished in year four of our Strategic Plan. We also highlight our teams’ contributions across campus and within our community. We hope you will also enjoy learning more about two graduating students who inspired our work and remind us of the power of engagement within higher education. Sean Blackburn Dean of Students Message from the Dean of Students Sean Blackburn Dean of Students with Thunder the Wolf Staff transitions Student Affairs welcomed five new team members, while saying goodbye to five colleagues during the 2023-24 year. Jerilyn Mielke was named Student Affairs program assistant. Ms. Jerilyn Mielke was promoted from senior secretary to program assistant in February 2024. “We are grateful for Jerilyn’s incredible service to Northern and Student Affairs. Jerilyn celebrated 30 years on campus last August. She has been the one constant over the past 30+ years, maintains our collective memory, knows all the unpublished processes and procedures of campus, and keeps our division running smoothly,” said Sean Blackburn, dean of students. Key Result 195 of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025) called for transitioning the senior secretary to a program assistant. Ms. Megan J. Frewaldt, director of student Involvement and Leadership, announced her departure in September 2023. Megan was named director of academic Processes at Clemson University, in Clemson S.C., and began her new duties on September 18, 2023. Megan is a Northern alum who returned to the university in 2018 with over 10 years of experience in the field of student affairs. Programs she oversaw at Northern included New Student Programs, Student Government Association, Homecoming, WAVE, Multicultural Student Affairs, Wellness Services, and the Student Center. Megan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology (summa cum laude) from Northern and a Master of Arts degree in mindfulness-based transpersonal counseling from Naropa University.
STUDENT AFFAIRS 5 ANNUAL REPORT Ms. Ashley M. Bruzek, assistant director of student involvement and leadership, announced her departure in December of 2023 after accepting a new opportunity at the Department of Legislative Audit, in Pierre S.D. She began her new duties in January 2024. Ms. Bruzek completed a Master of Science degree in banking and financial services in Spring 2022. At Northern, she has been a graduate assistant for residence life; TRIO peer mentor; Campus Activities Board secretary, treasurer, and president; treasurer of the Residence Hall Association; and 2021 homecoming queen. In May of 2022, Ms. Bruzek received an emergency appointment to serve as the full-time assistant director for student involvement and leadership. Mr. Thomas Williams, assistant director for multicultural student affairs, announced his departure in October 2023 to pursue new opportunities. Thomas was named assistant director for multicultural student affairs in February 2022. Thomas was most recently director of education for the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe. He earned a Master of Science degree in parks and recreation from South Dakota State University in Brookings, S.D. Williams worked to promote belonging, inclusion, engagement, and student success throughout his career in higher education and public service. (See more on Thomas Williams on page 16.) Ms. Chelsea Speck, catering manager for dining services, announced her departure in December 2023 as she accepted a new opportunity as the director of kitchen and catering operations at Kessler’s Hometown Grocers here in Aberdeen. She began her new duties in January 2024. She started at Northern in 2017 as the retail and catering manager. Chelsea’s favorite part of working in dining services is the faculty, students, and of course her clients, but winning the ABBY award for Customer Service this year wasn’t too bad either. Ms. Brittany Bell, associate director for residential education, announced her departure in December 2023 to focus on her Ed.D. in interpersonal leadership from Kent State University. She was later named an area coordinator at the University of Cincinnati. Britt joined the residence life team in July of 2022 and was previously the West Complex director and residential education coordinator at Black Hills State University. She has also served as a community engagement coordinator at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Okla. Bell received her M.S. in psychology from the University of Phoenix and a B.A. in sociology from the University of Central Oklahoma.Ms. Becky Kuch (NCC, LPC-MH, LPCC), was named Director of Counseling and Health Services in December 2022. Kuch succeeds Heather Aldentaler, who left Northern in September to work in private practice here in Aberdeen. Kuch is a mental health therapist with 21 years of experience and was most recently in private practice with Northern Plains Psychological Associates here in Aberdeen. She has an M.S.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling and B.S. in Psychology, both from Northern State University, and is thrilled to return to where she got her start in the field. Ms. Lauren Berg was named coordinator for student wellness and prevention in June 2023. Lauren succeeded Erin Olson who served in the role from 2017 until July 2021. Berg earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics with a minor in health promotion from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and an M.B.A. in healthcare leadership from Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wis., in June 2023. Berg was most recently the administrative assistant for the counselor education program at Viterbo University. Berg will build a student development-focused student wellness and prevention services program. Berg began her new duties in July of 2023. Staff Transitions, continued…
