College updates area high school counselors

The Counseling Department at Central Lakes College, Brainerd and Staples, recently hosted its annual High School Counselors Luncheon.

Guests this year were state university transfer representatives who were on the Brainerd campus assisting CLC students with plans for continuation toward undergraduate degrees. "This was a good opportunity for us to show how smooth transfer is for our students," said Mary Miller, CLC counselor.

The group discussed admission criteria and registration dates for Post-Secondary Enrollment Option students (high school juniors and seniors who qualify for college).

Counselors Miller, Linda Emery, Roy Androli, Don Pfeffer and Rick Kangas showcased programs and demonstrated the online course registration system.

Kangas discussed the elementary education degree offered at CLC through Southwest State University, and he introduced several aspects of the expanded Criminal Justice program at CLC.

Pfeffer informed the group that area legislators will attend the March 17 Eggs and Issues breakfast on the Brainerd campus, which starts at 8 a.m. and will include a significant amount of time for questions regarding the need for adequate funding of K-12 and higher education.

The counselors received an update on program suspensions, including instructional commitment to serve students working toward degrees.

The counselors were reminded that high school students wishing to visit either campus may do so on the following dates during the spring term: Brainerd, March 22 and 29, April 5, 12, 19, and 26, May 3 and 10; and Staples, March 28, April 11 and 25, and May 9. Campus Visit Days start at 10:30 a.m. in the Admissions Department on each campus.

Those attending the High School Counselors Luncheon included Rita Ewert of Pequot Lakes High School; Floyd Hinkemeyer of Healy High School in Pierz; Superintendent Jerry Walseth and counselors Barb Smith, Nancy Pikula and Chris Palmer of Brainerd High School; Jan Melvin and Ryan Soukup of Pine River-Backus High School; Ron Storbakken of Staples-Motley High School; Dan Cruser of Crosby-Ironton High School; and CLC officials Judy Richer, Dan Davidson, Charlotte Danielson, Jody Flynn, Michelle Kangas and Lynn Anderson.