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What's Inside  Introduction
 Conference Calendar
 Assessment
 True to Our Name
 Through Eyes of Students
 SNIR Certificate
 Featured Conferences
 Secure Registration
 Meet Our Instructors
 Worth Repeating
 Scholarships for Kids
 New Classes
 On Line Classes

Archives  2005 Spring
 2004 Fall
 2004 Summer
 2004 Spring
 2003 Fall
 2003 Summer
 2003 Spring
 2002 Fall
 2002 Summer
 2002 Spring
 2001 Fall
 2001 Spring
 2000 Fall

The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.
- Vince Lombardi

Community Service Education
Outreach School
NEWSLETTER - Spring 2005 - (Volume 8 Issue 1)

Upcoming Trends In Conferences

When someone asks me why I am so interested in looking for future trends in business, I often remember this anonymous saying: "Have you ever tried running down a trail while looking only at your feet - without falling or crashing into something? You might say this is a foolish thing to do, but many leaders are operating just this way by focusing only on what is immediately in front of them. The result is that there is little time to react to new events or information." That is why we are concerned with not just next month, or even next year, but what will be happening five years from now.

As chair of the Environmental Scanning Program for the Association of College and Collegiate Directors, we research potential upcoming trends that could influence future conference business, and then publish these trends to our members four times a year. Our latest publication explores issues such as: security and international visitors; professionalism and certification within the industry, food trends, increase in faith group gatherings, internet misuse and young conference attendees, and the Echo Boomers and new student housing. If you would like a copy of this publication, or the web address (it is being posted as this newsletter goes to press), please let me know.

Have a great semester.
Sheila Atwood, Division Head
766-5641


Conference Calendar of Events
January
  • 1/4-7        Commercial Pesticide Applicator Short Course
  • 1/6-9        Western Photosynthesis
  • 1/9-12      Western RC&D Assoc.
  • 1/13         Chamber Luncheon
  • 1/25-26   Commercial Pesticide Applicator Recert

February
  • 2/4-5        Academic Decathlon
  • 2/11-13   Wyoming Pharmacy Assoc. Winter CE & Ski
  • 2/16-17   Weed Mgmt. Workshop

March
  • 3/6-7         School Improvement
  • 3/6-8         WY State Science Fair
  • 3/15-16     Animal Damage Mgmt. Board Symposium
  • 3/30-4/1   Shepard Symposium on Social Justice

April
  • 4/13-16   Mountain Plains Adult Education Association
  • 4/14-16   Master Gardener
  • 4/19-21   EPA Regional Training
  • 4/21-22   Children w/ Hearing Loss
  • 4/22         Health Research Day
  • 4/27-29   Shaping a Healthy Future

May
  • 5/12-14   Special Olympics Summer Games

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Assessment: Not as Difficult as You Think
We have completed our assessment discussions and planning for all conferences and enrichment classes and have arrived at some simple things we can do to assess student learning, even in short, noncredit areas.
  • Address three learning assessment questions at the class midpoint on a post card that will give information to the instructor to structure the rest of the learning experience: (1) Did you learn what you were expecting to learn? (2) What was the most important thing you have learned so far during this conference? (3) What important question(s) or issue(s) remain unanswered?
  • Include the same three questions on end of experience evaluations.
  • Contracted with a software company to set up online assessments that can be sent to selected groups and compiled automatically.
While this is not the most complete type of assessment instrument or plan available, we have designed this simple three-step process by working with the Outreach School Assessment Coordinator, Steve Aagard, we can easily incorporate his suggestions into our current programming.

The survey software package is available for use as a coordination service that we will be offering our customers starting in January.

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Staying True to Our Name
UW Community Service Education has been busy helping out in the Laramie community this past year. Our office ?adopted a stretch of highway? on 287 by Tie Siding and picked up trash in the spring and fall.

The Enrichment Programs staff held a bake sale in the spring to help the organization Share our Strength. The goal of Share our Strength is to provide meals to school aged children and help end childhood hunger in America.

We committed to donating to a Wyoming troop overseas, then found out they made an early return to home in December. There will be a welcome home party for them this spring. More details to follow.

Once again this past holiday season, we collected donations for the animal shelter. The outpouring of help for the little orphan animals was greatly appreciated by the shelter staff.

Members of our office also routinely donate blood, volunteer at the Epson Center and are active in with the Albany County Public Schools.

Denise Marquiss participated in mock interviews for Our Families Our Future. The focus of this organization is to bring disadvantaged youth and families out of poverty. They learn life and job skills, receive counseling, learn about community, earn their GED?s and do a 10 ? 12 week paid internship.

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Through The Eyes Of a Student . . .
The following was submitted by Vanay Syme, a former UW employee.

While employed at UW Community Service Education, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to take several online classes. These courses have given me the opportunity to continue my education on my schedule instead of someone else?s. I thoroughly enjoyed Access I and II, and Creating Web Pages I and II. They gave me the resources I needed to obtain the job of my dreams.

