July 18, 2008

Advisor Transition Update

Here at the Distance Learning Center, we're about to complete our search process for two new program advisors. We ask our applicants to make presentations related to the position they're seeking. Our most recent presentations, by candidates for the position overseeing our instructional programs as well as advising, were recorded and may be viewed as streaming video. Follow these links to see presentations on "Key elements in designing and delivering a quality distance learning program."

Dr. Johanna Garrison - http://apps.uwsuper.edu:8080/asxgen/DLC/Garrison.wmv

Ms. Karen Plass - http://apps.uwsuper.edu:8080/asxgen/DLC/Plass.wmv

Dr. Mary Menzel - http://apps.uwsuper.edu:8080/asxgen/DLC/Menzel.wmv

Mr. Erik Birkeland - http://apps.uwsuper.edu:8080/asxgen/DLC/Birkeland.wmv

Thanks to Juliet Means for suggesting this method to provide you a chance to see the candidates, and to Tom Tu and Savannah Smith of our staff for making the videos.

With this staffing transition also comes a change in advising practice. Students pursuing the Elementary Education Degree will be advised by faculty in our Teacher Education department once they have been admitted to the Teacher Education Program. Ron Harshman's and Cathy Pulkinen's advisees in this category have recently been assigned Teacher Education advisors. I'm also pleased to announce that Cathy will be joining the faculty of Teacher Education this fall and may soon be teaching in the online program.

We'll keep you informed by e-mail, including this newsletter, as changes occur and new staff join our program.

Website Improvements Underway

A substantially revamped version of the Distance Learning Center website will soon be unveiled. You should find the updated site easier to navigate and locate information and forms you need. To help us finish our edits and improvements, please reply to this e-mail to let me know: what changes to the website would make it more helpful for you? I'll appreciate your feedback.

Recommend to a Friend

Recent articles in national publications have described a growing public interest in online and other forms of distance learning as the cost of travel rises. Perhaps you know someone who is thinking of completing a degree or going back to school for some professional improvement. Help them to learn about the UW-Superior Distance Learning Center by giving them our web address - www.uwsuper.edu/distancelearning - our e-mail - dlc@uwsuper.edu - and our toll-free number, 877-528-6597. We're also happy to send you a supply of our brochures to distribute - just call or e-mail.

Drop By the Cyber Cafe

Those of you enrolled in summer courses are also enrolled in the Cyber Cafe Rest Area. Be sure to drop by to meet other students and ask questions of our student peer mentor, Melissa Crow. Melissa is an experienced learner in our program and always happy to share her experience or find answers for you.

Important Dates

Tuesday, September 2nd - Fall Semester begins