UMC Summer News
University of Minnesota, Crookston

Volume 16, Number 38, July 1997
www.umcrookston.edu/UMC_Bullletin/bulletin.htm

Copy Deadline for August UMC Summer News Monday, August 18, 12:00 noon
Contact Barb Weiler: weiler@mail.crk.umn.edu

Torch & Shield Nominations Due by End of August

Nominations for the Torch and Shield Award are due in the Chancellor’s Office by the end of August. If you have questions about the nomination process, please call me at 8435.

--Barbara Weiler

Knowlton Named Acting VC

I'm pleased to announce that Dr. Douglas Knowlton will serve as acting vice chancellor for Academic Affairs effective July 1, 1997 for the next academic year.

Dr. Knowlton is associate professor in Special Education at the University of North Dakota. He has a BA from the University of Denver and a MA and PhD from the University of North Dakota in Psychology.

He brings a strong counseling and teaching background to UMC. He recently served as chair of the Minnesota Technical College Board before the merger of three public college systems in Minnesota into MNSU.

We welcome Doug to UMC.

--Donald Sargeant

Faculty/Staff Annual Fund Drive

As of Wednesday July 11, 1997, 44 faculty and staff have made a financial commitment to UMC as part of the 1997-98 annual fund drive. The dollars are designated as follows:

Academic and unrestricted programs - $9,988
Teambackers and Athletic Scholarships - $7,179
Total dollars for 97-98 - $17,167

A special thanks to all of you who participated in this year’s fund drive. Your continued support is very much appreciated. If you haven’t made your gift this year, please send it to the White House as soon as possible.

--Allan Larson

July 25 New Student Registration

The next date for Academic Advisement and Registration for new students is July 25. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the day will end around 2:30 p.m. Information tables will be set up in Morsels and will be staffed beginning at 8 a.m. The welcome session will be held in Brown Dining Hall at 9:30 a.m. We are expecting approximately 50 new students on campus and look forward to another successful day.

I hope to see you all there!

--Russ Kreager

Baird Co-authors Paper

Phil Baird is the co-author along with Jim Dyer of a recent paper published in the technical journal, Plant Ecology. The paper is entitled, "Wind disturbance in remnant forest stands along the prairie-forest ecotone, Minnesota, USA," and details research that Dyer and Baird conducted at the Rydell National Wildlife Refuge near Mentor as a follow-up to the severe wind storm on Father's Day in 1994. Dyer was a geography professor at the University of North Dakota and is now at Ohio University in Athens. Baird and student assistants continue to collect certain monitoring data on the effects of this historic storm.

--Dan Svedarsky

Windels APS President

Carol E. Windels was elected president of the American Phytopathological Society (APS), a national organization of over 5,000 plant pathologists. She will serve as vice president of APS in 1997, president-elect in 1998 and president in 1999.

--Larry Smith

Student Support Services Grant to Be Funded

UMC has received preliminary information from the U.S. Department of Education that our Student Support Services Grant application has been recommended for funding. The start date of the grant will be 9/1/97 and advertising for project staff will begin as soon as official notification is received.

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.

Eight specific objectives have been established: identify and select participants, provide comprehensive assessment, implement in-depth services to increase academic skills, retain and graduate students, increase enrollment of graduates in graduate and professional programs, ensure full financial assistance to participants, and improve the institutional climate.

The major focus of the project will be on personal, career and academic advising, and tutoring and supportive services to help participants successfully complete their academic program. Staff will provide close monitoring, feedback, and intervention in order to enable students to maintain academic progress and remain in good academic standing.

Project staff will consist of:

• director, 100%
• two counselors/advisers, 100%
• administrative assistant, 50%
• math/science inst., 50%/9 mo.
• English/writing inst., 20%/9 mo.
• reading inst., 20%/9 mo.
• ten student tutors/mentors

The grant provides approximately $160,000 annually for a total of $800,000 over the five year grant period. Rita Meyer, former vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, was the grant author.

