UMC Summer News
University of Minnesota, Crookston

Volume 16, Number 39, August 1997
www.umcrookston.edu/UMC_Bullletin/bulletin.htm

This is the last issue of the UMC Summer News for 1997. Regular issues of the UMC Bulletin will begin delivery with the first week in September. Please remember that copy deadline for the each issue is Tuesday noon.

Contact Barb Weiler: weiler@mail.crk.umn.edu

From the Chancellor

Enclosed in this issue of UMC Summer News is the Fall 1997 Opening Events Schedule. Please note that everyone is invited to the opening breakfast on Tuesday, September 2, at 7:30 a.m. in Brown Dining Room. It will be a good opportunity to greet each other and to welcome our new faculty and staff.

There will be a number of new individuals joining us this year on a full or part-time basis. I look forward to greeting you on the 2^nd and another exciting and challenging year together.

--Donald Sargeant

Regents at UMC

The University of Minnesota Board of Regents will hold their meeting on the Crookston Campus September 11 and 12. President Yudof will also be on campus at that time. A full schedule will be available later.

--Donald Sargeant

Yudof Visits NW MN

University President Yudof visited Ada, Crookston and East Grand Forks on August 14. The Extension Service coordinated the agenda which focused on flood related programs. Traveling with the president were Extension Dean Kathy Fennelly, Agriculture Vice President Mike Martin, and Commissioner of Agriculture Gene Hugoson. Deb Zak, NW MN Extension Director planned the day’s activities which included a report from the Norman County Extension Educators and the Helping Hands 4-H project.

--Barbara Muesing

NCA Accreditation

UMC's last North Central Association (NCA) accreditation statement of affiliation status (SAS) indicated that a report be filed out as soon as possible indicating that an external audit be completed. This week UMC received a letter indicating that NCA had accepted the external audit report by Coopers & Lybrand.

Therefore, no further reports are required. A focused visit on the transition from a two-year to a four- year status documenting maintenance of quality and reporting on developments which have helped or hindered these efforts will be scheduled in 1999-2000 with the next comprehensive evaluation scheduled for 2004-2005.

--Donald Sargeant

New Apartments

The new West Side Apartments are nearing completion on the campus. The 12 two-bedroom apartments will house 48 students during the academic year and host several groups during the summer months. Look for our open house this Fall! If you will be in need of securing summer housing for a workshop, conference or a family reunion contact me at 8530.

--Gary Willhite

Student Support Services Grant Funded

UMC has received official confirmation from the U.S. Department of Education that our Student Support Services grant application has been funded. The grant is in the amount of $180,000 a year for four years.

The project will provide counseling, faculty and peer tutoring and mentoring, and academic and supportive services to low income, first generation and disabled students in order to increase their retention and graduation rates.

Project staff will consist of a Director (100%), two Counselors/ Advisers (100%), an Administrative Assistant (50%), a Math/Science Instructor (50%/9-months), an English/Writing Instructor (20%/9-months), a Reading Instructor (20%/9-months), and ten Student Tutors/Mentors. Finalists for the director's position will be interviewed on campus the last two weeks in August and will begin employment on, or as soon after, September 1 as possible. Applications for the Counselor/ Adviser positions closed on August 15th.

--Bob Nelson

New Student Academic Convocation

Something new to orientation activities this year will be an opening convocation ceremony to be held on Friday, September 5, at 6:15 p.m. The Orientation Committee has designed this event to stress the importance of academics to our new students. At the conclusion of a short program, faculty and staff who provide direct support to students will be introduced. The session will conclude with refreshments and an opportunity to visit with new students, parents and family members.

--Donald Sargeant

Bookstore Update

On July 30^th I presented a bookstore financial/ operations report to the Executive Committee. To summarize that report, the bookstore profitability has been volatile for the last nine years and has operated at a loss for five of the last six years. A number of steps have been taken to address profitability issues including a request for a formal University audit which was conducted on April 14^th, 1997. To date, neither the changes which have been implemented nor the audit recommendations have completely addressed the financial concerns.

