HIGHER EDUCATION

Bill requiring opiate antagonists on public campuses passes

Chloe Farnsworth — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 02:05:06 GMT

ST. PAUL / PIPESTONE — During the spring of 2023, Will Rops, of Pipestone, was visiting the Minnesota Capitol for a student government event as a member of Minnesota State University Moorhead’s student senate.

“I just kinda decided to stop into my legislator’s office because I had gotten this idea for a bill,” Rops said. “They really liked it and they were shocked that we weren’t already doing it.”

Rops talked to Sen. Bill Weber (R-Luverne) about requiring public post-secondary institutions to maintain a supply of opiate antagonists, such as naloxone, on system campuses.

Rops, who will attend grad school this fall at South Dakota State University for school counseling, had the idea after losing his brother in 2022 to a fentanyl overdose.

“That was really, really hard for us,” he said. “That’s why I felt so much joy for it (when it passed) and why I had so much motivation to do it, because if it weren’t for him, this bill would not exist. No question. There wouldn’t be a bill.”

When Rops first introduced the idea to Weber, it was too late to be implemented into the 2023 legislative session.

“When we started again this year, I reintroduced the bill and it was heard in both the higher education committee as well as the HHS (Health and Human Services) committee,” Weber said. “Then, it was ultimately put into the higher ed omnibus bill at that point. We had one hearing on it last time and then I had two hearings on it this year and it got included.”

Rops testified at one of those hearings in February.

“It was a little bit nerve-wracking,” he said. “It was exactly how you picture it with the fancy leather chairs and the table… but it went really well. It’s something that I’m very passionate about because of the death of my brother and how it impacted my family and my community. ... I felt pretty bold for lack of a better word.”

The bill passed during the special session in June as part of the higher education omnibus bill, which also addresses funding for institutions.

“I give a lot of credit to the testimony of the young man (Rops) who had brought the issue to me,” Weber said. “(He) actually testified once in person and once via Zoom in both committee meetings and gave obviously a very impactful testimony having witnessed what his family went through with the death of his brother… It was an emotional testimony and a very touching testimony that he gave. He really did the heavy lift on it as far as that was concerned.”

Rops said not having opiate antagonists on Minnesota college campuses was a massive oversight. According to him, Minnesota already has Narcan, a brand name for naloxone, required in K-12 schools.

“An elementary school is required to have Narcan doses on-site,” he said. “But they didn’t have any requirements for colleges/universities. It was just a massive oversight and I felt relief (when it passed) because there were people overdosing in dorms.”

Rops said there was proof of students overdosing on Minnesota State College campuses. “I felt relief for the fact that they would have Narcan on-site to help them,” he said.

He also wants people to know how accessible Narcan is.

“It can save a life and it’s easy for you to carry,” he said. “You could put it in your purse, you could put it in a backpack, you can put it in your car and just have it because you never know.”

Rops said there are no drawbacks to using Narcan.

“We got to stop this stigma that Narcan can be abused in some way,” he said. “That’s not true at all and there’s people that think that, but it’s just not true. As much access to it as we can have as possible is what we need. Everybody should carry it.”

According to Weber, by this fall, public post-secondary institutions should be including those opiate antagonists emergency doses in residential units on campus.

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Timothy Goodwin published for Student-Centered Learning Model

Pioneer Staff Report — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 18:55:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — Timothy Goodwin, professor of education at Bemidji State University, was recently published in Essays in Education, a peer-reviewed journal produced by Winona State University. His article outlines a curriculum design framework he developed during his 12 years at BSU.

"The 'Consider, Construct, Confirm Learning Cycle' is built around student-centered teaching practices," a release said. "Reflecting on his 20 years in K–12 education, Goodwin created the model to help educators move away from traditional, lecture-based instruction and toward classroom experiences that promote long-term learning and student ownership of knowledge."

The CCC model supports teachers in designing lessons, units or full courses grounded in active engagement and constructivist learning theory.

