UW-Superior Distance Learning Center News and Events

5/24/2013 Distance Learning Student News

Fri, 24 May 2013 15:26:35 +0000

Congratulatoins Graduates!

Congratulations to our recent graduates and now proud Alumni! We enjoyed all of those who attended commencement this past weekend. Be sure to check us out on facebook to see our commencement picture featuring Graduates Steve Lunderville, Kasey Bechtold, Therese Stacy, Michelle Capra, Lori Yonts, Heidi Richard, Holly Gholston, Angel Bord, Doug Mering, Amanda Blazel, Christine Lupella.

Classes begin Tuesday, May 28! Welcome to Summer!

Summer semester is a more intense and condensed experience and as such can get away from students quicker. Don't get left behind. Jump in and get organized and busy right away. You'll be surprised how fun it can be!

Please feel free to call us in the Distance Learning Center anytime you have a question or concern. We love speaking with our students.

Fall Semester

It may seem strange to be thinking about fall semester this early, but it's not!

Classes are filling for fall semester quickly so don't wait to register. Get into your E-Hive student center and sign up now. Call your advisor if you are not sure what to take.

DLC Cyber Cafe Rest Area

Join us in the Cyber Café. This is an online chat room for all Distance Learning students as well as a great resource for late breaking developments and valuable information. It is one more way to stay connected to your university community.

Remembering Dr. Myron 'Mike' Schneiderwent

We lost a dear friend and collegue of Distance Learning on May 10, 2013. Learn more about Mike and his legacy in our rememberance feature.

Christina Kline, Outreach Program Manager
Distance Learning Center

Finding a helping hand

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:29:00 +0000

As the rigors of courses consume student's energy and time, a helping and supportive hand is always welcomed. Shannon Higgins, a communicating arts major from Reedsburg, Wisconsin, has found a supportive home at UW-Superior and in the Distance Learning Center.

A dedicated student, mother and young professional, Higgins has enjoyed her time being a part of UW-Superior's online education community. The culture of support streaming from advisors, to instructors, and to fellow classmates has enabled the pursuit of her educational goals to be possible. Working full-time and utilizing the flexibility of online courses, Higgins has found a balance in her school and personal life as she completes her degree. The "best part" of this balance is the support she feels from everyone in the online community: "when you are part of the distance learning program, you become part of a community of individuals who are attempting to strike the same type of balance. The camaraderie you feel helps get you though the days that are a little more difficult than others and it's nice to have that kind of support."

This past year, Higgins visited campus for the first time in hopes of making some physical connections to campus and having some fun in the Twins Port area with her family. Her visit allowed her to meet her advisor, Anne Carlson, who was equally as excited to make a connection in-person; "Shannon is a very strong and dedicated student. It's always a pleasure to meet our online students face to face and Shannon and her family are absolutely wonderful."

During her visit on campus, Higgins spent some time in the Career Services office to explore her future after graduation. In hopes of landing a career in the human resources field, Higgins wanted to meet with the staff to make sure she was on the right path to pursuing her career goals. During her visit, the director of Career Services Kathy Pykkonen, worked with Higgins to explore the human resources field and cultivate her interest. In the end, her visit resulted in the construction of an individualized minor that will hopefully accelerate her start in the human resources field.

As graduation will soon be approaching Higgins in 2014, there is no doubt that she will find success in all of her endeavors. The journey and adventures of her campus visit reassured her that she will always have a home at UW-Superior, with a helping hand always in reach.

Remembering Dr. Myron 'Mike' Schneiderwent

Sun, 12 May 2013 18:59:00 +0000

Myron Schneiderwent, Professor Emeritus of Physics, taught astronomy and physics through the Distance Learning Center since operations began in 1978. He retired from the university more than ten years ago but continued to teach with Distance Learning until only weeks before his passing on Friday, May 10, 2013. Myron, known to all as Mike, spent 35 of his 45 years teaching for the University of Wisconsin-Superior as an online professor for the Distance Learning Program. He was recently honored with UW-Superior's Distinguished Service Award.

