Student Affairs Annual Report July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022 Last Updated: 08/04/2022
STUDENT AFFAIRS 2 ANNUAL REPORT About Northern State University Founded in 1901, Northern State University is a student-centered institution that provides an outstanding educational experience, preparing students through the liberal arts and professional education for their future endeavors. A regional university, Northern 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 help unleash students’ potential. The university strives to enrich the community through partnerships such as its Educational Impact Campaign. With the $55 million campaign, NSU has been the recipient of more than $150 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. 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 to place a special emphasis on E-learning in the university curriculum and service. 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. 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
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 is comprised of the Avera Student Center, Avera Student Health, Campus Safety, Counseling Services, Dean of Students Office, Homecoming, Multicultural Student Affairs, New Student Programs (HOWL & Wolf Pack Welcome), Prevention Services, Residence Life and Dining Services, Student Accessibility Services, Student Government Association, Student Involvement and Leadership, 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 resource 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 & Sense of Belonging Fostering a diverse and international community that includes, validates, recognizes, and respects all ethnicities, genders, sexualities, identities, abilities, cultures, and worldviews 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 Year two of this global pandemic may have been more challenging for our community than last year. Despite the challenges of a post-COVID world, Student Affairs continued to make progress on our goals during the 2021-22 academic year. I’m incredibly proud of the Student Affairs team for all their hard work, persistence, and dedication to student success. This annual report will highlight updates and progress made toward achieving the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025). Significant progress was made in the areas of campus safety, student engagement, diversity and belonging, mental health and revenue enhancement. We are extremely proud of all the work accomplished in year two of our Strategic Plan. The heart of this annual report will share our progress to date. We also proudly 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. Go Wolves! Sean Blackburn Dean of Students Message from the Dean of Students Sean Blackburn Dean of Students
STUDENT AFFAIRS 5 ANNUAL REPORT Staff transitions Student Affairs welcomed Krista Bau, Ashley M. Bruzek, Melanie Hogg, Christina Shilman, Thomas Williams, and Kelly Weismantel to a new role, while saying goodbye to five outstanding colleagues during the 2021-22 year. Ms. Krista G. Bau was named the Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities and Title IX Coordinator in June 2021 after serving as the TRIO SSS Programming Coordinator/ Academic Advisor at Northern since 2014. Before Northern, Bau was an employment specialist with the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation. Additionally, she served on the Safe Harbor Foundation Board of Directors from 2012-2018 and was their Board President from 2014-2017. Throughout her time at Northern, Bau has served on numerous campus committees aimed at supporting students such as the first-year seminar committee, common read committee, Northern CARES, and the diversity action pillar team. She earned a Bachelor of Science in business marketing from Northern State University and a Master of Arts in interdisciplinary studies: special education and educational psychology from the University of South Dakota. Reporting to the Dean of Students and President of Northern State University, the Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities and Title IX Coordinator is responsible for providing institution-wide leadership and expertise in personal and social responsibility. With direct responsibility for the student disciplinary system, Clery Act reporting, campus safety, emergency notification, and Title IX coordination; this critical leader advances campus safety so that faculty, staff, and students may thrive and focus on their academic and co-curricular interests in an environment that is safe, secure, and welcoming. Ms. Christina B. Shilman was named a staff counselor in Counseling Services in July 2021 after many years at Northeastern Mental Health and Worthmore Addiction Services (Avera St. Luke’s). She holds an M.S.Ed. in Counseling and a B.S. in Psychology, both from Northern State University. Shilman is a certified Mental Health Professional (QMHP). Staff counselors provide personal and group therapy to students consistent with the Counseling Services Scope of Practice. Counselors also create and participate in presentations and workshops in classrooms, residence halls, and in the community. Ms. Melanie Hogg was named Director of Dining Services with Aramark Higher Education in August 2021, and then during the food service contract change named Director of Dining Services with Sodexo Campus in May 2022. Hogg had been the Food Service Director at Presentation College since September 2018 and has worked in the food service industry for 30 years. Born and raised in Oregon, Hogg moved to Maui, Hawaii, in 2005 and was a general manager at the Kula Lodge & Restaurant for 4 years. In 2009, Hogg moved to South Dakota to purchase a restaurant in Faulkton and lived and ran that location for 8 years. Hogg moved to Aberdeen in 2017 and enthusiastically joined the Northern State University team. “I have a passion for business management, with an emphasis on customer service and team building. I am excited to have this opportunity to be at Northern and enhance the food service program,” said Hogg. Ms. Ashley M. Bruzek was named Acting Assistant Director for Student Involvement and Leadership in March 2022. Bruzek was a Northern Residence Life graduate assistant completing a Master of Science degree in banking and financial services. At Northern, she has served as a TRIO peer mentor; Campus Activities Board secretary, treasurer, and president; and treasurer of the residence hall association and is homecoming queen. Bruzek began parttime duties on March 1, 2022, while completing graduate assistant duties with Residence Life. Beginning this May, she transitioned as an emergency hire to serve as the full-time Assistant Director for Student Involvement and Leadership.
