Beehive Blog–October 21, 2026

A white honeycomb with two gold cells and four blue cells. "Beehive Blog"

Highlighted in this week’s Beehive Blog:

FINAL TWO WEEKS TO VOTE!

Make a Plan to Vote! (November 3rd is the last day)

If you are registered, find your Early Voting Site(s) (including the next two Saturdays and Sunday the 1st!) or your Election Day Polling Place for Nov. 3rd.

If you are not registered, you can register when you vote early or on Election Day. Bring your proof of identity and residence with you. There is a whole list of possibilities, including voting with a friend or neighbor registered in your same precinct who can vouch for you!

Check out your sample ballot before you vote.  (You can mark it and bring it with you to remember your choices.) Not sure on some races? You are not required to vote on every contest unless you want to!

Questions?  Find answers:

  1. MNVotes.gov
  2. 651-215-1440
  3. Text 651-217-3862

MN FINANCIAL AID SURVEY

Last week for this survey, make your voice heard! The Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) is seeking feedback from students and families as it explores potential changes to state financial aid programs.

Whether you currently receive financial aid, plan to apply in the future, or simply want to share your perspective, your input can help inform future financial aid policies in Minnesota.

Survey Details:

  • Who: High school students, college students, and parents/guardians
  • Time Commitment: 5-10 minutes
  • Anonymous: No names are collected
  • Deadline: October 23, 2026

Take the survey! 

Thank you for helping ensure Minnesota’s financial aid programs continue to meet the needs of students and families across the state!

NEW ONLINE STUDENT ID PHOTO SUBMISSION

Preparing for campus just got a little easier!

RCTC students can now submit their Student ID photo remotely through our new online photo submission process. Instead of waiting until you arrive on campus, you can upload your photo ahead of time and have your ID ready for pickup.

Once your photo has been submitted and processed, use the BeeLine at the Technology Support Center (TSC) to collect your printed Student ID. Please bring identification.

This service is designed to help students save time, reduce stress, and arrive on campus ready to go!

RECENTLY MOVED

It’s important to keep your mailing address current so you can receive essential college communications. If you have moved since your initial application to RCTC, you can update your address in person at the Welcome and One Stop Center or in eServices in the demographic information section.

HELP US HELP YOU!

HEALTHY ALERT!

RCTC Health Services offers a wide range of valuable and beneficial resources to support the well-being of all RCTC students.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

As the days get shorter, some individuals may experience symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that most commonly occurs during the fall and winter months. Using a light therapy box for as little as 10-20 minutes can be helpful to someone who struggles with SAD. To support student wellness, RCTC has light therapy boxes available at several campus locations, including the library, TRIO/Student Support Services, Health Sciences, Coffman, and the Heintz Center. Instructions and safety information can be found near each light and be sure to scan the QR code to complete the survey so we know they are being used.

Need one at home? Student Health Services has a limited number of light therapy lamps available for short-term loan. Contact 507-285-7261 or [email protected] for more information.

If you’re struggling with low mood or depression, Student Health Services is here to help. For immediate crisis support, call or text 9-8-8.

TAKE ACTION TO STOP DISTRACTED DRIVING

Did you know Minnesota has a hands-free law in place? It is illegal for drivers to hold their device while driving. This means no calling, texting, emailing, browsing, or posting – including while stopped at a traffic light or stuck in traffic.

Here’s what you can do to help keep you and everyone safe on the road:

  • Turn off cell phones or place them out of reach to avoid the urge to dial/answer, read or send a text. If a passenger is present, ask them to handle calls/texts.
  • Set up your phone to send auto-replies stating you are unavailable to callers while you are driving.
  • If you are a passenger, speak up to stop the driver from becoming distracted.
  • Pre-program favorite radio stations and arrange music in an easy-to-access spot.
  • Adjust mirrors and AC/heat before traveling or ask a passenger to assist.
  • Designate a passenger to serve as a co-pilot to help with directions. If driving alone, map out destinations in advance, and pull over to study a map or program the GPS.
  • Try to avoid food/beverage (especially messy foods) and have drinks secured.

Rochester Community and Technical College is promoting this important lifesaving message on behalf of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. We want our students to STAY SAFE!

TAKE ACTION TO STOP THE DISTRACTION!

2026 GIVING TREE SIGN-UP

The holidays are coming fast and RCTC has partnered with generous local community members to provide holiday assistance to RCTC students through the Giving Tree Program!

Students who would benefit from holiday support are encouraged to complete the sign-up form by November 6, 2026.*

Gifts are anticipated to be available for pickup ON CAMPUS December 15th and 16th. Gifts must be picked up on campus and cannot be delivered.

*Assistance is limited, and submitting a request does not guarantee gifts will be provided.