“This framework was developed when I began teaching at BSU 12 years ago after spending 20 years in K–12 and having the time now in my career in the shift to academia to reflect on what I had learned,” Goodwin said in the release. “Now I had the time to align what I had been doing that worked well in practice more purposefully with brain research and learning theory. And then from that research and reflection on practice was able to design this curricular design framework.”

Goodwin expands on the CCC model further in his 2020 book "Consider, Construct, Confirm: A New Framework for Teaching and Learning." He teaches undergraduate and graduate education courses at BSU and specializes in constructivist learning theory, science education and environmental education.

The article, “Constructivism Made Easy Using the Consider, Construct, Confirm Learning Cycle,” appears in Volume 31, Issue 1 of Essays in Education and is available now.

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Bemidji State students present groundwater research at National Conference

Pioneer Staff Report — Sun, 08 Jun 2025 18:29:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — Six students from Bemidji State University's �� of Sustainability and Life Sciences traveled to Pittsburgh this spring to share original research at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. The event was held April 6–9 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

Four students presented poster projects focused on groundwater flow in the Shingobee River Watershed, a long-term research site near Akeley supported through a partnership between BSU and the University of Minnesota. The work is led by Dr. Miriam Rios-Sanchez, associate professor and graduate advisor.

Ashley Crowl and Jordyn Harvey presented findings on aquifer layers and hydraulic properties of glacial aquifers. Their work identified multiple shallow and deep layers made up of sand and gravel, with evidence of vertical water flow and connections to nearby lakes and rivers. Mikenna Pattrin also contributed to the project but did not attend the conference.

Sienna Houle and Parker Young presented research analyzing how aquifers respond to rainfall. Using 13 years of data, they found that both shallow and deep groundwater levels react to precipitation, though at different speeds and intensities. Their study confirmed that groundwater in the watershed flows toward Shingobee Lake.

Both projects are part of a broader research initiative led by Trevor Wozniak, a master's student in environmental science. His graduate work uses environmental isotopes to study groundwater age and support future water management. Wozniak also mentors undergraduate researchers and attended the event.

Also attending was Jerome Johnson, a BSU student scholar with the North Star STEM Alliance, who participated to explore STEM-related research and connect with peers.

Hosted annually, the National Conference on Undergraduate Research provides students with opportunities to present work, network with fellow researchers and explore academic and career pathways.

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From fishing trips to fellowships, Amanda Schuermann finds her path at Bemidji State

Pioneer Staff Report — Fri, 30 May 2025 18:51:20 GMT

BEMIDJI — Amanda Schuermann came to Bemidji State University with a love for the Northwoods and left with a passion for aquatic invertebrates and a full fellowship to pursue her doctorate at the University of Minnesota.

A 2023 graduate of Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, Schuermann earned her bachelor’s degree in biology before enrolling in BSU’s graduate biology program. The move to Bemidji was part academic, part personal, according to a release.

“My family had been taking me to Bemidji on fishing trips every year since I was young, so I grew up loving this area,” she said in a release. “When it came time to start looking at graduate programs, I was excited by the idea of moving up to an area that means so much to me.”

Schuermann connected early with her advisor, Debbie Guelda, who introduced her to aquatic biology — a field not offered at her undergraduate institution. What started as a new academic challenge quickly became a career-defining focus.

“I didn’t know I was passionate about aquatic invertebrates until I came to BSU,” she said. “Seeing how enthusiastic Dr. Guelda was about the research really jump-started my passion. That sort of excitement is infectious.”

Her passion translated into action. Schuermann completed her thesis research in just 18 months while balancing coursework and fieldwork. She credits her success to her advisor, the faculty in BSU’s biology department and a strong cohort of fellow graduate students, the release said.

“I was swept away by how exciting I found my project,” she said. “It never felt like a chore — I just didn’t want to stop.”

Schuermann's journey continues this fall at the University of Minnesota, where she will join the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center under the mentorship of BSU alum Nick Phelps and Gretchen Hansen. Her research will focus on northern Minnesota lakes, a landscape she's excited to stay connected with.

