News and Events
Division Funds Continuing EDvantage Grants
Continuing Education, Outreach and E-Learning Extension has announced the recipients of the 2007-2008 Continuing EDvantage Grants. This program offers economic development initiative funding for programs that meet the education and training needs of working adults and support diverse communities that attract and retain talented individuals.
Division Announces Diversity Grants
The division of Continuing Education, Outreach and E-Learning Extension funds the Diversity Program Development Initiative for innovative and pilot programs that advance UW-Extension's Plan 2008 goals. Now in its eighth year, DPDI has funded 36 programs with 16 campus Continuing Education and Extension partners and two division units with 61 community partners. Grants for up to $10,000 were awarded to two programs for 2007-08.
Workforce Diversity Collaboration
UW-La Crosse Continuing Education and Extension
This program will provide leadership and support to strengthen workforce diversity initiatives in the LaCrosse area, including training employers to develop more inclusive workplaces. Participants include administrators from local governments, institutions of higher education, school districts, and health care organizations. LaCrosse County government and representatives from 12 community organizations are partners.
Passport to Teaching: The Milwaukee Master Teacher Preparation Program
UW-Milwaukee School of Continuing Education
Passport to Teaching is a collaboration designed to increase the number and diversity of qualified teachers for Milwaukee Public Schools. Passport to Teaching staff will develop a special curriculum designed to support currently certified teachers of color in becoming master teacher/mentors to persons of color desiring to pass Praxis exams, the first step in an alternative teacher certification process. The Milwaukee Teacher Education Center is the project partner.
The IDEAS Web site receives high rankings in recent research
In 2007 the ide@s website was, along with 26 other international education-related repositories, the subject of a thesis paper written by Elisabetta Patrimia, a graduate student at the University of Bari in Bari, Italy. Ms. Patrimia created a series of benchmarks and then rated each repository against them. These benchmarks were made up of functional characteristics like ease of use and accessibility, and architectural characteristics like database platform. Ms. Patrimia compared each repository in 5 different areas:
- Searchability
- Ease of Data Entry
- Resource Quality
- User Management
- Web Services
ide@s received very high marks in both searchability and resource quality. Overall ide@s placed 7th out of the 27 repositories rated, ahead of repositories created by NASA, AT&T and The Gateway to Educational Materials (GEM).
ide@s is funded by the UW-Extension Division of Continuing Education, Outreach & E-Learning and UW-System's PK-16 Initiatives and is coordinated by Jeff Horney, an Ad Hoc Program Specialist with the Continuing Education Dean's Office.
UW-Learning Innovations Lands Statewide Government Training Contract
UW Learning Innovations, a unit of Continuing Education, Outreach and E-Learning has received a $215,000 contract from the Wisconsin State Elections Board to develop online training for the Statewide Voter Registration System (SVRS). The SVRS is a comprehensive database of all elections, districts, voters, and voter application information statewide. Some 3,000 users need training on this system. The online training will support and add to the face-to-face training currently being done. This project is part of the Help America Vote Act of 2002, which requires all states to implement computerized statewide voter registration lists.
Training enhances workers' bargaining skills
As the oldest continuously operating, university-based labor-education program in the United States, the University of Wisconsin-Extension School for Workers (SFW) provides 150 programs to 4,000 union representatives, officers, members and employer representatives each year.
Tough times for workers
Recent research by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) shows today's workers are receiving less health-care and pension coverage through their employers than in 1979. The EPI also reports from 1992 to 2005, median workers' wages rose only a little more than 7% compared to median CEOs who saw their pay increase by more than 185%.
How-tos for improving wages and benefits
"The School for Workers provides employees with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively bargain for contracts to improve wages and working conditions and increase benefits," explains SFW Assistant Professor Corliss Olson.
Class offerings include labor and employment discrimination law, collective bargaining, arbitration, organizing and steward training, strategic planning, contract administration, ergonomics, and developing and facilitating union-management partnerships.
"Valuable" training
The United Steelworkers Union District 2, with membership throughout Wisconsin and Michigan, has worked with the SFW for 61 of the School's 82 years. Organizing Coordinator Doug Drake confirms that SFW training programs are valuable in helping the union negotiate better wages and benefits for employees. "But beyond the dollars and cents aspects, union members have more control over their destinies," Drake says. "They have a formal opportunity to address their concerns on the job, should it be necessary."
For more information: SFW Assistant Professor Corliss Olson, corliss.olson@uwex.edu, (608) 265-4923; schoolforworkers.uwex.edu
Schejbal chosen as Dean of Continuing Education, Outreach and E-Learning at the University of Wisconsin-Extension
MADISON David Schejbal, current Associate Vice Chancellor and Director of Continuing Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, has been named the new Dean of Continuing Education, Outreach and E-Learning at the University of Wisconsin-Extension effective July 1, 2007.
UW Colleges and UW-Extension Chancellor David Wilson made the announcement today. After consulting widely with a number of constituents, I'm convinced David has the depth and breadth of experience to successfully lead Continuing Education, Outreach and E-Learning as we move forward, said Wilson . His knowledge and expertise matches particularly well with our priority of attracting more non-traditional adult students to Wisconsin to complete their associate and bachelor's degrees.
Schejbal has been involved in continuing education, research, and teaching both as an administrator and as a faculty member in Illinois for 14 years. For eight years, he served as Associate Provost and Director of Continuing Education and Associate Vice Chancellor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Prior to that appointment, he was Associate Dean of University College and Director of Summer Session and Special Programs at Northwestern University .
I am delighted to join the UW Extension team, and I very much look forward to working with the staff in Continuing Education, Outreach, and E-Learning, Schejbal said. The work of Extension in Wisconsin is both legendary and critically important. I'm committed to helping build on the vision of maximum access to higher education and information throughout Wisconsin .
Schejbal replaces former Interim Dean Leon Zaborowski, who retired January 5, 2007. In his new role, Schejbal will lead one of UW-Extension's four divisions, responsible for planning and coordinating outreach and professional development programming offered on UW System's 26 campuses. More than 230,000 people enrolled in more than 5,600 outreach and continuing education programs offered through UW-Extension on the UW campuses last year.
As part of his duties as Dean of Continuing Education, Outreach and E-Learning, Schejbal will oversee units focused on the development and use of learning technology, instructional design and development, faculty development, marketing, IT and learner services in support of the 26 UW campuses' online degree and certificate programs.
Schejbal earned his bachelor's degree in philosophy from Iowa State University and a master's degree and Ph.D in philosophy from the University of Connecticut . His personal interests include nearly all outdoor activities, woodworking, and building sustainable structures.
On a more personal note, being from Chicago, I have been going to Wisconsin for many years to enjoy the wonderful communities, hike, fish, and explore the state, so not only is this position a wonderful professional opportunity, it is also a terrific personal one as well, added Schejbal.
David's life-partner, Judee Richardson, is an extension specialist at the University of Illinois .
For more information about ongoing learning opportunities or to start, continue or complete a college degree through the University of Wisconsin visit https://.uwin.wisconsin.edu or call toll-free 1-866-477-UWIN (8946) or email uwin@learn.uwsa.edu
2006-07 Diversity Program Development Initiative Grants Announced
The University of Wisconsin-Extension Continuing Education, Division of Outreach and E-Learning Extension has announced five recipients of Diversity Program Development Initiative (DPDI) funding for the 2006-2007 fiscal year. The DPDI provides funds for Continuing Education units at the UW institutions to develop and implement new diversity ventures that are consistent with the goals and initiatives of UW-Extension's Plan 2008.
Diversity Program Receives National Honor
A Continuing Education, Division of Outreach and E-Learning Extension diversity program has received a national award from the University Continuing Education Association (UCEA). The Diversity Program Development Initiative (DPDI) has been selected to receive UCEA's 2006 Recognition of Excellence Award for Innovations in Outreach and Engagement. The award, presented by the UCEA Outreach and Engagement Community of Practice, recognizes creative and innovative programs in the field.
In selecting the DPDI for the award, the program committee cited the "effective and replicable way of using startup funds to reach a diverse and underserved audience. Given the high campus participation rate (15 our of 26 campuses), the strong evaluation components, and the partnership requirement, the program was clearly a success."
Diversity Specialist Honored for International Work
Mary Crave, Diversity and Evaluation Specialist for the Continuing Education, Division of Outreach and E-Learning Extension, has received an award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service Employee Recognition Program. Crave received a 2006 International Honor Award in recognition of her support of the Congo School Gardens Project.
UW-Extension Honors Outstanding Employee at Annual Awards Banquet
Interim University of Wisconsin-Extension Chancellor Marv Van Kekerix on Thursday presented awards to individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to the UW-Extension and the quality of Wisconsin residents' lives this past year. Recipients accepted their awards at UW-Extension's Annual Awards Banquet at the Lowell Center in Madison. Diane Poppa, a financial specialist with Continuing Education, Division of Outreach and E-Learning Extension, received a UW-Extension Classified Staff Exceptional Service Award. Poppa was honored for "strengthening accounting practices and providing exceptional customer service in support of UW Learning Innovations."
UW-Extension Honors UW-Whitewater's Debra Malewicki
Debra Malewicki, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater director of Business Outreach Services, has received an Award for Excellence from the UW-Extension. Malewicki was recognized for providing entrepreneurs with the tools they need to develop vital businesses that contribute to a strong statewide and national economy.
The UW-Extension annually presents awards to individuals and organizations across the state that have made exceptional contributions to the UW-Extension and Wisconsin 's people during the last year.
Malewicki, who also serves as director of the UW-Whitewater Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Wisconsin Innovative Service Center (WISC), is internationally regarded as an expert on technical and market assessments of new products and technologies. Through her teaching, research, networking and advocacy, she helps aspiring entrepreneurs and inventors make successful new product and marketing decisions.
During her almost 20 years at UW-Whitewater Malewicki has developed a number of initiatives designed to support entrepreneurs. Among them are:
- The Wisconsin Technology Access Program educates small manufacturers and technology-based businesses on the value of scientific and technical information and resources.
- The Wisconsin Expert Network, comprised of more than 600 outside consultants from universities, technical colleges, federal laboratories and private sector consultants throughout the country, provides technical expertise to inventors.
- The Ideas to Profit Annual Conference (formerly Wisconsin Innovation Workshop series) helps manufacturers, technology entrepreneurs and inventors to commercialize their products.
- The Women Inventors Project, with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, supported Wisconsin women inventors in commercializing their products.
In addition, Malewicki is a founding member of the Wisconsin Small Business Innovation Consortium, a nonprofit group of public and private member organizations that that help technology-based small businesses succeed.
UW-Whitewater Dean of the College of Business and Economics Christine Clements said, "Debra Malewicki understands inventors and entrepreneurs, and has worked directly with over 4,000 existing and aspiring entrepreneurial clients, consistently achieving a high rate of client satisfaction. As part of her outstanding work she is also a powerful advocate of a student-centered university that is an engaged partner with society."
The UW-Extension uses university research, knowledge and resources to meet the educational needs of more than one million Wisconsin residents annually. Programs are delivered through 26 UW campuses, 72 county offices and the statewide networks of Wisconsin Public Radio and Wisconsin Public Television.
UWExtension Honors UW-La Crosse's Susan Larkin
Susan Larkin, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Continuing Education and Extension, has received a Classified Staff Award for Exceptional Service from the UW-Extension. Larkin was recognized for supporting the Master of Education - Professional Development (ME-PD) Learning Community Program through excellent communication, organizational and human relations skills.
The UW-Extension annually presents awards to individuals and organizations across the state that have made exceptional contributions to the UW-Extension and Wisconsin's people during the last year.
Larkin has coordinated and directed administrative support for the ME-PD Learning Community Program since it began seven years ago. The program, which allows teachers to earn their master's degree close to home on weekends, has grown to more than 15 sites statewide with a total of 500 to 600 teachers enrolled each semester.
Lynn Weiland, assistant director of the ME-PD Learning Community Program, described Larkin's contributions thus:
"Susan Larkin promotes cooperation and teamwork toward the accomplishment of departmental, divisional and university goals. She is instrumental in extending the knowledge and the resources of the university to people wherever they live and work."
The UW-Extension uses university research, knowledge and resources to meet the educational needs of more than one million Wisconsin residents annually. Programs are delivered through 26 UW campuses, 72 county offices and the statewide networks of Wisconsin Public Radio and Wisconsin Public Television.
UW-Extension Honors UW-Fond Du Lac's Leanne Doyle
Leanne Doyle, outreach program manager for Continuing Education Extension, University of Wisconsin-Fond du Lac, has received an Award for Excellence from the UW-Extension. Doyle was recognized for collaborating with community partners to develop innovative programs that enhance the quality of life for people of all ages, cultures and income levels.
The UW-Extension annually presents awards to individuals and organizations across the state that have made exceptional contributions to the UW-Extension and Wisconsin 's people during the last year.
UW Colleges Director of Continuing Education and Extended Services Diane Pillard described Doyle as "a model for other outreach program managers within the UW Colleges and other UW institutions."
During her almost 11 years at UW-Fond du Lac Doyle has been instrumental in developing and implementing educational programs that successfully meet the needs of the business community, city employees, school teachers and support staff, and parents and children. Doyle has collaborated with local organizations to implement the Diversity Circles program that seeks to increase appreciation of diversity and reduce discrimination, created the Understanding Poverty Program to help teachers and staff understand economically disadvantaged youth, and developed youth athletic, summer college-for-kids and parent-infant programs. In addition, she founded the UW-Fond du Lac Art Exhibit and Sale , which provides scholarships that enable students to participate in enrichment programming offered through UW-Fond du Lac and other providers.
The UW-Extension uses university research, knowledge and resources to meet the educational needs of more than one million Wisconsin residents annually. Programs are delivered through 26 UW campuses, 72 county offices and the statewide networks of Wisconsin Public Radio and Wisconsin Public Television.
University of Wisconsin Continuing Education Programs honored by the University Continuing Education Association
Four University of Wisconsin continuing education programs have been honored as part of the 2005 University Continuing Education Association (UCEA) Mid-America Region Awards for Excellence Program.
The University of Wisconsin-Extension Continuing Education, Division of Outreach and E-Learning received a Creative Noncredit Program award for its " University of Wisconsin Continuing EDvantage " grant program. The UW EDvantage program provides start-up funding for new projects at the Continuing Education Offices on the University of Wisconsin campuses. To date, Continuing EDvantage has provided funding to 22 projects at 11 different University of Wisconsin campuses.
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Continuing Education and Extension's "Healthcare Management Certificate Program" and UW-Stevens Point Continuing Education's "Effective Fundraising and Developing Series" also received Creative Noncredit Program awards. And, Carmen L. Leuthner, Director of Education Outreach at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, received the Professional Continuing Educator Award.
Awards will be presented at the Mid-America regional conference in Chicago September 23, 2005 .
New Web site aids teachers' professional development
Under new licensure requirements, Wisconsin teachers are responsible for designing their own professional development plans. The new requirements, called PI 34, replace provisions that emphasized credit coursework and clock hours.
2005 UW Continuing EDvantage Awards announced
See the new 2004-2005 projects (MS Word).