Student Success Minute

4/22 Event: Earth Day Fair: Grow, Eat, Repeat in the Education Building

Professional achievements from students will be showcased in future SSM updates. This week’s student spotlight honors Charles Grolla, nominated by Dr. Renuka de Silva, for his cultural contributions and leadership in the Educational Practice & Leadership EdD program.

Vote for the 2025-26 CEHD Student Council representatives! Electronic ballots will be sent out this Friday, Apr. 25.

Finally, those who knew CEHD student Blake Hanson will gather on Friday, Apr. 25 at 9am in the Memorial Union Ballroom A/B to honor him on the one year anniversary of his passing. All who knew him are welcome to attend, share memories, and remember Blake.

Events on April 9:

• Forum for Contemporary Environmental and Geographic Issues (Dr. Emily Midkiff)
• Photovoice Exhibition on Immigrant HS student experiences (Dr. Pempho Chinkondenji)

Additionally, students are encouraged to submit nominations for the 2025–26 CEHD Student Council by Friday, Apr. 11.

Last call for 2025-2026 Student Government elections: access packets online or pick up a copy in Memorial Union Suite 144. Deadline is 3/26/25 12pm. Free grad lunch 3/26 12-2pm in Edu Rm. 22. This week’s Student Spotlight goes to Mr. Dan Kaffar, North Dakota’s Middle School Principal of the Year, who has led Central Middle School in Devils Lake since 2017 and earned his MEd in Educational Leadership from CEHD in 2010—congratulations, Dan!

Events this week include Disability Awareness Day Mar. 17 and an Educator Advocacy Discussion and Q&A Mar. 20.  The deadline to apply for the AFB Scholars Program, which offers scholarships for legally blind students, is Mar. 21. There is also a free vegetarian lunch for grad students Mar. 26. This week’s Student Spotlight is Rippi Singh, a dedicated paraprofessional and TEAM student whose powerful autobiographical poem in T&L 519 impressed Dr. Amber Adgerson—highlighting her thoughtfulness and commitment to education. 

The 2025 Student Government Election process is underway; students interested in running for office can access candidate packets online or at the Student Involvement Office in the Memorial Union, Suite 144. The student spotlight features PhD students and PK–12 educators Frannie Tunseth and Darian Sherva. Nominated by Dr. Logan Rutten, they have been co-leading impactful, job-embedded professional learning for rural North Dakota teachers. 

Dr. Schlenker introduces the first Student Spotlight, highlighting Megan Erickson, an Elementary Education major recognized for her dedication and work as a paraeducator. He encourages students to nominate outstanding professors and shares details about upcoming Black History Month events featuring speed painter Evan Struck and aviator Kenyatta Ruffin. Lastly, he reminds students to complete their scholarship applications before the March 1st deadline.

In this week’s Student Success Minute, Dr. Schlenker highlights key dates and deadlines. He also attaches an updated Student Grievance Process document for reference and encourages students to take advantage of mentioned opportunities.

In this week's installment of the Student Success Minute, Dr. Shelbie Witte, Dean of the College of Education and Human Development at UND, acknowledges the challenges students may face, from personal struggles to academic pressures. She emphasizes the importance of seeking support and highlights campus resources such as University Health and Counseling Services, academic tutoring, and social opportunities like events at the UND Wellness Center and sporting games. Encouraging students to prioritize their well-being, she reminds them that asking for help is a sign of strength and suggests looking for individuals with green bandanas or tags for assistance.