"Being told I would receive fellowship funding was a surprise," she said. "It gives me the freedom to pursue more research, collaborate with other students and get involved in the campus and local communities."

Schuermann says her time at BSU was transformative, not just academically, but personally, the release added.

"BSU has helped me grow into the academic I want to be," she said. "The research, the courses and the teaching all helped shape my path."

Her advice to students considering a similar path?

"There's great power in saying yes and trying new things," she said. "You never know what might become a lifelong passion if you don't give it a fair shot."

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Leech Lake Tribal College graduate Teddi Wind pushes through hardship

Pioneer Staff Report — Fri, 16 May 2025 15:35:23 GMT

As graduation season arrives each year, the Pioneer features one graduate from each college and high school in the coverage area.

Law enforcement major Teddi Wind is this year’s featured graduate from Leech Lake Tribal College, which will host its commencement ceremony at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, at Northern Lights Casino and Event Center in Walker.

The Pioneer provided Wind with a series of questions to answer:

Why did you choose to attend Leech Lake Tribal College?

The environment is great and all the staff are caring and helpful.

What piqued your interest in law enforcement?

I just enjoy learning about criminal justice.

Have you had a favorite class?

I enjoy all of them, honestly, but Investigations is my latest favorite.

What activities have you participated in?

I’m the president of Student Senate. Before I became the Student Senate president, I was the tribal liaison. My team has participated in various fundraisers and activities throughout my time at Leech Lake Tribal College.

What are your plans after graduation?

I am exploring my options.

What’s been the greatest struggle or hardship you have overcome in your life?

My daughter, Nevaeh, went missing on Oct. 22, 2021, from Bemidji. I have had to balance everything in life and relearn life in itself. I have not overcome it, I never will. I want to help others who are going through what my family is. My mission is to bring my daughter home.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Getting my degree from Leech Lake Tribal College.

Who is your greatest mentor?

My greatest mentors are Frank Homer and Ryan Solee.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

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Bemidji State, Northwest Tech students leave a legacy upon graduation

Daltyn Lofstrom — Fri, 09 May 2025 20:21:34 GMT

BEMIDJI — In the words of 2025 Distinguished Minnesotan Robert Anderson, one doesn’t need a perfect plan to lead a meaningful life. What they need is purpose.

Such a message expanded beyond the walls of the Sanford Center on Friday as the Class of 2025 was celebrated from Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College.

The day’s festivities kicked off with a commencement ceremony for the College of Creativity, Enterprise and Place in the morning, followed by a program for the College of Science and Health in the afternoon, as well as a ceremony for NTC to conclude the day.

Being recognized in the span of one single day, BSU and NTC President John Hoffman encouraged graduates to reflect on their respective times at their respective institutions.

“There’s a saying, ‘If these walls could talk, oh, the stories they would tell.’ Class of 2025, tell me. Think back on your last three or four years,” Hoffman said. “What would the walls and halls of Bemidji State have to say? What are the stories, late nights and study sessions, friendships, learning, learning something about yourself. What would the stories be?”

Hoffman noted that the class of 2025 will be joining more than 50,000 alumni, all sharing a similarity in their decision to attend BSU.

“They share your story. Overcame amazing odds and hurdles to get to this space,” Hoffman said. “What ties every BSU story together is this. BSU changes the lives of people who change lives.”

Sharing some notable stats, Hoffman noted that half of the 2025 graduating class are first-generation college students, 92% relied on financial aid to attend, one-third were adult learners returning to college and 70% arrived with transfer credits from other institutions.

Additionally, the 2025 class clocked in the largest number of American Indian graduates in any class since BSU’s inception.

“You are rural, you are urban. You are from Minnesota and surrounding states across the country and across the globe,” Hoffman added. “You are the full breadth of political views and world views. And you’ve all come together here.”

Building a foundation

Reflecting on his own story, graduate and Student Senate President Darby Bersie addressed the College of Creativity, Enterprise and Place — detailing his journey at BSU since starting in fall 2022 after two years of online high school.

