Welcome to the Rochester Community and Technical College web site!

If you are getting this message, you may currently be using a screen reader, small-screen handheld device, a text-based browser or an older browser that doesn't support modern web standards.

SKIP to: User Groups, Site Search, Page content, Quick Links, Contact Information

 

Rochester Community and Technical College - Rochester, Minnesota

Main Content:

RCTC Human Resources
RCTC Employee Handbook

 

INTRODUCTION

The Employee Handbook is a general bulletin of information regarding procedures and policies. It is in no way to be construed as an employment contract between the College and the Employees. Every effort has been made to make the handbook accurate as of the date of publication; however, all policies and procedures are subject to change at any time by appropriate action of the college administration, Contractual Unions, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board, or the Minnesota Legislature. Please consult appropriate departments and offices for final policies, procedures, and deadlines.

WELCOME TO STATE EMPLOYMENT and ROCHESTER COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE

We are pleased to welcome you to your position with the State of Minnesota. You have joined a team dedicated to providing valuable and needed services to the students, and to the State and its citizens. You will find our community to be a vibrant and rewarding workplace. RCTC offers a wealth of opportunities and resources for its employees (from staff development opportunities to state-of-the-art facilities) and you are encouraged to take full advantage of these.

State government is organized into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.

The executive branch administers laws passed by the Minnesota Legislature and makes sure that state government runs efficiently and effectively. The executive branch consists of six elected constitutional officers (Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Auditor, and Treasurer) and nearly 300 administrative departments and agencies. The governing bodies and administrative heads of most of these departments and agencies are appointed by, and are responsible to the governor. (Employees of RCTC are part of the executive branch of state government.)

The legislative branch is responsible for making new laws, changing or repealing old laws, setting a state budget and tax policy, proposing changes in the state Constitution, and overseeing the work of state government. The Minnesota legislature is composed of 201 members: 134 representatives and 67 senators. The Legislature meets annually from January to May in odd-numbered years and for a shorter time in even-numbered years.

The judicial branch is responsible for interpreting laws and deciding cases that are brought before it. This branch has the authority to decide whether laws violate the state constitution. The judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, district courts and other specialized courts and related agencies. Employees of RCTC are part of the executive branch of state government, and because the State of Minnesota promotes a healthy, safe, and equitable work environment, it is important for you to become familiar with the statutes and policies defining appropriate behavior and guidelines.

Please refer to STATEWIDE POLICIES AND ORDERS FOR EMPLOYEES IN THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH section of this handbook. These can also be accessed through a number of sources, including the Human Resource Office, RCTC's home web site, or the Minnesota Statutes web site at http://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/statutes.htm

HISTORY OF RCTC

Rochester Community and Technical College was formed on July 1, 1996, when Minnesota Riverland Technical College and Rochester Community College consolidated. Combined, we have more than a century of experience providing higher education to southeastern Minnesota.

The college enrolls approximately 4,500 students in credit classes and also serves thousands of others through non-credit and customized training classes. The faculty consists of more than 135 highly trained permanent employees. The College is a member of the University Center Rochester partnership, which also includes University of Minnesota Rochester and Winona State University-Rochester Center. This unique partnership brings together a spectrum of program offerings that range from six-month certificate programs to doctoral degree programs in a setting that features state-of-the-art facilities.

Rochester Community and Technical College students can choose from technical programs in such areas as accounting, business, administrative support, allied health, human services, technical and trade/industry. Students wishing to finish a four-year degree can take their first two years at Rochester Community and Technical College-earning an associate degree-and then transfer to finish a bachelor's degree. The College has teamed up with Winona State University to establish more than a dozen "2 plus 2" programs that allow students to complete a four-year degree without leaving Rochester.

In addition to its educational programming, RCTC offers a comprehensive student life program. These opportunities include social activities, speakers, varsity athletics, intramural sports, honor societies and music, to name a few.