The classes were user-friendly, priced right, and the diversity of classes is amazing.

I now work for Brevard Workforce Development Board in Rockledge, FL, and am still taking classes through UW Enrichment. I recently completed the Certified Program Planner course, which will help me assist my supervisor with several upcoming projects.

Thank you to the UW Enrichment Department staff for helping me obtain my personal goals and further my career.

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SRNI Certificate Program
The UW Outreach School, Division of Community Service Education, in conjunction with the Snowy Range Nonprofit Institute (SRNI) is developing a Nonprofit Management Certificate program to begin in the fall of 2005. The program?s purpose is to provide an intensive, year-long exploration of the challenges and opportunities of nonprofit management, resulting in UW certification.

Work will be conducted between institutes via online, asynchronous discussions; independent reading assignments; four compressed video workshops during the year; projects applying concepts learned to real of hypothetical problems; and a group presentation at the SRNI. For more information, please contact Jerimiah L. Rieman at 307-766-2938 or jrieman@uwyo.edu.

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Featured Conferences

Western RC&D - January 9 - 12
The Western Regional Association on Resource Conservation and Development Councils (RC&D) will hold its annual meeting January 9-12 at the Parkway Plaza in Casper. The organization consists of eleven states - Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. Locally lead groups, or councils, work on a variety of projects of interest including economic development, community improvements, recreation, tourism, conservation and many other areas of concerns that lead to a better standard of living for rural communities. This meeting is an opportunity to share ideas and success stories on how to accomplish projects that will lead to stronger rural communities. For more information, call Pammie Lipford (USDA-NRCS) at (307) 233-6756 or visit https://uwsecureweb.uwyo.edu/outreach_s/westernrcd/register.asp for registration information.

Mountain Plains Adult Education - April 13 - 16
The Mountain Plains Adult Education Association will hold its 63rd annual conference April 14-16, 2005 at Snow King Resort in Jackson Hole, WY. The conference will be hosted by the Wyoming Lifelong Learning Association and the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services. Keynote speakers include Cheryl L. Keenan, director of the U.S. Department of Education?s Division of Adult Education and Literacy, William A. Draves, president of LERN, and Julie Coates, vice president for information services for LERN. For more information or to register contact Adrienne Zeller at 1-877-733-3618 ext. 1 or (307) 766-2124.

Wyoming Special Olympics - May 12 - 14
The UW campus, the Laramie Community Ice Arena, and the Wyoming School of Gymnastics will be host sites for the Special Olympics Summer Games May 12 ? 14. Special Olympics is estimating there will be between 350 and 400 participants plus coaches, family members and volunteers involved in these games.

Participants will arrive and register in the Corbett Physical & Health Education Building on May 12. Competition begins Thursday, resume Friday and concludes Saturday around noon. Opening ceremonies and dinner will be held at the Laramie Community Ice Arena Thursday evening. Athletes will compete in Aquatics in Corbett Pool, Track and Field in the Field house, Basketball in the Multi Purpose Gym, Power Lifting in the Power Plant (weight room) and Gymnastics at the Wyoming School of Gymnastics. The Banquet and Victory Dance will be held at the Laramie Community Ice Arena on Friday evening, May 13.

It takes many volunteers to make this event a success. If you are willing to help, please contact Traci Countryman at (307) 235-3062 or Denise Marquiss at (307) 766-3362.

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New Secure Registration Available
We are proud to offer our clients secure real-time online registration for conferences and events. Earlier this year, we purchased a new registration software called Events Manager from International Conference Management. This software allows us to design registration pages in-house for our clients, which can be used year after year. It also allows the attendee the chance to register, have their payment processed immediately, and receive a confirmation via e-mail all within a few minutes. There is no more waiting for the mail to come to receive a confirmation. Attendees may log back on to the system to make any changes they need to make. If you have any questions about this system and how we may be able to assist you with your conference needs, please call Sheila Atwood-Couture at 307-766-5641.

Community Enrichment Programs - Meet Our Instructors
As we embark upon a new year and we set out to keep our New Year?s Resolution we might think about last year?s goal to lose ten pounds and realize we have gained another five. Fitness is such an important element of our health but so few of us actually find the time to exercise. So how would someone with four young children find time to workout? She becomes a fitness instructor. She is new to the community and to Community Enrichment classes. Her husband, Craig, decided that he would get his masters in Anthropology so they moved from Fort Wayne, Indiana to Laramie.

Carolyn knew that she wanted to continue teaching fitness classes because she thought it would be a great way to meet people, keep in shape, and have fun. Every Monday and Wednesday, Carolyn teaches morning step from 6:10-7:00am. Carolyn says, ? I love to teach, it is so much fun and you get paid to workout and meet people?. She also attends other early morning fitness classes because, ? the times are so convenient , I can workout before my kids get up and I feel great for the rest of the day?. Carolyn has found that Community Enrichment classes have been a great way to meet people with similar interests and a way for her to take some time for herself.