“I hadn’t stepped into a classroom in years. I didn’t know anyone and I was starting from scratch,” Bersie said. “But then came the bricks. Countless hours spent in Hobson Memorial Union, a late night in Oak Hall, an early morning in the Student Senate office or playing rugby at the field house.

“Eventually, I realized I wasn’t just building a resume or a career, but I was building a life and I wasn’t doing it alone. The most important lessons I’ve learned here didn’t come from a textbook or in the classroom, but it came from the people.”

As a motivating factor in building his life, Bersie pointed to a piece of advice from a close friend.

“She once told me, ‘To be cringe is to be free.’ Over time, I’ve come to believe it,” he added. “To be cringe is to be free because when you’re not performing — when you’re not trying to impress anyone — you are laying bricks that last. Bricks made of truth, bricks made of courage and bricks made of you.”

During his address, Anderson detailed his own path since graduating from BSU in 1980. Selected as the 2025 Distinguished Minnesotan, Anderson is a professor emeritus at the University of Washington �� of Law, where he taught courses in American Indian law, public lands, water and property.

He was also nominated by President Joe Biden to serve as Solicitor of the Department of the Interior in 2021, a position he held until January 2025.

“As a child, my dad had instilled in me the belief that an education was something that could never be taken away from you. He was right,” Anderson said. “That belief in an education as a general matter and the fact that I had gotten a high-quality education here at BSU stuck with me through all of my nights in law school.”

Emphasizing his prior comment on the power of purpose, Anderson touched on the impact of community throughout each person’s professional pursuits.

“You need a community that believes in you and you need the courage to keep showing up day after day especially when the road is long, the weather is cold and you feel like no one’s ever going to stop to give you a ride,” Anderson mentioned. “Work with integrity.”

‘It’s what you leave’

Prior to the graduates crossing the stage and claiming their well-earned diplomas, George Soule, a member of the Board of Trustees for the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities, recognized the class for their success as well as their challenges along the way.

“I know this hasn’t been easy for some of you. Some have had to overcome barriers to enter college and to stay in college,” Soule said. “Some are the first in your families to graduate from college. Many of you balanced school with a job and family.

“Today, your hard work has paid off. You are and will be living proof of the value of higher education, not just in dollars and cents. But think about the friends that you’ve made, the experiences you’ve had, the learning and growth that you’ve experienced inside and outside the classroom. Those will last for a lifetime.”

After officially becoming alumni, Foundation Board Member Jacob Richmann welcomed the 2025 graduating class into the legacy of the BSU Alumni and Foundation, and provided three pieces of advice.

“No. 1, build something that outlives you, whether it’s a business, a family, a nonprofit, a great reputation. Make sure your legacy serves others,” Richmann said. “No. 2, people over everything. The relationships you invest in will be the greatest return for your life. Never forget that people are true measures of success. No. 3, give back. Whether it’s time, talent or treasure, generosity fuels purpose and purpose outlasts ambition every time.”

Richmann further pressed on the matter of legacy, leaving off, “We live in a world that measures success in followers, in titles, in likes. But let me tell you something from the real world: legacy isn’t what you keep. It’s what you leave.”

All ceremony recordings can be viewed on BSU and NTC’s Facebook pages.

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Oak Hills senior MJ Johnson to pursue Christian ministry after graduation

Pioneer Staff Report — Fri, 09 May 2025 12:35:00 GMT

As graduation season arrives each year, the Pioneer features one graduate from each college and high school in the coverage area.

Christian Ministry major MJ Johnson is this year’s featured graduate from Oak Hills Christian College, which will host its commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, in the Schreiber Activity Center gymnasium.

The Pioneer provided Johnson with a series of questions to answer:

Why did you choose to attend Oak Hills?

I chose Oak Hills because of the small class size, Christ-centered environment, involved faculty and staff as well as the beautiful setting.

What piqued your interest in Christian ministry?

At first, I had planned on going into criminal psychology, but after attending Montana Wilderness �� of the Bible, I knew I was more passionate about full-time ministry.