STUDENT AFFAIRS 6 ANNUAL REPORT Mr. Eric Paul was named campus police officer in May 2023. Eric succeeded Angela Senger who retired in June of 2023 after six years of distinguished service at Northern State University and a 24-year career in law enforcement. Officer Paul has served 15 years in law enforcement and was formerly a patrol officer with the Aberdeen Police Department. Officer Paul joined APD in 2009 after attending the South Dakota Police Academy in Pierre, S.D. He is from Okoboji City, found along the eastern shore of West Okoboji Lake in the Iowa Great Lakes region. He is completing his bachelor’s degree in rangeland ecology and management from South Dakota State University. Eric began his new duties in August 2023. Mr. Jerrod M. Ham was named director of dining services in August 2023. Jerrod succeeded Melanie Hogg, who served from 2021 until June 2023. Ham earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a minor in marketing from the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Miss. He was most recently the food service manager for Sodexo at William and Mary in Williamsburg, V.A. Ham leads a dynamic and talented dining services team responsible for the operations of the Wolves Den, Einstein Bros. Bagels, and the Grid Market featuring the dining concept “Created with Love,” as well as providing catering operations for the campus community and concessions at our athletic venues. Ham began his duties in August 2023. Ms. Alison Kuch was named director of new student and engagement programs in March 2024. Alison succeeded Megan Frewaldt who departed in September 2023 for a new opportunity at Clemson University. Alison was most recently the director of operations and client experience for The Lyss Method. She has a Master of Science in nutrition and exercise sciences from South Dakota State University in Brookings, S.D., and a Bachelor of Science in human performance and fitness from Northern State University. During her tenure at South Dakota State, Alison also served as an instructor, teaching multiple semesters of Social Determinants of Health. Alison began her duties in April 2024. Ms. Brittany Haller was named catering and retail manager for dining services in April 2024. Brittany succeeded Chelsea Speck who stepped down in December 2023 for a new opportunity at Kessler’s. Brittany was formerly the director of nutrition services for Opaa! Food Management in Paragould, Ark. Brittany will lead a talented and diverse team responsible for overseeing the catering department, concessions at athletic venues across campus, and retail operations such as Einstein Bros. Bagels and The Grid Market in Great Plains East. Brittany began her new duties in April 2024. Staff Transitions, continued…
During the summer of 2023, Residence Life and Dining Services, Facilities Management, Communications and Marketing, and the Office of the VP for Finance and Administration partnered with Sodexo Campus to refresh and remodel the Wolves Den and Einsteins Bros Bagels. These renovations offer a completely new dining experience for our students, faculty, and staff. The million-dollar improvements included new serving stations, all new furniture and “a brighter atmosphere that is reminiscent of an urban restaurant,” said Sabolo. The changes, including new dietary options, have been well received by students. The Wolves Den has seen an increase in use for all meals. Part of the increased interest is due to the addition of a U-Cook station, which allows students to prepare their meals to their own liking. “Our new U-Cook station has been such an exciting new offering,” Sabolo said. “Students love fixing their eggs, their way in the morning. And for lunch and dinner they love being able to add what they want to their entrée. They choose what protein and how much they want. They choose the veggies they want, or don’t want. And they get to spice it up to their liking. They are loving it.” Einsteins Bros Bagels, located on the lower level of the Student Center also received a facelift to bring the casework, signage, and layout up to the newest EBB brand standards. “The new look has added to the quality experience students have come to expect from their favorite coffee and bagel shop,” said Sean Blackburn, dean of students. A grand opening was held on Monday, Aug. 21 during the dinner service. Partnering with Sodexo Campus and Finance and Administration to refresh Einstein Bros. Bagels to update brand standards was Key Result 16 of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025). Partnering with Sodexo Campus and Finance and Administration to refresh and rebrand the Wolves Den Dining Hall was Key Result 19 of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025). Our appreciation to Burt McAtee, Chelsea Speck, and Marty Sabolo for the success of the project. STUDENT AFFAIRS 7 ANNUAL REPORT Improving the Student Experience: Housing and Dining make big moves in 2023-24 Under the leadership of Marty Sabolo, director of residence life and dining services, housing and dining offerings at Northern saw the completion of renovations, the creation of new offerings, the installation of mobile access, improved marketing, and the continual assessment of residential student satisfaction. These are all significant advancements for the student experience and the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025). Wolves Den and Einstein Bros. Bagels Renovated
