University chancellor touts hard work and preparation

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Dr. Ham Shirvani, chancellor of the North Dakota University System, speakes at Carrington High School Wednesday. Shirvani talked about the Pathways to Student Success Plan.

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CARRINGTON, N.D. — A successful education is all about hard work and preparation, according to Dr. Ham Shirvani, chancellor of the North Dakota University System. Shirvani talked about education and the state’s new Pathways to Student Success plan with sophomore, junior and senior students at Carrington High School Wednesday.

“Do your homework and take advantage of the great teachers you have here,” he said. “Finish the core courses and then go to one of our 11 colleges and universities in North Dakota.”

Shirvani spoke to the assembly about his past work in education including his drive to succeed. He said he studied up to six hours per day outside the classroom during his early education.

“Who here would like to have a new Corvette in a few years?” he asked. “Working hard at your education is the way to accomplish that.”

Shirvani said the Pathways to Student Success Plan should help students realize those types of goals.

“What this is, is a clearly defined course to take to prepare for college success,” he said.

The Pathways plan sets admission standards for the University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University, a second lower set of standards for entrance to Valley City, Dickinson, Mayville or Minot State universities and allows any graduate to enroll in one of the five two-year colleges.

The admission standards include a student’s ACT score, GPA and the number of core classes the student takes, which is capped at 16. Core classes include classes in the math, science and English fields.

“It raises the standards,” Shirvani said. “With the economic opportunities North Dakota has, it deserves better. Why not have the best education system rather than just a good one?”

Nikki Braaten, president of the Carrington High School student council, said the school is already doing a good job.

“We’re definitely being prepared well for higher education by our teachers,” she said. “And with the Pell Grants, I don’t have to worry so much about money.”

The federal Pell Grant is based on financial need and student status and does not have to be repaid by the student.

Shirvani’s talk included information on grants of up to $5,500 for students from households earning less than $70,000.

Overall, he said his message to students was about optimism.

“This message is about how hard work makes a lot of things possible,” he said. “We want to build self-confidence about the opportunities that exist.”

Sun reporter Keith Norman can be reached at 701-952-8452 or by email at knorman@jamestownsun.com

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