--Bob Nelson

Jacobson Receives Award

Marlyn Jacobson received the Outstanding Alumni Award for 1996 at the annual meeting of the Delta Theta Sigma (DTS) Agricultural University of Minnesota fraternity.

He was recognized for his exceptional service to international agriculture: at the University of Damascus in Syria in 1983 through the United States Agency for International Development; Krasnador, Russia, at the Privolonge Farm in 1994; and at Kuban Gosagru University in Russia in 1996.

--Larry Smith

Fall Orientation

Keep those academic robes out, because ’97 Fall Orientation is coming up quickly, and we’ll be wearing those robes at Orientation Convocation. This orientation event will include information about academic tradition, a formal introduction of faculty and staff and a keynote speaker to talk about "new beginnings." Mark your calendar – new students arrive on campus Friday, September 5. Students will meet with academic advisors at 3 p.m. We’ll all eat together at 5 p.m. and have the convocation at 6:15 p.m. before families leave.

Let’s all help our new students get a good start this fall with academics at the heart of their orientation experience.

--Lynnette Mullins & Kami Trowbridge

U Conducts Student Experiences Survey

Late spring quarter, students on all four University of Minnesota campuses were randomly selected to participate in a Student Experiences Survey. Students' opinions about their education are an important element in the set of 14 critical measures established by the Board of Regents to evaluate University 2000, the plan to further improve the student experience and the University. To date, only 42% of the UMC students selected have returned completed surveys. If you received a survey and have not yet returned it, you are strongly encouraged to do so as only you and your fellow students are uniquely able to comment on the student experience. You may complete the paper survey sent you, or you may complete an electronic survey at the following WWW site http://www.opa.pres.umn.edu/specproj/critmeas/survey/

If you have any questions contact Rossana Armson at the Minnesota Center for Survey Research at 612-627-4282 or arms001@maroon.tc.umn.edu

--Bob Nelson

Dean McCleary Comprehensive Review

A committee was appointed to conduct a comprehensive review of Dean McCleary performance as vice chancellor for Finance. Dean and I have reviewed and discussed the report, and he will be using suggestions from the review. We thank the committee and the 129 individuals who took the time to complete the review survey.

I am pleased to continue Dean McCleary’s appointment as vice chancellor for Finance.

--Donald Sargeant

Robert Nelson Comprehensive Review

A committee was appointed to conduct a comprehensive review of Robert Nelson’s performance as vice chancellor for Student Affairs. Bob and I have reviewed and discussed the report, and he will be using suggestions from the review. We thank the committee and the 96 individuals who took the time to complete the review survey.

I am pleased to continue Bob Nelson’s appointment as vice chancellor for Student Affairs.

--Donald Sargeant

WORK GROUP REPORTS

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

Faculty and Staff Professional Development
Membership: Les Johnson (chair), Marv Mattson, Sharon Neet, Mario Prada, Don Cavalier, Robbie McGurran, Mary Rerick, John Zak.

Goals and an implementation plan were established.

• Goal #1 - Improve communications among and between departments and divisions on UMC’s campus
• Goal #2 - Effectively explain UMC’s retirement, dental, health and life insurance benefits to employees.
• Goal #3 - Clarify which department/office on campus will act as a resource on grant writing efforts.
• Goal #4 - Increase the level of competency and expertise of faculty and staff on Windows 97 and MS programs.
• Goal #5 - Effectively communicate with faculty and staff training and professional development options available within a person’s discipline

Finance
Membership: Dean McCleary (chair), Bonnie Anderson, Gary Willhite, Bob Johnson, David Crawford, Soo-Yin Lim-Thompson, Lance Reitmeier, Marlene Raddatz, Jason Mattson, Tonya Sperr.

The team reviewed the critical measures for Cost per FYE and measured actual performance and future projections to those original benchmarks established in December of 1992 and revised benchmarks as of April 1993. Current projections show UMC to be outperforming the original and revised benchmarks in this area.