STUDENT AFFAIRS 8 ANNUAL REPORT Students were encouraged to “Live A New Experience” this fall with new housing and dining options created based on student feedback. Each new offering was designed to appeal to this generation’s changing housing and dining expectations. “Students want housing and dining options that are more tailored to their needs and stages of life,” said Sean Blackburn, dean of students. The Residence Life and Dining Services team did an excellent job of listening to students and working within Northern, the South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR) system, and Sodexo Campus requirements to create these new and exciting offerings. Each enhancement is part of Key Result 39 of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025) with the goal of increasing occupancy within the residence halls by 20% by Fall 2025. Steele Hall will be the new Upper-Class Residence Hall! When Steele Hall reopens, it will be limited to students ages 20 and older. Residents 21 and older will be permitted to possess and consume alcoholic beverages within their suites. Steele Hall offers four-person suites with a living room and bathroom between two double rooms. Kitchens are available on all floors with centralized laundry on the first floor. Creating upperclassmen housing to include granting permission for students of age to possess and consume alcohol in a safe, legal, and responsible manner is Key Result 47 of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025). Pet-Friendly living in McArthur-Welsh! Residents of McWelsh will be permitted to live with their house-trained dog or cat, that has been with their human for longer than 6 months. Additional restrictions will ensure that both the students and animals are healthy and may live in this new community. Doggie stations will be installed throughout the Seymour Lindberg Quad. Enjoy more private living with singles, new lease terms, and AC in McArthurWelsh! Beginning Fall 2024, McWelsh residents will live in singles with lofted beds, may choose between nine-month or 12-month leases and may upgrade to air conditioning on a first-come, first-served basis. New Gaming Themed Floor in Wolves Memorial Suites! The third-floor conference room will be updated and outfitted to support residents’ creation and participation in a variety of gaming events and programming. Wolves Memorial offers a very involved and active community of students with suite and semi-suite options. Study and conference rooms are available for student use, as well as kitchen spaces and laundry rooms on each floor. New Dining Options! Beginning this fall, students will be able to use a meal swipe to buy a combo meal at Created with Love in the Grid Market. New all-flex options will also be available for Fall 2024. Contract renewals began in February 2024, and students who renewed by March 1, received a free t-shirt and were entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card to the Wolf Shoppe or a free loft kit. Building excitement about the contract renewal process to promote living on campus is Key Result 39 E of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025). Students who are enrolled at Northern for a minimum of six on-campus credits are required to live in on-campus housing during the first two years following their high school graduation. New Housing and Dining Options Launched for Fall 2024
Under the Leadership of Debbi Bumpous and through a partnership between Technology Services and Residence Life, The Pack Pass Mobile ID was launched for the Fall 2023 semester. This effort transitioned our Campus ID from a physical plastic card to a digital credential available on smartphones. This allowed students to begin accessing their residence hall doors and meal plans through their Pack Pass Mobile ID on their phone, improving customer service and safety. The Pack Pass Mobile ID is available in Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet. The Pack Pass Mobile ID is available to all enrolled students and current employees and can be used for dining, residence hall and door access, laundry, concessions, FLEX dollars, library, pop/beverage vending, and Thunder Bucks. Tap your iPhone, Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy, or other eligible Android phones at readers across campus to conveniently use your Pack Pass Mobile ID. This improvement was Key Result 39 I of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025). With new housing offerings came fresh marketing from Residence Life in the spring of 2024. The “Live a New Experience” marketing campaign was launched in February and included new posters, social media posts, table cards, targeted emails to all eligible students, multiple all-campus emails, an Aberdeen Insider story, and for the first time ever-paid social media posts. All Instagram users within thirty miles of Aberdeen, S.D., would have seen the Live a New Experience post created with the help of Marketing and Communications. Improving Residence Life Marketing is Key Result 39 E