The Beehive Blog offers timely updates, insights, and resources to help Rochester Community and Technical College students stay informed and engaged throughout their academic journey.
What’s in This Week’s Beehive Blog
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!
Health 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)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that most commonly occurs during the fall and winter months. Using a light therapy box for a little as 10-20 minutes can be helpful to someone who struggles with SAD. RCTC Student Health Services has placed light therapy boxes at several locations around campus: Goddard Library, TRIO/Student Support Services, lower-level study area in Health Sciences, first floor Coffman high tables, and the Heintz Center Cyber Café. Feel free to use them! Please refer to the instructions and safety information placed near each light and be sure to scan the QR code to complete a very brief survey so we know they are being used.
RCTC Student Health Services has a limited number of light therapy lamps available to loan to students for short-term (2-3 weeks) home use. If you are interested in borrowing one of these lamps, please contact Student Health Services at 507-285-7261 or HealthServices@rctc.edu
The use of light therapy lamps should not be viewed as a substitute for seeking medical advice. Light therapy is only one means to treat low mood or depression brought upon by seasonal affective disorder. RCTC Student Health Services has medical and mental health professionals available for evaluation of low mood or depression concerns. If you are struggling with these concerns, please reach out to your regular health care provider or contact Student Health Services to schedule an appointment. If you are in crisis, contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for a call, text, or chat.
Know Your Status: FREE HIV and STI testing event – Safe, Fast, and Confidential
RCTC Student Health Services is partnering with Olmsted County Public Health to offer Free HIV and STI tests for current RCTC students November 4th and 18th, 10am – 2pm in RCTC Student Health Services (HS140). Appointments are required.
To sign up and schedule your appointment, you can:
- Visit our table on one of these days/times:
- Wednesday, October 22, 11am-1pm in The Hive (3rd floor Cafeteria area in the College Center building)
- Tuesday, October 28, 11am-1pm in the Heintz Center Commons
- Thursday, October 30, 10am-12pm in The Hive (3rd floor Cafeteria area in the College Center building)
OR
- Call Student Health Services at 507-285-7261 by October 31.
OR
- Stop by Student Health Services in HS140 by October 31.
These tests do not need a blood sample. The HIV test is an oral (mouth) swab and the STI test is a urine test. More information about the tests will be shared when you sign up.
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!