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Northland Community & Technical College

Program Workshops & Campus Services

Northland EXPO is your chance to explore real college programs, meet instructors, and get a feel for life at Northland. Program Workshops are the sessions you’ll sign up for. Campus Services are drop‑in booths you can visit throughout the day.

Workshops let you try out skills and see different career paths in action. Campus Services booths show how Northland supports students throughout their college experience.

Program Workshops

Breakout sessions led by instructors where you’ll try out real skills, explore career paths, and get hands‑on experience. These sessions require sign‑up and have limited capacity.

Everything Touches Agriculture: Intro to Agriculture and Animal Science

This interactive workshop gives students a hands‑on look at how agriculture connects to everyday life. Current students will lead group activities ranging from skills used in Animal Science and Animal Husbandry to exploring common agricultural products found in daily routines. It’s a practical, engaging way to see how broad—and essential—the world of agriculture really is.

Campus EXPOs

  • East Grand Forks — November 10
  • Thief River Falls — November 17

Session Details

  • Session Type: Interactive Workshop
  • Capacity: 24–30 students per session
  • Sessions Offered: 5

Available Sessions

  • Session 1 — 9:40–10:20 a.m.
  • Session 2 — 10:25–11:05 a.m.
  • Session 3 — 11:10–11:50 a.m.
  • Session 4 — 12:30–1:10 p.m.
  • Session 5 — 1:15–1:55 p.m.

Faculty Lead

Krystal Carlson

Design Like an Architect

Step into the world of architecture and take on a fast‑paced design challenge. This interactive workshop puts you in the role of an architect as you sketch ideas, make layout decisions, and explore how creative concepts become buildable plans. The specific project may vary by campus, but every session gives you the chance to think, draw, and problem‑solve like a designer.

You’ll experiment with quick concept sketches, explore how architects shape the spaces we live and learn in, and see how creativity connects to real‑world impact. If you enjoy art, design, engineering, or building things, this workshop gives you a look at a career where imagination meets structure.

Campus EXPOs

  • East Grand Forks — November 10
  • Thief River Falls — November 17

Session Details

  • Session Type: Interactive Workshop
  • Capacity: 20 students per session
  • Sessions Offered: 5

Available Sessions

  • Session 1 — 9:40–10:20 a.m.
  • Session 2 — 10:25–11:05 a.m.
  • Session 3 — 11:10–11:50 a.m.
  • Session 4 — 12:30–1:10 p.m.
  • Session 5 — 1:15–1:55 p.m.

Faculty Lead

Erin Bulger

Fundamentals in the Auto Body Industry

Get hands‑on experience with real tools and techniques used in today’s auto body shops. In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how technicians repair damage, restore vehicles, and bring surfaces back to life. You’ll pull dents on a hood using a stud welder and puller, mix and apply body filler, and try VR spray‑painting simulations to see how professionals lay down a clean coat.

You’ll also get a behind‑the‑scenes look at what happens inside a working auto body shop—how repairs are planned, how technicians work with materials, and what the workflow looks like day‑to‑day. In Thief River Falls, you’ll step inside the paint booth to spray base coat paint and see how finishing techniques bring a project together.

If you’re interested in cars, tools, building, or a high‑demand skilled trade, this workshop gives you a real taste of a career where craftsmanship and precision matter.

Campus EXPOs

  • East Grand Forks — November 10
  • Thief River Falls — November 17

Session Details

  • Session Type: Interactive Workshop
  • Capacity: 12–15 students per session
  • Sessions Offered: 5

Available Sessions

  • Session 1 — 9:40–10:20 a.m.
  • Session 2 — 10:25–11:05 a.m.
  • Session 3 — 11:10–11:50 a.m.
  • Session 4 — 12:30–1:10 p.m.
  • Session 5 — 1:15–1:55 p.m.