of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025). STUDENT AFFAIRS 9 ANNUAL REPORT Mobile Access and Improved Marketing The Skyfactor Benchworks Residence Hall Survey was readministered during the spring of 2024 to all residential students at Northern in an ongoing effort to improve the residence hall student experience and increase occupancy. The first administration of the survey occurred after spring break of 2022 by director of residence life and dining services, Marty Sabolo and his team. That survey received an impressive 31 percent response rate and resulted in the creation of 27 action items to improve student satisfaction within the residence halls. Those action items may be found on the Student Affairs website. “People are often surprised by what factors influence students’ satisfaction within the residence halls. Skyfactor provided us with a data-informed, nationally normed understanding of how our students are perceiving the halls,” said Sean Blackburn, dean of students. Some of those areas include timeliness of repairs; the cleaning staff and the cleanliness of the floors, bathrooms, and public space; internet connectivity; the quality of laundry machines and spaces; how safe it is to walk through campus at night; and whether their peers respect their study and sleep time. The new data collected during Spring 2024 will be carefully reviewed and utilized to update the original 27 action items identified by the first survey. Updates to the plan will be shared with students and the university community during the fall semester. The Skyfactor Survey will be administered again in 2026 and is Key Result 39 F of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025). Residence Hall Satisfaction Survey
STUDENT AFFAIRS 10 ANNUAL REPORT Dining Services won the ABBY Award for Customer Service – Service Award from the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce in September of 2023. Sodexo was nominated by the community for the award. “Dining Services is always receiving positive feedback within the campus and local community,” said Marty Sabolo, Northern director of residence life and dining services. “We often hear from clients how happy they are with the menu selection, the attention to detail and the extra mile that Chelsea and her staff go to make the event special.” “It is the first time the business has won the award,” said Chelsea Speck, dining services retail and catering manager. According to the Chamber of Commerce, the ABBY awards are designed to recognize businesses with outstanding performance, community customer satisfaction, and excellent business practices. There are two customer service awards: one for service businesses and one for retail. Nominees for the service award are judged on performance, profitability, growth, and stability, by Chamber and economic development professionals from across the United States. “We are grateful for all that NSU Catering does for our campus and are so proud of them for the recognition they have received from the Aberdeen Community,” Sabolo said. Dining Services Wins Abby Award for Customer Service (Adapted from an NSU Media Release). Advancements in Campus Safety Under the leadership of Krista Bau, director of student rights and responsibilities and Title IX coordinator, and with the support of Marty Sabolo and Becky Kuch, significant improvements to campus safety were achieved during the 202324 academic year. Maintaining a safe campus community is not possible without careful planning, strategic efforts, key partnerships, appropriate technology, and a well-trained team. Safety is a top enrollment driver, and Northern is known as one of the safest campuses in the region. New Campus Police Officer Eric Paul joined the team as our campus police officer in August 2023. (See Officer Paul’s bio on page 6). As the campus police officer from Aberdeen Police Department (APD), Officer Paul is stationed on campus and serves the Northern community during the academic year. Given our student population, Northern would not be able to operate a cost-efficient and professionally managed law enforcement unit without support. APD also provides training and other services free of charge to the university community, like ALICE Active Shooter Training and the Prescription Medication Takeback. New Campus Safety Hours, Contact Information, and Location Beginning in the fall, Officer Paul’s hours changed to Tuesday through Friday, from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. These hours advance campus safety by providing additional opportunities for Officer Paul to interact with students, attend events, and provide safety escorts when needed. To invite Officer Paul to an event or to give a classroom presentation, please call or text 605-380-8925. Officer Paul may now be reached directly at 605-380-8925. Call or text for all non-emergency campus safety needs and safety escorts, 24-7. Dial 911 for emergencies. Officer Paul and Campus Safety have a new home in Suite 222, Student Center from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., and room 167 Great Plains East from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. All students may access the Lobby of Great Plains East, between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Sunday through Saturday. Pack Pass Mobile ID Northern’s ID cards have gone digital! Students prefer to access residence halls and other campus services with their cell phones. Cardless access decreases card-sharing, door propping, and lockouts, thereby improving campus safety while advancing customer service. Our appreciation to Technology Services for this great improvement to the Pack Pass. Mobile access is Key Result 39 I of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025). Disruptive and Dangerous Students Behavior Presentation In February, Dean Blackburn, Dean Schwan of the School of Education, and director of student rights and responsibilities, Krista Bau provided faculty and staff guidance on how to respond when dealing with disruptive and dangerous students in the academic environment during an hour-long presentation. Participants learned how to set clear behavioral expectations through classroom standards and university policy. The Disruptive and Dangerous
