The Latest
Theater department premieres play revealing racist housing policies of the past
A joint production of Metro State’s Theater Underground and MCTC puts the spotlight on the racist housing policy called redlining—and shares the playwright’s remarkable family history. “Behind the Sun” premieres Feb. 21.
Closing the circle: New creative writing professor journeys from student to staff to faculty
Suzanne Nielsen was recently appointed to what she calls her “dream job,” as an assistant professor in Metro State’s creative writing department.
Legislature’s hazy language makes legal pot look dubious
Student clears the air on likelihood of legal marijuana in Minnesota this year.
Read it and weep: Wipe out winter woes with librarian reading recommendations
Feeling weather-beaten? Metro State librarians endorse the best books to take your mind off meteorological conditions (and midterms).
STEM students discover ‘secrets’ to super scores and good grades
Metro State STEM students learned the mightiness of metacognition from an expert’s lecture. STEM Association members meet up monthly to enrich their studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Counseling graduate students focus on dual diagnosis of mental illness and addiction
Graduate students in Metro State’s co-occurring disorders recovering counseling program share a common mission: to shatter the stigma of mental illness and addiction.
The M claims new museum space in downtown St. Paul
Metro State community faculty member G.E. Patterson served as guide to explorers of the new home of the Minnesota Museum of American Art in downtown St. Paul.
Requesting student conference funds is no fun
Student describes the bureaucratic hell of seeking SAFAC money.
Metro State alumni lead at the Legislature
Metro State alumni and legislators discussed common goals and the common good at a breakfast in the Minnesota Senate Building on Jan. 25, 2019. The event was organized by the Metropolitan State University Alumni Association.
Learning local history over a plate of spaghetti
Student captures scenes from an Italian restaurant for a community engagement class project.
MCTC professor brings novel discussion to Metro State
Dr. Shannon Gibney discussed her young adult novel “Dream Country” with philosophy students at Metro State on Dec. 6, 2018.
Q+A with President Arthur: This year’s priorities, prospects for new arts center
The Metropolitan met with President Ginny Arthur on Oct. 18, 2018 for an hourlong conversation about presidential priorities, strategic planning, and prospects for building a center for fine and performing arts in Brooklyn Park.
Speaker series lets students set sights on UX careers
A new speaker series is bringing user experience professionals into Metro State classrooms.
Scares, spooks and skeletons at Metro State’s scientific Halloween
Metro State made kids into mad scientists at Spooky Science Halloween on Oct. 31, 2018.
Political unity is possible in DC
Student has a hopeful, heartfelt takeaway from a conference in the nation’s capital: working across the aisle is possible.
Capturing Capitol lessons in leadership
TRIO peer mentor chooses involvement over indifference—and will vote for the first time on Election Day.
Leaders cope with challenges, choices—and crying
Student reflects on the change she sees in herself after attending Student Life’s 9th annual Transformational Leadership Retreat in October 2018.
Social media purges mean it’s time to unfriend Facebook
Value your freedom of expression online? Student says you should flee Facebook for a freer social media platform.
Students pour passion into posters at annual research conference
More than 100 graduate and undergraduate researchers shared their work at the 2018 Student Poster Conference at Metro State on November 28.
Q+A with the President: Arthur talks textbooks, tuition freezes, winter weather
The Metropolitan is catching up on past conversations with President Arthur. On April 24, 2018 she discussed legislative initiatives impacting campus. Plus other topics: spendy textbooks, the space study, tuition-setting, and Mayor Melvin Carter’s plan to jump-start every college savings for St. Paul kids.
Art Purchase Award winners will see their work on campus walls
Two alumni and a studio arts student captured the 2018 Art Purchase Awards.
Minding the digital literacy gap at Metro State
Library adds AmeriCorps member to the team to teach tech to students.
‘On Stage’ program brings live theater to college classrooms
Three Twin Cities theater professionals brought Billie Holiday’s jazz to life for a Metro State creative writing class.
