Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - Many faculty members at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville participate in professional development conferences that help them hone their educational talents. Organizers of this year's "Day of Renewal" hope that this day will be used to further enhance the performance and abilities of the support staff in areas that will enable UWP and the Chamber Community to be more successful in initiatives that move the region forward. The "Day of Renewal" conference is open and free to all UWP classified and non-student LTE staff due to grant funding and monetary support from the academic deans, Duane Ford, Mittie Nimocks and Rich Shultz; assistant chancellor, Mick Viney; and vice chancellor, Steve Zielke. Cost of attendance for the chamber community will be $20 each.

Growing out of an idea that Jean Olson, administrative support staff in the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science, had after attending a Wisconsin Women in Higher Education Leadership conference in Eau Claire two years ago, the first "Day of Rebuilding" took place last spring for administrative staff. "This is something that I felt administrative support staff could use to benefit their skills in working with people and give them an opportunity to grow professionally," says Olson. "After receiving support from colleagues in the UWP system, we worked together to get our first grant."

This is the first year that non-administrative support, like physical plant and food service staff, have had the opportunity to attend. Invitations were sent out to almost 400 people after the extremely positive response from last year's initiative. "There was such a great response from last year's conference," relays Carolyn Van De Wiel, program assistant in the admission office. "We received suggestions for improvements which we have used in creating this year's program." Deb Lundell, administrative support staff in the registrar's office, indicates that one of the suggestions was to create a greater community connection, which is why the organizers of the conference decided to include the opportunity of attending the conference to chamber member staff as well. Featuring a number of presentations throughout the day, attendees will be able to choose from the following options: Sue Curtis' and Paul Ohlrogge's "Are Your Colors Working Together?" or Corliss Olson's "Bullying in the Workplace" at 8:30 a.m.; Joan Bahr's "Nutrition for Health in 2006" or Carlos Wiley's "Cultural Competency" at 10:40 a.m.; and Tom Thibodeau's "The Power of Our Words and Presence" or Cheryl Kirking's "Passion, Purpose and...Popcorn!" at 2 p.m.

The speakers and topics were chosen to be not only helpful for all participants, but also fun. Organizers hope the conference will re-energize staff as summer school begins. "It is our hope that participants will be able to grow in their social skills by attending this conference," says Becky Troy, administrative support staff in the UWP Department of Communication Technologies. "In the academic and professional workplace, it is extremely important for people to not only be able to work closely together with others, but also to understand them." The invitation has been extended to Platteville Area Chamber member staff as well as UWP classified and non-student staff. Registration for this year's "Day of Renewal" should be completed by May 24. For more information, contact Troy at (608) 342-1627.

Contact: Deb Lundell, administrative assistant, Registrar's Office, (608) 342-1321,lundelld@uwplatt.edu

Prepared by: Marsha Pauly, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194,paulym@uwplatt.edu