STUDENT AFFAIRS 6 ANNUAL REPORT Ms. Kelly Weismantel was named Assistant Director for Student Accessibility Services in April 2022. She was a staff counselor at Northern from 2010 until 2022. During her tenure, she has worked individually with students on a variety of issues impacting their daily lives. She has experience in grant writing, prevention programming, and Title IX coordination and investigations, as well as threat assessment. She trains staff and students on topics pertinent to the college population and is a Prime for Life instructor. Before her employment at Northern, Weismantel worked at area social service agencies, focusing on working with families and adolescents and providing case management to young adults as they aged out of foster care. During her career, she has worked to ensure all students acquire the skills and knowledge to be successful in all aspects of life. Ms. Erin M. Olson began her role at Northern in 2017 as the Counseling Services program manager, then transitioned into coordinating Prevention Services, which was established in 2021. She departed campus in July 2021 to serve as the Retention Officer and FYS Coordinator at Lake Area Technical College. Lake Area Tech is a public community college in Watertown, S.D. Founded in 1965, Lake Area Tech was the first technical school to be established in South Dakota and serves approximately 1,877 undergraduate students (2018–19). Olson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from South Dakota State University and Master of Business Administration from Walden University. During her time at Northern she led the NSU Campus and Community Coalition, the Biennial Review Committee, was the Distinctive Partnerships Pillar Team co-facilitator, and was the AwareWolves student organization advisor. Olson has experience in suicide and sexual assault prevention and substance misuse diversion and served as a Title IX investigator. “Erin was instrumental in the rebranding of Prevention Services and will be dearly missed,” said Sean Blackburn, Dean of Students. Ms. Amy Untereiner served as Director of Dining Services with Aramark Higher Education from July 1, 2019, until July 23, 2021. Untereiner gained 21 years of dining service experience working at Dakota Wesleyan University, Northern, Presentation College and Southeast Community College in Lincoln, Neb., before ultimately returning to Northern as the director. Untereiner has a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice from Dakota Wesleyan University. With her years of experience, Untereiner provided key insight for residential dining, retail locations, and catering to ensure our campus community received exceptional customer service, great food, and an overall great dining experience. Untereiner left Northern and Aramark to pursue a new opportunity with another food service provider. “We appreciate Amy’s service to Northern and wish her the best of luck in her new opportunity,” said Marty Sabolo, Director of Residence Life and Dining Services. Mr. Mat Muston served as the Assistant Director of Residence Life from July 2020 until August 2021. Muston is an alum of Northern and has multiple years of experience in residence life. He spent time in Ohio and Missouri before returning to Northern. Through the years he has held different titles, from complex director to interim director of housing. In recent years, Muston helped create committees and programs to assist student engagement, student staff advancement and development, and safety. Muston earned a Bachelor of Science in environmental sciences at Northern, and a Master of Education in educational administration degree from the University of Sioux Falls. He moved to Fargo, N.D., in September 2021 to pursue a new opportunity with Aldevron, a world-class service organization specializing in nucleic acid and protein production, antibody development, and custom service with operations in the United States and Europe. “We wish Mat the best of luck in Fargo and with his new opportunity,” said Marty Sabolo, Director of Residence Life. Staff Transitions, continued…
STUDENT AFFAIRS 7 ANNUAL REPORT After nearly a decade of distinguished service to Northern State University, Ms. Doris Stusiak retired this past May 2022 from her position as Director of Disability Services. “Doris has helped hundreds of students successfully navigate college and join the ranks of our alumni around the world,” said Sean Blackburn, Dean of Students. Stusiak joined Northern in October 2012. She earned a Master of Science in Education in Counseling and Guidance from Northern State University and a graduate certificate in post-secondary disability services from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. Stusiak did her undergraduate work at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., majoring in business education. She has been a high school teacher and a school counselor. Prior to coming to Northern, Stusiak served in various staff and faculty roles at Presentation College. Throughout her career, Stusiak has especially enjoyed working with both high school and college students. In her role in disability services, she strives to gain equal access across all aspects of campus as well as foster selfadvocacy skills for students with disabilities. Mr. Bradley Wolfe accepted a position at Vincennes University in Vincennes, Ind., as their new Director of Residence Life in June 2022. Wolfe was named Assistant Director of Residence Life at Northern in May 2020 and came to Northern with seven years of experience in residence life. Wolfe has served in various residence life roles throughout his