A decision was made to hire a bookstore manager to bring in additional expertise to this operation. Cindy Tyler’s position of office specialist will remain unchanged as she will continue to serve in that capacity along with the new Bookstore Manager. Other changes which will likely be implemented by Fall Quarter are:

1. Possible increase in price markups for books, clothing and supplies.

2. Discontinuation of 20% discounts for staff members.

3. A reduction in the supply discount given to departments from 20% to 10%.

4. Adding security services (Western Security) during the first week of each quarter.

Decisions were made after much consultation which included exploring partnerships with the U of M Bookstore and contract leasing options. We are optimistic that the changes that will be implemented will bring the UMC Bookstore to a higher level of service and profitability.

--Dean McCleary

RA's Return August 26

Resident Advisors will report to campus on August 26 for a week of training. RA's help make residence hall living an educational experience and are available to assist as students adjust to college life.

--Gary Willhite

Summer Technology Extension Projects

Thanks to Don Medal, Peggy Sherven, Vern Markey, Dan Lim and Andrew Svec for their help with Extension Technology summer projects.

One-hundred UMC computers have supported extension activity in 20 Minnesota counties including the Pathways to Education project for White Earth and Red Lake Native American youth, the Helping Hands 4-H camp program in East Grand Forks, nutrition education for low income families in Hubbard County, and the development of web home pages in 10 northwest Minnesota counties. The two projects were funded by Extension Program Grants that provided more than $30,000 to the campus for computer leases, training and student internships.

--Barbara Muesing

U of M, AFSCME Reach Tentative Accord

The University of Minnesota and representatives of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)

have reached a tentative agreement that would raise the pay of the approximately 3,000 AFSCME member clerical and technical employees on all campuses of the university. The agreement includes general wage adjustments in each of the two years of the new contract. The university will release specifics of the agreement in the coming weeks.

AFSCME members will vote on the contract during the first week in September. The university will submit the contract to its board of regents for approval at the board's September meeting.

--University News Service

Visions for Change Grant

UMC has been awarded a Visions for Change Grant from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation to host an Institute to educate young women about career opportunities and leadership roles in traditional and non-traditional occupations related to agriculture and rural America.

This program is scheduled for summer 1998 and is targeted towards young women in 9th and 10th grades. A series of seminars, workshops and discovery activities will help participants identify their interests, goals and career opportunities. Speakers from agricultural or rural-connected organizations, industry and helping professionals services will mentor participants, and educational counselors will assist them in mapping out preparatory courses to meet their career goals. Participants will be matched with mentors for on-going support and advising.

The Institute is a collaboration of UMC; University of Minnesota Extension Service; and Minnesota Agri-Women. For more information call 8101.

--Jane Sims

Executive Committee

The former Operations Committee has been renamed Executive Committee.

--Donald Sargeant

Summer Institute for Ag Career Exploration

The Office of Life Work Development, Department of Children, Families and Learning has awarded a planning grant to UMC for a Summer Institute for Agricultural Career Exploration and Leadership to be hosted at UMC in June 1998. The Institute will focus on the development of youth as a major resource for the future of agriculture and will provide opportunities to expand agricultural career awareness and leadership skills. Youth from rural and urban areas will be invited to attend the Institute.

A Planning Partnership committee has been formed with representation from the University of Minnesota; Department of Children, Families and Learning; FFA Foundation; agricultural associations and agribusiness. For more information call 8101.

--Jane Sims

Holsinger-Fuchs Elected

Pam Holsinger-Fuchs was recently elected to the Board of Directors for the Minnesota College Personnel Association. MCPA is a statewide organization representing personnel in Student Affairs. Pam will be serving a two-year term as a delegate-at-large representing the University of Minnesota. Anyone interested in membership inform-ation should contact her at 8505.

--Bob Nelson

Service Projects

Sunday, September 7 from 1-4 p.m., I will be coordinating community service projects. This will be with all of the new students and will involve projects such as trail cleaning at the cross-country ski trails, Care and Share Center, Villa Nursing Home, etc. I could use some faculty or staff that would be willing to go along with the groups to help facilitate the work projects. If anyone is able to help with this please contact me at 8505. Thanks.

