May 14, 2003

New online portfolios available for students, teachers and residents through Minnesota State Colleges and Universities

Contact: Nancy Conner, Public Affairs, (651) 296-0541 or Barb Schlaefer, Public Affairs, (651) 296-9443

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities today launched a groundbreaking tool that will enable students, teachers and jobseekers throughout the state to create their own Internet-based portfolios and showcase their achievements.

The new eFolio Minnesota, at www.efoliominnesota.com, is the nation's first statewide electronic portfolio system.

"Now eFolio Minnesota will help you go beyond the traditional paper résumé and easily build a Web site that demonstrates your accomplishments using photos, video, audio and graphics," said Linda Baer, senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, in an announcement at Century College in White Bear Lake.

"This new portfolio system puts Minnesota at the forefront in online technology for the state's citizens," said Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Chancellor James H. McCormick. "Our development of eFolio Minnesota fits our strategic plan and reflects our commitment to helping Minnesotans succeed in life and work."

New users can begin building their eFolios as soon as they sign up on www.efoliominnesota.com and are issued a password and Web address. Online tips and an electronic and telephone help desk are available as people build and personalize their eFolios. Individual eFolios also can include interactive surveys and links to other Internet sites.

"It's an ideal career and educational development tool for students and jobseekers, because it allows them to organize and store their achievements and demonstrate their success to prospective employers and educational institutions," Baer said.

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities developed the system with support from the Minnesota Department of Economic Security OneStop Service Center. Funding came from a U.S. Department of Education congressional award. The system is powered by Avenet, a Twin Cities-based technology firm.

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System comprises 33 state universities, community colleges, technical colleges and combined community and technical colleges located on 53 campuses across the state. The system serves approximately 235,000 students annually in credit-based courses and another 130,000 in non-credit courses.

Note: For eFolio Minnesota contacts and additional information, contact Nancy Conner or Barb Schlaefer.