Dr. Schneiderwent started his education with the intent on becoming a high school math teacher. He received his Bachelor of Science (Math Major, Physics Minor, General Science Minor, and Teaching Minor in Political Science) from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. In addition, he received a Master of Arts in Mathematics and Science Education from Western Michigan, an MSCS in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Mississippi and an Education Doctorate in Physics Education from the University of Northern Colorado. He attended numerous other schools, including: University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Michigan, Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Colorado, Central Michigan University, University of Minnesota-Duluth and the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute. He described his college experience as satisfying but quite difficult. He remembered, fondly, specific faculty at each institution who were his mentors and role models.

Dr. Schneiderwent became interested in the Extended Degree Program, now the Distance Learning Center, before it started.He applied for the Directors position but was happy to receive the teaching position. When recently asked in an interview how much the Distance Learning Center has changed in 35 years he stated, "We started out as a normal correspondence program.There were no computers then so everything was handled by mail and the telephone." The challenges he faced were designing a lab experience outside of a lab. It was done with take home labs and computer simulations.

Mike's advice to new instructors of Distance Learning was to over prepare your courses and to have them ready weeks before the students get to see them. His advice to students--there is a great deal of reading to do. The Module Reviews are important as are the course objectives. He recommended 40 hours of study before taking each test. He described his students as hard-working, capable students in an asynchronous manner. When asked about Distance Learning faculty and staff, he described them as a "super professional competent machine."

Betty Lou Mannigel Imler, a 2012 UW-Superior Graduate and student of Dr. Schneiderwent (Astronomy 100 in 2007) had this to say after learning of his passing, "As a non-traditional Distance Learning, older student, the mere mention of Astronomy made me nervous, but, after the first phone contact with Dr. Schneiderwent I was hooked. Over a period of time I grew to admire and have deep respect not only for his knowledge, but his passion of the stars. There were many nights we would contact each other about the beautiful constellations that were in view and discussed, with excitement, the upcoming constellations of the winter sky. Dr. Schneiderwent suggested I subscribe to "Night Sky", an email about the stars,planets and constellations. Six years later I still enjoy reading the monthly newsletter and I do so with him in mind. Every time I look up at the stars I will continue to think of him and the appreciation he taught me to have for our beautiful solar system. Thank you, Dr. Schneiderwent for the memories."

Dr. Randy Gabrys Alexson, Professor in the Natural Science Department added, "Mike was my colleague, mentor and dear friend for more than 25 years. He epitomized the phrase "gentleman and scholar." He cared for his students so much and he generously shared his knowledge, expertise and time. The university was enriched through his
dedication and will be diminished by his loss."

Earlier this term, contributors from the Distance Learning Center staff created the Mike Schneiderwent Scholarship Fund in the UW-Superior Foundation to honor Mike. The fund will now be a memorial to Mike, and will help support future Distance Learning students.

Myron "Mike" Schneiderwent passed away Friday, May 10, 2013 due to complications from congestive heart disease. His wife was by his side. All who knew him are with heavy heart as the semester comes to an end. He will be remembered fondly by students, co-workers, and friends.

5/10/2013 Distance Learning Student News

Fri, 10 May 2013 12:46:26 +0000

Course Evaluations

Your anonymous feedback is important, and can help improve our distance learning courses. This spring, there's another incentive: at the end of the survey, you'll have a chance to enter a drawing for a $50 gift card from 'Jacket Book and Supply. There'll be two winners! The evaluation form will be "live," at the link below, through May 31: Course Evaluations

Congratulations Graduates!

Forty DL students are graduating this spring. Well done! If you are attending commencement and haven't RSVP'd yet, please let us know ASAP whether you'll be attending the brunch and/or the "photo op." Contact Beth Constance for details at 715-394-8487 or dlc@uwsuper.edu. Be sure to check out our Virtual Graduation web page, too!

