Go Big Blue: Spartan Athletics at M State

As a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association, M State offers women’s intercollegiate volleyball, golf, softball, and basketball, and men’s intercollegiate football, golf, baseball, and basketball. M State Fergus Falls also offers bowling, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and ping-pong through the intramural program.

With a beautiful, inviting campus and access to such stunning sports venues like Pebble Lake Golf Course, Spartan Athletics and team sports at M State Fergus Falls offer exciting opportunities and entertainment for players and spectators. In the college’s fifty+ year history, Spartans have traveled all over the state and country and participated in state tournaments, conference and national championships. In fact, the Spartans have qualified for more national tournament trips in basketball than any other college in the Minnesota College Athletic Conference. The Spartan golfers recently won their fourth consecutive Region XIII and MCAC Championships. Go Big Blue!

Our full-time Spartan coaches focus on maintaining high academics, so our excellent students will be excellent athletes. They aim to have their athletes involved in the community through campus student senate, intramural games, and volunteer programs such as Spartan Buddy Basketball Program, Special Olympics, and Youth Sports Events. In fact, Spartan athletes and coaches were recently recognized at the 2015 All Sports Banquet, and an overwhelming majority were stars on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.

Coaches also encourage Spartan values and qualities that M State students can carry onward as they explore career opportunities or transfer to four-year schools and athletics programs. Such qualities include strong moral character, great work ethic, a winner’s attitude, athletic ability, belief in teamwork, a strong desire to grow and develop, and a great spirit of fun and enthusiasm.

Our coaches have built a legacy on training athletic excellence with an eye towards tradition. We have had athletes who perform and eventually have kids which attend M State to follow in the footsteps of their parents- how exciting is that?

At M State Fergus Falls, Spartan athletes shine big and bright on and off the field. Get more information on the Spartan Athletics program along with information on team sport rosters, news items, coaches, and schedules on our sports page.

When Transferring is the Answer

The Unpredictability of Life

Life is unpredictable. One minute you are on the fast track towards success, and the next you are at a complete stop because of a change of heart. For college students, this happens quite frequently. College is filled many life-changing experiences, and it is only natural for students to change their perspective. At M State, we offer students the opportunity to obtain a degree that easily transfers to other colleges and universities through our general education program.

The Benefits of a General Education

The general education program offers students the opportunity to complete the more common courses needed to obtain a bachelor’s degree. These courses can be achieved either part-time or full-time, and due to M State’s low cost, students can earn our general education degree at a fraction of the cost. This makes it much easier for students to continue their education.

One of the most common forms of transfer is to continue an education at a four-year or graduate school. After a student decides on which program interests them most, they can select from a variety of schools that specialize in their program of interest. With their generals complete, they can focus their attention on the classes they need to complete a degree.

It is important to recognize the benefits of transferring to another college. Doing so allows the student to gain a perspective from two (or more) schools. Each college has their own set of principles, and being exposed to a number of them will help to mold their experience. Having different perspectives will ultimately better their understanding of the occupations they hope to obtain.

Prepare With M State

Nobody truly knows what is in store for us as we head further into adulthood. That is why it is so important to have a plan for what the future has in store. At M State, we want to provide you a high-quality education and prepare you for life’s unpredictable moments. Become a Spartan, because your future should be in your hands.

Opening the Door to a New Experience

Spring is in the air! A new season means there are plenty of new opportunities to experience. You no longer need to fear the idea of stepping out your front door into an icy tundra. Instead, you open up the windows to a refreshing breeze and the sounds of Minnesotan wildlife- a whole new world is waiting right outside your window.

For students interested in attending M State Fergus Falls, the Department of Residence Life is happy to offer any and all students the option of on-campus living. We aim to keep students in a safe environment that is convenient for them.

There are a variety of housing options to choose from. Each comes with wireless internet access, cable television, and security. Furthermore, the apartments are within a short walking distance to campus, so students can save on filling up an empty gas tank. Make sure you thoroughly think about housing over spring, because spots may become unavailable over the summer.

