Vol. 35, No. 2 / September 3, 2003

Fall semester starts with record enrollment

Fueled by a record retention rate and a strong freshman class, UW-Green Bay opened its doors Tuesday to 5,411 students. Despite efforts to limit enrollment, including cutting off new-freshman applications on Feb. 14, the University reports a record full-time equivalent enrollment of 4,672. The higher FTE count reflects, in part, continued escalating demand and the fact that students are taking more credits. Final statistics will be posted in two weeks.

Highlights include soaring retention, top freshmen

A record 83 percent of freshmen who started here in fall 2002 returned to the University this fall. The retention rate is up 9 percentage points over 2002 and is 7 percentage points higher than the previous record. Officials credit the increasingly high-ability profile of incoming students and an institutional focus on retention. New-freshman characteristics include:

• Average high school GPA of 3.36, tied for highest ever
• 94 percent who graduated in the top half of their high school classes
• 22 valedictorians and nine salutatorians

Click http://www.uwgb.edu/univcomm/news/archive/2003sep.htm#start.

Classes will meet next week in L.S. despite holiday weekend 'flood'

Classes scheduled to meet in the remodeled first and second floors of the Laboratory Sciences Building are expected to be held as planned beginning Monday (Sept. 8) despite a Labor Day weekend flood that affected all four floors of the building and left water an inch deep in some places. The water was discovered about mid-afternoon Sunday, Aug. 31, flowing down the stairs from the rooftop penthouse. Dean Rodeheaver, assistant chancellor for budget and planning, said present assessments indicate that no University equipment was lost, but some maps, journals, books, and other paper materials no doubt are lost. Some ceiling tiles collapsed. The "biggest hits" were in the middle part of the building, particularly the Biology II lab and the soils/water/earth sciences support areas, he said. "No classes were cancelled as a result of the flood, a pretty remarkable feat given the amount of water," Rodeheaver added.

Rodeheaver gives double credit for L.S. building readiness

"From my perspective, the story is how the University and construction folks came together to get the first two floors ready for classes, and then did it all over again after a potentially disastrous flood," says Rodeheaver, characterizing the greatest loss from the flood as the time and work of faculty, staff and construction crews who had worked over the past weeks to get the building ready for students. "Their coordination and effort were incredible," he said. "And several of them were back here over the weekend getting rid of the water and getting materials dried out. As a result, damage was limited." Rodeheaver singled out Duane Kelsey from Facilities Management, Roger Gorzelanczyk and the Operations "crew," Professors John Lyon and Donna Ritch, and Miron Construction Co. Inc. foreman Ken Ziemer, who brought his wife and brother-in-law to help.

'Campus Party' am Freitag

Wir laden Dich ein zu unserer 'Wilkommen auf dem Campus' Party am Freitag, den 5. September von 14.00 bis 16.00 Uhr im International Center. Wir sehen uns! Besonderen Dank an unseren neuen Studenten, Holger Lehmberg aus Deutschland fuer seine Mithilfe in der Orientierungswoche. (Note to all of us with ethnocentric tendencies: we didn't say it would be an English translation.)

Hola! Guten tag! Welcome the international students on Friday

Now that we have your attention, the LOG ONline invites you to join others across campus for a welcome-to-Green Bay reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday (Sept. 5) in the International Center. See you there! Special thanks to new freshman Elsy of Mexico, Jaime of Spain, and Holger of Germany for their translation assistance with this week's issue. Students from Ireland, Denmark, The Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Viet Nam, and the U.K are also expected to be present at the reception in SS1900.

