14 June 2013

By Lisa Lamor, Faculty Development Specialist

"Who dares to teach must never cease to learn." - John Dana Cotton

The summer months for college faculty mean a number of different things – teaching summer classes, working on curriculum, exploring new teaching methods or styles, doing research, traveling, and/or finding much-needed rejuvenation and enjoyment. And I'm personally convinced many of us will try to do all of those things simultaneously!

In an article in Faculty Focus, author and educator Vickie Kelley, EdD, described a use of some of her time between academic years: "One of my goals for the summer was to think about the changes and additions I could make to my upcoming classes. I heard some great ideas, read some exceptional reports, and pondered which approaches and techniques would be of most value to my students. Some of the best ideas were not in my content area, but served as a great refresher to how I think about myself as an instructor, and how I perceive my students" (Sept, 2012).

Thinking about instruction, or researching teaching methods, or modifying courses can be part of our enjoyment, instead of separate from it. Fall is a prime time to implement any changes or modifications to a course or to explore teaching techniques, but it gets busy fast. Having a plan in place is a valuable step to making Fall semester a more enjoyable and rewarding experience for us and our students.

So to help provide ideas for summer exploration, I've listed just a few recommended readings here. I fully suggest you do your reading in the sun – on a boat or by a campfire, if you are get the chance. A patio chair or blanket in the grass work too.

• The Courage to Teach by Parker J. Palmer
  • A recommendation from SCC's own Dr. Laurie Oelslager
• The Pedagogy of the 21st Century by William Draves and Julie Coates
  • Authored by the President & Vice President (respectively) of Learning Resources Network (LERN), the organization through which Juliann Brueske, Steve Pottenger, and I earned our Certified Faculty Developer credentials
• From Digital Natives to Digital Wisdom by Marc Prensky
  • Interesting perspectives on technology, education, and learning

If you have other books to suggest, please send them to me and I'd be happy to share them with others. Also, we are currently working on putting in criteria that will make it smoother to search for South Central College Library resources on teaching and learning. In the meantime Johnna Horton, Director of Library/Media Services has provided a great list of books that I have handy if anyone is interested!

Sometimes just having someone to bounce thoughts, ideas, and plans off is a crucial part of processing. I'll be around this summer and am available to help if anyone has a project they'd like to work on or if you'd just like to chat about what you are finding, considering, and/or learning. Just shoot me an email, call, or stop by and say hello – I'd welcome the visit!

Have a great summer everyone,
Lisa

Lisa Lamor
507-389-7270
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Office – located through the mailroom in the faculty support area on the North Mankato campus;
as requested in some random corner of sunshine available on the Faribault campus.

06 June 2013

The Multimedia Technology program at South Central College is a fast paced technology and culture driven major. The mission of the Multimedia Technology program is to provide students with design and software foundations that will enable them to develop fundamental skills using animation, graphics, illustration, videography, photography and user interactivity. Using a project-oriented approach, the Multimedia Technology program aims to develop and nurture the required creativity, passion and industry knowledge.

Students enrolled in this program will benefit from:

• Receiving personalized attention
• Working in current computer labs
• Creating and designing original works using graphics, video, photography, sound and animation
• Developing communication, management, and analytical skills
• Being involved with real-world community projects
• Learning design theory and interacting with the latest multimedia authoring software
• Designing and launching their own multimedia project individually, as part of a team, and /or complete an internship within the media field
• Producing a portfolio

South Central College’s AS degree in Multimedia Technology provides a seamless transfer of credits in a partnership with Bethany Lutheran College to work toward a Bachelor’s degree in Media Arts.

30 May 2013

View and download photographs from SCC's 2013 Faribault campus graduation ceremony

30 May 2013

View and download photographs from SCC's 2013 N. Mankato campus graduation ceremony

Board of Trustees Names Annette Parker
President of South Central College 

ST. PAUL, Minn., March 20, 2013 – The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system today appointed Annette Parker president of South Central College.  Her appointment is effective July 1.

Parker has served at the Kentucky Community and Technical College (KCTC) System since 2007 as system executive director, National Center of Excellence in Advanced Automotive Manufacturing and system director, Workforce Education.  Prior to KCTC, she served from 2002-2007 as department chair, Manufacturing Engineering Technologies at Lansing Community College (MI).  Previously, Parker served on the faculty of Lansing Community College teaching college students, corporate employees, and dual-enrolled K-12 students.

Parker holds an associate degree in industrial drafting from Lansing Community College, a bachelor’s degree in technical education and a master’s degree in career and technical education from Ferris State University (MI), and a doctorate in educational leadership from Western Kentucky University.