If you happen to already live on campus, then you can begin the season by creating a new, fresh living environment. Spring is a wonderful time to get your student apartment uncluttered. During winter, many individuals store up on unnecessary items. So, with warm weather imminent, open the windows let in some light, and turn up the tunes as you go through the piles built up around your home. With a cleaner space, you will feel more relaxed and at home.

If you happen to be graduating from M State or plan on moving upon the end of the semester, then you may want to think about packing sooner rather than later. Begin by packing away items that you mainly used for the past semester. Take it slowly, so that by the end of the semester all you need to do is pack up your car. You can typically find usable boxes from nearby grocery stores or even by asking throughout campus.

If you are serious about our on-campus housing, then contact M State Fergus Falls right away. All apartments are on a first-come first-served basis. We attempt to accommodate our students as much as possible, so let us know what necessities you may need. Spring is time for exciting opportunities, and we are excited to meet you!

M State Fergus Falls Golf Management Program: A Driving Ambition for Students

M State Fergus Falls offers a wonderful selection of high-quality academic programs in the liberal arts and health services to students in pursuit of higher education in the beautiful natural environment of Otter Tail County. Students can pursue higher academics, professional opportunities, and competitive athletics. In fact, we have one of the top programs in NJCAA Division III Golf, and in addition to an excellent spirit of athletics, M State Fergus Falls also offers an outstanding certificate program in Golf Management.

Obtaining a diploma in Golf Management will help individuals pursue a variety of positions in the golf industry, and will help students equip themselves on how to manage golf course operations and oversee the maintenance of golf facilities and equipment. The program consists of 60 credits, including nine elective courses, and students earning the certificate can also pursue advanced studies working towards an associate, baccalaureate or advanced degree.

The program teaches a variety of technical and communicative skills while enforcing the values of golf as a life-time sport and as a way of life in respecting the environment and people around you. Through the program, students will develop managerial and interpersonal communication skills by managing facilities and staff, using effective communication, computing, accounting, and human relation skills, and by maintaining environmentally sound facilities management practices. Students will also explore the business and operation aspects of golf management by learning to coordinate and administer a budget, implementing a marketing plan, coordinating and managing equipment operations, and directing best management practices.

The Golf Management program at M State Fergus Falls prepares students for a successful career in golf management and cross-trains students for a well-rounded education in the fields of business, communication, marketing, and environmental sciences so they will be well-equipped to pursue a variety of positions in the golf industry.

Write Your Way to a Scholarship: What Your Application is Missing

If earning a college education is at the top of your to-do list currently, you've likely debated the possibility of applying for scholarships as well. With over $46 billion available annually to college hopefuls, there's a whole lot to be gained in buckling down and writing that dreaded essay. But why dread a potentially life changing opportunity? With our helpful insights and useful tips, you'll be on your way to composing a standout essay, with a competitive application to match. Eliminate the fear and ignite the possibilities ahead; you're about to write a one of a kind essay, misery not included. 

The golden rule of essay writing: the theme and tone of your essay should directly correlate to the purpose of the award or the giver's mission. This is not to imply that a generic topic is the end goal, quite the opposite. Allow the scholarship's founding mission to speak through your essay in the form of a deeply meaningful life event, goal, or aligned inspiration. Your story should be relevantly tied to the scholarship's theme in a unique and deeply personal way, allowing your readers to identify with an underlying shared purpose or stance while marveling at your unique angle on the shared topic. Dig for the underlying question, the universal truth, the reason behind the action. A truly inspired essay is the result of honest self examination and exploration - and there's a great deal of wiggle room here.

Thesis statement: your make or break central idea. The inspiration behind your compelling story needs to come full circle by the end of your essay. You should be able to condense the theme of your submission into one central sentence, so the views, statements, and thoughts you highlight during your essay all easily aline. Once you are able to clearly identify your thesis statement, take a minute to fine tune your essay outline. The outline for your paper should consist of your thesis statement and attention getter, followed by a few central ideas and evidence in support of each, and a conclusion to bring each point together. Establishing a framework for your essay will help take some pressure off of the process; simple and straightforward are always solid bets. Your essay represents the person behind the application, and should paint a concise picture for your reader of who you are and how you identify in relation to the chosen theme. Each scholarship opportunity is centered upon a distinct theme, and tailoring each of your submissions to the receiving audience is imperative.