--Pam Holsinger-Fuchs

Oseth Named Tennis Coach

Jeff Oseth was appointed head women’s tennis coach, assistant men’s basketball coach and equip-ment manager. Jeff has been the assistant men’s basketball coach since 1995, and was the head women’s tennis coach last year at UMC. His new position is a 10-month, full-time position. We welcome Jeff to our coaching staff full-time.

--Marv Bachmeier

Fall Orientation

Yes, it is getting close to that time again. Fall orientation is just around the corner! We have an exciting agenda scheduled for Orientation ’97 and are looking forward to all events planned. New students will have the opportunity to meet their faculty advisors starting at 3 p.m. on Friday, September 5. A formal dinner will be held for all new students at 5 p.m. in Brown Dining Room. All parents are invited to attend at their own expense. A separate dinner will be provided in Morsels for all faculty and staff participating in the Convocation. Orientation Convocation will follow the dinner at 6:15 p.m. also in Brown Dining Room. This orientation event will include information about academic tradition, an introduction of faculty and staff and a keynote speaker to talk about "new beginnings." Join in the celebration and welcome our new students to UMC.

--Lynnette Mullins
--Kami Trowbridge

Citizens Jury

The final report from the Citizens Jury held at UMC May 5-9 is now available from the Outreach Office. Call 8681 for a copy. The project brought together 12 Polk County citizens to identify priorities for K-12 education.

Twenty-seven witnesses provided testimony, including school superintendents, teachers, students, parents and community leaders. Tim Strom, legislative analyst with the Minnesota House of Representatives, made a 3-hour presentation on education funding via interactive television.

Over the week, the jurors were asked to study how public education is funded and to make recommendations about fiscal policy and outcome goals. The report lists eight problem statements with solutions and actions suggested for each.

The project involved UMC, U of M Extension, The Humphrey Institute, and the Jefferson Center. UMC Faculty Member Lynne Mullins and Extension Educator Peg Braaten were coordinators.

--Barbara Muesing

AmeriCorp

AmeriCorp now housed at UMC. There will be 20 volunteers

that will work with youth in Crookston. The program is called Youth Works. There will be 18 within the school district serving as class room aides and tutors and working with enrichment and after school programs.

One volunteer will be working with the Service-Learning Office to set up opportunities for students to be involved in community service and to provide support to faculty that integrate Service-Learning into their classes. One volunteer will be assisting the RSVP office with projects; another volunteer will be full-time in the UMC Children's center.

Volunteers receives a living allowance and at the end of their volunteer commitment of 1700 hours they receive a $4,725.00 educational award that can go towards future schooling or can pay off past loans. We will have two UMC graduates working with this program. Our hope is also that some of the other 18 will chose to use their educational awards here at UMC when they are finished since they will be familiar with the college. UMC is offering the office as an in- kind contribution. All the wages are paid by the National Service Corp. This is a program started by President Clinton.

--Pam Holsinger-Fuchs

Jerry Nagel Review

A committee was appointed to conduct a comprehensive review of Jerry Nagel’s performance as director of the Red River Trade Corridor. Jerry and I have reviewed and discussed the report, and he will be using suggestions from the review. We thank the committee and the individuals who took the time to complete the review survey.

The review will be shared with the Red River Trade Corridor Board. I am pleased to continue Jerry Nagel’s appointment as director of the Red River Trade Corridor.

--Donald Sargeant

From Minneapolis Mayor

Gary Willhite and Tim Harrison assisted the city of Minneapolis in providing flood relief support to the East Grand Forks/Polk County area.

By providing housing to the city of Minneapolis staff, the University of Minnesota, Crookston helped us be on the scene when we were needed. This collaboration between the University and the city of Minneapolis is important and highly valued.

Thank you so much for the fine work. I hope that I am able to visit your campus some day.

--Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton,

Hallinglag

On behalf of the Hallinglag of America, I would like to thank you for the fine facilities your institution provided for our annual event this summer. The staff, housing accommodations, food service and over-all facilities were outstanding. We hope it will be possible to return to the college for another Hallinglag some time in the future.

