Annette Caflisch

This report details Minnesota State's Z-degree initiative, which provides zero-cost textbooks through Open Educational Resources (OER). It highlights the program's history, current impact including $12.6 million in student savings, and its role in addressing the equity gap. The report also outlines systemwide support, grant funding for exploration, implementation, and expansion across various colleges and universities, and future plans for continued growth and transfer pathways.

The Rochester Community and Technical College Voter Engagement Plan for the 2024/2025 academic year focuses on increasing nonpartisan democratic engagement, student voter registration, education, and turnout for the 2024 election. Key goals include raising awareness about the importance of voting, providing information on how, where, and when to vote, increasing voter turnout among RCTC students, and empowering students to advocate for their rights. Strategies involve events, campus-wide communication, and collaboration with the Olmsted County Election Office.

The 2024-2028 Strategic Plan for Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) focuses on four key areas: Teaching and Learning, Student Success, Operational Sustainability, and Community Impact. The plan aims to achieve equitable student outcomes through inclusive collaboration, innovative teaching, and active learning. It also seeks to maximize student potential through equity-minded practices, comprehensive support services, and personalized communications. Operational sustainability will be achieved by creating an inclusive culture of excellence and accountability, maximizing resources, and ensuring long-term growth. Finally, the plan aims to amplify RCTC's influence through collaborations with community and business partners to advance economic impact and career preparedness. The overall goal is to empower students to thrive in a diverse society by providing access to exceptional education and becoming a universal gateway to world-class learning opportunities.