BOZEMAN – Montana State University has set a new spring enrollment record with 15,717 students attending classes this term, as well as seeing the highest fall-to-spring student retention in a decade. 

The spring headcount, which is tallied after the 15th day of classes each semester, showed that MSU enrolled 1,954 graduate students and 13,763 undergraduates, including 1,141 students in Gallatin College MSU, which houses the university’s one- and two-year programs. Gallatin College MSU’s enrollment showed a 15% increase over last spring semester. 

“For years, we have been working hard not only to attract students to MSU but also to have them persist in their studies so that they can graduate on time,” said MSU President Waded Cruzado. “The spring enrollment numbers speak of the hard work that students, faculty and staff have invested in our efforts. Commendations are in order, as a student-centric culture of academic excellence and collaboration is evident at MSU.” 

In terms of keeping students in school, the university reported that 90.1% of first-year students remained enrolled from fall to spring, a measure known as fall-to-spring retention. This is a 2% increase over the prior spring and the highest rate recorded in the past 10 years. 

“Our goal is to have every student who comes to Montana State leave with a degree,” said Chris Kearns, vice president for student success. “MSU offers broad support to help students stay in school and keep on track to graduate.” 

One of the university’s most recent supports for students is the new navMSU app, a central platform where students can locate campus resources, call up their class schedules, make appointments with academic advisers and even contact classmates to set up study sessions – all through a student’s mobile phone. 

Another important support program is the recently opened Off-Campus Student Life Office in the Strand Union Building, a one-stop shop where students can find help with the transition to living off campus. The office provides information about what to know before signing a lease, help finding roommates and referrals for basic legal services, nutrition and mental health support, childcare and more. 

“Helping students secure their basic needs allows them to focus on their studies and on earning their degrees,” Kearns said. 

The university also saw a 2% increase in full-time equivalent enrollment, FTE, which tallied 13,858. That FTE number represents the total number of credits taken by all MSU students divided by 15, which is considered a full credit load. 

“The university encourages students to take 15 credits, or more, per semester. A strong FTE number is a sign that more students are heeding that advice. Doing so helps them stay on track and graduate in four years,” said Bob Mokwa, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost.

Mokwa pointed to MSU’s Freshman 15 program as one of reasons for increased FTEs. The Freshman 15 is a marketing program that urges students to take at least 15 credits per semester to save money and graduate more quickly. Credits beyond the first 12 per semester do not cost additional tuition, so taking more courses per semester not only helps students graduate on time but can save them thousands of dollars in tuition over their years at MSU. 

Other statistics from MSU’s spring enrollment: 

• MSU enrolls the largest number of Montana residents of any college or university in the state, public or private. Montana residents numbered 7,991 in the spring headcount. 
• MSU recorded 546 dual enrollment students, an increase of 18% over last spring. Dual enrollment offers Montana high school students the opportunity to earn high school and college credit at the same time through approved classes. 
• Gallatin College MSU led the university in enrollment growth, increasing 15% over the prior spring. The Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship and the College of Arts and Architecture also saw spring-to-spring enrollment growth of 7% and 5%, respectively. 

On January 26, 2023, the Gallatin County 911 Dispatch Center received a non-emergency call of gunshots inside a residence during an altercation. Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the residence southwest of Belgrade. Responding deputies made contact with three occupants who were able to quickly confirm this was a false report.

It is another occurrence of a growing public safety concern commonly known as “swatting” where an anonymous caller falsely reports active killing or imminent killing of innocent civilians.  This call prompts law enforcement to respond in anticipation of encountering an act of active violence creating tense, confusing and dangerous situations with unwitting citizens and law enforcement.

On this occurrence, after determining no altercation had occurred and through subsequent investigation, the male caller was identified as Ray Saldana Flores of Helena, Montana.  As the events Mr. Flores had described were consistent with felonious acts in the State of Montana, deputies obtained an arrest warrant for Mr. Flores for False Reports to Peace Officers (Felony).

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office in coordination with the Helena Police Department located Mr. Flores who was taken into custody on January 27, 2023. Mr. Flores’ phone was seized with the application of a Search Warrant where the cellular phone application was identified which was used to make the phone calls and texts using out of service phone numbers on the phone. Deputies were able to track Mr. Flores’ location during internet searches and activity placing him in Helena just before the non-emergency call was made.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to make it clear, False Reports to Peace Officers (Swatting Calls) put the general public at risk. Individuals who make false reports in Gallatin County will be arrested in accordance with their reports. Sheriff Springer would like to thank the Gallatin County Attorney’s Office for their cooperation in obtaining necessary warrants and the Helena Police Department for arresting the offender.

If you have information regarding swatting calls, please call 406-582-2100.  If successfully prosecuted, you may be eligible for a crime stoppers reward.