Faculty Lead

Kent Wagner

Precision in Motion: Automotive Service Skills

This hands‑on workshop gives students a real look at the skills automotive technicians use every day. You’ll rotate tires, replace spark plugs, and explore a variety of service tasks that connect directly to what students learn in the program and what technicians perform in the industry. It’s a practical, tool‑in‑hand experience for anyone interested in cars, mechanics, or problem‑solving.

Campus EXPO

  • Thief River Falls — November 17

Session Details

  • Session Type: Interactive Workshop
  • Capacity: 16 students per session
  • Sessions Offered: 4

Available Sessions

  • Session 1 — 9:40–10:20 a.m.
  • Session 2 — 10:25–11:05 a.m.
  • Session 3 — 11:10–11:50 a.m.
  • Session 5 — 1:15–1:55 p.m.

Faculty Lead

Joe Griffin

Shark Tank: Pitch Your Product

In this fast‑paced, hands‑on session, students will design packaging for a product and pitch their idea to the instructors—acting as the “sharks.” You’ll work in teams, think creatively, and make quick business decisions while learning how accounting connects to product development, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

This interactive workshop gives students a fun look at how business ideas are built and evaluated and how accounting, marketing and management all play a key role in making those ideas successful.

Campus EXPO

  • East Grand Forks — November 10
  • Thief River Falls — November 17

Session Details

  • Session Type: Interactive Workshop
  • Capacity: 20 students per session
  • Sessions Offered: 5

Available Sessions

  • Session 1 — 9:40–10:20 a.m.
  • Session 2 — 10:25–11:05 a.m.
  • Session 3 — 11:10–11:50 a.m.
  • Session 4 — 12:30–1:10 p.m.
  • Session 5 — 1:15–1:55 p.m.

Faculty Lead

Trisha Stromsodt, Tracy Boman

Carpentry Basics: Build Your Skills

Get hands‑on with the tools and techniques used in residential construction. In this interactive workshop, students will measure blocks, hammer nails, identify common tools, and learn about the materials used on job sites. You’ll practice essential skills, work with real equipment, and get a feel for what it’s like to start a project the right way.

This session gives students a practical introduction to carpentry, tool safety, and the foundational skills needed to begin a career in the building trades.

Campus EXPO

  • East Grand Forks — November 10

Session Details

  • Session Type: Interactive Workshop
  • Capacity: 20 students per session
  • Sessions Offered: 5

Available Sessions

  • Session 1 — 9:40–10:20 a.m.
  • Session 2 — 10:25–11:05 a.m.
  • Session 3 — 11:10–11:50 a.m.
  • Session 4 — 12:30–1:10 p.m.
  • Session 5 — 1:15–1:55 p.m.

Faculty Lead

Shawn Moser

Networking: Get Caught in the Web

Dive into the world of computer networking through a hands‑on workshop where you’ll configure real equipment and see how devices communicate. You’ll learn the basics of building a small network, including:

  • Router configuration — connecting one network to another
  • Switch setup — linking devices within a room
  • Host configuration — getting computers to talk to each other
  • Security fundamentals — understanding how networks stay protected

It’s a practical introduction to networking and cybersecurity—perfect for students curious about how the internet and connected systems actually work.

Campus EXPO

  • East Grand Forks — November 10

Session Details

  • Session Type: Interactive Workshop
  • Capacity: 15 students per session
  • Sessions Offered: 5

Available Sessions

  • Session 1 — 9:40–10:20 a.m.
  • Session 2 — 10:25–11:05 a.m.
  • Session 3 — 11:10–11:50 a.m.
  • Session 4 — 12:30–1:10 a.m.
  • Session 5 — 1:15–1:55 p.m.

Faculty Lead

Don Campbell

Switch & Outlet Installation

In this hands‑on electrical workshop, students learn how circuits come together by installing real switches and outlets. You’ll work with a breaker panel setup, wire devices, and then energize the circuit to test whether your installation works. It’s a practical introduction to electrical safety, wiring fundamentals, and the troubleshooting skills used by electricians every day.