Regional Sports Center
The Legislature agreed in 1998 to allocate $5 million toward a regional sports center in Rochester and the City of Rochester added an additional $8.9 million toward the construction costs for such a facility. Among the new features of the building will be a performance court for volleyball, basketball and wrestling events with seating for 1,400 spectators and a multi-use area that will house 10-12 volleyball courts, four basketball practice courts and four tennis courts. Also included in the facility will be an aerobics room, a fitness center, an indoor track, locker rooms, athletic training room, faculty offices, classrooms, conference rooms and a wrestling room. The facility will also include public changing areas, ticketing and concession booths, and an atrium common space to accommodate student and public event gatherings. Construction will begin Spring 2000, with an opening projected date of Fall 2001.

Horticulture Technology Center
The 2000 Legislature appropriated $4.5 million to construct collegiate quality horticulture facilities at University Center Rochester. The Horticulture Technology Center is designed to meet the instructional needs of Rochester Community and Technical College's Horticulture Technology Program whose graduates are serving the agribusiness workforce needs of Southern Minnesota. The new Horticulture Technology facility includes 16,000 gsf of new space for a permanent, year-round greenhouse structure with fully automated state-of-the-art crop production technology, new and remodeled laboratory and classroom spaces annexed to the greenhouse and landscape equipment, instruction and maintenance space. The appropriation also includes remodeling of 7,450 gsf of space to accommodate programs impacted by the construction.

UNIVERSITY CENTER ROCHESTER

Four buildings were ready for use when the college made its 1968 move to the forested hillside about a mile east of the city. The structures included Goddard Library and classroom building; Endicott Hall for technology and business classes; the Charles Singley building, housing all chemistry, biology and physics labs, as well as lecture halls; and the Administration building, which then held administrative offices and the college bookstore.

The next additions to the campus were Rockenbach Hall, gymnasium and physical education complex, and the Plaza West Building, which now contains faculty offices, numerous classrooms, the student newspaper office and a 200-seat lecture hall.

The campus continued to grow with three more additions marking the next phase of construction. A student services building housing the administration offices, the counseling center and a health service area was first. The art building came next, representing one of the most outstanding studio facilities of its kind in the upper Midwest; an immense north window in the structure provides proper lighting to three floors of the studios. The Plaza East building completed this segment of construction. It provides a versatile nursing lab and staff offices. The next two major projects were the College Center and Theater. As the student union, the Center is aptly named, since it is at the center of students' lives here. The College Theater is one of the finest such facilities in southeastern Minnesota. It seats 350 persons and contains advanced electronic and sound systems, as well as a complete scene-making shop and dressing rooms. In 1987, it was named the Charles E. Hill Theater in honor of retired RCC President Charles E. Hill, who served the college from 1953 to 1982.

A classroom building opened on the UCR campus in the fall of 1986 housing the Rochester Center of Winona State University. The Plaza West building was renamed Memorial Hall in 1988. Plaques and portraits are placed in the building to honor former college staff.

The campus further evolved in late 1989 with the completion of a $16 million construction project. The project included remodeling of the library, the administrative building, and the lower level of the Goddard Building, which housed the business office, bookstore, student support services and the duplicating services area. New construction included a continuing education area featuring spacious conference rooms and state-of-the-art equipment, and a separate building to house the child care center.

Construction was completed in 1993 on the $17 million University Center Rochester facilities, which houses student services areas, classrooms, computer and science labs, as well as a number of interactive television classrooms. Today, the building is shared by RCTC, the University of Minnesota Rochester and Winona State University - Rochester Center. (See Appendix A or access an interactive campus map by clicking on the "See the Campus Maps" icon on the College's Internet site at: http://www.rctc.edu/about/html/ucr_campus.html)

HEINTZ CENTER

The former Minnesota Riverland Technical College-Rochester campus facility was dedicated as Heintz Center on May 9, 1997. The building was named after Dr. Emil Heintz, founder and first Director of Rochester Area Vocational Institute. Dr. Heintz served as Director from 1966 to 1973, Dean (CEO) of Brainerd Junior College from 1938 to 1944, and Dean of Rochester Junior College from 1944 until 1966. The new Rochester Community and Technical college delights in the opportunity to name this facility after a man who had roots in both previous institutions. Heintz Center is located at 1926 College View Road. (See Appendix A or access an interactive campus map by clicking on the "See the Campus Maps" icon on the College's internet site at: http://www.rctc.edu/about/html/ucr_campus.html)