BOZEMAN – Montana State University’s Off-Campus Student Life program has a new physical address where students may seek advice and referrals to help them make a successful transition into living as good neighbors in the Bozeman community.

The new office is located in Room 286 of the Strand Union Building, just north of the cafeteria area on the main floor. It officially opened Tuesday morning after a brief ceremony at which Marianne Brough, director of MSU’s Office of Student Engagement, called the office a “one-stop shop,” where students can find help meeting their basic needs so they can concentrate on academics and finish their degrees.

The office will be staffed weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and serve as a hub for students who are looking for roommates and places to rent; referrals to various resources providing nutritional and mental health support, legal services, child care and basic transportation; and information about what to look for when choosing a place to live and what to know before signing a lease.

Students identified the need for an off-campus life office about three years ago, with initial planning led by former student body president Norris Blossom and other student leaders, said Lucas Oelkers, current president of the Associated Students of Montana State University, or ASMSU. In response, the Off-Campus Student Life program launched last year with a website and advising available by appointment. It proved so popular that ASMSU sponsored an initiative to house the program in a physical office.

“This is a monumental occasion at the university,” Oelkers told assembled students, faculty and staff Tuesday, shortly before a ribbon cutting.

Chris Kearns, MSU’s vice president of student success, said campus administrators welcomed the opportunity to expand the pilot program by creating office space in the student union building.

“We identified how helpful it would be to coordinate resources around campus and provide some additional resources,” Kearns said.

MSU’s Dean of Students Matt Caires agreed. “This is probably one of the most important things I’ve seen us do in years,” he said. “During their sophomore year, most of our students move off campus. When a 19-year-old steps into an apartment setting to deal with roommates and neighbors, those are adult responsibilities. And in large part, these young people struggle with that.”

For example, staff can direct students to services like tutoring, mental health support or the campus food pantry, Bounty of the Bridgers.

“We want this to be a service to help ensure that every Bobcat on campus is secure in their basic needs and connected to meet those basic needs so that they can put the majority of their energy and attention on their coursework,” Kearns said.

Oelkers said the manifestation of the Off-Campus Life office is one more example of an ASMSU initiative designed to help students achieve their educational goals. He cited the recent award of a $1.5 million U.S. Department of Education grant to MSU’s Child Care Access Means Parents in School as another.

“ASMSU is always here to support students,” he said.

On February 14, 2023, at 6:37 am, Gallatin County dispatch received a call for a stranded ice climber in Hyalite Canyon near the Chisholm Campground. The climber was dressed for cold weather and had means of communication but needed help getting out due to a disabled vehicle and heavy snowfall.  

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Valley Section responded to the Lower Hyalite Trailhead and deployed two teams.  One team deployed on snowmobiles while the other deployed on a tracked side by side.  

The teams located the climber as well as a second stranded individual that needed help. Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers performed medical assessments and transported both parties out of Hyalite Canyon.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the stranded recreationalists for being dressed for the weather and having communication devices.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

HELENA – Owners of motorboats, sailboats or personal watercraft need to get new, free 2023-2026 validation decals for their watercraft soon. The current red decals expire Feb. 28.

Boaters who have permanently registered their boats, sailboats, or PWC must still obtain two free boat validation decals every three years at FWP regional and area offices, or by going to the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov/activities/boating.

Owners who order validation decals on the FWP website will receive the decals in the mail. Information included on a current boat registration receipt issued by the county treasurer is needed to obtain the decals in person or on FWP's website.

For new boat or personal watercraft owners, the county treasurer's office will provide the first set of validation decals when the watercraft is registered. Boat owners will obtain subsequent sets of validation decals at a FWP regional or area office, or online.

For more information, visit FWP's website or call 406-444-2535.

The PulsePoint Respond mobile phone application will increase community awareness of medical emergencies and alert and direct CPR-trained individuals nearby to cardiac arrest victims. 

Gallatin County 911 and the fire departments within Gallatin County announced the launch of PulsePoint today, a mobile phone application designed to support public safety agencies by increasing cardiac arrest survival rates through improved bystander performance and active resident support.

“This is a great opportunity to involve the community in the life-saving efforts that occur every day,” stated Gallatin County 911 Director, Tim Martindale.

Gallatin County’s 911 dispatch center has formally integrated the use of the PulsePoint application with the 911 computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system. When a 911 dispatcher receives and identifies a call related to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), the information on the CAD system will automatically trigger a PulsePoint application push notification.

“Time is one of the most critical factors when someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest,” said Bozeman Fire Chief Josh Waldo. “Having the PulsePoint mobile app to alert nearby CPR-trained citizens strengthens our entire response system and increases the likelihood of someone surviving the cardiac arrest.”

Greg Megaard, Big Sky Fire Chief, also noted the importance of the right person at the right time, adding, “During a cardiac event, time and training is essential to making a difference in the outcome.”