STUDENT AFFAIRS 11 ANNUAL REPORT Advancements in Campus Safety continued… Students Behavior Presentation is the final development of the Responding to Distressed Students Training Series, which was first launched in 2021 with the changes to the institution’s behavioral intervention team (then known as BIG). The series supports students who are in distress and provides faculty and staff resources to support student success. The series includes Northern CARES, QPR, and ALICE Active Shooter Training; all four training courses are now offered at least once each semester. NABITA Behavioral Intervention Team Standards and Best Practices Certification During the spring of 2024, Dean Blackburn was recertified, and Krista Bau became certified by NABITA in Team Standards and Best Practices for Behavior Intervention. Both serve on the Northern CARES team responsible for behavior interventions with distressed students. NABITA (National Association for Behavior Intervention and Threat Assessment) is an independent, not-for-profit organization with more than 6,000 active members from colleges, universities, schools, and other organizations committed to providing education, development, and support to professionals who endeavor every day to make their environment safer through caring prevention and intervention (see www.nabita.org for more details.) NABITA was created in the wake of active shooters at Virginia Tech and other colleges and universities. NABITA provides the best practices training for intervention teams with the goal of supporting students, maintaining campus safety, and mitigating the loss and harm done by distressed members of educational communities. Northern CARES wins the Teamwork Award The Northern CARES team was recognized with the Teamwork Award during Northern’s annual Employee Recognition Lunch in April 2024. The team has displayed great teamwork in the past year as they have helped students, faculty, and staff from across campus to respond and support students of concern. The team has done an exceptional job working together across division and department lines to support students in impactful and efficient ways. The team has helped promote academic excellence, wholistic wellness, and personal accountability throughout campus. Their work has made Northern safer and healthier. In the past academic year, the team has seen an increase in the number of students referred for its support, has continued to educate the campus community on how to refer students, and even completed a professional assessment to improve its operations based up the National Association for Behavioral Intervention and Threat Assessment (NABITA). That assessment has identified several ways the team can improve its functions in ways that will help students and limit institutional liability. Through the support from the Dean of Students Office, two members of the team completed the NABITA Behavioral Intervention Team Standards and Best Practices Certification Course. The team has shown dedication to both students and excellence in processes. The team includes Krista Bau, director of student rights and responsibilities/Title IX coordinator (who serves as chair), Sean Blackburn, dean of students, Marty Sabolo, director of residence life and dining services, Becky Kuch, director of health and counseling services, Eric Paul, campus police officer, Britt Lorenz, executive director of student success, and Terri Holmes, associate athletic director and senior women’s administrator. Northern CARES is a collaborative multidisciplinary team focused on identifying, assessing, and supporting students of concern. The team develops and implements early intervention plans to promote student success and wellness. The team is dedicated to creating a culture of care, proactively identifying concerns, and addressing those concerns in a timely manner by providing a behavioral intervention process that is restorative in nature. The team’s effort improves the student experience and supports the university’s retention and enrollment goals. Campus Incidents and Crime Log Published on Website According to the Clery Center, The Jeanne Clery Act aims to provide transparency around campus crime policy and statistics by requiring colleges and universities to record campus crimes in a daily log. At Northern, this was achieved with the publishing of campus incidences through a crime log on the Campus Safety website. Thanks to Officer Eric Paul and Krista Bau, this new report was created with institutional support and posted for the public to review. This effort demonstrates Northern’s commitment to both campus safety and transparency.
Updates to the Biennial Review Krista Bau chaired the Biennial Review Committee during the fall of 2023 to update our Biennial Review as required by the 1989 amendments to the DrugFree Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA). The Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations require institutions of higher education to conduct a biennial review of their alcohol and other drugs (AOD) programs and policies to determine program effectiveness and consistency of policy enforcement and to identify and implement any changes needed to either. The committee consisted of Sean Blackburn, dean of students, Dr. Chelsee Shortt, faculty representative, Krista Bau, director of student rights and responsibilities/Title IX coordinator, Susan Bostian, AVP and director of human resources, Marty Sabolo, director of residence life and dining services, Becky Kuch, director of counseling and health services, and Brenda Mammenga, director of institutional research. Northern’s Biennial Review is available to students, applicants, parents, employees, and the public. A copy will be posted on NSU’s website and can be obtained from the Student Affairs office at 605-626-3007. Convening the Biennial Review Committee to review program effectiveness and progress on recommendations is Key Result 70 of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025). Sanctioning Rubric Approved for Student Conduct Creating a sanctioning rubric for all Student Conduct educational sanctions is Key Result 149 of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025) and was achieved this spring by Director Bau. This rubric increases the consistency of educational sanctions issued for student policy violations and helps Northern comply with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA). This effort was first envisioned during Northern’s 2018-2020 Biennial Review. The Rubric is available for student review and will improve confidence in the Student Conduct process. Safety App Launched Another effort to improve campus safety involved expanding the campus contract with Everbridge to add a safety application to our campus alert system. Announced on Sept. 12, 2023, Everbridge Mobile App became available for free to all members of the Northern community. With a push of a button, the Everbridge Mobile App will allow individuals to connect with local emergency services, the campus police officer Eric Paul, and the on-call Residence Life team. The Everbridge Mobile App also enables Northern to notify you of class cancellations, emergency notifications, and timely warnings. All community members must first be registered with the Campus Alert System. Thanks to Susan Bostian, AVP and director of human resources for configuring the Everbridge Mobile App. Implementing a safety app is Key Result 157 of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025). All these efforts were made to improve campus safety at Northern, which allows students, faculty, and staff to work, learn, and grow in a safe and supportive environment. Advancing Campus Safety is Object 6 of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025). STUDENT AFFAIRS 12 ANNUAL REPORT Advancements in Campus Safety continued…
STUDENT AFFAIRS 13 ANNUAL REPORT Multi-Year Efforts to Destigmatize Help Seeking Behaviors Make an Impact Mental health is a vital part of our wellbeing and important for the success of our students, faculty, and staff. Two common barriers when seeking help for mental health concerns are the stigma surrounding mental health and a lack of information regarding available resources. To address these concerns, Northern has hosted 3 years of Mental Wellness Weeks, and 2 years of increased participation in the Out of the Darkness Walk, 988 and You’re Not Alone Campaigns, and QPR and Mental Health First Aid trainings. Additionally, Counseling Services has seen three therapists licensed in the past year, demonstrating their commitment to providing the highest quality of care. According to the South Dakota Department of Health, suicide is the leading cause of death among individuals 10-29 years old in South Dakota, with the highest rates of suicide among young adults ages 20-29. Of the South Dakotans that die by suicide each year, 78 percent are men, while women are nearly twice as likely to engage in nonfatal self-harm. Native Americans have a suicide rate 2.7 times higher than white individuals. In 2022, South Dakota had the sixth highest suicide rate in the United States. Mental Health First Aid and QPR A total of 36 benefits-eligible Northern faculty and staff, along with a few guests, were trained in Mental Health First Aid in the spring and fall of 2023. At Northern, Mental Health First Aid is an eight-hour training for faculty, staff, and graduate students with significant student contact outside of the classroom (coaches, advisors, student services). Developed by people with lived experience of mental health challenges and professionals, this course teaches early intervention techniques and improves mental health literacy to help you understand, identify, and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges. The training covers risk factors and protective factors specific to the higher education setting, the relevance of mental health to the campus community, using the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) in