Carolyn?s New Year?s Resolution is to get to know the community better and to be the best Mom she can be. Carolyn?s participants love her class and we invite all of you to try her class!

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Worth Repeating . . .
Comments from Enrichment Class Participants about what they like:
  • The novelty of trying something new
  • The students and teacher are dedicated to noon-time exercise
  • Emails regarding the time/location of class
  • The many choices offered by UW Enrichment
  • The opportunity to take a long-term class
Our participants agree - our classes are convenient and exciting. Our highly-qualified instructors are dynamic and committed to their fields. We are continually striving to meet the demands of your busy schedule by offering classes at a variety of times. We are able to email your confirmations ? cutting out lost mail or a trip to our office. Our office seeks out new classes and is open to your ideas, while at the same time keeping some of your favorite classes around.

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Community Scholarships for Kids
Ten $25 scholarships are available to children 16 years old and younger, for each of the fall, spring and summer sessions. Special thanks to these Laramie businesses for making this program possible:
  • American National Bank
  • Bresnan Communications
  • Community First National Bank
  • Edward Jones - Jon Johnson
  • First Interstate Bank
  • First National Bank
  • GM Auto Center
  • Mortgage Source
  • Mountain Cement
  • State Farm-Scott McFarland
  • WalMart
For more info about this program or if you would like to make a donation, please call Kendra Gage, Community Enrichment Programs Coordinator at 307-766-6801 or e-mail her at kgage@uwyo.edu

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In The Spotlight: New Classes
Living Intentionally
Design the life you love by increasing your creativity, self-awareness and spirituality. Discover or rekindle your passion through activities tailored for your growth and self exploration.

A Licensed Professional Counselor, Judy Coburn will guide you into such topics as remembering who you are, defining your dependable strengths and reconnecting with your true passions.

Thurs.   7:30 - 9:00 pm   January 20 - March 10
Fee:   $48
UW Beta House, Medicine Bow Room


Instant Piano
You don?t need years of weekly lessons to learn piano. In just a few short hours, learn enough secrets of the trade to give you years of musical enjoyment. Learn all the chords you?ll ever need to play any song in one session. Instructor: Craig Coffman

Tuesday   6:00 - 9:00 pm   March 1
Fee:   $33
UW Fine Arts, Room 214


Private Pilot Ground School
Get prepared to pass the FAA Private Pilot Written Exam required to earn a Private Pilot Certificate. Curriculum includes aircraft operation and systems, basic aerodynamics, weather, navigation, radio procedure, and use of aviation publications. Instructor Jace Myran

Tues./Thurs.   5:30 - 7:30 pm   Feb. 22 - April 28
Fee:    $680
UW Beta House, Grand Teton Room


American Indians In The West
The stereotypic version of the American Indian is the horse mounted nomadic warrior who rode across the Great Plains, hunting buffalo and defending his land from American invaders. However, the history of American Indians in the North American West is much more complicated. Join us for a roundtable discussion with several history instructors that will address how each nation?s history & culture have effected both the past and present. Instructors: Dr. William Bauer, Dr. Matt DeSpain, Dr. Brad Raley and Jeff Means

Wed.   7:00 - 9:00 pm   March 30
Fee:    $10
UW Beta House, Medicine Bow Room
Class is available for Teacher Credit.

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The Freedom of Online Classes
Is it always tough to bounce back after the holidays. Need a little time alone? Noncredit online courses through Community Service Education can give you the peace-of-mind you have missed for so long!

We offer hundreds of courses that will allow you to delve into something you?ve always been interested in but never had time to tackle. Uncover the roots of your family tree in Genealogy Basics, or prepare for your big move to Hollywood with Your Screenwriting Career. Feel better after taking Introduction to Natural Health and Healing. Expand your horizons in Appreciating European Art. Stop hating math after conquering Introduction to Algebra. Prepare for a certification that will get you the job you have always dreamed about!

Our office works with three nationally recognized vendors to provide you with the best possible opportunities for noncredit online learning. Gatlin Education specializes in offering certificate classes that will help you get a better job in a variety of fields. One of the most popular suites of classes includes becoming a certified Microsoft Systems Administrator, Systems Engineer or Database Administrator. Gatlin also offers courses in AutoCad, Web Development and several certifications in the medical/health fields.

Ed2Go offers hands-on skills for folks in the office and business worlds. You can increase your knowledge and expertise about numerous software packages including Excel, Access, Word, QuickBooks and Windows XP. They also offer an unlimited number of classes to expand your view of the world.

HowToMaster is a unique vendor that can help you hire just the right employee the next time a job search is at your fingertips. Skills-based testing is available for you to screen applicants and determine what level they are at with various office software programs. The cost of this testing is minimal in comparison with the training time and effort you will save by hiring the right person the first time around.

These experiences and many more are available to you in three easy mouse-clicks ? check us out today at http://outreach.uwyo.edu/enrichment.

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