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September 5 , 2006
In this Issue:
- Chancellor's Opening Day Address Stresses Mission, Goals
- Fourth Annual Regional Economic Synergy Conference Set
- Center for Economic Research Hosts Fall Seminars
- Financial Certificate Planning Workshop Underway
- Global Kids language classes offered this Fall
- Elementary Spanish class offered by UW-Stout
- 15th Annual Career Fair scheduled for Oct. 18
- The Troubles in Northern Ireland
- Growing the Next Generation of Informed Citizens: Citizen Journalist Model
- Key Business Contacts
1. Chancellor's Opening Day Address Stresses Mission, Goals
Chancellor Don Betz welcomed back nearly 500 University of Wisconsin-River Falls faculty and staff with a strong message of purpose and mission on Aug. 21.
"Of the 6,050 incoming students coming to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls community, among them will be 1,300 new freshmen, so get ready," said Betz. "
Betz stressed several key initiatives based on the university's newly redefined mission, vision and values in his keynote address. These included retention of first- and second-year students, a commitment to civic engagement and service-learning, globalization and international linkages, sustainability, and leadership.
Among the endeavors, Betz outlined the installation of a new Chancellor's Leadership Council; preparations for re-accreditation from the North Central Association Higher Learning Commission; a new First-year Experience/Students in Transition office; creation of a leadership institute on campus; strengthening of the new Center for Interdisciplinary Study, founded by an alumna gift to the university; and the start of a new committee to explore, promote and strengthen sustainability efforts on campus.
He also stressed smart growth on campus as directed by the UW System. "We are fortunate in that UW-River Falls is strategically placed geographically to maximize that enrollment growth potential," he said. Betz also pointed out that the UW-River Falls Foundation had a banner year with alumni support at an all-time high.
The core of Betz's address resounded with the mission of helping students become productive, ethical and engaged citizens.
"By what we say and what we do, what we think and what we value, by what we embrace and what we reject, we shape and define our lives and our communities. Much of that influence will be actualized in the thoughts and deeds of those students. As a university, a community of scholars, teachers and learners, it is our expressed intention that we create each day the optimum possibility for personal growth and a sense of social responsibility ... and it is equally imperative and intentional that we do this together.
"This is seminal and life-shaping work before us," concluded Betz. "This appears to be a unique era in human history, this global century of ours."
2. Fourth Annual Regional Economic Synergy Conference Set
Don’t forget to register for the fourth annual Synergy Conference hosted by The University of Wisconsin-Stout on Sept. 20-21.
The conference provides an opportunity for leaders in business, community, workforce development, government, health care and education to focus on issues and find practical solutions to the challenges that accompany economic growth in a nine-county region of West Central Wisconsin. The region includes the counties of Barron, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce, Polk and St. Croix.
Keynote speakers include Rebecca Ryan, founder of Next Generation Consulting, and Jack Schultz, author of Boomtown, USA. There will also be breakout sessions on affordable health care, economic development, education, quality of life, and workforce development in the region.
The registration fee is $119. To register or for more information, visit the conference Web site at http://wcw-synergy.net or call UW-Stout Outreach Services at 715/232-2793, toll free 800-457-8688.
3. Center for Economic Research Hosts Fall Seminars
A number of timely business seminars with provocative topics are scheduled for the Friday Seminar Series by the Center for Economics Research at the UW-RF.
An exploration of business ethics and religion, "Business Ethics is from Mars, Religion is from Venus: Why the Two Need to Talk," is presented by Brian Huffman, a UW-RF professor of management, on Sept. 29 from 3:15 to 4 p.m. in Room 321, South Hall. Huffman offers a perspective on why society needs a dialogue between religion and business.
Upcoming seminars include an exploration of the value relevance of foreign currency on Oct. 13; decision-making factors in failing projects on Nov. 3; organizational challenges in launching new products on Nov. 17; and economics literacy in high schools on Dec. 1.
All seminars are free, open to the public and designed for students, educators, business people and community leaders. A refreshment and social time precedes each seminar at 3 p.m. in Room 317, South Hall.
The Friday Seminar Series is designed to share relevant research of UW-RF faculty, staff and students and industry leaders with the greater community. The seminar schedule may be subject to change.
The mission of the CER is to assist and encourage research that supports the mission of the UW-RF College of Business and Economics as well as other colleges within the university. The center also provides a Web-based outlet for research efforts at www.uwrf.edu/cer.
For more information about the CER, contact director Hamid Tabesh, 715-425-3335 or hamid.tabesh@uwrf.edu.
4. Financial Certificate Planning Workshop Underway
Planning for the first of five classes that comprise the UW-RF’s Financial Planning Certificate is underway.
“Financial Planning Process and Insurance” covers the legal, ethical, and regulatory issues affecting financial planning and the time-value of money concepts that are the basis for successful financial planning. Insurance principals and risk management that help in identifying a client's needs are also discussed.
