Highlighted in this week’s Beehive Blog:
HEALTH SERVICES
FLU SHOTS
Flu season is here, and vaccination is strongly recommended by health officials to help prevent serious illness. Flu shots are available through:
- Olmsted Medical Center (OMC): Appointments with primary care providers or walk-in service at OMC pharmacies (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
- Mayo Clinic: Walk-in flu shot clinic at the Mayo Building in Rochester.
- Local Pharmacies: Hy-Vee, Walgreens, and Costco locations throughout the area.
Additional wellness tips include covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands regularly, staying hydrated, wearing a mask when appropriate, and getting enough rest.
STUDENT PRINTING
RCTC implemented student followme print accounting to help control rising printing costs, and aid in keeping student technology fees down. The following information represents RCTC’s student printing guidelines.
RCTC students will receive 500 sheets/credits of paper into their print accounts at the start of each semester which can be used for either single sided or double sided (duplex) black laser printing.
Each student that logs on to a campus computer will be able to track sheets/credits of paper through the print management account icon on the computer desktop.
Computer Lab Services
Instructional computer labs are available to RCTC students using PC and Macintosh computers at multiple locations. Vew the locations and schedules for the computer labs.
All students pay a per credit technology fee which entitles access to work in any of the RCTC Computer Labs. Without a valid student ID, a fee per day will be assessed to use RCTC computer facilities. You may be asked to display your student ID when using computers. If while using a computer lab you find something not working, notify the lab assistant or the Technology Support Center at Portal: https://services.rctc.edu/ and by phone: 507-536-5555 (for technical emergencies).
MONEY MANAGEMENT
Starting college is a great time to build strong financial habits that can support your success now and in the future. Key areas to focus on include budgeting, credit management, debt awareness, and financial planning.
Monthly Budgeting
- Track your income and expenses.
- Create and follow a monthly budget.
- Differentiate between needs and wants.
- Look for ways to reduce costs and avoid overdrafts.
- Stay organized with bill payments and account monitoring.
Budgeting Credit Card Tips
- Limit the number of credit cards you carry.
- Read and understand fees, interest rates, and terms.
- Pay more than the minimum whenever possible, ideally the full balance.
- Avoid unnecessary debt and keep balances below your credit limit.
Types of Debt
- Installment Loans: Fixed monthly payments for purchases such as cars or homes.
- Credit Cards: Revolving credit that requires responsible use to maintain good credit.
- Student Loans: Borrow only what you need and prioritize scholarships and grants whenever possible.
Your Credit Rating
A strong credit history can help you qualify for lower interest rates, housing, and future loans. Build good credit by:
- Paying bills and loans on time.
- Monitoring your credit report annually.
- Reviewing your credit history for accuracy and disputing errors when needed.
In Financial Trouble?
If you’re struggling to pay bills, carrying high credit card balances, borrowing to cover expenses, or regularly worrying about debt, consider seeking financial counseling and support before problems grow.
Tax-Related Benefits Students may qualify for:
- Free federal tax filing through the IRS Free File program.
- Education tax credits, including the American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning Credits.
- Tuition and student loan interest deductions, depending on eligibility.
Check out sites such as mymoney.gov or the Department of Education website for valuable tips and information on managing your finances.
HOMECOMING
It’s HOMECOMING week September 28th – October 3rd! Come celebrate your YELLOWJACKET PRIDE!
Minute to Win It
Join us for some fast-paced fun during our Minute to Win It challenges. Beat the games and win the prizes!
Monday, September 28th
- 11am to 12pm @ Heintz Center Commons
- 12:30pm to 1:30pm @ 3rd Floor Cafeteria
Club Expo
Meet campus clubs and find your best fit! Make the most of your homecoming experience by visiting our Club Expo!
Tuesday, September 29th
- 12pm – 1pm @ 3rd Floor Cafeteria
Homecoming Rally
Join our fall athletics teams for food, fun, and to hear about their upcoming games this season!
Wednesday, September 30th
- 11am – 12pm @ 3rd Floor Cafeteria
RCTC Trivia
Put your knowledge to the test at RCTC Trivia! Gather your friends and see who can come out on top.
Thursday, October 1st
- 11am to 12pm @ Heintz Center Commons
- 12:30pm to 1:30pm @ 3rd Floor Cafeteria
Homecoming Athletics Games
Cheer on our Yellowjackets at their Homecoming games!
Saturday, October 3rd
- Volleyball @ 12pm @ Performance Court
- Football @ 1:30pm @ Regional Stadium
- Soccer @ 6pm @ Regional Stadium
FERPA AND DATA PRACTICES DISCLOSURE
Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Minnesota data privacy laws. Students have the right to review their educational records, request corrections to inaccurate information, and control the release of most personal information. Certain directory information may be released unless a student requests a privacy hold, while other educational records remain confidential except in situations permitted by law. Students can contact the Records and Registration Office for information about accessing, updating, or restricting their records.