career, most recently at Martin Methodist College in Tennessee. His past experiences include time spent at State Fair Community College and Pittsburg State University. Wolfe earned his Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, and his Master of Science in college student personnel administration from the University of Central Missouri. He is working on an Ed.D. in higher education leadership from Maryville University. “Brad has been a great team member here at Northern and we wish him the best on his new endeavor,” said Marty Sabolo, Director of Residence Life and Dining Services. Staff Transitions, continued… Jessica L. Beilke Named Student Affairs Support Staff Partner of the Year Beilke, is a senior accountant with Finance and Administration, was selected by Student Affairs Senior Staff for this inaugural designation for her outstanding service to students and Northern State University. “We seek authentic partnerships across campus to help support student success and to execute the Student Affairs Strategic Plan. Jessica is one of those partners who we count on for her steady support and leadership. She is well deserving of this award,” said Sean Blackburn, Dean of Students. Jessica’s dedication to the Campus Community is demonstrated by her daily interaction with students and parents when they have questions or concerns with their bills or payment processes. Her partnership over the past year with members of the Northern CARES Team and the Office of Residence Life to assist students who had issues completing payments in a timely manner, showed her concern for the success of students and demonstrated that each student is seen as an individual. Beilke was born and raised here in Aberdeen and graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in May of 1999. She graduated from Northern State University with a BS in Business Management in December of 2005 and bleeds maroon and gold. She began her career at Northern in 2014 as an accounting assistant, after many years as an office manager with a local electrical contractor. Beilke was promoted to Senior Accountant in 2020 after a colleague retired. Beilke is a big Chicago Cubs fan, proving once again that no one is perfect.
STUDENT AFFAIRS 8 ANNUAL REPORT Willams named assistant director for Multicultural Student Affairs Mr. Thomas Williams was named Assistant Director for Multicultural Student Affairs in February 2022. Williams 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 has worked to promote belonging, inclusion, engagement, and student success throughout his career in higher education and public service. As the Assistant Director for Multicultural Student Affairs, Williams will build inclusive communities, facilitate programing, and assist with recruiting, retaining, and mentoring historically marginalized students. Using best practices from across higher education, Williams will be responsible for providing institution-wide leadership around student belonging, connection, and engagement This strategic investment of university and student fee resources fulfills Key Result 158 of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (20212025), and is consistent with Northern’s first and second strategic priorities of “Build[ing] an increasingly diverse, engaged, inclusive, welcoming and supportive culture that nurtures achievement and success for all students, faculty and staff ” and “Build[ing] a growth strategy to expand student access, success and educational attainment to increase students’ socioeconomic mobility while serving the public good.” “We are grateful to student leaders on the Student Budget and Appropriations Committee (SBAC) for allocating 50% of the funding for this position” said Megan Frewaldt, Director of Student Involvement and Leadership. This funding was first approved by students for fiscal year 22. Sense of belonging is positively related to engagement and student development. For students to have a sense of belonging, they must feel like they can relate to others in the campus community (McMillan & Chavis, 1986; Strayhorn, 2019). This is an important concept because sense of belonging impacts student persistence (Hausmann et al., 2007). In alignment with Opportunity for All, Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) strives to create a sense of belonging for all students at Northern. Through utilizing data such as National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) and SkyFactor Benchworks Campus Climate Assessment, specific student populations reporting a lower sense of belonging can be identified, which allows MSA to intentionally develop programs and enhance campus culture to create an environment where all students feel connected and are able to succeed. Williams will report to Megan Frewaldt and serve within the Student Involvement and Leadership department of Student Affairs. Williams may be contacted at Suite 222, Avera Student Center, (605) 626-3007, or thomas.williams@northern. edu. Strategic Investment of Resources Utilized to Advance Student Enrollment and Sense of Belonging At Northern
