Opening Week Events

10-11:30 a.m.

Location: Riverview Ballroom, University Center (second floor)

Spring 2025 Opening Meeting

Celebrate the start of spring semester by attending the annual all-campus Opening Meeting. 

Questions? Email Jenna Lindseth. 

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Location:Riverside Commons, lower level, University Center

Employee Appreciation Lunch

Those attending opening meeting in person will receive a free lunch ticket to attend an Employee Appreciation Lunch directly following the meeting. Attendees can pick up lunch in Riverside Commons (lower level of the University Center) from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Seating will be available in Riverside Commons and Pete’s Creek (overflow).

Questions? Email Jenna Lindseth. 

1 p.m. start time (see end time per college)

College Opening Meetings

• College of Arts and Sciences Opening Meeting
  • Location: Blanche Davis Theater, KFA    
  • Questions? Contact Donna Thompson.
  • End time: 2:30 p.m.
• College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences
  • Location: 114 Ag Science
  • Questions? Contact Lisa Owens.
  • End time: 2:30 p.m.
• College of Education, Business, and Allied Health
  • Location: 120 South Hall  
  • Questions? Contact Amanda Houghton.
  • End time: 3 p.m

Department/Unit Meeting and Retreat Time as Needed

9 a.m.

College Curriculum Committee Meetings (VIRTUAL)

For more information, contact: 

• CAS virtual meeting link
  • Curriculum Committee Chair: Stacy Stoffregen
  • Join the meeting now.
• CAFES virtual meeting link
  • Curriculum Committee Chair: Dean Olson
  • Join the meeting now.
• CEBAH virtual meeting link
  • Curriculum Committee Chair: Paul Shirilla
  • Join the meeting now.

11 a.m.

General Education and University Requirements Committee Meeting

• Virtual MS Teams meeting link.
• GEUR Committee Chair: Dawn Hukai

12 p.m.

Academic Programs and Policy Committee Meeting

• Virtual MS Teams meeting link.
• APP Committee Chair: Ozcan Kilic

1 p.m.

University Curriculum Committee Meeting

• Virtual Zoom meeting link.
• UCC Committee Chair: Charlie Corcoran

Graduate Studies Curriculum Committee Meeting

• Virtual MS Teams meeting link.
• GSCC Committee Chair: Hiawatha Smith

8:30 a.m.

Location: UC Ames Gallery (3rd floor)

Coffee and Tea Available

Grab a cup of coffee or tea and visit with colleagues ahead of the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. concurrent sessions listed below.

9 a.m.

Scaling and Sustaining High Impact Practices (HIPS) Across the Curriculum: Closing the Achievement Gap

• Led by: Connie Schroeder (UW Milwaukee) and Paige Miller (UWRF)
• Location: UC #332 (Eau Galle River Room)
• Questions? Contact Paige Miller.
• About: This interactive workshop explores High-Impact Practices (HIPs) implementation with a special focus on large, introductory courses facing retention challenges. Participants will examine the eight essential elements of HIPs and their proven impact on student success, particularly in courses with high DFW rates. Through hands-on exercises, attendees will assess their current use of HIPs and apply these principles to develop concrete assignment modifications. The workshop will also explore practical strategies for scaling HIPs across courses and departments, introducing participants to essential tools including curricular mapping, syllabus design rubrics, and the HIPs taxonomy tool. Finally, this workshop addresses sustainability, presenting proven strategies for maintaining HIPs initiatives over time. Whether you're new to HIPs or looking to enhance existing practices, this workshop provides a comprehensive toolkit for implementing, scaling, and sustaining high-impact practices.

Supporting Students in Partnership with the Dean of Students 

• About: This session will provide attendees with an overview of the services provided through our Dean of Students office including information about the Care Team and how to support students in crisis. 
• Led by: Jordan Cantele and Kayla Ross
• Location: UC #321 (St. Croix River Room)
• Questions? Contact Jordan Cantele.

International Education 101 

• About: Come learn about various teaching opportunities abroad for faculty, how to help support international students in the classroom, and tips for advising students on education abroad opportunities. 
• Led by: Kayla Klanderman
• Location: UC #333 (Apple River Room)
• Questions? Contact Kayla Klanderman.

10:30 a.m.

Navigating Title IX and Your Reporting Responsibilities

• About: Title IX plays a critical role in the daily responsibilities of UWRF faculty and staff. This session helps UWRF employees learn more about their federally mandated reporting duties, how to handle disclosures of sexual misconduct, and much more!
• Led by: April Chaney
• Location: UC #332 (Eau Galle River Room)
• Questions? Contact April Chaney.

Shape Our Future: Climate Action & Resiliency Workshop 

• About: Join us for a hands-on workshop to shape our university's Climate Action and Resiliency Plan! Be part of meaningful conversations about climate impacts, innovative solutions, and real-world strategies as we work together to build a more sustainable future. Your voice matters—share your ideas, hear inspiring climate stories, and collaborate in interactive discussions and activities. This workshop is directly aligned with our 'Soaring to New Heights' strategic plan, which envisions a future where our campus and community thrive. Whether you're a student passionate about sustainability, an employee dedicated to making a difference, or a community member invested in local resilience, this is your chance to contribute to the vision and help address the climate challenges that impact us all. Refreshments provided.
• Location: UC Ballroom A
• Led by: Sustainability Office
• RSVP by emailing sustainability@uwrf.edu. Registration preferred but walk ins welcome. 

Classroom Technology Overview, Usage, and Support

• About: Join Technology Services for a session designed specifically for faculty to explore the available classroom technologies. Discover practical tips and best practices to maximize the impact of technology in your classroom, ensuring a positive experience for you and your students. 
• Led by: Steven Meads, Ben Dusek and Zach Paul.
• Location: Davee Library 104 (CETL space)
• Questions? Contact Steven Meads.

12:30-2:30 p.m.

Sustainability Book Discussion + Lunch

• Led by: Mark Klapatch-Mathias
• Location: UC - TBD

• About: This is our second discussion for the Sustainability book read, Universities on Fire: Higher Education in the Climate Crisis by Bryan Alexander. You do not need to have read the book to participate. All are welcome! eBooks are available through our library, on the Sustainability Fellows Canvas page, or you can email Shawyn Domyancich-Lee for a PDF file. The Office of Sustainability has one or two hardcopies as well and you can contact Mark Klapatch-Mathias if you would like a hard copy. Lunch is on us! Please use use this form to sign up so we can get a headcount for lunch. 
• Questions? Contact Mark Klapatch-Mathias.

1-3 p.m.

Behind the Letters: Understanding LBTQIA Identities

• Led by: Princess Kent
• Location: UC - #231 (Trimbelle River Room)

• About: Mark your calendars for this professional development opportunity sponsored by the Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging office and the Gender and Sexuality Alliance student organization. In this workshop, we will delve into the meaning behind the LGBTQIA+ letters, the impact of stereotypes and biases on the community, and much more. Participants will leave with deeper insights, a certificate of completion, and a Safe Space symbol to showcase their commitment to inclusivity. Snacks and coffee provided. RSVP here: LGBTQIA+ Workshop
• Questions? Contact Princess Kent.