During my time in Montana, I got heavily involved with a youth group on outreach. I fell in love with ministry and realized it was the only thing I truly was passionate about. That's when I began to look for a four-year school.

Have you had a favorite class?

My favorite class has been Integration of Psychology and Theology. Although I do not plan on being a licensed counselor, it has helped me learn how to mentor. This will be vital as I go into ministry.

What activities have you participated in?

In my junior year, I was a student chaplain. I have also been on the worship team all three years I've been here. I also led a women's Bible study as the student chaplain.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate, I will be working full-time for Chi Alpha Campus Ministries. This is a ministry on public university campuses all over the United States. I will be working with women 18-25, mentoring them and teaching them how to be true disciples of Christ.

What’s been the greatest struggle or hardship you have overcome in your life?

The greatest struggle I've had to overcome was moving to Bemidji. I wanted to be in Montana, but the door was not open for me to stay. The first semester at Oak Hills was hard for me simply because I had a bad attitude.

One night, as I lay in bed in my dorm, God asked me, “Are you trusting me or the place I used to grow you?” I had to admit I was not trusting God. Once I realized this, I began to see that I was where I was for a reason.

The staff and friends I made at Oak Hills were also used to grow me. One cool thing is that the girl who invited me to Chi Alpha, Julia Gill, was a senior that year. If I had stayed in Montana another year, I would not have found Chi Alpha and the job opportunity I have right now.

What do you consider as your greatest achievement?

I view “my” greatest achievement as helping start a Chi Alpha chapter on the Bemidji State campus.. I put “my” in quotes because it is God's achievement. He simply used me as a vessel to accomplish this.

In my three years here, Chi Alpha has tripled in size, but what's more than the quantity is the quality of faith within the students there. If you are looking for a place to find revival on the BSU campus, a great place to be on Monday nights at 7 p.m. in the Crying Wolf Room.

Who is your greatest mentor?

I have had many great mentors over my time at Oak Hills, but one of the most impactful was Alexis Klicker. She was an upperclassman who took me under her wing. We got bagels every Wednesday and talked about life, God and how we are growing. She was my first friend at Oak Hills, and her kindness and wisdom still impact me to this day.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love writing worship music. It's a good way to remind myself of what God has been teaching me. This year, my friend Jaret Page and I have been writing some songs that we hope to share on Spotify soon.

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Brandi Ochoa to follow in father's footsteps, graduate from Bemidji State

Daltyn Lofstrom — Wed, 07 May 2025 12:30:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — On Sept. 9, 1979, Brandi Schiefert appeared on the front page of the Bemidji Pioneer newspaper.

At 18 months old, she waited patiently for her dad, Marlin, to come out of class at Bemidji State University. Fast forward nearly 50 years and she would soon become a BSU alum herself.

Majoring in elementary education with a minor in child psychology, now-Brandi Ochoa looks back fondly at the past four years as graduation quickly approaches.

“I went to (graduation) rehearsal and I got pretty emotional thinking, ‘Holy crow, I did it,’” Ochoa said. “I can’t believe after all this time, it’s finally here. It’s pretty surreal.”

Ochoa was born in Bemidji and her dad’s BSU attendance played a partial role in her decision to attend, as well. Ochoa had worked in the teaching field prior to enrollment and always had an affinity for working with kids.

“I did have a job one time where I didn’t work with kids, and I hated it,” she mentioned. “The more that’s going on, the better I do and what better way to do that than be a teacher?”

Ochoa completed her degree completely online and at full-time status. She also worked full-time throughout the process on top of wrangling six children.

“People ask me, ‘How did you do it?’ And the honest answer is ‘You just do,’” Ochoa said. “I was a para during most of my schooling, so I was in the schools learning, and then I go home and would do schoolwork and look after all my kids. I don’t know how I did it, I just did.”

Amongst a packed schedule, Ochoa leaned on her husband Michael, kids, siblings and parents for support and motivation. Though one of her brothers passed away last year, his motivation continues to this day.