STUDENT AFFAIRS 9 ANNUAL REPORT Student Affairs celebrates Grand Opening of Student Organizations Hub A grand opening event for the Northern State University Student Organizations Hub—a new space for student organizations to create, connect and collaborate—was held Wednesday, Feb. 2, in the Avera Student Center. The event, held in conjunction with Winter Rush, included a dedication of the new space by Northern President Dr. Neal Schnoor, Student Government Association President Jake Swanson, Dean of Students Sean Blackburn, Director of Student Involvement and Leadership Megan Frewaldt, and Student Organizations Recognition Committee Chair James Heisinger. The south side of the Student Organizations Hub (Avera Student Center 203, 204 and 205) will be open to all Northern Recognized Student Organizations. They will be able to: • Create: 203 will be a student organization resource room including group storage, programing supplies and small group workspace. • Connect: 204 will be a student organization lounge where collaboration and connections can be made. • Collaborate: 205, formerly Thunder Conference Room, will be a student organization meeting room. The north side of the Student Organizations Hub (Avera Student Center 209, 210, 211 and 212) will be reservable offices and workspaces for all Recognized Student Organizations. Farther down the north side, Chartered Student Organizations at Northern— Student Government Association (SGA), Student Homecoming Committee, Campus Activities Board (CAB), AwareWolves and Wolves for Advocacy, Volunteerism and Engagement (WAVE)—will complete the Hub from 206, 207 and 208. Avera Student Center 201 will remain the Multicultural Student Lounge. Honors Program will be in Avera Student Center 132, across from the Post Office. The Student Organization Hub fulfills or supports multiple Key Results of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (20212025). Specifically: • Key Result 100: Expand recognized student organizations from 42 (fall 2020) to 60 by 2025. • Key Result 101: Double our underrepresented and multicultural student organizations from 5 (fall 2020) to 10 by 2025. • Key Result 124: Consistent with the 2019 Space Analysis, create a student organization resource center. • Key Result 125: Consistent with the 2019 Space Analysis, create more student organization space by repurposing rooms 209, 210, 211, and 212 for reservable student organization office space. Thanks to Megan Frewaldt, Eric Bertsch, Dr. Kristi Bockorny, Janie Borkowski, Layton Cooper, Alexis Doerr, Justin Fraase, Dr. Elizabeth Haller, James Heisinger, Peggy Hofwalt, Crystal Joseph, Jerilyn Mielke, Melanie Neiber, Erin Olson, Rob Van Wagner, Seth Young, Earl Weisenburger, Facilities, Media Services, the Student Budget & Appropriations Committee (SBAC), and the Student Organizations Recognition Committee (SORC) for executing a significant vision to advance student engagement and success at Northern.
STUDENT AFFAIRS 10 ANNUAL REPORT Inspired by Emily’s leadership, Student Affairs led a coalition of campus partners in the fall semester to create Northern State University’s first Mental Health Week. 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. Mental Health Week addressed both concerns with a variety of programing for all. The collaboration included: AwareWolves, Communications and Marketing, Counseling Services, Counselor Education, Dean of Students, Honors Program, Office of International Programs, Student Government Association, Student Involvement and Leadership, TRIO Student Support Services, and W.A.V.E. (Wolves for Advocacy, Volunteerism, and Engagement). Programming throughout the week on campus included: • Yoga: Lincoln Hall Gallery, 4-5 p.m. Nov. 15 • Safe Zones Training: Understanding the unique mental health needs of the LGBTQI community; 12:30-1:30 p.m. Nov. 16; Avera Student Center Maroon Room • Mental Health Resource Fair: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 17; Avera Student Center Mall • WOLFTalk: Archie Messersmith-Bunting presents “If Everyone is ‘Fine’ - What’s Wrong with Me?’; 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17; Johnson Fine Arts Center • Mindfulness Workshop: 12:30-1:30 p.m. Nov. 18; Avera Student Center Centennial Rooms C/D • Counseling Services Open House: 1-3 p.m. Nov. 18; Avera Student Center Room 222 • Unearthing Their Voices Panel: Reflecting on the impact of the American Indian Boarding School Policy on Indigenous Communities; Centennial Rooms; 3-4 p.m. Nov. 18 • QPR - Question, Persuade, Refer Suicide Prevention Training: 5 p.m. Nov. 18; Avera Student Center Centennial Rooms C/D Meier, a history and political science major from Aberdeen, said plans also include improving the information available online about campus and community mental health care resources. A video series will also be created that interviews students about resiliency to improve campus attitudes around setbacks and show how students have overcome challenges while at NSU. “The goal with this is to show that resiliency is a skill that can be improved like any other,” she said. The events highlighted the many resources available to the community. • Counseling Services is available for students at 222 Avera Student Center or by calling 605-626-3007, M-F from 8 a.m.-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, 7 days a week. This service is free and confidential. 2-1-1 offers support for the following: substance use, suicidal thoughts, depression, relationship conflicts, stress, mental health, concerns for a loved one, isolation, and trauma. • Northeastern Mental Health Center offers a 24-hour crisis line at 605-229-1000. • If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1. Northern Celebrates Mental Health Week Northern State University hosted mental health awareness events aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding mental health challenges and improving campus mental wellness. Student Emily Meier received a grant through the Bush Foundation’s Change Network program, which led to the creation of Northern Mental Health Week, Nov. 14-20, 2021. Northern Mental Health Week was 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).
