The Echo

Celebrating 20 years of The Sims Page 6 Rochester Community and Technical College

Volume 90 - Issue 5 - April 2020

www.rctc.edu /echo newer, better, faster www.rctc.edu /echo

Hive Supply stays open for students

The Hive Supply, RCTC’s campus-based food pantry, says the health and safety of students is its No. 1 priority. Photo courtesy of Student Life

RCTC staff

The Hive Supply, RCTC’s campusbased food pantry, is committed to serving it students and has announced that it is still open for use during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Like anywhere else, COVID-19 is affecting people. Food sources are an essential service,” said Travis Rutt, interim Student Life coordinator. “Grocery stores and food shelves are staying open, restaurants are giving away food to hungry families — this service should not be any different.” A recent 2019 Real College Survey indicated that food insecurity is an obstacle that RCTC students face, Rutt said, adding

that the health and safety of the students is the No. 1 priority. “[We need to] assist them with finding success this semester. We are here to help anyway we can.” To comply with current recommendations from the CDC, they’ve created prepacked brown paper bags with items from the Hive Supply as a grab-and-go option. Students can receive a grab-and-go bag at the Welcome and One Stop Center. “In each bag has the essentials, nonperishable, nutrient dense food,” Rutt said. “There is pasta, canned protein, canned vegetables, and even some toilet paper. This is consistent with the services larger community food banks are currently

providing.” Students who prefer to visit the Hive Supply on campus are asked to schedule an appointment by contacting Rutt at travis.rutt@rctc.edu Additionally, students who are experiencing obstacles that are making it difficult to meet their academic goals can request assistance on RCTC’s website. Students can share concerns related to basic needs (housing, food, financial, medical, mental health, child care, and others), clarification on official RCTC communication, access to relevant technology, or information on campus services.

Ebony Night was a ‘positive experience’ By Samantha Olson Reporter

RCTC celebrated Ebony Night on February 28. This annual event recognizes and honors those of African and African-American decent. The event also provides an opportunity to showcase the pride carried within the African/AfricanAmerican culture to the students, staff and faculty at RCTC. Event attendees got a chance to taste African cuisine, hear African music, listen to poetry, and view a variety of African dances. There was also a fashion show that displayed many styles of African dress. After the event, guest Tony Macioce was asked his thoughts after attending RCTC Ebony night. “It was one of the best events I’ve ever been to since moving from Duluth in 2018,” Macioce said. “I love being a

Photo courtesy of Kristin Mork

RCTC’s annual Ebony Night event celebrates African culture through music, cuisine, poetry and dance.

part of a community where I can experience things I’ve never seen or done. “Ebony night left me with a much greater appreciation of unfamiliar cuisine, dance, fashion, and even poetry. It was a very positive experience for me personally, and from what I saw, for the rest of the participants and attendees as well.

“I plan to go again next year. A big thanks to RCTC and all who made it possible!” Event attendees agreed that this year’s Ebony Night was a hit — one that will remain imprinted within the minds of many, and not just those who participated, but the audience as well. Page 7: Poem from event

RCTC expands summer and online offerings

RCTC staff In an effort to better serve the needs of the College’s diverse community, RCTC is announcing many new and expanded summer courses and fall online class offerings. Beginning this summer, RCTC is offering several courses which begin after the College’s usual summer session starts. These courses offer students who would normally not be able to start RCTC’s summer session due to other commitments options to take needed coursework during the summer months. Late start courses include several science, math, and health/physical education classes, including many offered exclusively online. A complete list of late start courses and their start dates is available at rctc.edu/summer. In addition to the new late start classes, RCTC’s Summer Semester includes more than 120 courses including online, mostly online, hybrid and on campus. Of the 120 courses, 71 offerings are completely online. “These flexible course offerings provide students an opportunity to start or continue their education with course schedules that meet their needs,” said Michelle Pyfferoen, RCTC’s Vice President of Academic Affairs. “Summer courses provide students that plan on attending a university in the fall to get a jumpstart on their education. The cost of tuition is generally lower and smaller class sizes supports active interaction and engaged learning.” In addition to expanded summer course offerings, and in response to significant student demand, RCTC is offering Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II completely online in both summer and fall semesters for the first time ever. RCTC’s A&P classes are very sought after as they are often prerequisites and required courses for a majority of RCTC’s health-related majors. In addition, many non-RCTC students enroll in RCTC A&P courses because of RCTC’s comprehensive curriculum and expert faculty who teach these courses. These new online offerings join more than 740 additional courses offered during fall semester—164 of which are offered completely online. For a complete look at all of RCTC academic pathways, majors, and degree options, visit rctc.edu/ academics. Non-RCTC students interested in enrolling for summer or fall courses should contact RCTC’s Welcome and One Stop Center at 507-285-7557 for further information. Current RCTC students can enroll via Student eServices.