In recommending Parker’s appointment, Steven Rosenstone, MnSCU chancellor, said, “Dr. Parker is a proven leader and recognized expert in technical and liberal arts education strategies in support of global industries. Coupled with her deep experience in engaging students and faculty, and creating partnerships with business and government officials, she is an outstanding choice to lead South Central College and serve our Faribault and Mankato communities.”

Clarence Hightower, chair of the MnSCU Board of Trustees, said, “Under Dr. Parker’s leadership, we can expect South Central College to continue its success in providing high-quality academic programs to students and helping to advance the global competiveness of our business and industry partners and the region.”

Parker said, “It is both humbling and a tremendous honor to have been selected to serve with the faculty and staff at this outstanding institution and the communities it serves. I look forward to our work together in enhancing access, promoting student success, fueling innovation and pursuing excellence in all we do.”

South Central College is a growing comprehensive community and technical college with a history of academic excellence. With campuses in Faribault and North Mankato, South Central College emphasizes globalization and has partnerships with regional businesses and industries to offer students opportunities for internships and student employment.

Parker succeeds Keith Stover, who is retiring after 14 years of service as president of South Central.

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system includes 24 two-year community and technical colleges and seven state universities serving more than 430,000 students. It is the fifth-largest higher education system of its kind in the United States.

 

20 May 2013

The 2012 State Bonding Bill was approved on May 11, 2012 and provides $13.3 million in remodeling and expansion of our Faribault Campus. SCC is proud to have Met Con, a local contractor, receive the bid for the construction. Work began in February 2013 on our remodeling and the groundbreaking for our expansion is scheduled for Friday, April 19, 2013 at 8:00 AM. Check this site for frequent updates on our construction progress.

Renovation Floor Plans

 

16 May 2013

South Central College became a MnSCU Quality Matters affiliate in October of 2012. In doing so, South Central College has joined 37 other MnSCU schools.

Quality Matters (QM) is a nationally recognized program that assures quality for online education through its faculty centered and peer-based process. The program features:

• Professional development in online course design
• A robust peer review process for online courses
• A detailed rubric for best practices in online course design

Through this membership SCC has the following privileges:

• Access to the automated Course Review Management System (CRMS)
• Ability to conduct informal or official course reviees, and fee based QM Managed Course Reviews
• Quality Matters trainings and materials at subscriber-discounted prices
• Ability to participate in the Applying the Quality Matters Rubric training delivered by a Minnesota System Subscriber’s certified trainer.

eLearning Technologies serves as the Institution Representative for Quality Matters, managing enrollments, administration, and the course certification process. eLearning Technologies funds QM training and course certifications.

Training opportunities are available. You can view upcoming events and contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (507) 389-7312 for registration information.

SCC already has faculty and staff that have completed the QM Applying the Quality Matters Rubric (APPQMR) training:

• Mark Baas
• Juliann Brueske
• Evan Peterson
• Debra Salmon
• Lynda Ernst
• Lisa Lamor

Will complete the APPQMR this summer:

• Cassandra Labairon

06 May 2013

eLearning Technologies  is pleased to announce the availability of funding for Online Technology Enriching Grants (OTEG) up to $1,000.  Five applications will be accepted.  Submit your proposal by completing a proposal.  You will describe how you would like to improve one of your courses (enhancing a hybrid, or completely online), and how you could use technology funding to help you achieve your goal.  eLearning Technologies can help you along the way by helping you with ideas, help you decide on a goal, help you learn a new technology, and give guidance in implementation.  All we ask in return is that you share your project with your peers.  We will host a “Show and Tell” presentation in April 2014 for OTEG recipients to share your journey with your peers.

Focus (Purpose):
Online Technology Enrichment Grants are intended to introduce educational technologies that enhance learning at SCC. This may be accomplished through faculty, staff, or student development; introduction of new technologies; applied research related to instruction or by improvements in existing systems. A specific course must be identified as the focal point for the research/development OTEG investment.

This grant program is intended to support faculty in their study, design, and development of course materials (i.e., increase student responsibility for learning, reduce amount of classroom time, asynchronous and synchronous access to courseware, video streaming, distance and online delivery). Funding may not be used for salary stipends. However the funding may be used for consultations, training, travel, hardware and software. If used for travel, those funds must be used by April 1, 2014. Funds are not intended as a replacement for lab equipment nor for instructional salary (including release time).

Equipment/Software:
Mini-grants will be awarded for up to $1,000. All faculty members are eligible to apply for OTEG funding

Mini-Grant Review:
Mini-grant applications must be completed and submitted to the Online Education Committee. A template will be provided.

Mini-Grant Report:
The OTEG recipient will present a written project report to the OEC and communicate project results to the campus at an event to highlight their results.