Cofrins return to campus for Gateway dedication ceremony

Members of the Cofrin Family from across the country gathered at UW-Green Bay last Friday to honor the late G. Douglass Cofrin and formally dedicate a portion of the campus Arboretum — a gateway path and gathering area — in his honor. Doug Cofrin died last year at age 59. His brothers Andrew, John Jr. and Peter, and a sister, Tish, returned for the ceremony, as did their aunt and uncle, Dr. David and Mary Ann Cofrin, along with other friends and relatives. In a courtyard ceremony and Weidner Center reception and dinner, speakers including Chancellor Bruce Shepard, Founding Chancellor Edward Weidner and Prof. Robert Howe praised Doug Cofrin's foresight in supporting early development of the Arboretum. For the full story, click http://www.uwgb.edu/univcomm/news/archive/2003aug.htm#gateway.

Photo gallery offers look at Cofrin celebration

Last Friday's ceremony was part dedication, part reunion, as Chancellor Emeritus Edward Weidner and members of the Cofrin Family who contributed to the establishment of the Arboretum in the late 1970s joined with others in celebrating the project's success and the legacy of Doug Cofrin. Photos are online at http://www.uwgb.edu/univcomm/news/photoarch/events/gateway1.htm.

Where is the Gateway? It's more than pergola

The G. Douglass Cofrin Arboretum Gateway is, much like the larger Arboretum, a gateway to greater scientific knowledge as well as public enjoyment of the natural environment. The Gateway path runs south from Mary Ann Cofrin Hall to connect with the main trail system at South Circle Drive. A focal point of the Gateway is the pergola, a trellis-like structure of posts and crossbeams located a short way down the path. When Virginia creeper vines become established, the structure will provide a shaded, outdoor staging area for classes and tours, and a meeting place and resting spot for casual use of the trails.

Breaking news: Upset in the Phoenix Phacts Challenge

The "Order of the UWGB Phoenix" team of Chancellor Bruce Shepard was (surprise!) upset in the opening round of the Phoenix Phacts Challenge this afternoon before a large and semi-boisterous crowd in the Nicolet Room. Watch for complete results in next Monday's LOG ONline, including snapshots of the aforementioned team captain in full wizard's regalia, which apparently held no magic on this day.

Campus community is invited to Liebl Hall ceremony on Sept. 8

Reminder: Members of the campus community are invited to stroll over for the dedication of UW-Green Bay's newest residence hall, Richard J. Liebl Hall, at 2 p.m. next Monday (Sept. 8). Also dedicated will be the Dewey Schrader Living Learning Center. Tours and a reception will follow the ceremony.

UW-Green Bay, Unity Hospice "Wit" project to explore end-of-life issues

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and Unity Hospice and Palliative Care are partnering on an innovative approach to exploring end-of-life issues. UW-Green Bay and Unity will bring the Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Wit" to Northeastern Wisconsin for four performances — two at the University Theatre and two at the Meyer Theatre — in October. "Wit" is an off-Broadway play about a 50-year-old English professor, Dr. Vivian Bearing, who has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The play will coincide with an Oct. 17 conference at UW-Green Bay for professionals who deal with end-of-life issues. To learn more about the "Wit" project, click http://www.uwgb.edu/univcomm/news/archive/2003aug.htm#wit.

Support "Wit" by dining at Max and Erma's Sept. 15

You can support the "Wit" project by patronizing Max and Erma's restaurant, 2340 Dousman St., on Monday, Sept. 15. Max and Erma's will donate 50 percent of its proceeds that day to Unity for the purpose of underwriting production costs of "Wit."

Images from move-in day

The FOCUS program's focus on offering new freshmen a helping hand was never more evident than at last Wednesday's newcomer move-in day at Residence Life. Photos? We have plenty, at http://www.uwgb.edu/univcomm/news/photoarch/events/03movein.htm.

Publicity for new Web site spotlighting 'connections'

Here's a reminder on the new Web site that showcases UW-Green Bay's strong connections to the community and region. For background, see our release at http://www.uwgb.edu/univcomm/news/archive/2003aug.htm#connect or click on the Press-Gazette's summary at http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/news/archive/local_12015920.shtml.

Late reminder: 'Surprise' for foreign filmgoers

If you want to know the title of the first in this fall's International Film Series sponsored by the Green Bay Film Society at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3 at the Neville Public Museum, you'll have to go. Until then, it's a secret.