STUDENT AFFAIRS 11 ANNUAL REPORT Student Affairs Hosts 5 COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics Student Affairs co-hosted five COVID-19 vaccination events with Avera St. Luke’s during the fall 2021 and spring 2022 semesters. Each event was hosted in the Centennial Rooms of the Avera Student Center and were well received by the community. The five clinics provided 399 COVID-19 vaccinations in all. Friday, Aug. 27, 2021 54 Friday, Sept. 17, 2021 49 Monday, Nov. 1, 2021 157 (COVID) 52 (Influenza) Monday, Nov. 22, 2021 70 Friday, Jan. 21, 2022 69 The Nov. 1 clinic also offered students and the community influenza vaccinations as part of the annual “Fight the Flu” Campaign led by Student Affairs. A full-page ad in the Aberdeen American News and updated guidance on booster vaccinations drove higher than anticipated numbers at the Nov. 1 clinic. Student Affairs is grateful to our partner at Avera for this collaboration. These five clinics were part of the Northern Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 COVID-19 Frameworks and involved incentives like $25 Thunder Bucks for students and free food for all participants. Northern adds campus safety measures including lighting, security cameras Northern State University has installed additional lighting and security cameras in an effort aimed at keeping campus safe. Lighting has been added in the Washington Street parking lot, McArthurWelsh parking lot, the campus green and near the Mewaldt-Jensen building. Outdoor cameras have also been installed in the Washington Street parking lot, McArthur-Welsh parking lot and the Kramer Hall entrance. Landscaping work is also being completed to improve safety by trimming trees near the Physical Plant and removing bushes near Steele Hall. This campus safety effort began in spring 2021 with the Student Affairs Strategic Plan, which called for assessing and improving campus security measures. This led to a joint initiative involving Student Affairs, Facilities Management, the Student Government Association, and the Aberdeen Police Department. Together, they toured campus to assess safety needs and determine what projects needed to be completed. Improvements began in summer 2021, with the last project completed in January 2022. In spring 2022, the Security Systems Oversight Committee determined a need for additional review of outdoor security cameras. This review also consisted of adjusting existing cameras and identifying new outdoor cameras. The subcommittee was comprised of representatives from Student Affairs, Facilities Management, Technology Services, and Student Government Association. After conducting their review, five existing outdoor cameras were adjusted for better surveillance and a recommendation of nine new cameras were advanced to the Executive Leadership Team. Consistent with Key Result 154 of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan, the committee proposed a threeyear installation plan: five cameras year one, two cameras year two, and two cameras in year three. August 2021 Vaccination Clinic poster. “Notice a street light out” poster. For more information please call Student A airs, 222 Avera Student Center | 605-626-3007 www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/vaccines It all starts with you. On Campus COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Walk in or call 605-622-5273 to schedule an appointment The event is open to all Northern faculty, sta, students (12 and older). Under 18 with a legal guardian present. Per Avera Health, face coverings must be worn within the Centennial Rooms during the vaccination clinic. Boosters for prior vaccinations will not be available Co-sponsored by Avera St. Luke’s Each student who elects to get vaccinated will receive $25 in Thunderbucks. (Student ID required). Friday, Aug. 27 Both J&J and Pfizer vaccinations oered Friday, Sept. 17 Follow-up Clinic for Pfizer Avera Student Center Centennial Rooms, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. FREE NOTICE A STREET LIGHT OUT IN ABERDEEN? You may report at: or by calling 1-800-245-6977 For More Information: Student Affairs 222 Avera Student Center northern.edu Connect @northernstateu
STUDENT AFFAIRS 12 ANNUAL REPORT Beginning with move-in, incoming first year students were welcomed by student athletes and leaders who volunteered as part of an early arrival program (Key Result 105). “The Office of Residence Life and Dining Services was excited to partner with units and departments across campus to accommodate student volunteers and leaders who wish to move in prior to the official residence hall opening date in support of campus opening (Wolf Pack Welcome) and residence hall move-in,” said Marty Sabolo, Director of Residence Life and Dining Services. The nightly room charge was waived for students in approved student organizations, departments, and fall athletic teams whose returning students volunteer for a 2-hour move-in shift the morning of Aug. 20 to assist with unloading and welcoming new residents. Volunteer hours were offered between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Aug. 20. Directors and coaches were able to request specific times in mid-July. Those wishing to be considered as internal partners and be part of the Fall 2022 Early Arrival Program should contact the Office of Residence Life at 222 Avera Student Center