“He was always a big supporter and is the motivation to keep going,” Ochoa said. “Sometimes, you just want to quit and you feel there’s too much going on. And then it’s like, ‘Nope, he would have kicked me in the bum. I have to keep going.’”

As a result of her perseverance, Ochoa will further pursue a teaching career in the Fergus Falls area. Ochoa currently resides in Elizabeth, located about 8 miles north of town. Though she would be happy to teach any grade, she hopes to land a sixth-grade teaching position after finishing her practicum in that area.

“I will take any age, but sixth grade just has something special about it,” Ochoa added.

Ochoa sang praises of Fergus Falls Public ��s, noting that her family are “Otters for life.”

“I am a believer in the school system and have worked with some of the administration. It’s easy to work for people that you like and it’s easy to back people you agree with,” Ochoa said. “I think Fergus Falls is top notch.”

Ochoa looks forward to her post-graduation career with excitement while remembering the work it took to get there.

“It was hard,” she left off, “but as of (May 9), I’ll feel that this was all worth it.”

BSU will hold two graduation ceremonies at the Sanford Center on Friday, May 9, one for each college. Each ceremony is also available via livestream on BSU’s social media pages.

A ceremony for the College of Creativity, Enterprise and Place will take place at 10 a.m. Graduates from the College of Sciences and Health will be recognized at 1 p.m.

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Bemidji State stakeholders express frustration over budget, shared governance

Daltyn Lofstrom — Wed, 07 May 2025 12:00:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — The financial picture of Bemidji State University has garnered some negative attention in the past couple of years.

Among revenue loss fueled by decreased overall enrollment since 2017, efforts to balance its budget and address an ongoing budget deficit have been continual.

Among a series of layoffs and reductions — the most recent of which will affect 14 faculty members and reduce certain programs by the end of this academic year — decisions have been met with frustration by campus stakeholders regarding not only the cuts, but the process itself.

As of early April, BSU’s Student Senate began discussion about a potential “Vote of No Confidence” in campus administration, particularly BSU and Northwest Technical College President John Hoffman, over concerns on shared governance and the value of student voice in decisions, including but not limited to the budget.

Shared governance

During an April 2 presentation at BSU’s annual Student Achievement Conference, Student Senate President and senior Darby Bersie detailed his experiences within the recognized voice of the student body.

Currently composed of 26 elected student leaders, each member represents approximately 157 students. The group aims to advocate, legislate and engage with university leadership on issues concerning the student body.

“One of our key mechanisms for communication with university leadership is our cabinet-to-cabinet meetings. This is where the Student Senate executive cabinet meets with President Hoffman’s executive cabinet,” Bersie said. “These meetings serve as a structured counterpart to collective bargaining, offering space for negotiation, concern and collaboration.

“But under President Hoffman, these meetings have become a space not for dialogue, but for deflection. Instead of collaboration, we get cold indifference. It is a space where student energy and intellect are constantly met with the dull thud of executive disinterest.”

Bersie noted that shared governance has not been practiced in good faith throughout his three-year tenure at BSU.

“The university frequently refers to its commitment to collaboration and inclusion, but when decisions are actually being made, student participation is too often obstructed or outright denied,” he said, “and that begins at the top.”

Bersie provided a first example, claiming that out of six executive cabinet searches since spring 2023 at BSU, five were conducted without any student representation.

“This wasn’t due to a lack of student interest or engagement, but it was due to a total failure on President Hoffman’s part to ensure that students even had a chance to participate,” Bersie said. “I reached out and asked to meet with the candidates for the most recent provost search that happened this past spring — arguably the second most important position at this university.

“But Hoffman said, ‘No.’ His justification was that academics don’t really relate to students in the same way that student affairs does.”

Bersie claimed that he was eventually allowed to meet with provost candidates, albeit via Zoom and weeks after in-person campus visits.

“Every single one of these candidates, without exception, told me the same thing,” he added. “It was bizarre that they hadn’t met with any students during their official interviews.”