scenarios designed specifically for faculty, administration, students, and national, campus and community mental health resources. Mental Health First Aid is provided through a partnership between Counseling Services and Northeastern Mental Health Center (NEMHC). Training 25 benefits-eligible employees in Mental Health First Aid is Key Result 92 of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025). An impressive 339 students have been trained in QPR as of March 2024. QPR, like CPR, is an emergency mental health intervention for suicidal persons. An abbreviation for Question, Persuade, and Refer, the intent is to identify and interrupt the crisis and direct that person to the proper care. This training will provide you with specific information and skills to know what to ask, how to encourage someone to get help, and practical ways to refer someone to appropriate care. Students receive a certificate at the end of the training. QPR is hosted by Counseling Services, and they are taking reservations for the 2024-2025 academic year. Training five hundred students in QPR is Key Result 67 of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025). Counseling Services has also trained more than 100 benefits eligible employees in QPR as part of Key Result 91 of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025). Out of the Darkness Walk For the second year in a row, more than 100 Northern students, staff, faculty, and family members came together to support the Aberdeen Out of the Darkness Walk on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, at the Odde Ice Arena. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention hosts Community Walks in hundreds of cities across the country. They are the core of the Out of the Darkness movement,
STUDENT AFFAIRS 14 ANNUAL REPORT which began in 2004. These events give people the courage to open up about their own connections to the cause and a platform to create a culture that’s smarter about mental health. Friends, family members, neighbors, and coworkers walk side by side, supporting each other and in memory of those we’ve lost. Suicide is a deeply impactful issue facing our communities, especially for college-age students. Northern Celebrates 3rd Annual Mental Wellness Week Northern State University hosted our third annual Mental Wellness Week Oct. 23-27, 2023, with events aimed at reducing the stigma associated with seeking mental healthcare, to educate the community on available resources, and to improve campus mental wellness. Under the leadership of Becky Kuch, director of health and counseling services, and Christina Shillman, personal counselor, Student Affairs led a coalition of campus partners to host this important week of events. New events this year included acupuncture with Megan Pierson of Healing Points, art therapy with Becky Schuldt, Self Defense 101 with Officer Eric Paul, Zumba with Aberdeen Family YMCA, Color Your Stress Away with Campus Activities Board, Restorative Yoga with Aimee Roy, Sleep for Success with TRIO SSS and Prevention Services, financial wellness with Joe Siebert of Baseline Financial Solutions, yoga nidra with Candace Briscoe of Fit and Fire Studios, and Eating for Wellness with Dining Services. A few fan favorites returned again this year including the Mental Wellness Resource Fair, Shrink Rap The Podcast, QPR Training with Counseling Services, and Singing Bowls with Natasha Jorgenson of Vibrant Life. The events highlighted the many resources available to the community. • Counseling Services is available for students at Suite 222, Student Center, or by calling 605-626-3007, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Employees may receive free support through the Employee Assistance Program by calling 800-713-6288. • You can also call 2-1-1 for help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 211 is America’s most comprehensive source of information for local resources and services. • Northeastern Mental Health Center (NEMHC) offers a 24-hour crisis line at 605-229-1000. • Call or text 988 for mental health emergencies. • If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1. The impetus for this awareness week was inspired by student leader Emily Meier, a political science major from Aberdeen, who received a grant through the Bush Foundation’s Change Network program in 2021. The first Mental Health Week was held Nov. 14-20, 2021. Northern’s Mental Wellness Week is part of Key Result 72, “Create a marketing campaign and educational programing to decrease the stigma associated with seeking behavioral health care,” from the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025). Supporting Student Mental Health with 988 and You Are Not Alone Campaigns Originally launched in the fall of 2022, Student Affairs continued to promote 988 and the You Are Not Alone Campaign throughout the 2023-2024 academic year. 988 is the new 911 for mental health emergencies. The awareness campaign for 988 included social media posts, emails, and posters around campus. Students learned that they may call or text for support with a mental health emergency, for themselves or for a friend. This service is free, private, and available across the country. All members of the Northern community – students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends – are encouraged to use this service as needed.