UW-Superior Faculty and Staff Recognition

DL instructors were very well represented in UW-Superior's Faculty and Staff Recognition Program! Awards were announced this week:

Ms. Beth Austin (Communicating Arts), Teaching/Online Excellence Award
Dr. Lois Guderian (Music), Academic Service Learning Award
Dr. Eleni Pinnow (Human Behavior, Justice & Diversity), Outstanding Academic Advisor Award
Dr. Myron (Mike) Schneiderwent (Natural Sciences), Distinguished Service Award
Dr. Mary Lee-Nichols (Education Leadership), Making Excellence Inclusive Award
Dr. Ephraim Nikoi (Communicating Arts), Making Excellence Inclusive Award
Jim Dan Hill Library Staff, Outstanding Team Award (These honorees include instructors in the online Library Science minor - Ella Cross, Carolyn Caffrey Gardner, Laura Jacobs, Kristen Lindquist and Deb Nordgren)

The Distance Learning Center salutes these very deserving honorees. We've always known you were outstanding!

Special Recognition: Mike Schneiderwent

Dr. Myron "Mike" Schneiderwent received the Distinguished Service Award this week, in recognition of 45 years of service to the university, and 35 years of service to learners at a distance through the Extended Degree Program and Distance Learning Center.

Dr. Schneiderwent joined the university faculty in the 1960s. Since retiring and receiving emeritus status, he has continued to teach at least two distance learning courses per term in astronomy, physics and history of science. Teaching science online can be challenging, but he has met this challenge with gusto. He is always learning, trying new methods, and striving to improve student learning.

Dr. Schneiderwent is concluding his work for the university this term. Being recognized with the Distinguished Service Award is afitting capstone for his long and very productive service to the university, and his exceptional dedication to his students.

Distance Learning Course Schedules for Summer 2013

For UW-Superior courses, and for Heath and Wellness Management courses:

Preview Week begins: Tuesday, May 21
Classes begin: Tuesday, May 28
Classes end: Friday, August 9

For Sustainable Management courses:

Preview Week begins: Monday, May 13
Classes begin: Monday, May 20
Classes end: Friday, August 9

Karen Plass, Instructional Program Manager and Advisor
Distance Learning Center

Christine Lupella, 2012-2013 Inclusive Excellence Award Recipient

Tue, 07 May 2013 15:54:00 +0000

As the 2013 spring term comes to a close and the anticipation of graduation nears, the campus community recognizes and celebrates the successes and triumphs of its students. This year, Christine Lupella, a Distance Learning Student from Burlington, Wisconsin, is the proud recipient of the 2012-2013 Communicating Arts Department Inclusive Excellence Award.

A deserving award for a dedicated Lupella, the inclusive excellence award recognizes a student whose life in the classroom, department, and across campus personifies excellence in teaching, learning, and living inclusivity. Kim Rawson, Senior Lecturer in the Communicating Arts Department, recommended Lupella for the award for what she credits will be a memorable experience teaching Lupella this spring. Rawson recognized Lupella as being a "dedicated student, (who) visibly performs in ways that examines and celebrates issues and experiences of diversity, inclusion, and equity… Moreover, her interaction with other students is exemplary, encouraging, and worthy of imitation."

Lupella, an individually designed major of communication process, is a caring individual at heart. As the Senior Marketing Communications Manager for the Jewish United Fund in Chicago and volunteer Chicago Public Schools reader, her choice to come to UW-Superior to finish her degree was easy. The personal attention Lupella received and the ability she had to apply her work experiences towards her degree, made UW-Superior a perfect fit. She also felt that the individually designed major allowed her to "design my own major around my strengths and experience, as well as explore areas of interest."

Life in the classroom has been an interesting ride for Lupella, literally. Traveling by train four days a week for three hours to work, the ride has become her "moving classroom" allowing her to fit classes into her busy life. The journey has been worth it, as she has enjoyed her instructors who have made her "learn to look at and experience the world differently."

As time moves on and Lupella receives her degree, UW-Superior will always be her second home. Even though she has only studied through the Distance Learning Center, she is filled with amazement by the connection she feels to the Yellowjacket community from 400 miles away. The connection to UW-Superior and the relationships she has built will be an enduring reminder of the excellence Lupella continually demonstrates.