or reslife@northern.edu. Working with partners, Residence Life and TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) hosted a Student Leadership Summit (Key Result 104) during the fall move-in that brought student leaders in Residence Life, Student Involvement and Leadership, and TRIO SSS together to learn about leadership development. The leadership development team from Paradigm Shift hosted the summit. Paradigm Shift, located in Muskogee, Okla., offers dynamic, customized educational content focused on leadership, team building, and personal development. Kyle Price, lead facilitator, has supported student leaders in the TRIO SSS program for the past six years and has continued to bring interactive and engaging workshops for students to learn and grow in their leadership skills. Kyle has loved coming to Northern and working with students on campus. His enthusiastic energy, experiential based technique, and motivational style empowers students each year. “We are hoping to continue this program and involve more student leaders in future years,” said Sean Blackburn, Dean of Students. Students experience improvements driven by Student Affairs Strategic Plan Students arriving on campus this past fall semester experienced improvements in the student environment thanks to the good work of Student Affairs Staff and the Strategic Plan. New tradition – New Student Convocation launched New students this past fall 2021 were welcomed as Wolves with a new campus-wide tradition. On Friday, Aug. 20, incoming first year and transfer students enjoyed the first student convocation in institutional memory. New Student Convocation is Key Result 103 of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025) “In partnership with Academic Affairs, offer a New Student Convocation during Wolf Pack Welcome 2021…” New Student Convocation provides students a more formal and yet exciting welcome to their undergraduate experience. New Student Convocation is the bookend to graduation – the start of their student journey and the first formal gathering of our new class of students. This new beginning will challenge students to rejoin members of their class in four years for commencement exercises as graduates of Northern State University. This event is an important part of a student’s transition from high school students or transfer students to Northern State University Wolves! The planning for New Student Convocation was done by Student Affairs with the support of the Move-in/Wolf Pack Welcome Coordination Committee. The stage party, faculty, and staff arrived by 3:40 p.m. and gathered in The Red Room (117), Johnson Fine Arts Center. Stage Party members led faculty and staff into Jewett Theater, were recognized on stage, and helped form a receiving line as students were led by President Schnoor and SGA President Jacob Swanson to the Wolf Pack Picnic at 5 p.m. on the Campus Green. Dr. Marmorstein, as our most senior faculty member, was asked to carry the mace in the procession. Faculty and staff wore their favorite maroon apparel that day as part of a “Maroon Out” sponsored by the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce and NSU Foundation. The less formal attire of faculty and staff helped the event feel more comfortable for new students.
STUDENT AFFAIRS 13 ANNUAL REPORT The team develops and implements early intervention plans tailored to meet specific students’ needs to promote student success and wellness. The Northern CARES framework is grounded in the research-based best practices of NaBITa® (the National Behavioral Intervention Team Association) that fosters a safe and supportive environment. Key Result 137 of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (20202021) called for the creation and branding of a Northern CARES Program that would take the good work of BIG to the next level. This included promoting care to students of concern, protecting confidentiality, and working within a bestpractice framework to gather data, assess information utilizing a rubric, and implement effective and tangible interventions. Krista Bau, Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities/ Title IX Coordinator, chairs Northern CARES, with the following members: Sean Blackburn, Dean of Students; Marty Sabolo, Director of Residence Life and Dining Services; Heather Aldentaler, Director of Counseling Services; Angela Senger, Campus Police Officer; Britt Lorenz, Executive Director of Student Success; and Terri Holmes, Senior Associate Director of Athletics. The team receives, reviews, and maintains records of information about concerns regarding student behavior that is potentially harmful and/or disruptive to the Northern community. Collectively, the group performs an initial assessment of risk based on the NaBITa® rubric with the goal of developing a proactive intervention plan designed to mitigate risk and promote student well-being and success. The team also educates the university community on the Northern CARES process and how to identify and report student behaviors of concern. Good process requires the team to annually review their procedures and protocols and assess team effectiveness. With the launch of Northern CARES, campus was asked to help build a culture of caring by sharing concerning behavior. Community members who feel a student is a threat to self or others, or is exhibiting concerning or