Recommendations:

Technology Access Fee

• Greater than 11 credits - $320
• 8 to 11 credits - $180
• 3 to 7 credits - $ 50
• Less than 3 credits - $ 00
• Summer Rental - $175
• Summer Rental-Other - $225

Hold 97-98 tuition increases to the 2.5% guideline in order to make us more competitive and to assist with enrollment goals.

Student Service Fees to increase as follows:

• Student Service Fee - $81.50
• Student Legislative Co. - $2.00
• Yearbook - $ 3.50

Food Services meal plans rates to increase 2.5% for 97-98.

Residential Life Rates to increase as follows:

• Skyberg - $578
• McCall - $561
• Lee - (4,5,6 per apt.) - $589
• Brink - $589
• Robertson - $561
• New Apartment - $660
• Single Room Rate - $180

Parking Rates to increase as follows:

• All lots (annual) - $46
• All lots (quarterly) - $21
• Lots E & K (annual) - $18
• Reserved park (annual) - $100

Children’s Center Rates to increase as follows:

• Infant - $18.00/day
• Toddler - $16.75/day
• Preschool - $14.00/day
• School Age - $ 4.25/day

The following rates and fees have a 0% increase proposed: Bookstore Markup, Laundry, Orientation Fee, Late Fee, Installment Fee, Late Registration Fee, Transcript Fee, First Place, Registration Fee.

Information Resources-Technology
Membership: Bill Peterson and Phil Baird (co-chairs), Pam Neil, Kathe Lemmerman, Dan Lim, Don Medal, Jane Sims, Bruce Brorson, Peggy Sherven, Jeff Sinks, Owen Williams, Twyla Treanor, Sonia Spaeth, Paul Aakre, Fred Eldridge, John Fridgen, Rita Resendiz, Andrew Svec.

Sub-committees:

Program Quality - Student policies were reviewed.

Outreach - Selected courses have been computer delivered in a distance education format on a limited, experimental basis. Procedures and policies are being developed as course offerings are expanded for next year.

Faculty and Staff Experiences - Faculty computers were upgraded to the 365 model including CD ROM drives, allowing faculty to review and use extensive instructional materials being published in a CD ROM format. Office 97 training was scheduled.

Facilities Management - Classroom renovations include Dowell Hall 114, 115, 301 and Hill 215 and 104. Extensive changes are recommended for Owen 111 and 118, turning 111 into a technology equipped laboratory.

Work Group Summaries
This is the second in a series of Work Group Reports. The following reports will be included in the August issues of UMC Summer News: Program Quality, Research and Technology Transfer, Strategic Planning, Diversity

Civil Service Pay Plan

The 1997-98 pay plan for employees covered by the Civil Service Rules and the student employees has not been approved. This will necessitate retroactive salary adjustments when the plan is implemented. We will update you when there is an approved pay plan.

--Linda Inman

1996-97 Student-Athletes Grade Point Average

Overall Grade Point Average for 187 Student-Athletes was 2.65.

--Marv Bachmeier

UMC and University Extension Technology Partnership

Close to 100 UMC student computers are at work this summer in County Extension Offices. The U of M Extension Service has provided special non-recurring grants that include funds for the computer leases and training programs conducted by UMC faculty/staff. One project is providing assistance to several County Extension Offices in the development of web home pages. Grant money is supporting UMC students who are giving technical assistance. Demonstrations of the projects will be given August 14 when President Yudof visits NW MN.

--Barbara J. Muesing

LeAnn Nelson appointed UMC K-12 Coordinator

LeAnn Nelson, Argyle MN has a one-year appointment as K-12 Coordinator at UMC The position reflects the University's commitment to serve the interests of K-12 schools in the state, particularly in the area of technology.

LeAnn is on leave from her position as technology coordinator and teacher for the Stephen/Argyle school system. She holds teaching degrees from Mayville State and the University of North Dakota.

Technology is a major priority of UMC's work with K-12 Schools in the region. Funding from the University's Distance Education Office will support organizing a design team of teachers from K-12 schools and the College of Education and Human Development. The design team will develop professional education opportunities to help teachers use technology to improve teaching and learning.