When completing your degree becomes reality

Mon, 06 May 2013 20:24:00 +0000

For adult students, completing school and earning a degree often involves overcoming obstacles that traditional students never need to experience. Jennifer Knutson, an Elementary Education student in the Distance Learning Center, is another shining, successful example of just that. Returning to the classroom after nearly a twenty year absence, Knutson has found a comfortable and supportive place at UW-Superior.

Studying all the way from Chengdu, Sichuan, China, Knutson has found an appreciation for quality online programs. As a Preschool Teacher at Quality Schools International, a distance learning program with supportive advisors and encouraging instructors was a necessity for her to return to school. After studying at two other institution's distance learning centers, Knutson was enticed to become a Yellowjacket when she learned about the online elementary education program. Her experiences in the classroom and interactions with instructors have left her with only positive reviews: "Without a doubt, UW-Superior has exceptional Distance Learning instructors. They are encouraging, helpful, and understanding of the demands of students."

As Knutson returns to the classroom an appreciation has developed towards online courses and the ability it gives with balancing work, family, and school. Having the opportunity to complete classes online has allowed her to fit college easily into her life without having to miss the "important special occasions" her children have. She credits her experience as "very much worth the effort and (especially the) example I am setting for my two young children. I am gaining a sense of self-worth, something that was lacking previously."

Knutson has become a strong advocate for distance learning programs and supports students that pursue their educational goals:

"Completing college is not easy; as a distance learning student or on-campus student. Life presents challenges. You may be tempted to quit (or) go down an easier path. Whether you are a traditional student or a returning student like I am, you will feel the value of your college pursuit."

For students similar to Jennifer Knutson, who have taken an absence after starting college, returning to UW-Superior to complete your degree is possible. Contact your Return to Superior Coordinator today at return@uwsuper.edu to learn more about what it takes to complete your degree.

Distance Learning Student studies in Ghana

Sun, 05 May 2013 14:41:00 +0000

Study Abroad in Ghana

Dr. Ephraim Nikoi - Assistant Professor, Communication and Distance Learning - leads the Study Abroad Program in Ghana each year. What is unique about this program is that it is not only offered to students who attend classes on campus, but to students who are enrolled in Distance Learning, as well. The Study Abroad-Ghana Program is a great experience for all students. Dr. Nikoi ensures, to the best of his ability, that the learning that takes place in Ghana fits into each student's individual field of study.

Dr. Nikoi is a native of Ghana where he received his Bachelor of Social Science at KNUST. He went on to work with a program where he helped people to get jobs and find a home. He is very familiar with the culture, traditions, education system and so much more. Along with being shown the sites, Dr. Nikoi allows you to experience Ghana from a point of view that will best meet your individual needs and requirements.

Things you may expect during your experience:

Tours of Newspaper Organizations and Champion Divine Clinic/Adom Herbal Clinic.
Attend Lectures
Visits to Timber Market and Makola Market
Attend Church
Visit La Pleasure Beach
Research days for your Individual Study
Holiday Celebrations
Kakum National Park, Monkey Sanctuary, etc.
Enjoy different foods and culture
Nature walks
Entertainment and so much more.

This program fulfills Non-Western, Global Studies Minor, and Communications Major requirements.

A Student's Experience

Serena Kienbaum traveled to Ghana with Dr. Nikoi and several other students during the 2012-2013 Study Abroad Program. Serena, an employee at United HealthCare, worked with her employers, who are very supportive of education, to arrange for time off from work. She got a roommate which allowed her to save some money to help pay for her trip; she also received a student loan to cover the remainder of the cost. She paid her bills one month in advance and began her 28 day experience in Ghana.

Serena is a Distance Learning student with a Communicating Arts Major. Her Individual Study while in Ghana was to focus on culture, such as food, fashion, music and traditions/ceremonies. To help with her research she was able to attend a Catholic wedding and a dinner with dance and drum ceremonies (all students attended the dinner as it was a farewell ceremony).

Serena learned so many things during her stay in Ghana, including "learning to not take things for granted, and to slow down and enjoy life." One of her favorite places to visit was the Makola Market, while one of her most memorable visits was to a slave castle. She described the slave castle as a "humbling experience." She also enjoyed the lectures at the University of Winneba.