disruptive behaviors are encouraged to complete the Northern CARES referral form. The referral form can be found online. Northern CARES; supporting students and keeping campus safe Northern CARES is the new, collaborative, and multi-disciplinary team focused on identifying, assessing, and supporting students of concern. Formerly known as “BIG,” the goal of Northern CARES is to help create a culture of care, proactively identify students, and address concerns in a timely manner that is destigmatizing and restorative in nature. Contact Krista Bau (Krista.bau@northern.edu) if you would like to learn more or to schedule a department presentation on Northern CARES. Dr. Chelsee A. Shortt Named Student Affairs Faculty Partner of the Year Shortt, an Assistant Professor and Chair of the Department of Sports Sciences, was selected by Student Affairs Senior Staff for this inaugural designation for her outstanding service to students and Northern State University. “Dr. Shortt has a ‘can do’ attitude and is always willing to support students and Student Affairs,” said Sean Blackburn, Dean of Students. Dr. Shortt served on numerous committees and working groups in the past year that has had a positive impact on the student experience. She has advocated for student mental health, student athletes, and led an effort to advocate for a new human performance and wellness center on campus to support curricular and cocurricular wellness programing and initiatives. Dr. Shortt received her Ph.D. in Physical Education and Pedagogy from the University of South Carolina, in Colombia SC, in 2019, her Masters of Arts in Education from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA, in 2015, and her Bachelors of Liberal Arts from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, IA, in 2011. She joined the Northern faculty in 2019. Shortt has been widely published and was recently awarded an NCAA grant aimed at enhancing studentathlete mental health. Her commitment to students, student development, and Northern are unwavering making her the ideal Faculty Partner of the Year.
STUDENT AFFAIRS 14 ANNUAL REPORT Student Affairs worked with the Student Government Association, Faculty Senate, the City of Aberdeen, and Brown County to officially proclaim Oct. 18-24 as Free Speech Week. “I commend our students, faculty and staff for their civic engagement, commitment to the First Amendment and collaboration with community partners,” said Northern President Neal Schnoor. As part of Free Speech Week, the Student Government Association tabled in the Avera Student Center during the week to promote student awareness of the First Amendment and distributed red, white, and blue tie-died mini handkerchiefs. “The Free Speech Week Proclamation prompted a lot of good discussion around the First Amendment, civility, academic freedom and the importance of hearing all perspectives on a college campus,” said Dean of Students Sean Blackburn. “I believe it’s significant that the freedom of speech is recognized first in the Bill of Rights,” said Aberdeen Mayor Travis Schaunaman. “There’s a strong responsibility for citizens to exercise this right and to speak out.” This effort is consistent with the SDBOR statement on Opportunity for All. “Regents recognize that South Dakota’s public universities are part of the rich tradition of American universities, a tradition built upon free speech, scientific discovery, and academic freedom. ‘As our students expand their understanding in a field of study, we encourage that students be exposed to a variety of viewpoints, ideas, and theories, so that they can be debated and critiqued,’” the SDBOR Aug. 5, 2021, statement said. Free Speech Week, held annually on Oct. 18-24, is a nonpartisan celebration of the freedoms of speech and the press. A Free Speech Week website was created to further the discussion on the topic. This has been a year of success in both improved occupancy and retention rates. Residence hall occupancy increased by 4.79% in 2021 from fall 2020. Importantly, residence hall first year student yields increased from 63.05% (fall 2020) to 78.34% (fall 2021)—a 15.29 point improvement! Residence hall students were retained at a higher rate (70% to 62.3%) than off campus students. In the fall 2020 university-wide cohort retention decline, the residence hall decline (6.7 points) was less than the off-campus student retention decline (9.7 points). The progress continued into this spring. Historically, the residence halls experience a significant drop in occupancy between a typical fall and spring semester. This is usually around a 10% drop between the terms. Fall 2021 to spring 2022 saw a significant decrease in that loss at only 1.5%. That translates into more students living on campus creating a better living-learning environment, greater student retention, and increased residence hall revenue. Sabolo and his team have been dedicated to improving the residence hall community, occupancy, and retention. Groups commemorate Free Speech Week Northern State University campus organizations joined local and regional entities in commemorating Free Speech Week during fall 2021. Residence Life improves occupancy rates in 2021-22 Marty Sabolo and his team in Residence Life are responsible for implementing Student Affairs Strategic Plan goals around increasing occupancy and revenue in the residence halls.