--Barbara J. Muesing

Position Announcement

Director Position: Full-time, annual, renewable position based on funding and performance. Responsibilities include: on-site supervision of project staff, maintain monthly and quarterly project activity reports, conduct project evaluation, serve as liaison between the project and the college, provide direct service to project participants, compile data and develop the annual performance report, write and submit all grant applications, negotiate all aspects of the TRIO programs with the U.S. Department of Education; and serve as liaison between TRIO projects and UMC's executive team. Employment begins September 1, 1997.

Minimum qualifications: master's degree in counseling, education, or related field; at least two years supervisory experience and experience providing counseling, academic advisement or instruction at the college level; knowledge of academic and career assessment instruments, ability to relate to racially and culturally diverse individuals, knowledge of post-secondary systems, careers and education/training needed to reach those careers, financial aid programs and application procedures, special needs of and compensatory strategies for physically and learning disabled individuals; and demonstrated good communication and interpersonal skills.

A letter of application; current resume; college transcripts; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references must be postmarked no later than August 1 and mailed to: Robert Nelson, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, UMC, 2900 University Avenue, Crookston, MN 56716. UMC is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

Visit UMC Human Resources Home Page at http://webhome.crk.umn.edu/~ljohnson/HR/UMCHR.htm .

--Les Johnson

UMC Elderhostel

Three Elderhostels have come and gone this summer, and we have one more in August. Thank you to all of the UMC community that has been so helpful with all of the weeks. If you need anything else, let me know. Thanks.

--Barbara Ricord

Office 97 Training

About 2/3 of faculty and staff have attended Office 97 Training. More training will be offered in August. Please check ITC Web Page for schedules. Faculty who have not had Office 97 installed on their notebook computers, please request this through the Computer Center. All faculty and staff should be on Office 97 by September 1.

--Dan Lim

Making Technology Work in Agriculture

Technology is revolutionizing agriculture and agriculture education. Join UMC faculty and staff and regional agriculture educators on Tuesday, August ;19, at UMC for an exciting half day of demonstrations and activities showcasing technology innovations in agriculture education.

Activities begin at 3 p.m. with several demonstrations of technology applications by UMC faculty and staff followed by a social hour and dinner. For more information or to register, contact jsims@mail.crk.umn.edu or call 8101.

UMC Website Use Report Summary

Recent reports compiled from UMC’s WWW server logs indicate that UMC’s website use is growing.

As of March 3, 1997, UMC’s website was being accessed by an average of 435 individuals per day for an average length of 11 and a half minutes per session. On average, roughly 24% of those sessions originated from off-campus somewhere in the U.S., nearly 4% from international origins, and the remaining 72% from on-campus users.

By late April and early May, 1997, UMC’s website was being accessed by an average of 721 individuals per day for an average "user session" of 12 minutes, 45 seconds.

For June 1997, (with the departure of UMC students and most faculty and staff) the average number of individual user sessions dropped to 269 per day, lasting an average of almost 12 minutes. The number of individuals accessing UMC’s website from off-campus in the U.S. rose to over 51% of the total, international origin rose to 8%, and on-campus users fell to 40%.

There is evidence that UMC’s on-line advertising with the Star-Tribune On-Line and the Fargo-Moorhead Forum On-Line is bringing visitors to UMC’s site, as the number of user sessions from Minnesota and North Dakota doubled from the March report. For June Minneapolis and Fargo, neither of which were listed in the March report, appeared in the "Most Active Cities" accessing UMC’s site.

--Andrew Svec

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Publication Information:
UMC Summer News is published by University Relations monthly in June, July and August. Copy deadline is 12 noon June 9, July 14 and August 18. Please send items for UMC Summer News electronically to weiler@mail.crk.umn.edu or by phone at 8435.

© 1997 by the Regents of the University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
Last Updated: Monday, July 28, 1997
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