Anyone with the app who is located within a 0.25-mile radius of the incident can receive a push notification to the location of the closest publicly accessible automated external defibrillator (AED) to render aid.

“The emergency medical systems with the highest save rates in the world all start with the same thing – early CPR from bystanders who help when they see someone in need,” Greg Tryon, Fire Chief at Central Valley Fire District, stated.

The PulsePoint app is available for download on Google Play and the iPhone App Store.

About the PulsePoint Foundation
PulsePoint is a public 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation that builds applications for use by public safety agencies to increase community awareness during critical events. The PulsePoint Respond mobile app notifies trained individuals of the nearby need for CPR and the PulsePoint AED registry identifies AED (automated external defibrillator) locations for use by the public and 911 telecommunicators during emergency call taking. PulsePoint also provides specialized mobile apps for professional responders. Learn more at pulsepoint.org or join the conversation at Facebook and Twitter. The free app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.

About Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Although a heart attack can lead to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), the two are not the same. SCA is when the heart malfunctions and suddenly stops beating unexpectedly, whereas a heart attack is when blood flow to the heart is blocked, but the heart continues to beat. Each year, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur, making it the leading cause of death in the United States. Survival rates nationally for SCA are less than eight percent, but delivery of CPR can sustain life until paramedics arrive by maintaining vital blood flow to the heart and brain. However, only about a third of SCA victims receive bystander CPR. Without CPR, brain damage or death can occur in minutes. The average EMS response time is nine minutes, even in urban settings; after 10 minutes there is little chance of successful resuscitation. The American Heart Association estimates that effective bystander CPR, provided immediately after SCA, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival.

Nursing can be an incredibly rewarding yet demanding field. With long working hours and often physically-demanding shifts, it's easy to feel stuck in a rut with your career. However, there are numerous ways you can give your nursing career a boost. From using social media as a tool for networking to industry certifications that increase your value and credibility within the profession, this article offers five tips to help reignite your passion for nursing and propel you toward success. 

Invest in Your Education

Investing in courses or certifications is a great way to increase your chances of promotion and job security. This could be anything from online post master's FNP certificate open to Montanans or from which city you are in, to more specialized certifications focusing on particular nursing areas. Ensure your pursuit aligns with your career goals and helps you distinguish yourself from other professional nurses.

When choosing a course or certification, consider the cost and time commitment. That way, you can make an informed decision that is right for you. The extra effort will pay off in the long run as you develop new sets of skills and knowledge that can help you land a better job.

Utilize Social Media

Social media is a potent tool for networking and boosting your nursing career. The key to success with social media is to be strategic; don't just post random updates and hope for the best. Instead, research and determine which platforms are most relevant to your industry and goals.

Once you've done that, start engaging with other nurses in your field. Join relevant discussion groups and participate in conversations about topics related to nursing. You can also use social media to promote yourself as a professional nurse. However, remember to be careful with the information you share, as social media can be a double-edged sword.

Take on New Responsibilities

Taking on extra responsibilities and volunteering for new projects is a great way to show your commitment and dedication to nursing. It's also an excellent opportunity to develop new skills and increase your value in the workplace. Not only will this help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or promotions, but it will also give you a chance to gain experience in other areas of nursing. The more you challenge yourself, the better your chance of advancing your career and developing your skills.

Take Care of Yourself

It's essential to take care of yourself physically and mentally when it comes to nursing. When you're tired or stressed, staying focused on your job can be challenging, so make sure you're taking the time to rest and recharge. Anxiety and burnout are serious nursing issues, so prioritize your mental health and well-being. This could mean anything from sleeping more at night to doing a yoga class or reading a book in your spare time. 

Seek Out Mentorship Opportunities

One of the most valuable resources to have in your corner is a mentor, someone who can give you advice and guidance and support during difficult times. Mentorship opportunities can come from various sources, such as current colleagues, teachers, or professional organizations. Having a mentor can be incredibly beneficial for nurses, especially regarding career advancement. Your mentor will be able to provide insight into the industry and help you figure out ways to achieve your professional goals.

Nursing is a challenging but rewarding career. By utilizing the tips outlined above, you can ensure that you are on the right path toward success and have a fulfilling experience as a nurse.

Elías Warshaw uses a jackhammer to remove overburden at the Daspletosaurus wilsoni quarry.
Photo courtesy Dickinson Museum Center

BOZEMAN – Millions of years before Tyrannosaurus rex roamed western North America, generations of its multi-great-great-grandparents likely dwelt and evolved in what was then a much warmer, balmy environment, according to a recent scientific paper by a Montana State University student.