STUDENT AFFAIRS 15 ANNUAL REPORT Sexual Misconduct: Under the leadership of the Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities and Title IX Coordinator Krista Bau, Northern administered the Administrator-Researcher Campus Climate Collaborative (ARC3) Campus Climate Survey on sexual misconduct from Jan. 31 through Feb. 14. The ARC3 campus climate survey is an evidence-based comprehensive and IRB approved sexual misconduct survey. The survey contains 19 modules that assess a range of Title IX violations. Stemming from Key Result 144 of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2020-2021) and the Student Affairs Assessment Report, this survey aims to create and implement a comprehensive and mandatory sexual misconduct education program for all new students (under 60 credit hours). Degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students were invited to take part in this voluntary survey and participants were eligible for $10 in Thunder Bucks. The ARC3 will allow campus to assess students’ experiences and attitudes related to sexual misconduct to help inform policies, programs, and practices that Assessment efforts expanded in spring of 2022 As called for in the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025) and 2021-22 Assessment Plan, significant efforts were made during the spring 2022 semester to gather more information from students and employees on three important topics: Sexual Misconduct, Campus Climate, and Residence Hall Student Satisfaction. “The topic of sexual misconduct sometimes invokes concern and anxiety. This climate survey is an important next step to collect data from students about their attitudes, perceptions, and experiences related to sexual misconduct. We will discover positive and concerning data on this critical topic. It’s important that Northern be data-driven and transparent in our efforts to combat discrimination and harassment on campus.” Krista Bau, Title IX Coordinator Campus Climate Survey: The Skyfactor Benchworks 2021-22 Student Campus Climate, Safety and Sexual Assault Assessment was first administered at Northern in spring 2020 as part of a South Dakota Board of Regents initiative commonly referred to as “intellectual diversity.” The President’s Campus Climate Taskforce re-administered the survey in 2022 to allow Northern to gather updated data and to track changes over the past two years. All benefits eligible employees and degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students received an invitation in their e-mail to participate in this enhance the campus culture during the spring 2022 semester. This was a major effort that will help make campus safer. Data and recommendations developed from the ARC3 survey will be shared with campus in the fall 2022 semester and posted publicly. voluntary survey from Feb. 28 until March 16, 2022. All responses were anonymous and cannot be identified. The survey took approximately ten minutes to complete. Extensive campus communications helped improve the response rates for both students and benefits eligible employees in the 2022 administration. All campus e-mail communications were distributed before and multiple times throughout the survey administration period. Special communications
STUDENT AFFAIRS 16 ANNUAL REPORT were sent to athletic coaches, academic advisors, and more than 100 student leaders to explain and promote the survey. Paper posters and digital signage were distributed throughout campus. Additional social media materials were distributed across campus and student organizations. Thanks to the Student Government Association, every tenth student who completed the survey by March 16 received $10 in Thunder Bucks. A temporary course entitled “Complete the Campus Climate Survey” was added to every student’s D2L account. When students clicked on the “course,” they learned more information about competing the survey. The “course” disappeared on March 17 and had no bearing on a student’s academic record. The Taskforce recommends administering the Skyfactor Campus Climate Survey every two years going forward. While it is tempting to select a new survey every couple of years, the Taskforce recommends the ongoing use of Skyfactor to build longitudinal data that will more accurately track changes in perception of campus climate over time. Survey data with peer benchmarks will be available to the Campus Culture and Climate Committee during fall 2022 for the development of actionable recommendations. Data and recommendations developed from the Skyfactor Campus Climate Survey will be shared with campus in fall 2022 and posted publicly. See Table 1 for survey participation rates. 2020 & 2022 Skyfactor Campus Climate Survey Participation by Category Populations Invited Opted Out Responded Response Rate Students 2020 1,443 N/A 116 8.0% Students 2022 1,437 12 197 13.7% Employees 2020 350 N/A 201 57.4% Employees 2022 327 14 203 62.1% Note: Provided by Institutional Research. Residence Hall Student Satisfaction: Administering the Skyfactor Benchworks Residence Hall Survey was identified as a key effort in the on-going effort to improve the residence hall student experience and increase occupancy. Distributed to students after spring break, the Director of Residence Life and Dining Services, Marty Sabolo, and his team received an impressive 31% response rate. This data will be used to identify additional efforts that can be made to continue this year’s solid progress. “Marty’s leadership has been critical to these advancements,” said Sean Blackburn, Dean of Students. Assessment efforts expanded in spring of 2022, continued…
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