--Belvin Heieie

Valley Christian Fellowship

On July 13, Valley Christian Fellowship held its last Sunday service in Bede Hall before moving to our new facility. On behalf of our church, I would like to thank you and your staff for consistently and courteously serving us and working with us.

We have many special memories of our times at UMC. We will miss the wonderful grounds and flowers that help make the campus a special place.

--James D. Schaar, pastor

WORK GROUP REPORTS

Brief summaries from the 11 Working Groups have been in the UMC 1997 Summer News. If you would like a complete report, contact the Work Group chair.

Program Quality
Membership: Robert Nelson and Arlyss Grosz (co-chairs), Don Cavalier, Robbie McGurran, Richard Nelson, Bill Peterson, Carolyn Jopp.

The group reviewed and revised Program Quality Indicators Grid (PQIG), a summary form, numeric or checks. The group developed a second form (program specific) to provide opportunity for the identification of qualitative measures not reflected in the PQIG form, and drafted forms review by Academic Administrative Committee.

Recommendations: Pilot use of forms to gather program information during 1997-98 and revise forms as needed.

Research and Technology Transfer
Membership: Marilyn Grave and Richard Nelson (co-chairs), Sue Brorson, Allan Larson, Vern Markey, Dean McCleary, Barbara Muesing, Ed Wene and Jochum Wiersma.

The group:

• Conducted faculty/staff surveys.
• Developed proposal for creating/maintaining an inventory of research, scholarship and artistic accomplishment.
• Developed a proposal for creating/maintaining a database of grants and other sponsored research.
• Evaluated project management needs and options.
• Assess information dissemination and propose improvements.
• review/survey private sector collaborators, assess opportunities.

Considerations/Recommendations:

• UMC research should differ from the traditional academic norm.
• Serving the needs of a rural populace is at the heart of UMC mission. Applied research and technology transfer focus on products and services that make a difference in the daily lives of the population.
• Different measures of value are in order for institutional value and productivity.
• UMC has under-utilized research capacity.
• Investment in research can increase return to the institution, the customer and the region.

Strategic Planning
Membership: Barbara Muesing (chair), Arlyss Grosz, Russ Kreager, Lynne Mullins, Ken Myers, Richard Nelson, Del Roelofs, Jeff Sings, Donella Westphal, Deb Zak.

Goals and Actions:

• Goal #1 - Developed definition for UMC University Collaborative Outreach Partnerships, identified current, emerging and potential collaborative outreach partnerships.
• Goad #2 - Designed tables to document current UMC outreach activity and another to project and document growth.
• Goal #3 - Identified and recommended new University collaborative outreach partnerships, and outreach activity.
• Goal #4 - Analyzed current summary information gathered from UMC image surveys, recommended future surveying strategy and developed benchmarks and measures for UMC image.

Volunteers housed

Over the past couple of months UMC has housed hundreds of volunteers in campus residence halls. Many of the volunteers have been members of service clubs or church groups who have assisted in the clean up efforts in the East Grand Forks-Grand Forks area.

--Gary Willhite

Paradise Scholarship

The William R. Paradise Memorial Scholarship fund has been established by family and friends who desire to perpetuate Bill’s interest and memory. The scholarship will be awarded to freshman students majoring in management.. Preference will be given to accounting students. The committee’s goal of $10,000 has been surpassed: Contributions to date - $13,472; Pledges in future years - $4,400; Total - $17,872.

--Del Roelofs

Residence Halls

Over 415 students have reserved rooms on campus this fall. On Monday, August 18, over 100 students moved into the halls as part of the fall sports programs (football, volleyball and soccer). Residence Halls will open for new students at 9 a.m. on Friday, September 5, and for returning students at 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 7.

--Gary Willhite

Graduate Classes

Graduate classes are again being held fall quarter on ITV from the Twin Cities and Duluth. Human Resource Development is the program from the Twin Cities and Cross Disciplinary Study of Young Children and Families is the program from Duluth. For more information and a list of the classes, please contact 8681.