Bersie also took issue with transparency, specifically upon the release of the university’s athletic plan that outlines a long-term financial and strategic commitment to BSU athletics.

“This is a decision with enormous implications for the future direction of student resources and priorities, and he shared it with exactly one student: me,” he said. “That document should have been shared with every student on this campus, but instead, it was handed in privately with the expectation that I would be distributing it on his behalf.”

Among other developments, the Student Senate decided that a “Vote of No Confidence” discussion would be timely and serve as a means of accountability.

“This is not symbolic, it is not an emotional outburst or publicity stunt. It’s a calculated, deliberate act born out of exhaustion, injustice and years of witnessing leadership that has failed to lead,” Bersie said. “We are doing this not out of malice, but we are doing this because we have been forced to, because we have never been heard until we threatened to speak louder.”

Concerns about cuts

A major sticking point across campus revolved around reactions to a report released by the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), which laid out a series of financial recommendations.

Campus administration enlisted NACUBO to complete a series of interviews and focus groups across campus before compiling its findings, which were released to faculty and staff in early February.

Hoffman noted NACUBO’s purely financial focus following the report’s release and that it didn’t take into account other factors or benefits of certain programs.

He further emphasized this point given NACUBO’s recommendation to either eliminate or “rightsize” the music department and hockey program, considering those “nonstarters.”

“I am fully committed to the future of music and fully committed to the future of hockey in Bemidji,” Hoffman said in February. “We have some work to do to enhance the value proposition of those programs.”

Bersie noted concerns over shared governance given Hoffman’s statements regarding the NACUBO report, adding, “I found it silly that there were essentially nonstarters, things that BSU wouldn’t even consider. To already state that you’re not going to do something, that’s not shared governance.”

Another point of contention for certain campus stakeholders included severe reductions of the philosophy program, a NACUBO recommendation that BSU was already planning to implement since the start of the 2024-2025 academic year.

“The elimination of philosophy is absurd, not just because it’s a core discipline of the humanities,” an anonymous source stated. “If we’re going to be the comprehensive four-year university for this region, you can not erode the liberal arts as we have been.”

Low enrollment was credited for the decision to reduce the philosophy program. Despite this reason, stakeholders have noted philosophy as being a profitable program.

The 2024 fiscal year showed a 97.4% expense as a percentage of revenue, given that expenses clocked in at $241,353 and tuition revenue brought in $247,676. This profit even came about in a set of circumstances where the department employed three professors instead of two, with one placed on sabbatical and another hired on a temporary basis.

‘A holistic budget proposal’

Amidst considerable discussion on budget reductions, the start of the 2024-2025 academic year provided a positive development as BSU experienced its first overall enrollment increase since 2017 at 3% from the previous year, as well as an 11% increase in new student enrollment.

Despite a rebound in enrollment, administration would still be tasked with addressing a $3 million deficit and a round of cuts was announced concurrently.

Following this announcement, Hoffman said that these cuts, taking effect by the end of this academic year, will restore faculty-student ratios from 2018.

“With fewer students, our class sizes are currently 10% smaller than they were in 2018,” he said, “and our spending per student on instruction is $2,000 more than it was in 2018.”

The Bemidji State University Faculty Association (BSUFA) issued a response to administration in August 2024 regarding the reductions, which read, “The BSUFA finds the proposed budget and resulting faculty reduction decisions unacceptable and irresponsible on the part of the administration.

“We can not have confidence in any leadership decision and direction that fails to: one, produce a holistic budget proposal that directly prioritizes the University’s mission, vision and values. Two, address long-term, structural budgetary concerns. And three, result in a balanced budget for FY25 and beyond.”

The letter details that in fiscal year 2018, instruction made up 40.6% of BSU’s expenditures and was projected to decrease to 36.7% for fiscal year 2025.

“This proposal reduces instructional spending to such low levels that BSU’s leaders can not seriously claim that education is our primary mission,” the letter continues. “This community and its legislative leaders can, and should, question the leadership of an educational institution that only spends a third of its money on education.”