If you’re curious about tools, problem‑solving, or how electrical systems power the spaces we use, this workshop gives you a close‑up look at a high‑demand skilled trade.

Campus EXPO

  • East Grand Forks — November 10

Session Details

  • Session Type: Interactive Workshop
  • Capacity: 12 students per session
  • Sessions Offered: 5

Available Sessions

  • Session 1 — 9:40–10:20 a.m.
  • Session 2 — 10:25–11:05 a.m.
  • Session 3 — 11:10–11:50 a.m.
  • Session 4 — 12:30–1:10 p.m.
  • Session 5 — 1:15–1:55 p.m.

Faculty Lead

Rick Simon

Tactical Response and Building Search Exercise

This interactive workshop puts students into realistic law‑enforcement scenarios that build communication, decision‑making, officer safety, team coordination, and critical thinking skills. Participants work through progressively challenging exercises, learning how to move through spaces, respond to evolving situations, and operate as a team. The session culminates in a complex active‑threat response scenario where students apply everything they’ve learned.

It’s an immersive, high‑energy introduction to the skills used in modern policing and public safety careers.

Campus EXPO

  • Thief River Falls — November 17

Session Details

  • Session Type: Interactive Workshop
  • Capacity: 10–15 students per session
  • Sessions Offered: 5

Available Sessions

  • Session 1 — 9:40–10:20 a.m.
  • Session 2 — 10:25–11:05 a.m.
  • Session 3 — 11:10–11:50 a.m.
  • Session 4 — 12:30–1:10 p.m.
  • Session 5 — 1:15–1:55 p.m.

Faculty Lead

David Lovly

HVAC Electricity: Powering the System

Step into the world of HVAC technology with this hands‑on electrical workshop. Students will wire a transformer to power a thermostat, then watch the thermostat activate different LEDs to simulate calls for heating or cooling. You’ll work with real components, learn how low‑voltage control circuits function, and see how electricity drives the systems that keep buildings comfortable.

This interactive session gives students a practical look at HVAC troubleshooting, electrical fundamentals, and the skills technicians use every day in the field.

Campus EXPO

  • East Grand Forks — November 10

Session Details

  • Session Type: Interactive Workshop
  • Capacity: 12 students per session
  • Sessions Offered: 5

Available Sessions

  • Session 1 — 9:40–10:20 a.m.
  • Session 2 — 10:25–11:05 a.m.
  • Session 3 — 11:10–11:50 a.m.
  • Session 4 — 12:30–1:10 p.m.
  • Session 5 — 1:15–1:55 p.m.

Faculty Lead

Scottie Qualls

Our Lives in Rhythm

What do music, speech, walking, seasons, stories, and daily routines have in common? Rhythm. In this hands‑on workshop, students will explore rhythm as a force that shapes both music and everyday life. Through bucket drumming, language activities, and connections to other areas of the Liberal Arts—biology, math, philosophy, psychology, and history—participants will discover how rhythm helps us understand the passage of time and our place within it.

This interactive session gives students a creative, energetic look at how rhythm connects to learning, movement, communication, and the world around us.

Campus EXPO

  • Thief River Falls — November 17

Session Details

  • Session Type: Interactive Workshop
  • Capacity: 20 students per session
  • Sessions Offered: 5

Available Sessions

  • Session 1 — 9:40–10:20 a.m.
  • Session 2 — 10:25–11:05 a.m.
  • Session 3 — 11:10–11:50 a.m.
  • Session 4 — 12:30–1:10 p.m.
  • Session 5 — 1:15–1:55 p.m.

Faculty Lead

Linda Samuelson

Intro to Electronics

Dive into the world of electronics with a hands‑on workshop that shows how circuits, components, and electrical systems come together. You’ll learn the fundamentals of building series and parallel circuits, experiment with transformers, and test your skills by perfecting wire connections through interactive challenges.

This session gives you a real look at how mechatronics technicians troubleshoot, build, and maintain the systems that power modern automation. If you’re curious about robotics, engineering, electronics, or how things work behind the scenes, this workshop is a great first step into a high‑demand technical career.