No news to share in investigation of assault on jogger

Public Safety told local reporters Tuesday there is no new information to share regarding the investigation of last week's attempted sexual assault of a female jogger on a campus trail. It's the fifth item down, at http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/news/archive/local_12072207.shtml.

SOFAS the 8th reigns over Convocation

Prof. Ken Fleurant, the newly and duly appointed Secretary of the Faculty/Academic Staff, served as host and emcee, as is tradition for his position, at last week's University convocation. He offered serious introductory remarks about the nature of the academy and UW-Green Bay, but it is likely many in the audience will best remember his humorous use of the somehow-regal-sounding acronym "SOFAS" to describe his post. (Example: The opening of the Studio Arts and Theatre Hall wing of campus could be said to have taken place during the reign of SOFAS the 3rd.) Can anyone name the eight SOFASes? Answers are below. Don't peek.

Fiber exhibit opens Lawton Gallery season

"Heartfelt," an exhibit of textiles by Kelly Frigard, opens with a reception at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11 in the Lawton Gallery. Assistant Prof. Alison Gates will give a talk about the work at 5 p.m. Frigard's work explores the link between clothing and women's experience, and her study has taken her to work with the Inuit in Canada's Northwest Territories, to Sweden, and to Finland. Frigard earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Iowa, and presently is an assistant professor at McPherson College, McPherson, Kan. The exhibit continues through Oct. 4. Lawton Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Fewless will lead Fall Wildflower Workshop on Sept. 13

Herbarium Curator Gary Fewless will present a Fall Wildflower Workshop from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 13. The workshop is free, but because space is limited, preregistration is required. The session begins at the Center for Biodiversity in Mary Ann Cofrin Hall room 212, and continues with a flower-identification walk in the Cofrin Arboretum. To register or for information, call extensions 5030 or 5032, or e-mail wolfa@uwgb.edu. The workshop launches the second year of an ongoing series of workshops as part of the Center's goal to provide biodiversity protection through education and research.

Office hours began today in CL 810

If you missed Chancellor Bruce Shepard's first open office hours of the semester this morning, plan ahead for Tuesday (Sept. 9) from 2 to 3 p.m. in Room 810, Cofrin Library. For the full fall schedule, see http://www.uwgb.edu/chancellor/openoffice.htm.

AIC 'Welcome Back' get-together is this Thursday

The American Intercultural Center will host a Welcome Back Gathering on Thursday (Sept. 4) from 4 to 6 p.m. Please join other faculty and staff in welcoming new students and continuing students to the Fall semester. Food will be provided and all are invited. An RSVP is requested, but not mandatory, at ebbersd@uwgb.edu or 465-2720.

College offers guess as to new-freshman mindset

Beloit College is again mining a rich publicity vein with release of its annual "Mindset" list. It's the one that starts, "Today's freshman..." and concludes with things like "can't imagine that cell phones never existed" or "have never had to get up to 'change the channel.'" Moderately amusing and thought-provoking, it's at http://www.beloit.edu/~pubaff/releases/mindset_2006.html.

Florida comes to Lambeau for 'Creative Future' workshop

Richard Florida, author of "Rise of the Creative Class; And How It's Transforming Work, Leisure and Everyday Life," is coming to Green Bay for a one-day workshop organized by the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. The all-day session on Sept. 18, titled "A Creative Future," will take place at the Lambeau Field atrium. Click to read more.... www.titletown.org/FR/Articles08_29_03.htm#Creativity.

Climbing wall, stunt bikes come to 'GB'

"Great Beginnings Week" formerly known as "Welcome Week" for new freshmen, continued with some eye-catching activity today (Wednesday the 3rd). If you wondered what was going on, the calendar says it was bam stunt team demo and a portable climbing tower in the circle outside at the MAC Hall canopy entrance.