Statewide candidates debate at Metro State
The senatorial, gubernatorial and attorney general candidates sparred in a forum televised from New Main Great Hall two weeks before Election Day 2018.
Metro State students spot cybersecurity careers in their futures
The 2018 MN Cyber Career Expo offered students and job candidates a chance to chat with tech company representatives.
Q+A with the President: Arthur sizes up legislative session, student enrollment, summer plans
The Metropolitan is catching up on past conversations with President Arthur. On May 18, 2018 she discussed the last days of the legislative session and what they might mean for Metro State. Plus other topics: student enrollment, the university budget and the Student Senate’s dissatisfaction with the budget process.
Casual career event aims to put Metro State students at ease
Some students are wary of traditional job fairs. So the Career Center put on a more easygoing event of informational interviews at “Meet the Employers” on May 31.
Put your portfolio online
Employers expect online—not paper—portfolios. Our tech columnist gives you all the options for creating your own portfolio website.
Combating racial stereotypes with comedy
The Funny Asian Women Kollective (FAWK) hosts comedic cabarets to clap back at racism and discrimination.
Bonding over books
The Dayton’s Bluff Book Club picks books by Minnesota and Midwest authors, with a particular eye to social justice. Members meet monthly in the Metro State Library.
Seeing stars at the Science Center
Cold-hardy kids and adults joined meteorologist Mike Lynch for a November night of stargazing at Metro State.
Secure your online life with password managers
Who can possibly keep track of all their passwords? Our tech columnist offers some strong solutions.
Nursing students start the school year on the ‘write’ foot
Scavenger hunt teaches students how to properly cite research in APA style.
Metro State holds its largest job fair of the year
To accommodate representatives of 48 employers—and nearly 200 students eager to meet them—the Diversity Networking and Job Fair took over the entire lower level of the Student Center on Sept. 12.
Exercise your right to vote, because others aren’t as lucky
Biology student says the right—and responsibility—to vote is a precious thing.
Level up your skills with Lynda
Want to brush up on skills and strengths before you enter the workforce? Metro State offers free acess to Lynda.com video tutorials.
Leadership learned on the tennis court
Computer science student credits the mental game of tennis for preparing him to lead in life.
Metro State students dig archaeology
First-generation college students joined an anthropologist for fieldwork in St. Paul’s Swede Hollow Park.
Millennials need to make waves
Opinion writer makes the case for millennial voting power.
Tech Tips: An appeal for an app
The Metropolitan’s Web Editor makes the case for the convenience of a college app.
Addiction counseling students win national award
Members of the Alcohol and Drug Counseling Student Association—and an alumna—make it their mission to advocate for people in recovery.
Metro State honors student leaders and clubs at annual awards
Student leaders, organizations and advisors were celebrated at the 20th annual President’s Student Leadership Awards dinner held May 9 in New Main Great Hall.
New campus organization supports students in sobriety
Peer support group will advocate for students recovering from and impacted by addiction.
Career course aims to give students a head start on job hunt
Two-credit class will offer job search advice, peer support and insight into 3M’s corporate culture.
Opioid overdose rescue kits now on campus
Narcan overdose rescue kits are now carried by campus safety officers and available in publicly accessible cabinets.
New ‘Forever GI Bill’ makes changes to student veteran benefits
Provisions of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Education Act of 2017, commonly known as the Forever GI Bill, will take effect in August 2018.
Summer brings tech advances to campus
Metro State gets two big tech upgrades: the first cyber range in Minnesota, and a redesigned university website.
Too meager to meet the need?
Student is skeptical that Food for Thought’s new space is sufficient.
In the face of fake news, make facts sacred
Political science student says we can all take small steps to fight fake news.
Federal government gives Metro State money to prevent suicide
A $100K federal grant is funding campus suicide prevention efforts at Metro State.
Career Center wants students to head to Handshake
Students can log on to Handshake to register for campus job fairs and resume reviews. But Metro State’s Career Center says Handshake is much more than a transactional website.
Tech tip: Five must-have apps for every student
Tech writer says these apps are essential school supplies.
Metro Analytics Club takes second at Data Derby
Metropolitan State students took second place at the 2018 Data Derby, a statewide data science competition.
Metro State screenwriting program remakes major requirements
The screenwriting major will require an internship and completion of a feature-length screenplay.
The stress fest of college
Columnist says college students are stressed to the breaking point by cost of tuition, textbooks, housing, food. Unpaid internships add insult to injury.
Unintended consequences of $15 an hour in St. Paul
Economics professor warns that raising minimum wage may hurt workers it’s supposed to help.
The wastefulness of institutionalized misogyny
Political science student says gender double standards rob higher education and government of great leaders.
E-books on the rise at Hennepin County Library
Writing student examines the popularity of e-books in public libraries.
Professor and police officer talk peaceful protest
Freedom of assembly was the topic of conversation between a Metro State professor and a St. Paul police officer at a campus forum on April 19.
Taking a stand for students: Students United lobbies lawmakers in DC, St. Paul
Students United sent nine university students to Washington, D.C. with a lengthy legislative agenda and a mission to lobby lawmakers.
Q+A with President Arthur: New chancellor, cybersecurity, campus safety
President discusses Chancellor Devinder Malhotra, legislative funding prospects (including a potential $10 million for a cyber security center at Metro State), and campus safety in the wake of the Parkland shooting.
From page to stage: Haute Dish puts student writers in the spotlight at spring reading
Metro State’s arts and literary magazine was in the bright lights and big leagues at its annual spring reading at Open Book.
The struggle and stigma of mental illness
Student says she’s not giving up on college. “I want my degree no matter my diagnosis.”
Tech tip: Give online resume templates a try
Here are a few resources to create simple, clean and professional resumes that will appeal to potential employers.
Self-defense and moral sense
Libertarian student would never deny law-abiding citizens their natural right to self-defense.
A new view to D2L: Brightspace Pulse app
Metro State students can now browse their D2L courses through the Brightspace Pulse app using Android and iOS devices.
Students must seize their political power
Political science student wants peers to speak up on politics and policies.
Thinking caps on for Brain Awareness Week
Metropolitan State University’s Psychology Club and the Transforming Health and Empowering Minds (THEM) student organization teamed up to promote Brain Awareness Week (BAW) and educate others on how to increase their brain power.
Rebooted, rebranded, revitalized: Health and wellness club becomes THEM
Student organization gets new name and leadership.
For profit or people?
Opinion writer praises the stability of public colleges over the empty promises of for-profits.
Student Salon showcases best of undergrad art
A group show at the Gordon Parks Gallery features works created by studio arts majors at Metropolitan State University.
Metro State hosts Red Cross blood drive
Participants in Metro State’s blood drive donated 18 pints of blood—enough to help 54 adults.
Metro State samples the science of beer
Moriarty described the brewing process to about 30 people at his noon talk at the Science Education Center on March 22.
Q+A with President Arthur: Financial stress, budget and cuts
President discusses Metro State’s financial health, serving adult students and her own academic journey
Calling all artists: Metro State wants to buy your work
Students, alumni and faculty can submit art for $1,000 award.
Campus workshops teach suicide prevention skills
QPR trainings show students how to recognize warning signs and intervene.
First-generation students form friendly club
First-generation college students come up against many challenges, but now they have another source of support on campus.
Arab Film Fest brings ‘The Preacher’ to Metro State
Free screening for students at Film Space on March 23.
Get involved, don’t snub the clubs
What do you tell yourself to justify not joining a student organization? “I’m too busy.” “I’m only on campus once a week.” “I’m too old for student clubs.” Well, it’s time to ditch the excuses.
Networking expert headlines Career Ideas Festival
Minnesota recruiter will reveal nine networking mistakes and how to avoid them.
Witty writers wing it: Screenwriting students fly to Los Angeles for comedy workshop
Professional development opportunity funded by student fees committee.
Indecent exposure reveals lack of student safety alerts
The Metropolitan investigates: Following an indecent exposure incident on the St. Paul campus on Feb. 15, staff and faculty were alerted via email. Why weren’t students notified?
It’s time: Safety of schools and college campuses depends on sane gun laws
It’s time to admit it. It’s time to stop denying it. Something needs to be done. America’s unhealthy obsession with guns is killing our kids.
In defense of liberal studies
I recently heard about a faculty proposal to drop or reduce the eight-credit liberal studies graduation requirement at Metro State. My first thought was: so what?
Studio arts professor wins 2018 Minnesota Book Artist Award
Erica Spitzer Rasmussen honored for ‘The Love Affair,’ a sculptural book of her grandparents’ letters.
Team Metro takes third in cyber defense competition
Students fight off hackers in simulated cyber attacks
‘Alienation’ brings sci-fi to the stage
You’re invited to a world of aluminum hats and hysteria. “Alienation,” a play conceived and directed by Professor Jonathan Beller, opens Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. The play will be staged at the Whitney Fine Arts Center at Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC).
Metro State IT launches new customer service portal
‘Countless services, one URL’ is result of yearlong tech revamp project.
ASL club builds campus awareness of deaf culture
Improving the bond between deaf and hearing people on campus is the aim of Metro State’s State’s American Sign Language (ASL) Student Organization.
Heather Lou is here for you
Metro State hires new Director of Student Life and Leadership Development.
Metropolitan State honors Black History Month
Film series and discussions explore African-American history, culture and art.
A party under the stars
On the evening after the biggest blizzard of the season, a small crowd braved the snow banks to gather on 7th Street outside the Metro State Library and Learning Center.
Q+A with President Arthur: Legislative preview and 2018 priorities
The Metropolitan met with President Ginny Arthur on Jan. 16 for an hourlong conversation. This is the third in a monthly series of interviews.
Overlooked, underwhelmed and on my own
Psychology graduate student laments her lack of classmates and course offerings.
The process begins in the precincts
Feb. 6 precinct caucuses kick off the 2018 midterm elections.
‘The Human Anomaly’ at Gordon Parks Gallery
“It’s something you assume your college has. And I feel slighted that we don’t,” said Jessica Maistrovich, Student Senate Treasurer, in explaining her drive to create a mascot for Metropolitan State University. “Mascots create a sense of community and belonging. Having one can add that sense of fun that sometimes we’re missing as a more adult college,” she said.
Commentary: Student says ‘hear, hear’ for Shakespeare
On our first day of class, we went around and did the usual introductions: name, major, and why we were taking LIT 377 Shakespeare. Many of my fellow students said they put off taking the class until their very last semester.
Black box bulldozed, condos coming
Metro State theater students mourn loss of performance venue on Minneapolis campus.
Digging into the data and mining for meaning
Metro State students receive award in their first data analytics competition.
‘Philando Feeds the Children’ distributes first funds to J.J. Hill Elementary
Psychology students raise $94,000 to eliminate lunch debt for St. Paul schools.
Don’t swap free speech for safe space at Metro State
I read with interest Mitesh Rai’s opinion piece (“Charlottesville on my mind”) in the September 2017 issue of The Metropolitan. I agree with Rai that the events in Charlottesville on August 11 – 12 were tragic and represented a significant step backward as a nation.
This is the house that Alison built
It’s been a great joy for me to be here. It’s been the heart and soul of my teaching,“ said Creative Writing Professor Alison McGhee of her career at Metropolitan State. She will retire at the end of the fall semester, capping 28 years of teaching and advising Metro State students.
Why books should be sacred in the wake of cancel culture
Texas blackout crisis a wake-up call to act on energy insecurity
Trump survives impeachment to deliver keynote at CPAC
College in a Pandemic
President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 ceremony marks the turning point for unity our country needs
President Biden calls for end to ‘uncivil war’ at inauguration
Do we need nuclear energy to help defeat climate change?
Metro Scenes