FUTURE BUILDING EXPANSION

 

GOVERNANCE

Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) is part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system. MnSCU is a system of 33 two- year and four-year state colleges and universities, serving about 140,000 students. MnSCU's 53 campuses offer tremendous opportunities for students to achieve their goals. A Board of Trustees, appointed by the Governor, governs this statewide system of community colleges, state universities and technical colleges. The chief executive of the MnSCU system is the Chancellor, who reports to the Board of Trustees. Additional information information regarding MnSCU is available at http://www.mnscu.edu. The chief executive of RCTC is the president. The office of the president is the focal point for plans, policies, and operational decisions crucial to institutional progress. To fulfill the responsibilities for administration, the RCTC Cabinet consists of the following positions/individuals: (See Appendix B or access the organizational structure by clicking on "Organizational Charts" on the college's intranet site at: http://www.rctc.edu/intra/ ).

President (Don Supalla) - Room: SS204 - 285-7215 - As chief executive of the College, the President reports to the Chancellor and executes all MnSCU and RCTC policies and procedures. The President has broad responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the College, for promotion of its development and effectiveness, and for external relations activities.

Vice President of Teaching and Learning (Mike Bequette) - Room: SS208 - 285-7256 - The Vice President of Teaching and Learning reports to the President and is responsible for the development and coordination of RCTC's instructional programs. Students' academic concerns should be discussed with the instructor or Dean but, if unresolved, may be brought to the Vice President of Teaching and Learning.

Vice President of Student Development and Services (Stan Cram) - Room: SS203 - 280-3133 - The Vice President of Student Development and Services reports to the President and is responsible for coordination of RCTC's student support services programs. Non-academic concerns should be addressed at the department level but, if unresolved, may be brought to the Vice President of Student Services Development.

Director of Human Resources (Beth Arntson) - Room: CF115 - 285-7183 - The Director of Human Resources reports to the President and is responsible for all processes relating to the hiring of employees and other personnel issues related to current and prospective RCTC employees.

Director of Finance and Facilities (Marilyn Hansmann) - Room: EA133- 285-7214 - The Director of Finance and Facilities reports to the President and is responsible for RCTC business affairs, auxiliary enterprises, facilities, safety, and security.

Director of College Effectiveness (Dave Weber) - CF209 - 285-7217 - The Director of College Effectiveness reports to the President and is responsible for managing RCTC's internal and external communications and public relations programs.

Director of Information Technology (Tim Gilsrud) - SH208 - 281-7787 - The Director of Information Technology reports to the President and is responsible for managing RCTC's information technology infrastructure, including instructional and institutional computing, electronic mail, and Internet operations.

MISSION STATEMENT

To provide accessible and affordable educational opportunities to meet the needs of a diverse community.

VISION

Rochester Community and Technical College will be a world class provider for liberal arts, technical and lifelong learning.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Rochester Community and Technical College is a two-year regional college serving southeastern Minnesota. The College provides curricula that are designed to meet a variety of academic and career educational opportunities that prepare students for work, life, and additional education now and into the future. Programs lead to the award of certificates, diplomas, and degrees such as Associate in Applied Science, Associate in Science, and Associate in Arts. To meet our mission, staff members of Rochester Community and Technical College are committed to provide a variety of educational options on a non-discriminatory, open door basis, as follows:

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY

We believe...

ACRONYMS

The following are commonly used acronyms. It is possible that you will use acronyms that are not included in this list, and probable that there are some here you will never use. If you feel that one or more should be added, please contact the Human Resources Office.