Elias Warshaw, a senior studying paleontology in MSU’s Department of Earth Sciences in the College of Letters and Science, is the lead author of an article published in the journal PeerJ that analyzes a fossil discovered in Montana's Valley County in 2017 and suggests it is a missing link in T. rex’s evolutionary chain.

Warshaw was part of the team that unearthed the Daspletosaurus wilsoni fossil — named after former MSU student Jack Wilson who discovered it — from beneath 25 feet of rock in the badlands north of Fort Peck Reservoir. Warshaw joined the dig as a sophomore in 2021 and started writing the paper even before the entire specimen was out of the ground.

He and co-author Denver Fowler, an MSU alumnus and curator of the Badlands Dinosaur Museum in Dickinson, North Dakota, compared the fossil nicknamed Sisyphus to two other Daspletosaurus species – one about a million years older and the other about a million years younger. Though all are members of the tyrannosaurid family that includes T. rex, the three species were found in geologic strata deposited at different times. Warshaw said this indicates that they represent consecutive rungs on an evolutionary ladder connecting one ancestor species to its descendant, rather than separate lineages originating from common ancestors but evolving into individual species that co-exist in the same time period, like humans, apes and other primates.

“It’s the best explanation of the data we have available, but we never really know anything for sure because the sample size in dinosaur science is so small,” Warshaw said. “It’s something that will require more work going forward.”

Sisyphus was an adult tyrannosaur, measuring about 30 feet long at the time of its death approximately 76.5 million years ago. The fossil has eye sockets and skull properties similar to T. rex, which lived 10 million years later. And like the older specimen, Daspletosaurus torosus, Sisyphus has a prominent set of horns around its eyes.

The PeerJ paper states that characteristics of the three specimens lend credence to the theory that several species of Daspletosaurus evolved along a single lineage from which T. rex descended.

Warshaw said publishing a scientific paper as an undergraduate “is a dream come true.” He has written another that is in review and is working on two more.

A native of New York, Warshaw came to MSU as a freshman in January 2020 to continue his lifelong study of dinosaurs. He learned about MSU because he was a fan of renowned paleontologist Jack Horner, the longtime curator of paleontology at the Museum of the Rockies who retired in 2016.

Fowler, who earned his doctorate in paleontology from MSU in 2016, said four to five MSU paleontology students usually participate in the Dickinson museum’s field work each summer, as Warshaw did in 2021.
“On the walk out to the site every day, Elias was talking a lot about different aspects of tyrannosaurid evolution and anatomy. He had obviously done lots of reading and explored this on his own time,” Fowler said. Realizing that Warshaw was an excellent candidate for a graduate program in paleontology, to which admission highly competitive, “I thought, ‘He needs a specimen,’ and asked, ‘Do you want to describe it?’ I was confident he would be able to do so, and he was up for that.”

Fowler explained that Warshaw’s base knowledge of paleontology was quite extensive and his thinking advanced. He lauded Warshaw’s willingness to think in different, even unpopular, directions and consider multiple hypotheses about the tyrannosaur family tree.

Warshaw exhibited his scientific steadfastness when he and Fowler attended the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology annual meeting in Toronto in November 2022, shortly before their paper was published.
“He hadn’t presented at a professional meeting before, but he knew the details better than I did,” Fowler said. “He was handling himself well with all the tyrannosaur experts.”

Fowler says he routinely reaches out to students in MSU’s paleontology program, which he speaks highly of. He said the program offers classes that typically aren’t available to undergraduate students elsewhere, including one in comparative anatomy that heightens understanding of the fossil record; it serves and nurtures both students who wish to pursue research and those who don’t; and it is affiliated with the Museum of the Rockies, which Fowler describes as “an enormous resource for anybody interested in fossils.”

“I got this job (at Badlands) because of my experience at the Museum of the Rockies,” Fowler added.
Paleontologist David Varricchio, MSU professor of earth sciences, said the university attracts many exceptional paleontology students from across the country and outside the U.S. He counts Warshaw among them.

“Elias is one of those very bright and motivated students,” said Varricchio, who advised Warshaw on an independent study of tyrannosaurs that required mastery of advanced analytical techniques.

Of the paper, Varricchio said it reflects the growing refinement of knowledge about dinosaurs in specific layers of the rock record and is also notable because of its author.

“Seeing a manuscript through to publication is a lot of work – anytime an undergraduate does that, it’s quite impressive,” he said.

Though Warshaw has been enrolled at MSU for only three years, he has taken a heavy course load, putting him on track to graduate as soon as he finishes his summer field course, which is the senior capstone for paleontology students. He said MSU gave him the flexibility each semester to proceed at his own pace while still leaving him time to pursue opportunities like the Badlands Dinosaur Museum’s field work.

He plans to continue to study paleontology with the goal of becoming a researcher who works with fossils so that he can look for answers to “endless questions, most of which we will never know the answers to,” he said. “That’s part of the fun.”