Campus EXPO

  • Thief River Falls — November 17

Session Details

  • Session Type: Interactive Workshop
  • Capacity: 16 students per session
  • Sessions Offered: 5

Available Sessions

  • Session 1 — 9:40–10:20 a.m.
  • Session 2 — 10:25–11:05 a.m.
  • Session 3 — 11:10–11:50 a.m.
  • Session 4 — 12:30–1:10 p.m.
  • Session 5 — 1:15–1:55 p.m.

Faculty Lead

Jackson Harren

Discover Nursing: More Than You Think!

Think nursing is just about working in a hospital—think again. Nursing opens the door to dozens of career paths, exciting environments, and hands‑on skills that make a real difference in people’s lives. In this interactive workshop, you’ll get a behind‑the‑scenes look at the world of nursing and try out real skills used by nurses every day.

You’ll explore how nurses assess patients, support care teams, respond in fast‑paced situations, and use critical thinking to help people heal. If you’re interested in healthcare, science, or helping others, this session gives you a close‑up look at a career built around compassion, skill, and impact.

Campus EXPOs

  • East Grand Forks — November 10
  • Thief River Falls — November 17

Session Details

  • Session Type: Interactive Workshop
  • Capacity: 12 students per session
  • Sessions Offered: 3

Available Sessions

  • Session 1 — 9:40–10:20 a.m.
  • Session 2 — 10:25–11:05 a.m.
  • Session 3 — 11:10–11:50 a.m.

Faculty Lead

Kari Koenig, Lisa Anderson

What Is Occupational Therapy?

Explore the world of Occupational Therapy (OT) through interactive games and hands‑on activities that show how OT practitioners help people build independence in everyday life. You’ll learn about the wide range of populations OT serves—from children to older adults—and the many settings where OTAs work, including clinics, hospitals, schools, and community programs.

During this workshop, you’ll try activities that highlight real OT skills, discover the education and training needed to become an OTA, and learn about job outlook and career pathways in the field. You’ll also get an inside look at Northland’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Program and how it prepares students for a meaningful, high‑impact career.

Campus EXPO

  • East Grand Forks — November 10

Session Details

  • Session Type: Interactive Workshop
  • Capacity: 12 students per session
  • Sessions Offered: 4

Available Sessions

  • Session 1 — 9:40–10:20 a.m.
  • Session 2 — 10:25–11:05 a.m.
  • Session 3 — 11:10–11:50 a.m.
  • Session 4 — 12:30–1:10 p.m.

Faculty Lead

Erica Young

Life in Emergency Medical Service

This interactive workshop gives students a hands‑on look at what EMTs and paramedics really do. You’ll work with training manikins to learn a basic first‑aid skill that can save a life in the Stop the Bleed activity. Then, test your knowledge in Fact or Fiction—a fast‑paced game where you decide what’s real in emergency medicine and what’s just TV drama.

It’s an engaging, realistic introduction to emergency medical services, perfect for students curious about healthcare, fast‑paced decision‑making, and helping people in critical moments.

Campus EXPO

  • East Grand Forks — November 10

Session Details

  • Session Type: Interactive Workshop
  • Capacity: 12–24 students per session
  • Sessions Offered: 5

Available Sessions

  • Session 1 — 9:40–10:20 a.m.
  • Session 2 — 10:25–11:05 a.m.
  • Session 3 — 11:10–11:50 a.m.
  • Session 4 — 12:30–1:10 p.m.
  • Session 5 — 1:15–1:55 p.m.

Faculty Lead

Nichole Sullivan

What Does a Physical Therapist Assistant Do?

Students get a real look at how PTAs help people move, recover, and get back to the activities they love. In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn the difference between physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs)—and then jump straight into the skills PTAs use every day.

You’ll practice real patient‑assessment techniques, explore common treatment interventions, and try out activities that show how PTAs help people improve strength, mobility, and balance. If you’re interested in healthcare, sports, fitness, or helping people recover from injuries, this session gives you a close‑up look at a career built around improving lives.