 
AA Associate of Arts
AACC American Association of Community Colleges
AAHE American Association for Higher Education
AAS Associate of Applied Science
AASCU American Association of State Colleges and Universities
ABE Adult Basic Education
ABLE Adult Basic Literacy Education
ACCT Association of Community College Trustees
ACE American Council on Education
ACF Average Cost Funding
AFSCME American Federation of State/County/Municipal Employees
AG Attorney General
AGB Association of Governing Boards
ALLO Allocation Accounting System
AS Associate of Science
ASTD American Society for Training and Development
AVA American Vocational Association
BA Bachelor of Arts
BEOD Basic Educational Opportunity Grants
BIA Bureau of Indian Affairs
BS Bachelor of Science
CA Classroom Assessment
CAPP Computerized Assessment Placement Program
CATS Classroom Assessment Techniques
CC Community College
CE Continuing Education
CEU Continuing Education Unit
CTC Community and Technical College
CTL Center for Teaching and Learning
DHHS Department of Health and Human Services (Federal)
DHS Department of Human Services (State)
DOA Department of Administration
DOER Department of Employee Relations
ECCCC East Central Curriculum Coordination Center
ECN East Central Network Education
Ed.D. Doctor of Education
EMS Emergency Medical Services
EOV Exchange of Views
EPB Ethical Practices Board
ERIC Education Resources Information Center
ETS Educational Testing Services
ETV Educational Television
FIPSE Fund for the Improvement of Post secondary Education
FTE Full Time Equivalent
FY Fiscal Year
FYE Full Year Equivalent
GED General Education Development Test
HC Headcount
HEAC Higher Education Advisory Council
HEB Higher Education Board (now MnSCU Board of Trustees)
HECB Higher Education Coordinating Board (now HESO)
HEFA Higher Education Facilities Authority
HEGIS Higher Education General Information Survey
HESO Higher Education Services Organization
HF House File (proposed bill)
IFO Inter Faculty Organization (State University Faculty)
ISRS Integrated Student Record System
IT Information Technology
JSER Joint Subcommittee on Employee Relations
LETC Law Enforcement Training Center
LRC Learning Resource Center
MA Master of Arts
MAPE Minnesota Association of Professional Employees
MAPS Minnesota Accounting Payroll System
MCCC Minnesota Community College Conference
MCCFA Minnesota Community College Faculty Association (now MSCF)
MCCS Minnesota Community College System (now MnSCU)
MCCSA Minnesota Community College Student Association (now MSCSA)
MHEA Minnesota Higher Education Compact
MHTC Minnesota High Technology Council
MIS Management Information Systems
MJSP Minnesota Job Skills Partnership
MMA Middle Management Association
MMEP Minnesota Minority Education Partnership
MNA Minnesota Nurses Association
MNSAT Minnesota Satellite and Technology
MnSCU Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
MnVU Minnesota Virtual University
MNTC Minnesota Transfer Curriculum
MOU Memorandum of Understanding
MRDC Minnesota Research and Development Center for Vocational Education
MS Master of Science
MSCF Minnesota State College Faculty
MSCSA Minnesota State College Student Association
MSPAN Minnesota Post-sSecondary Access and Needs Project
MSUAASF Minnesota State University Association of Administrative and Service Faculty
MSUSA Minnesota State University Student Association
MTCSA Minnesota Technical College Student Association (now MSCSA)
MWCTC Minnesota Women in Community and Technical Colleges
NASDVTE National Association of State Directors of Vocational Technical Education
NCA North Central Association
NRNR Non-resident, Non-reciprocity students
OCR Office of Civil Rights
OJT On-the-job Training
OMB Office of Management and Budget
PAC Program Advisory Committee
PD Position Description
POP Placement on Payroll
PSEO Post-secondary Enrollment Options
R&R Repair and Replacement
RFP Request for Proposal
ROX Relevant Occupation Experience
SAGGSS Special Advisory Group for Governance and Support Services
SARA Student Aid Reporting Analysis
SAT Scholastic Aptitude Test
SCOPE Strategic Comprehensive Program Enhancement
SEMA4 Statewide Employee Management System
SF Senate File (proposed bill)
STIP Services to Indian People
SU State University
SUB State University Board (now MnSCU Board of Trustees)
SUS State University System (now MnSCU)
SWA Statewide Accounting
SWAPS Statewide Accounting Payroll System
TC Technical College
TCS Technical College System (now MnSCU)
UFARS Uniform Financial Accounting and Reporting System
UM University of Minnesota
UTCE United Technical College Educators (now MSCF)
WICHE Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

 

 

Contact Information: