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Chancellor Mash highlights areas of excellence

The University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire uses the word excellence on its logo, and this morning Chancellor Donald Mash gave special attention to two marks of Eau Claire's excellence in a presentation to the UW System Board of Regents.

"The campus is the setting, and an integral part of excellence at UW-Eau Claire," Mash said. "Excellence is not only our measure, but our motto and goal," he added.

To highlight this, Mash brought the UW-Eau Claire service-learning requirement and study abroad program to the attention of the UW Board of Regents.  

Service-learning Director, Dr. Donald Mowry, informed the board about the value of Eau Claire's program, noting that it is unique among schools in the UW System.  

"Service-learning is a powerful tool in promoting the goal of the university," Mowry said.

 Mowry pointed out some of the service-learning program's achievements in the Eau Claire community including; the Reading Partnership Program, conducted in conjunction with the Eau Claire Area School District, and a program that assists students in the Eau Claire Area School District who have been expelled from school or are at risk.   

Mowry added that between January and September of 2001, 468 students fulfilled service-learning requirements in completing nearly 13,000 hours of service to the community in non-credit, outside of class, service-learning.

"I believe Whitewater would benefit from such a program," Student Regent Tommie L. Jones Jr., said.

Jones Jr. added that Whitewater does have service-learning in place for business and education majors.

"Service-learning is a great way to take knowledge that is gained in the classroom and apply in the community," Regent Elizabeth Burmaster said.

Following Mowry's remarks, Karl Markgraf, director of UW-Eau Claire's Center for International Education, spoke to the board about UW-Eau Claire's study abroad and international student programs.  

"The study abroad program allows students to learn in a way that can't be experienced in Eau Claire," Markgraf said.

According to Markgraf, UW-Eau Claire graduates have studied abroad at over eight times the national average.  Adding that over 400 UW-Eau Claire students will study abroad this year.

As for international students coming to Eau Claire to study, Markgraf stated that there are 153 full-time international students representing 47 countries enrolled this year.

"There has always been a need for international understanding, and there never has there been a greater need then now," Markgraf said.

Regent JoAnne Brandes agreed.  "UWEC introduced the first study abroad program during my junior or senior year, it's an opportunity that I would have liked to have during my years here," Brandes said. "It should almost be a requirement." Brandes added.

Brandes also added that in today's world of business, communication with people around the world is necessary and the best way to understand another culture is to become a minority within that culture. 

Board of Regents' President Jay L. Smith inquired about the safety of students abroad in light of the events of Sept 11.  Markgraf stated that communication has been key in providing a piece of mind for both students abroad and international students here, as well as their parents.  Markgraf said that there is a contingency plan for students abroad in the event of more attacks that may necessitate the evacuation of students abroad.

"Several regents, including myself, consider the study abroad program to be an extremely important part of the college experience," Smith said.

Smith added that he would like to see more students going abroad, noting that 10 percent of UW System students study abroad, compared to 40 percent of private school students in Wisconsin.

"Communication is the key, with both students and parents in raising the number of students in the program, that and keeping it affordable," Brandes said.