PTC offers exciting new science class for fall semester!

Want to learn more about our ecosystems, our environment, and human impact?

New this fall, Pine Technical College is offering Introduction to Environmental Science (ENSC 1250). The class is 3 credits and fulfills Minnesota Transfer Curriculum Goals #3 Natural Science and #10 People Environment.

This course will introduce students to the discipline of Environmental Science through:

•Exploration of the relationship of humans to their environment from local, regional, and global perspectives.

•Observation of natural ecosystems and examination of the impact of human activity on natural resources and environmental quality, environmental ethics, and strategies to maintain a sustainable biosphere. 

This new class will be offered two days a week: Mondays (lecture/lab from 9 -11:55 a.m.) and Wednesdays (lecture 9 to 10:55 a.m.).

For further information, contact Eric Jensen at: jensene@pinetech.edu.

PTC Student Senate evolves with first-time events

Pine Technical College’s Student Senate has taken on some new excitement: a new President-elect, a trip to the Minnesota State College Student Association Summit, and summer trips to the Como Zoo and Wild Mountain.

Former Student Senate President Anne Kubesh graduated in May, leaving the President seat vacant. A campus-wide election was held in April, and after votes were tallied, Tim Soderbeck was named President-elect. He will assume his new position in late August, when fall semester begins. “It was bittersweet this spring with graduation and leaving Student Senate, but I know it’s in good hands with Tim as the new President,” remarked Kubesh.

As Student Senate President, Soderbeck hopes to see more participation from PTC clubs, and plans to utilize the Student Life Board located in the student lounge. “I’m very excited for this year,” Soderbeck stated.

Photo: Former Student Senate President Anne Kubesh and President-Elect Tim Soderbeck enjoy PTC’s Spring Fling back in May.

In March, three members of the PTC Student Senate and Staff Advisor attended the MSCSA third annual summit in Washington D.C. This was the first time PTC students have attended the summit.

Student Senate Staff Advisor Amanda Spencer, Treasurer April Sheldon, Tim Soderbeck, and Voting Senator Kaylynn Anderson spent three days at the nation’s capital where they participated in mock meetings before meeting and engaging with Representatives Al Franken and Rick Nolan at the federal level.  During their meetings they were able to ask questions, and they discussed student issues with Franken and Nolan such as Pell Grants and student-loan rates.

“It was very informative,” Sheldon said about participating in government meetings at such a high level, and learning what students can do for themselves and their school.  “There was some very exciting stuff with MSCSA,” she continued.

Sheldon was also elected to serve PTC as the Alternate Governing Council Representative for the North Central region of the MSCSA.

“It was a good experience for everyone,” noted Spencer of the trip. “The students learned a lot. MSCSA did a lot to prepare for it (the summit).”

Photo: Student Senate members (l to r) April Sheldon, Tim Soderbeck, Staff Advisor Amanda Spencer, and Kaylynn Anderson represent Pine Technical College at the third annual MSCSA summit in Washington D.C.

Also for the first time, the Student Senate has sponsored summertime activities. Back in June, PTC Senate members, students, and their families joined each other for a day of fun at Como Zoo. Approximately 60 people attended the outing.

On Friday, July 19 fun was had by Senate members, students and families at Wild Mountain.

“This year was the first year we’ve done summer activities, and they have been successful,” said Spencer. “The students seem to really enjoy them, and they are the reasons we put these events together.”

To find out more about the Minnesota State College Student Association, go to www.mscsa.org.

Fall Semester begins next month!

Fall Semester is right around the corner! Are you regiestered? Have you applied?

For students who have already registered, Fall TUITION is due by Monday, August 5, 2013. Please complete the 2013-2014 FAFSA, or make payment arrangements by August 5th.

The LAST day to apply is ONLINE is Friday, August 9.

PTC's Incubator project is well underway

Construction crews continue to make progress on the Pine Entrepreneurship Center and Technology Business Incubator project.  The project officially broke ground on April 1, 2013. The incubator will house and support hi-tech and light manufacturing entrepreneurs in the community, and, at the same time, the incubator will provide PTC students access to internships and practical experience in cutting-edge, hi-tech industry.

The incubator’s first tenants may begin operations from the center as early as December, 2013.

Check out the recent progress over a week’s span of the incubator.

Photos were taken by Pine Technical College President Robert Musgrove, Ph.D.

PTC's Laureen Williams takes on new role

Laureen Williams has accepted the Interim Director of Marketing and Admissions position, taking over for Danielle Chandonnet, who left after 4 years at Pine Technical College to pursue a new role.


“We will miss Danielle, and we wish her well with her new adventure,” said Dean of Student Affairs Paula Hoffman. Williams’ “skills, knowledge of PTC, and her experience with our internal processes will go a long way towards providing continuous service for our students and our department,” she continued.

Williams took over the reins on June 19.

“With my past 12 years at PTC, I am excited to take over where Danielle left off. My experience with curriculum and the processes at our campus are a natural fit for me. Please stop by and say hello!”

Williams’ former position, Student-Parent Support Coordinator, was accepted by Anne Kubesh.

2-year tuition freeze!

Are you thinking about continuing your education or getting back into school? Now is the best time to get enrolled and start your higher education journey at Pine Technical College.

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) has announced that there will be a two-year tuition freeze at all of the 31 MnSCU schools throughout the state.

In other words, no tuition increase at least until 2015. Tuition will remain the same for the next two years at all MnSCU schools. “We are freezing tuition to provide you with the continued opportunity to earn an affordable degree while keeping college debt levels as low as possible,” noted a MnSCU representative.

This freeze makes it a financially smart time to get enrolled at PTC, where you can earn a degree, certificate or diploma.

The freeze will begin fall 2013. For more information on our admissions process, contact the Student Affairs Office at 320-629-5100.