Campus EXPO

  • East Grand Forks — November 10

Session Details

  • Session Type: Interactive Workshop
  • Capacity: 25 students per session
  • Sessions Offered: 3

Available Sessions

  • Session 3 — 11:10–11:50 a.m.
  • Session 4 — 12:30–1:10 p.m.
  • Session 5 — 1:15–1:55 p.m.

Faculty Lead

Justin Berry

Picture This: A Day in Medical Imaging

Step into the world of medical imaging with this hands‑on experience in Northland’s radiography lab. Participants learn how radiologic technologists position patients, operate imaging equipment, and create diagnostic X‑ray images. You’ll practice patient positioning, move the X‑ray tube, and even make an exposure while discovering the essential role radiologic technologists play in healthcare.

This interactive session offers a fun, realistic look at what it’s like to work in medical imaging and how radiographers help providers diagnose injuries and illness.

Campus EXPO

  • East Grand Forks — November 10

Session Details

  • Session Type: Interactive Workshop
  • Capacity: 12 students per session
  • Sessions Offered: 5

Available Sessions

  • Session 1 — 9:40–10:20 a.m.
  • Session 2 — 10:25–11:05 a.m.
  • Session 3 — 11:10–11:50 a.m.
  • Session 4 — 12:30–1:10 p.m.
  • Session 5 — 1:15–1:55 p.m.

Faculty Lead

Christina Fontaine

Destructive Weld Testing

Students get a close‑up look at how welds are tested in both the program and the industry. In this interactive workshop, you’ll bend and pull apart prepared weld samples to see how strength, technique, and material performance are evaluated. It’s a hands‑on way to explore welding quality, testing methods, and the skills employers look for in the field.

If you enjoy working with tools, building things, or learning how materials behave under stress, this workshop gives you a practical look at a career where precision and technique matter.

Campus EXPO

  • Thief River Falls — November 17

Session Details

  • Session Type: Interactive Workshop
  • Capacity: 10 students per session
  • Sessions Offered: 5

Available Sessions

  • Session 1 — 9:40–10:20 a.m.
  • Session 2 — 10:25–11:05 a.m.
  • Session 3 — 11:10–11:50 a.m.
  • Session 4 — 12:30–1:10 p.m.
  • Session 5 — 1:15–1:55 p.m.

Faculty Lead

Joel Ziegler

Spark Up Your Career in Welding

Explore the world of welding through a high‑energy, multi‑station demonstration led by Northland’s Welding Technology students. Attendees will rotate through four hands‑on demo stations: a weld simulator, SMAW (Stick) welding, plasma cutting, and GMAW (MIG) welding. Each station is run by current welding students who explain the process, equipment, and skills used in real industry settings.

This demonstration session gives students an exciting look at welding techniques, safety practices, and the tools used to build and repair metal structures across many industries.

Campus EXPO

  • East Grand Forks — November 10

Session Details

  • Session Type: Demonstration Session
  • Capacity: 20–24 students per session
  • Sessions Offered: 5

Available Sessions

  • Session 1 — 9:40–10:20 a.m.
  • Session 2 — 10:25–11:05 a.m.
  • Session 3 — 11:10–11:50 a.m.
  • Session 4 — 12:30–1:10 p.m.
  • Session 5 — 1:15–1:55 p.m.

Faculty Lead

Chase Fennell

Campus Services & Information Booths

Drop‑in booths available throughout the day. Meet staff, ask questions, and learn how Northland supports students—from tutoring and financial aid to athletics, transfer pathways, and student life.

Support for Every Student, Every Subject

The Academic Success Center helps students build confidence and succeed in their classes. ASC tutors support writing, math, chemistry, nursing, science, and more—and can also help with resumes, cover letters, email access, and D2L/Brightspace.

Whether you’re looking for help with a tough assignment, want to strengthen your study skills, or need guidance navigating college tools, the ASC is here to support your success.

