MINNESOTA RIVER BASIN DATA CENTER 

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

 
INTRODUCTION
Education, Training and Professional Development at Minnesota State University, Mankato functions to:
  • Share research findings, exchange ideas about future research projects, and determine priority action items in the Minnesota River Basin.
  • Educate and provide training in the Minnesota River Basin for natural resource professionals and undergraduate and graduate students at Minnesota State University, Mankato. 
  • Provide information about the Minnesota River Basin to local community members.
The mission of this program is consistent with the mission of Minnesota State University, Mankato, which is to "promote learning through effective undergraduate and graduate teaching, scholarship, and research in service to the state, the region, and the global economy."


 
HISTORY
Education, Training and Professional Development originated with the Watershed Institute in 1999 by the Minnesota River Basin Joint Powers Board (MRBJPB).  The MRBJPB is represented by 37 Counties in the Minnesota River Basin.  The Watershed Institute was developed in response to local resource professionals in need of training.  Since 1999, the MRBJPB facilitated three workshops which included “Team Building”, Citizen Involvement”, and “Working at the Watershed Level”.  The Watershed Institute was transferred to the Water Resources Center at Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2001 to further develop curriculum and courses relevant for working professionals, board members and students.  The scope is much broader than anticipated to encompass a diverse audience with many areas of interest in the Minnesota River Basin. The MRBJPB changed its name in 2003 to the Minnesota River Board.


 
SCOPE
The University's diverse faculty along with the expertise of many local and regional contacts will create and use an interdisciplinary approach to promote training and higher learning at Minnesota State University, Mankato and with the local and regional community through effective collaborations, partnerships, teaching, and research.   Education, training and professional development  will be delivered in a variety of formats including lectures, seminars, workshops, field trips, and distance learning. 

Education, training and professional development serves to enhance the academic experience of undergraduate and graduate students, and working professionals by acquiring applicable knowledge and skills for successful current and future professions at the local, state, and national levels.  A certificate program integrates science, policy, communication, grant writing and administration, leadership and management, and planning. 


 
OUTCOMES
  • Research data and information can be shared with others about the basin in a meaningful way, which will facilitate the movement of future projects (implementation) and research.
  • Professionals will further develop the skills needed to successfully manage natural resources in the Minnesota River Basin.
  • Undergraduate and graduate students at Minnesota State University will be better prepared to manage natural resources in Minnesota and specifically within the Minnesota River Basin.
  •  Teachers will have the opportunity to gain information and educational resources to develop curriculum for their students to learn more about the Minnesota River Basin.
  • Community members will have the opportunity to gain information about the Minnesota River Basin for a better understanding of natural resource issues and the importance of their involvement.


Introduction
History
Scope
Outcomes

 

 

 

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Created January 9, 2003; updated February 10, 2004 .
Minnesota River Basin Data Center  Minnesota State University Mankato
184 Trafton Science Center S, Mankato MN 56001
Phone: (507)389-5492   FAX: (507)389-5493
Email: mrbdc@mnsu.edu