--Barbara Ricord

Elderhostel

Elderhostel had a successful summer on UMC's campus. Four weeks were held on computers with a total of 109 people attending from 23 states and 1 Canadian province. Thank you to everyone in the campus community that helped make it a success.

--Barbara Ricord

Dining Services Update

Meal plans will begin on Monday September 8^th for the breakfast meal. Meals during orientation are separate and not included in the Dining Service’s meal plan.

Dining Services also has employment positions open for students that are interested in applying. We are in need of work study eligible students and students that can work over the lunch hour. Please stop in at the Dining Services as soon as you can to apply.

New Meal Plan Policy

Morsels (the c-store and daily short order store) credit and meal plan values are now interchangeable. Unlike past years when Morsels money and meals were not interchangeable students now have the opportunity to transfer the cash value of their meals into Morsels credit.

Off Campus Students

Off campus students may also purchase a meal plan for the same cost and same benefits as on campus residents. The off campus students are eligible for all drawings, special dinners and giveaways offered to students throughout the year.

Off campus students may also purchase a descending balance account that functions in the same manner as a meal plan.

Stereo Giveaway

Any student that purchases a meal plan can be eligible to win a CD stereo at the end of the school year. A student becomes eligible for the draw when they return original meal card at the end of the school year. Guidelines for being eligible are as follows:

• The student must have the card they were issued at the beginning of the year. (once you lose your card you are not eligible)
• The card must still be in good working order, and undamaged. (No cracks etc.)

Meal Plan Costs

Due to increase costs, the price of meals will be going up. The breakfast meal will now cost $3.35, the lunch meal will cost $4.65, and the dinner meal will cost $5.25.

There has also been some changes in Morsels as well. Meal contract users will no longer be able to able to use a meal swipe when eating at Morsels in the evening. If using your meal card you must use ‘Morsels money’.

The set up in Morsels will also be changed including the addition of a daily deli line, some menu changes, and the ordering line will change as well. We realize some of the changes may take a little time to start running smoothly, but we believe once the new system is in place it will be a much quicker, more efficient system.

--Debbie Stumblingbear

Web Pages for Students, Faculty, Staff

This fall, each technology-fee paying student will have a web account that will allow the student to post and maintain his or her own web pages. Also, all faculty and staff will have web accounts to post their own web pages. The most exciting part about this is that individuals will be able to change/update their own pages directly from their own computer as long as they are logged onto the LAN.

Working with Don Medal, we have already set up most of the faculty and staff accounts. A working list can be found at:

http://webhome.crk.umn.edu/~asvec/webhome.htm

If you do not see your name on that list and would like a web account set up, please contact me immediately. I am especially concerned about part-time or adjunct faculty, since their names may not automatically come to mind when generating a faculty/staff list. I want to make sure that any faculty or staff member who wants a web account receives one.

Dan Lim and I are willing to assist any faculty or staff member in getting started with their web pages. Those who have attended Office 97 training should already have a good start, but they are encouraged to contact us if they have further questions.

The purpose of these faculty accounts is to provide UMC faculty and staff with another technological tool to use at their discretion. This does not mean that there has been any mandate to create web pages for each and every course at UMC, although that would be a great goal.

Guidelines for creating personal and official web pages can be found at: http://www.umn.edu/tc/guidelines/

Quick summation of those guidelines:

Elements that must appear on all faculty, staff, and student personal home pages are:

1. Name and e-mail address of the page owner
2. Date of the last update
3. Disclaimer:

"The views and opinions expressed in this page are strictly those of the page author. The contents of this page have not been reviewed or approved by the University of Minnesota."

Personal home pages may not contain the University wordmark, campus marks, or other symbols of the University or campus.

Unit heads are responsible for deciding whether or not to link to personal home pages from official department pages.

Please contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.

--Andrew Svec

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Publication Information:
UMC Summer News is published by University Relations. This is the last issue of the UMC Summer News for 1997. Regular issues of the UMC Bulletin will begin delivery with the first week in September. Please remember that copy deadline for the each issue is Tuesday noon. Please send items for UMC Summer News electronically to weiler@mail.crk.umn.edu or by phone at 8435.

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