Stop by the booth to learn how tutoring works, what subjects are available, and how the ASC can help you stay on track throughout your college journey.

Campus EXPOs

  • East Grand Forks — November 10
  • Thief River Falls — November 17

Representatives

Lisa Heichel, Cory Floden

Get Involved. Get Connected.

Athletics & Student Life helps students find their place on campus through sports, clubs, events, and involvement opportunities. Their team supports student engagement, wellness, leadership development, and the activities that make Northland a fun and welcoming community.

Whether you’re interested in joining a team, getting involved in campus events, or learning how student‑life services support your college experience, the Athletics & Student Life booth is a great place to start.

Stop by the booth to explore athletic programs, student activities, campus resources, and ways to get connected at Northland.

Campus EXPOs

  • East Grand Forks — November 10
  • Thief River Falls — November 17

Representatives

Kelsey McLean, Cory Floden

Earn College Credit While You’re Still in High School

PSEO lets high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors take real college courses at Northland—earning both high school and college credit at the same time. It’s a chance to challenge yourself, explore new subjects, and get a jump‑start on your college journey without paying tuition for eligible courses.

Stop by the booth to learn how PSEO works, what classes you can take, how credits transfer, and how students use PSEO to explore career pathways before graduation. Whether you’re curious about trying college early or looking for ways to save time and money on your degree, this booth gives you everything you need to get started.

Campus EXPOs:

  • East Grand Forks — November 10
  • Thief River Falls — November 17

Representatives:

Lisa Gunderson

Support That Helps You Thrive

College isn’t just about classes—it’s about your whole experience. Northland Counseling Services is here to support students academically, personally, and emotionally. At this booth, you’ll learn how counselors help with stress, time management, goal‑setting, mental health resources, and navigating challenges that come up during high school or college.

You’ll also discover how counseling services connect students with tools that build confidence, resilience, and a strong start to their college journey. Whether you’re planning ahead or simply curious about what support looks like at Northland, this booth gives you a welcoming place to ask questions and explore what’s available.

Campus EXPOs:

  • East Grand Forks — November 10
  • Thief River Falls — November 17

Representatives:

Rebecca Johnson

Your Path to Affordable College Starts Here

College is more possible than you think—and the Financial Aid team is here to show you how. Stop by this booth to learn how grants, FAFSA, and financial planning can help you save money, reduce stress, and build a clear path toward your future goals.

You’ll get answers to real questions students ask every day:

  • How do I apply for financial aid?
  • How much does college actually cost?
  • How do I make a plan that fits my life?

Whether you’re exploring PSEO, planning for your first year of college, or just trying to understand how financial aid works, this booth gives you the tools to make smart, confident decisions about your education.

Campus EXPOs:

  • East Grand Forks — November 10
  • Thief River Falls — November 17

Representatives:

Lisa Bottem, Tiffanie Bieganek, Caitlyn Rodriguez, Luis Alvarado

Your Journey Begins Here

The Liberal Arts & Transfer Pathways booth helps students explore academic foundations, transfer options, and flexible pathways that support every program at Northland. Liberal Arts gives students an affordable, time‑friendly way to start their college education and build a strong foundation for almost any career. At this booth, you’ll explore how Liberal Arts develops essential communication, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills that transfer into every industry.

You’ll also learn how Northland’s Transfer Pathway programs provide the first two years of most bachelor’s degrees, offering seamless transfer into Minnesota State universities, the University of Minnesota system, and many out‑of‑state institutions.

Students can explore General Education, the Z‑Degree (zero‑textbook‑cost A.A. option), and how Liberal Arts helps you discover interests, build academic momentum, and prepare for long‑term goals.

Campus EXPOs

  • East Grand Forks — November 10
  • Thief River Falls — November 17

Representatives

Liberal Arts Faculty & Dean

Ready to Participate?

Help high school students explore careers, experience Northland programs, and discover what’s possible after graduation.