COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, MATHEMATICS, AND SCIENCE

ADVISORY BOARD MEETING

FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2005

 

 

Jim Schneller began the meeting at 10:00 a.m.  He announced that Carol Beals was not here because of a semi-truck accident involving her husband, Jim.   The Advisory Boards’ thoughts and well wishes go out to her and her husband.  He thanked Jean Olson for attending in her place.

 

Jerry Dassler, Chair, of the Nominating Committee welcomed Rich Klein, visitor for John Larson, Alliant Energy.  Chuck Crawford introduced Julie Wehler, Cuna Mutal, UWP Alumnus, Industrial Engineering, as a new member.  Jennifer Statz, Marshfield Door System, UWP Alumnus, Industrial Engineering, is also a new member.  Jerry mentioned we still need mechanical engineers on the Board.

 

Introductions were made by everyone.

 

Rich Shultz gave the following updates on the College.

 

  1. May 2005 Commencement – Jim Schneller will be the Commencement Speaker.
  2. Tri-State Initiative – Goal to admit 2,000 students.  UWP now has 225 admitted for the fall 2005 (200 was the target goal).   Rich gave an explanation on what the Tri-State Initiative is.
  3. Tri-State Initiative money will go toward the construction of the new dorm.  Bids were opened and it was awarded.  Construction will start during summer 2005.   Fall 2006 is the anticipated completion date.
  4. The tearing down of the west side of Ullsvik will start December 2005 for renovation for offices and classrooms.  The target date is Fall 2007/Spring 2008.  Tri-State Initiative monies will be used for renovation.
  5. New Engineering Building – The architecture will be assigned in April/May and will start detail design.  The target completion is spring 2008.  Seven million dollars of the total $27 million must be raised from private funds.  3M donated $100,000, half of that will be cash and the other half will be equipment.  A lecture room will be named for them.  Strand Associates also donated $100,000 for a lecture room.  The new building will be located where the current track is.
  6. Planned giving for two wings; 1 million from an individual for one wing, group of people for naming other wing. 
  7. Final details on engineering program in Australia through Study Abroad will be in place for fall 2005.  The one-to-one exchange with seven countries very active.
  8. Janesville Initiative – The Governor has put in his budget and we will offer electrical engineering at UW-Rock County beginning 2006/2007.
  9. UW-Fox Valley currently has 180 students.  The first students will be graduating this December 2005.
  10. Nano-Tech Committee headed by Osama Jadaan will be offering the first class spring 2006.  Chancellor wants us to get a degree program request in this year.  UW-Stout is looking at a similar program.  This is one of the break out sessions this afternoon.
  11.  Request for Partner in Wuhan, China – Master’s Program for Computer Science was requested.  The degree program is not approved through System, but we will be applying for that approval this summer.  The program will be the International Master’s in Computer Science (including present Joint International Master’s) and include Wuhan.  We will send faculty to China to teach.  We may ask Germany and Australia to do a short two-week course for students in the workplace.
  12. Enrollment is up on campus.  The undergraduate education is still the top priority.

 

Break Out Sessions were announced

  1. Engineers without Border – Kevin Hagen

Is this something that would suite UWP students?  Financing?  The Chancellor is very supportive.

  1. “M” Steps Fundraiser – Mississippi Room - Jerry Dassler

The steps were built seven years ago for 90th anniversary of the Mining School.  We are offering an opportunity to purchase plaques for each step ($500 each).  What to do on three landings?  How to organize?  Who to target?  Money to name room in new building.

  1. Nano-Tech Program –  Wisconsin Room - Osama Jadaan

What has the committee done?  Is this the direction to go?  Any feedback on what to do?

 

Group took a tour of Ullrich Hall.

 

Electrical Engineering Students presented demonstrations under the direction of Mesut Muslu, Chair, Electrical Engineering.

 

LUNCH

 

WORKING GROUP DISCUSSIONS

 

Engineers Without Borders – Kevin Hagen

Engineers Without Borders is a national group.  There is interest in establishing an international engineering service project here on-campus.  Five recommendations were presented.

  1. Start student chapter – faculty ready to advise.
  2. Find a student interested to come up with a good project template.
  3. Find project
  4. List of resources – money, find professional partners
  5. Pilot spring 2006 as a Senior Design Project

Charged Rich Shultz, Dean, to spread the word, publicize, and get support.

 

M Steps Fundraiser – Jerry Dassler

Clyde Holverson constructed the stairs.  There are 261 steps and six landings.  People who donate $500 will be provided with a name plaque visible as you climb the “M”.  An additional amount will be required for the landing/platforms.  When marketing for the donations, each contributor should be provided with a photo of the M along with the plaque on the step.  We should market engineering alumni and retired engineering faculty.  Target groups would be those graduating in 1950 and forward.  We also need to target companies who have clusters of UWP graduates.  John Volker volunteered to chair the fundraiser and look for other volunteers.  We should also tie the donations to the construction of the new engineering building or renovation of Ottensman.  Possible slogan for fundraiser:  “UW-Platteville needs your help.  Step up!”

 

Nano-Technology Program – Sue Babb

The group felt that this program needs to move forward for the University.  They recommend that the College of EMS apply for a four-year degree.  The College needs to focus on fundamentals, start with multi-discipline emphasis in this program, and look for faculty who are experienced in this area.  The group does not feel that a Master’s degree is applicable at this time.  They feel that Biology needs to be a part of this degree.  It is a very broad program and crosses all industries.  We need to develop a support network with industry because of costs. 

 

Fall Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for Friday, October 14, 2005.

 

Jim Schneller thanked everyone for attending the meeting.