Serena's advice to students considering this opportunity, "It is very important to learn the local customs of a culture before you study abroad. This helps avoid misunderstandings and will only enhance your visit while traveling. Don't be afraid to try new things; this opens doors to a lot of experience and you will learn a lot about yourself as well."

For more information on how to become a part of this educational, life-changing experience contact Dr. Ephraim Nikoi at enikoi@uwsuper.edu or Cherie Sawinski, UW-Superior's International Office at: csawinsk@uwsuper.edu.

Summer College - Accelerate your Degree

Fri, 03 May 2013 14:40:00 +0000

Accelerate your Degree

Are you looking to catch up or get ahead this summer? Summer College might be the option for you!

With over 120 courses taught online this summer, you'll be able to take the courses you need to finish your degree. Students who attend Summer College love the fast-paced, short-term education environment and the benefits it gave them to finish their degrees:

"I enjoy the fast-paced atmosphere of Summer College. It allows you to get through classes fast while still learning all the information. I also found it very beneficial being able to take a class to catch up on my education path while not taking much time out of my summer break." - Nick Fratzke, Business - Marketing
major

"I like that Summer College is short-term. In class, you focus on the major points, and you have more time to study during the summer." Also, campus during the summer is quiet, and it is easy to contact and connect with professors because there are fewer students. - Su Kyung (Suzie) Chung, Business Administration major

Distance Learning students who would like to enroll in summer courses can do so through their e-hive; there are no summer advising holds. Registration is currently open.

On-campus students who would like to enroll in online summer courses will need to file a petition for each course they wish to take. Each petition will need to be signed by the Student, Instructor and Department Chair. Approximately two weeks before the start of summer college, petitions will be reviewed in the order in which they are received. At that time, students will be added to classes on a space-available basis, and notified by e-mail of the results.

Visit the Summer College website for more information and details regarding fees,
tuition, registration, and course offerings.

4/26/2013 Distance Learning Student News

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:43:00 +0000

Summer College - Accelerate your degree!

For students looking to take some courses to get ahead or to catch up, summer might be an option for you! Registration for Summer College is open to all Distance Learning Students and ends May 28th when classes begin. There are no advising holds, so register today!

Writing Center Online Consultations Available for Summer

7:30 pm -10:00 pm Starting Wednesday, May 29, 2013 and ending Thursday, August 8, 2013 (consultations not available on Thursday, July 4). You can make appointments and access the online chat at the Writing Center website: uwsuper.edu/writingcenter

Distance Learning Scholarships Awarded

Congratulations to Lori Helker, this year's Gus Frye and Ross Stegner Scholarship recipient and Nicole Hammerly, this year's Marcovich Scholarship recipient. We received many strong applications and encourage all distance learning students to continue to apply for this annual scholarship. Well done Lori and Nicole!

Words from the Wise

"Patience and persistence are necessary to achieving anything worthwhile, especially the persistence."

-Alora Rueth, Distance Learning Student

Youth Summer Camps Coming to UW-Superior

Looking for something fun and educational for your child to do over the summer when you need a bit of 'alone' time for that tough summer class you signed up for? Kids can choose from experiences in theatre, volleyball, basketball, and percussion. Visit theYouth Summer Camp website for more information: uwsuper.edu/summercamps/

Jim Shelquist, Outreach Specialist
Distance Learning Center

Working with Native American Students

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:37:37 +0000

Learn more about Native American students, including the Native American cultural continuum and differences in world view. Native American students sometimes face unique challenges. How can we as a campus community help them succeed?

This session is being organized by the Distance Learning Community of Practice, but it will be of interest to all faculty and staff.

The presenters will be Gary Johnson, Director of the First Nations Center and Assistant Professor; Chip Beal, Student Services Diversity Coordinator and Assistant Professor; and Dixie Dorman, Senior Lecturer. All three teach First Nations Studies, in the Human Behavior, Justice and Diversity Department. Mary Lee-Nichols, Assistant Professor in the Educational Leadership Department, will facilitate.

Please join us!

UW-Manitowoc Transfer Fair

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 19:26:27 +0000