03 May 2013

South Central College president Keith Stover, State Representative Patti Fritz, Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism president Kymn Anderson and Met-Con president Tom McDonough gathered with a group of other SCC, MnSCU and Met-Con officials on Friday morning, April 19th, 2013, for the official groundbreaking ceremony for SCC’s remodeling project.

30 April 2013

View and download photos from 2013-14 Faribault Campus Scholarship Awards

22 April 2013

Apply for Financial Aid Now for 2013-2014 at www.fafsa.gov
May 1st Is the SCC priority application date

FAFSA Help Sessions available starting March 25th.  Please bring your:

• 2012 Federal Income Tax Returns
• W-2 Forms
• and your parents, if applicable

North Mankato Campus - All Sessions Held in Room C-160

• Monday, March 25: 12:00-1:00 pm
• Tuesday, April 2: 10:00-11:00 am
• Wednesday, April 10: 1:00-2:00 pm
• Thursday, April 18: 3:00-4:00 pm
• Friday, April 26: 9:00-10:00 am
• Monday, April 29: 2:00-3:00 pm

Faribault Campus - All Sessions Held in Room C-112

• Thursday, April 11: 9:30 – 10:30 am
• Monday, April 15: 2:30 – 3:30 pm
• Tuesday, April 23: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

 

10 April 2013

Press Release

For Immediate Release

April 11, 2013

 

SCC Faribault Campus Groundbreaking Set for Friday, April 19^th

 

Faribault, MN- The 2012 Minnesota State Bonding Bill provided $13.3 million in remodeling and expansion resources for the Faribault Campus of South Central College. The Groundbreaking Ceremony will be held on Friday, April 19, 2013 beginning at 8:00 AM. There will be an outdoor ceremony (weather permitting) followed by refreshments in the college Student Commons. SCC’s Faribault Campus is located at 1225 Third St. SW in Faribault. The event is free and open to the public.

“We are so very excited about expanding access to students throughout the region surrounding our Faribault Campus with this special project,” stated President Keith Stover. “The new collegiate look and updated labs and learning commons areas will help attract incoming students to SCC to eventually better their lives and those of their families.”

Met-Con Companies, a local contractor from Faribault, has received the bid on SCC’s remodeling and expansion project. The remodeling project began in February and will continue with the expansion following the groundbreaking. Completion of the project is expected by Fall of 2014. Updates on the remodeling/expansion will be provided on the SCC website at: www.southcentral.edu

South Central College is a comprehensive community and technical college. SCC is a proud member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. South Central College is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Educator with ADA Accessible Facilities.

 

For additional information regarding this press release or South Central College please contact Carol Freed, Assistant to the President, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 507-332-5808.

10 April 2013

South Central College Closed for In-Service Training on Friday, April 12th

 

Faculty and staff of South Central College’s Faribault and North Mankato campuses will participate in an annual in-service training day on Friday, April 12, 2013. Both campuses will be closed for the entire day and the college apologizes in advance for any inconvenience this may cause for prospective students and our business partners.

 

For additional information regarding this press release or South Central College, please contact Ann Anderson, Marketing Director at 507-389-7289 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

03 April 2013

South Central College to Host State Competition for Statewide SkillsUSA Conference Friday, April 5th

North Mankato – South Central College is proud to be the host for the Minnesota State SkillsUSA Student Competition in Precision Machining and Automated Manufacturing contests scheduled for Friday, April 5^th, 2013. This is the first time in the college’s history for the competition to take place on SCC’s North Mankato Campus. Nineteen students will participate in the Precision Machining event and eight students have signed up for the Automated Manufacturing competition. The event will begin at 10:00 AM in SCC’s Computer Integrated Machining Lab (A-147) and will continue until approximately 2:00 PM.

“We are so proud that the SkillsUSA organization has chosen South Central College for their competition site,” stated Dr. Suzanne Nordblom, Dean of Academic Affairs for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. “I believe that our newly upgraded lab, SCC’s Haas Center of Excellence, was a huge benefit in attracting the competition to be hosted at SCC.”

SkillsUSA is the professional students’ organization participating in trade, industrial, technical or health training programs. SkillsUSA provides an opportunity for students with common interests to exchange ideas and attitudes, discuss problems and work together toward common goals. SkillsUSA members become involved in civic, education, professional and social activities that develop social and leadership skills.

South Central College is a proud member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. The college is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator. SCC has ADA accessible facilities.

For additional information regarding the college or this press release contact Ann Anderson, Marketing Director at (507) 389-7289 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or the SkillsUSA Advisor and Computer Integrated Machining Instructor, Jon Morgan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone: 1-507-389-7252.