Classes are held in the evenings to accommodate working professionals. Contact the Outreach office at outreach@uwrf.edu to be notified when dates are set.
5. Global Kids language classes offered this Fall
Open your child’s world! Give the opportunity to explore another language and culture through songs, games and hands-on activities in Chinese, German or Spanish.
Global Kids is offered for children in K-5 grades and may be taken in one or two, eight-week sessions. Each language offers an introductory fall session with the opportunity to build on the knowledge gained with a winter session.
Instructors are enthusiastic individuals chosen for their teaching and language abilities. Classes begin Sept. 18 on the UW-River Falls campus and at Zanie Janie's Activity Center in downtown River Falls.
Enrollment is limited. Register online or contact the UW-RF Outreach office at 715-425-3256 or email to outreach@uwqrf.edu for a registration form or more information.
Global Kids is co-sponsored by UW-RF Outreach and Zanie Janie at Check It Out in River Falls.
6. Elementary Spanish class offered by UW-Stout
UW-Stout is offering a 10-week program beginning Sept. 11 for those who want to learn elementary Spanish.
This program is for individuals, who work with Spanish speakers in medical, dental, agricultural, hospitality, business, construction, law enforcement and legal services, as well as people who want an introduction to spoken Spanish for personal growth, travel and family interactions.
Classes will be Mondays and Thursdays, from 6:30-9 p.m. Detailed information and registration available at http://www.uwstout.edu/outreach/conf/spanish.
7. 15th Annual Career Fair scheduled for Oct. 18
Your organization is cordially invited to the 15th Annual UW-River Falls Career Fair, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Karges Gymnasium.
The Career Fair is an ideal opportunity for your business to attract potential employees or interns. The Career Fair provides the opportunity to match qualified candidates with employer needs. UW-River Falls generates a pool of highly qualified students every year. Last year’s Career Fair attracted nearly 1,000 students.
Please note: Reservations for the Career Fair are on a first-come, first-served basis. We have invited more than 1,500 organizations to participate, but we have a maximum capacity of 100 booths. Please register early to secure a booth for the UW-RF Career Fair 2006.
Questions about the Career Fair? Contact Tracia Gimbut, Career Fair Coordinator, by email at cfcoordinator@uwrf.edu or by telephone at 715/425-3572.
8. The Troubles in Northern Ireland
Right now, there is peace in Northern Ireland – with hopes for workable shared governance. But for 30 years, the struggles of the different factions operating there resulted in the deaths of more than 3,500 people, and the injury of thousands more. These events have confused and frightened people worldwide. Is there a real chance for lasting peace?
Join presenter Kenneth Olson, UW-RF English department, for an assessment and perspective on the troubles in Northern Ireland, including the politics and incidents of conflict, the culture, and climate for change. Olson has traveled and studied extensively throughout Ireland.
This is one of four Community Classroom events sponsored by the College of Arts and Science and the Outreach office this fall. All events are free and open to the public. The lecture is Thursday, Sept. 14, and begins at 7 p.m. in the lower level of the River Falls Public Library on Division and Union streets in River Falls. No reservations are required.
For more information, visit the web site at www.uwrf.edu/outreach or contact the Outreach office at outreach@uwrf.edu or call 800-228-5607.
9. Growing the Next Generation of Informed Citizens: Citizen Journalist Model
Are we prepared for what will happen when it’s time for today’s younger citizens to take the helm of government? How do members of all generations move beyond the Internet to harness the power of American media, and to have our voices heard as “citizen journalists” and future leaders.
Join Patricia Berg, associate professor of journalism at UW-River Falls, for a discussion on our role in recapturing the American media for our citizens.
This is one of four Community Classroom events sponsored by the College of Arts and Science and the Outreach office of UW-River Falls this fall. All events are free and open to the public.
The lecture is Thursday, Oct. 5, and begins at 7 p.m. in the lower level of the River Falls Public Library on Division and Union streets in River Falls. No reservations are required. For more information, visit the web site at www.uwrf.edu/outreach or contact the Outreach office at outreach@uwrf.edu or call 800-228-5607.
10. Key Business Contacts
Don't know where to start to find help on business matters?
Try these contacts:
Area Resource Center: www.uwrf.edu/current/info/AtoZ.phtml
Career Services: www.uwrf.edu/ccs/
Center For Economic Research: 715/425-3335
Center for Economic Education: 715/425-3269
College of Business and Economics:
www.uwrf.edu/cbe/
Outreach and Graduate Studies: www.uwrf.edu/ogs/
Small Business Development Center:
715/425-0620
Survey Research Center: 715/425-0701
UW-RF BizNews is produced by the College of Business
& Economics, Outreach and Graduate Studies, Career
and Counseling Services, and the Office of Public Affairs.
Questions, comments or suggestions about this BizNews
E-mail? Contact Mark.A.Kinders@uwrf.edu.
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