When your masterpiece is complete, read, read again, and re-read. Find several trusted individuals to give you honest feedback, and be sure to send your essay through spell check. A great essay can quickly be brought down if fraught with grammatical errors or typos, and you've put in too much energy to be derailed by the inaccurate use of 'they're' versus 'their'. When all is thought and typed, congratulate yourself on showing up for this opportunity; you never know where that potential scholarship could take you. 

Great essays are often required in addition to strong academic and leadership performance when applying for scholarship funds. A combination of high academic performance, solid ACT/SAT scores and demonstrated leadership experience are ideal and when paired with well written responses to essay questions, can land you that desirable scholarship. 

Fergus Falls Area College Foundation offers scholarships ranging from $500 to full year tuition paid to first and second year students at M State in Fergus Falls, and scholarship applications will be accepted until April 1st. Applications beyond the April 1st deadline will be awarded on the basis of available funds. Offering scholarships that span many interests and academic pursuits, Fergus Falls M State campus is ready to assist you in achieving your degree, one scholarship at a time. Call our M State resource specialists today for assistance with scholarships and eligibility, we're happy to help! Call us toll free at 1-877-450-3322 for personal scholarship assistance today.

5 Tips for Springing into a New Semester

Winter is in full swing - between the cold weather and the post-holiday slumps, it can be difficult to get back into the swing of another semester of college. Whether you are in your first year of school, getting ready to finish your university transfer degree, or completing a program or certification, we are here to help get you back in the swing of a new semester. Get ready for #NewYearNewYou.

Take a moment to reflect on where you went wrong last semester. What organizational methods didn’t work? When in the semester did you start to lose focus and drive? By taking a mental note of these instances, you will be more likely to spot them if and when they happen again during Spring semester. If it’s organization where you went folly, try something different.

Get to know your instructors early in the semester. They are here to help - and guess what - they have (nearly) all of the answers. If you are having trouble understanding something the first time around, visit them during their office hours for clarity.

Step out of your comfort zone. Spring is the time for new beginnings, so make some time for trying new things. Whether you decide to join a new club or attend a campus event, get out there and communicate with your peers. Remember that change is good: not only can it develop new dimensions to your personality, but it can help you avoid getting stuck in a rut.

Visit the Spartan Center where you can get help with Academic support through tutoring services, career research and placement assistance, résumé writing services, and transfer resources. 

Make an attitude adjustment. Take a moment to remember why you are following the path of higher education. Remember that each course is a learning opportunity, rather than a hurdle to get over. You will get through this semester - and you will feel much more accomplished if you appreciate the value each course and instructor has to offer.

Good Luck!

Warm up with the Hot Sounds of Jazz at M State

The Minnesota State Community and Technical College Jazz Band invites you to warm up with the hot sounds of jazz at its annual fall concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, in Waage Theatre on the Fergus Falls campus.

The Jazz Band, directed by Dan Carlson, will perform a variety of songs including a trumpet feature “Trumpets Out Front”, “The Follow” which features Josh Wheeler on flugle horn, “Too Much Coffee” featuring Jim Worner on Tenor Sax, “Minnie, the Moocher”, “Chops, Don’t Fail Me Now!”, “Just Before I Close My Eyes” featuring Jenn Kaminski Horak, and many other songs with a variety of soloists. The M State Combo will perform “Cantina Band” from Star Wars, among others. The concert will feature many soloists and musical styles including rock, swing, ballads, funk, and the blues. In addition to the Jazz Band, the M state Jazz Combo will perform.

Tickets are $9 in advance and $11 at the door for adults and $7 in advance and $8 at the door for students. Tickets are available in the M State Box Office (Room C325), by calling 218.736.1600 or online at mstatetickets.com. Please note that the Box Office is in a new location near Legacy Hall.

As a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, M State serves more than 9,000 students in credit courses each year in more than 70 career and liberal arts programs at its four campuses in Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Moorhead and Wadena, and through eCampus. By partnering with communities, the college also provides custom training services and other responsive training programs.

Minnesota State Community and Technical College is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System and is an equal opportunity educator / employer. Upon request, this information is available in alternative formats.