STUDENT AFFAIRS 15 ANNUAL REPORT Similarly, the “You Are Not Alone” Campaign was communicated to students by posters, table tents, and social media posts with the message that students have access to resources and are never truly alone. “Isolation and loneliness are significant risk factors for suicide,” said Sean Blackburn, Dean of Students. This campaign hopes to inspire a sense of community and support for those who feel alone and desperate. Shilman, Mathews, and Geist become Licensed Professional Counselors Christina Shilman met the requirements to obtain a license to practice within the State of South Dakota as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in January of 2024. Candidates for licensure must have a 48-hour master’s degree in counseling from an accredited institution, a board-approved LPC Plan of Supervision on file, completed at least 2,000 hours post-graduate supervised experience and 100 hours of supervision, and passed the National Counselor Examination (NCE). “We are extremely proud of Christina’s accomplishments and grateful for her commitment to offering students the best quality of care available in higher education,” said Sean Blackburn, dean of students. Dr. Shalini Mathew met the requirements to obtain a license to practice within the State of South Dakota as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in April 2024. Dr. Mathew joined the Counseling Services staff in the spring semester of 2023, providing counseling to Northern students. Dr. Mathew is an assistant professor, field coordinator and Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) liaison for the master’s in counseling program. She is a National Board of Certified Counselors nationally certified counselor. She is serving as a member of the CACREP team of site visitors. “We are grateful for Dr. Mathew,” said Becky Kuch, director of counseling and health services. Shilman and Mathews were supported and supervised by Becky Kuch, director of health and counseling services, for their licensure. Ashley Geist, LPC-MH SupV, LPC, NCC, QMHP, M.S.Ed., met the requirements to obtain a license to practice within the State of South Dakota as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in November 2024 and completed her QMHP certification in the spring 2024. Ashley joined the Counseling Services team in September 2023 to support Becky and Christina with the demand for personal counseling on campus. Ashley serves up to 19 hours per week. She is a two-time graduate of Northern State University and is also employed at The Support Circle. Previously, she was an adjunct faculty member for the Psychology and Human Services Department at Presentation College and served their students as a clinical mental health counselor prior to Presentation’s closure in August 2023.
STUDENT AFFAIRS 16 ANNUAL REPORT accommodations on a class-by-class basis. This coordination of services across campus through ACCESS Northern has undoubtedly enhanced the accessibility and convenience of support services for students with disabilities. Student Accessibility Services announced the launch of ACCESS Northern in the spring of 2023, which was partially funded through CARES (COVID-19) funding. The implementation and launch of ACCESS Northern is Key Result 35 of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025). Celebrating Thomas James Williams (1961-2024) (Adapted from Thomas Williams’ Obituary) Thomas Williams, former assistant director of multicultural student affairs, passed away peacefully at his home in Marshall, Minnesota, on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. He is greatly missed by all who were blessed to spend time with him. During his time at Northern, he demonstrated great care for students, a commitment to community, and always offered a friendly smile. To celebrate Thomas’ life, students, staff, and faculty signed a Northern journal that was presented to his family. Thomas James Williams was born on Feb. 15, 1961, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Thomas and Christine (Simpson) Williams. When he was young, Thomas and his family moved to Fort Myers, Florida. Thomas then worked and helped his mom for a few years before Don Varpness recruited him to play football at Minnesota West in Worthington, Minnesota. He then transferred to Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall where he played on the offensive line. After briefly training in the National Guard, Thomas began his work with various minority groups and had a passion for connecting kids with higher educational opportunities. Thomas and his wife Barb made their home in Marshall for the past 32 years and were blessed with three amazing children: Josh, Haley, and Cam. Thomas continued to focus on minority recruitment for several colleges. He also assisted with social service needs for the tribes around Flandreau, Morton, and Granite Falls. Thomas had a strong faith and was very involved with the Boys and Girls Club in Flandreau, South Dakota. He had a drive to help young people that he carried throughout his career with a sense of understanding and forgiveness for everyone he helped over the years. His other enjoyments in life included watching the Dallas Cowboys, camping trips, BBQs, and caring for his many pets. Thomas always put his family first and was very proud of his children, supporting them in all their activities. Access Northern coming to campus The implementation of ACCESS Northern by Student Accessibility Services in the Fall 2023 semester has revolutionized the way accommodation requests are managed on campus. Quick Takes: By offering a secure online platform, Northern has streamlined the process for both students and faculty, making it more efficient and accessible. During the fall, faculty and staff underwent inperson training to familiarize themselves with the platform’s functionality, ensuring they can effectively receive notifications, upload tests, and access student accommodations for each class. Similarly, students were provided with group learning sessions to learn how to request accommodations, schedule exams, and review their accommodation information. Assistant Director Kelly Weismantel highlighted the benefits of the software, noting its contribution to a paperless system that documents reasonable accommodations, sends notices, and provides access for students and faculty to review
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