Regents agenda includes "charting a new course"

The UW System Board of Regents meets this Thursday and Friday (Sept. 4 and 5) in Madison. On the agenda for Day One are working-group meetings for the "Charting a New Course for the UW System" exercise. See next Monday's LOG ONLine for full coverage.

Headlines show 'palpable' reaction to UW System cuts

State newspapers devoted significant attention this week to the start of the fall semester at UW System campuses and the fact this year is different. The unprecedented cuts in state funding and rise in tuition have altered the landscape. See "UW cuts have palpable effects" from the Wisconsin State Journal at http://www.madison.com/archives/read.php?ref=wsj:2003:09:01:279368:LOCAL/WISCONSIN. Or "UW officials rethinking system's relationship with state," in the Journal Sentinel at http://www.jsonline.com/news/metro/aug03/165938.asp. Finally, the State Journal offers an excellent editorial on "Brain power: It's time to get smart" at http://www.madison.com/wisconsinstatejournal/opinion/55911.php.

Correction: First new-faculty seminar is Sept. 23

UW-Green Bay's eleven new tenure-track faculty members will be receiving details soon on the first of two New-Faculty Seminars scheduled for this fall. Provost Sue K. Hammersmith will host the session at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23, in the Union's Niagara Room A. (An incorrect date had been listed in the calendar distributed by University Communication to accompany this month's Chancellor's FYI newsletter.)

Keep your eyes open for potential award-worthy students

The 23rd Annual University Leadership Awards Call for Nominations is now available. Nominations are being taken for the Chancellor's Leadership Medallion (December graduates only), the University Leadership Award (December graduates only) and the Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges Award (anyone of junior status). The deadline to submit nominations to the Office of Student Life is Monday, Sept. 15, at 4:30 p.m.. Nominations can be dropped off in University Union 153 or e-mailed to osl@uwgb.edu. If you have any questions, please call Tina Tackmier at 465-2200 ext. 40.

Answer to trivia question: The eight SOFAS

Prof. Ken Fleurant (a.k.a. SOFAS the 8th) is the latest in a distinguished line of UW-Green Bay Secretaries of the Faculty and Academic Staff. In reverse order, last to first, the list is as follows:

Ken Fleurant
Jerry Rodesch
Mike Thron
Richard Sherrell
Elmer Havens
Jim Murray
Harry Guilford
Frank Byrne

Briefs

Prof. Carol Emmons (COA/Art) has just opened a new solo exhibition, Surveying Desire X: Quest, at Saint Cloud State University. The site-specific installation continues her series on loneliness and the search for companionship, specifically juxtaposing excerpts from the journals of early Mississippi River explorers and historical romance novels. The installation treats three areas in the SCSU Art Center, including an outdoor deck overlooking the Mississippi. Quest converts the gallery into a compass, and includes four vintage electric fans designated as the four winds. The exhibition runs until September 26, with a reception and lecture by the artist on September 25. Additional information and images are available at http://www.stcloudstate.edu/art/gallery/visitartists/2003-emmons-carol/default.asp.

Prof. Regan A. R. Gurung, Human Development and Psychology, is the author of "Affiliation, social support, and biobehavioral responses to stress" Social Psychological Foundations of Health and Illness. Malden, MA: Blackwell.

Jazz studies expert Prof. John Salerno, who has built a following around the area with his big-band tributes to Sinatra, is exploring new ground with his latest venture, "Jump, Jive & Wail... a Tribute to Louis Prima." The show plays this weekend at the SC Grand. Prof. Emeritus Lovell Ives collaborates, and popular entertainer Dan Riley stars as Prima. Coverage is at http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/news/archive/et_11985659.shtml.

LOG ONline is prepared for University of Wisconsin-Green Bay faculty and staff by the Office of Marketing and University Communication. Employees may submit a Brief, a Publication, a news item, an announcement, or offer feedback; call ext. 2527 or e-mail us at Log@uwgb.edu.