The letter also pointed to increased costs associated with facilities, administration and athletics. Facilities costs rose from $6.7 million or 11.7% of costs in 2018 to $8.3 million or 12.9% of costs in 2025.

Administrative costs rose from $8.7 million — 15.2% of costs in 2018 — to $10.7 million, or 16.6% of costs projected for 2025. Athletics saw a rise in cost from $4.4 million — 7.7% of costs in 2018 — to roughly $7 million, or 10.8% of costs for 2025.

“In athletics, the cost trend is unsustainable as admitted by administration,” the letter states.

Future fears

As the end of the 2024-2025 academic year approaches, Jeremiah Liend, a member of BSU’s chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, expressed frustration and sadness for students whose programs are being cut, drawing parallels to his own experience when BSU eliminated its theater program.

“I know for myself and all the students that were in that program, having to uproot their lives, many of them went to Mankato State because they had a very similar lateral program,” Liend mentioned. “To move 250 miles away to be able to finish your degree is a real hardship for people.”

Accounts and Collections Specialist Shannon Schmitt shared similar sentiments as well as concerns for funding moving into the future.

“I don’t have a magic ball. I wish I did, or a huge donor somewhere,” Schmitt said. “We have some great programs at BSU. The TAD Department, the music department, psychology, wildlife biology. There are many, many programs at BSU that are highly successful and needed in this area, and I would be sad to see it all go away.”

Schmitt also questioned the administration’s priorities when making fiscal decisions.

“The general budget can not sustain athletics on its own and keep people employed. It just can’t. Student athletes are important to our campus, but there has to be a balance,” she added. “What are we here at BSU for? Are we here for education or are we here for athletics? The education piece needs to take priority over anything else.”

“The whole point of co-governance is if you don’t have perspectives from the students, staff and faculty, you can’t make good decisions,” the anonymous source left off. “The decisions that our leaders make determine what options we have as students, what futures we can hope for, what hopes we can have. When they fail to take that seriously, that’s a massive issue.”

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Bemidji State students attend Student Leadership and Advocacy Symposium

Pioneer Staff Report — Thu, 01 May 2025 20:13:41 GMT

SEATTLE — Bemidji State University students recently showcased their undergraduate research at the 2025 Gabriel E. Gallardo Research, Student Leadership and Advocacy Symposium, held April 14-16 at the University of Washington.

The event, honoring the legacy of the late Gabriel E. Gallardo, brought together students from across the country to share their work, build networks and celebrate the impact of student research and advocacy.

Hosted annually by the University of Washington Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity, the symposium serves as a key platform for TRIO McNair Scholars and other underrepresented students in higher education.

Representing BSU, the students presented research across a range of disciplines.

Kaylee Schmidt, mentored by Judith Zatkin, examined how Participant Demographics Influence Perceptions of Prisoners.

Alexia Waller, under the guidance of Shannon Norman, explored The Psychological Effects of Sport-Related Injuries on NCAA Division I Student-Athletes.

Quincy Mabin, mentored by Travis Ricks, presented findings on The Willingness to Attend Athletic Events and Its Effect on Mental Health and Well-Being.

Damon Cooper, working with Jacob Haus, investigated Scavenger Activity on White-Tailed Deer Carcasses; Implications for Prion Dispersal in Northern Minnesota.

Piper Jaakola, mentored by John Gonzalez, shared research on Cultural Connectivity: Enhancing Academic and Personal Success for Native American Students.

The BSU McNair Scholars Program, named in honor of astronaut and physicist Ronald E. McNair, supports first-generation, low-income and underrepresented students pursuing doctoral studies.

Bemidji State is the only Minnesota State institution to offer the program, which includes faculty-mentored research, graduate school preparation, travel funding and opportunities to present at national conferences.

The program aims to help students earn a Ph.D. within 10 years of graduating. According to a release, it serves 25 BSU undergraduates each year.

The Gabriel E. Gallardo Research, Student Leadership and Advocacy Symposium, now in its fourth year, continues Gallardo's mission of advancing educational equity and empowering future scholars.

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