August 2006
Montana Western Approaches Record Enrollment
Wednesday, August 30 2006
The University of Montana Western may registered its largest fall class ever and continues its fourth consecutive year of enrollment growth according to Jason Karch, university registrar. “Our research indicates this fall class is the largest in recent history and could set a campus record.”
“To date, we have enrolled seven percent more students than last year and we are just shy of the 1,200 student mark,” Karch said. “The largest growth has occurred in out-of-state students, a 28 percent increase over last year.”
Montana Western Chancellor Dick Storey attributed the increase to the university’s unique Experience One program in which students take one class at a time.
“The success of Experience One is definitely a factor,” Storey said. “However, many factors contribute to our growth including our traditionally strong programs in teacher education, business and technology, and liberal arts; as well as new programs in biology, equine studies and natural horsemanship. Our admissions, advising and retention initiatives are also important.”
This is the second consecutive year that Montana Western has offered Experience One, a block scheduling system that enables students to one class, three hours each day for about four weeks. Montana Western is the only public university in the nation that offers the innovative program.
“The attraction of our athletic programs continues to bring new students to Montana Western” said Tom Yahraes, vice chancellor and athletic director. “Head football coach Tommy Lee has 75 football players suiting up this year. When we add the new students from rodeo, volleyball, basketball and equestrian, athletics accounts for 123 new students to campus.”
Storey said that campus residence halls are nearly filled to capacity and new sections of classes have been added. He noted that Montana Western’s increases are coming at a time when Montana high school graduation rates are decreasing.
Karch said the official date for recording enrollment information occurs on Sept. 15. “All indications point toward a record-breaking year,” he said.
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Dances With Words Fall Schedule
Monday, August 28 2006
The University of Montana Western English department is sponsoring a series of readings of writers and poets during the 2006 Fall Semester titled “Dances With Words.”
Unless otherwise noted, all readings will take place Thursday nights at 7:30 p.m. at The Cup, located on the lower level of the Swysgood Technology Center.
Sept. 28, 2006: David Gilbey, Australia, poet
Oct. 12, 2006: Debra Magpie Earling, Missoula, Mont., writer
(Reading will be in Great Room of STC building)
Nov. 2, 2006: Patti Briggs, Butte, Mont, fantasy novelist
Dec 7, 2006: Montana Western English faculty
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Gallery Hosts Reception For Dillon Artists
Friday, August 25 2006
Dillon artists Jenni Fallein and Sarah Krank are the featured artists in "Magnifications & Meditations" currently on exhibit at The University of Montana Western Art Gallery/Museum.
A public reception for the artists will be held Wed., Aug. 30 from 7 to 8 p.m. and refreshments will be served.
Both artists are drawn to bright colors. Jenni Fallein's eight paintings are called "The Little Buddha Series." These paintings explore Jenni's recent experience caring for a terminally ill friend. Each painting features a wax Buddha that accompanies the transition from life to death.
"The images are an interesting combination of both grief and celebration," says Gallery Director Randy Horst. “Sarah Krank's work features large constructed relief paintings. They combine features of the landscape with aspects of the human figure. "Their sculptural qualities, combined with their intense, bright colors, make these pieces very exciting."
"Magnifications & Meditations" continues through this Fri., Sept. 1. The Art Gallery/Museum also includes the Seidensticker Wildlife Collection of trophy mounts and a permanent art collection including works by Russell and Paxson.
Regularly scheduled gallery hours are Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and the gallery is always free. To arrange for special times or visits call the director at 683-7232.
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Montana Western Wellness Office Sponsors Exercise Classes
Tuesday, August 22 2006
The Wellness Office of the University of Montana Western offers individuals the opportunity for personal fitness through a series of exercise classes during the 2006 Fall Semester.
Participants can choose from Cardio Blast, Interval Aerobics or Yoga.
There will be three sessions of Cardio Blast each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The morning session is from 6–6:45 a.m., the early afternoon session is from 12:05–12:50 p.m. and the late afternoon session is from 4-4:45 p.m. Classes meet in the 3rd floor of the Montana Western P.E. Complex.
Interval Aerobics is taught Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:05-12:50 p.m. and 4-4:45 p.m. on the 3rd floor of the Montana Western P.E. Complex.
The Yoga class meets each Thursday from 12-1:30 p.m. in the Straugh Gymnasium.
Cost of the classes is $15 a semester for Montana Western students; $30 a semester for Montana Western employees, spouses and retirees. The cost for Dillon community members is $50 per semester.
For more information please call the Montana Western Wellness Office at 683-7441.
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NASA Robotics Workshop at Montana Western
Tuesday, August 22 2006
The University of Montana Western School of Outreach is sponsoring a three-day NASA Robotics workshop, Sept. 15, 16 and 17 at the Birch Creek Outdoor Education Center.
The workshop is open to K-12 teachers and college students. Participants will experience snap-together robot action using the LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT robotics toolset. Using MINDSTORMS, the participants will learn to use light, touch, ultrasonic and sound sensors. The program comes with both Mac and PC software. This is a great introduction and preparation for the upcoming nationally sanctioned LEGO First competition (for school-aged students) to be held later this year in Bozeman.
The workshop is under the direction of Carlo Orega Cayetano of the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Elementary and Secondary School Programs. Cayetano has toured the country presenting workshops to teachers and school-aged students.
Cost is $115 for the one credit workshop. Current college students may add the workshop to their existing credit load. Meals/Lodging at Birch Creek are an additional $90.
Enrollment is limited. To register by phone or for additional information, call the Montana Western School of Outreach at (406) 683-7537 or toll-free at (866) 799-9140 or by email at outreach@umwestern.edu.
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2006-2007 Fall Semester Begins
Monday, August 21 2006
The 2006-2007 Fall Semester at the University of Montana Western begins with five days full of activities.
Wednesday, Aug. 23, staff and faculty will meet in the Swysgood Center Great Room for a series of informational meetings. The day concludes with the annual faculty-staff barbeque.
Thursday, Aug. 24, is Parent’s Day. The orientation activities begin with orientation check-in from 8 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. There is a Transfer Student Workshop from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. The all Campus Convocation is scheduled for 1 p.m. in front of the Roe House. Parents meet with the assistant dean of students and the chancellor from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. In the evening, there will be a series of special interest meetings including an open house at the Equine Studies house at 6 p.m.; a Trio-Student Support Services meeting at 7 p.m.; a student athlete meeting at 8 p.m. and the day concludes with a Root Beer Float Social at 9 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 25, new student orientation begins at 9 a.m. with an introduction to Experience One. At 9:45, the students depart for Birch Creek for a day of orientation at the Outdoor Education Center. The day concludes on campus with a “Movie on the Lawn”.
Saturday, Aug. 26, the Bookstore, administrative offices and the Student Life office will be open from 8 a.m. to Noon to allow students to complete any business. At 9 a.m. there is an advising and registration session. Also at 9 a.m., computer placement testing will be held. At 11 a.m., a student employment meeting will be held. From 1 – 5 p.m. students can choose from a selection of activities for the afternoon including a Beaverhead River float, a lake trip to Clark Canyon or a community service activity at the Dillon Humane Society. At 8 p.m., students will be entertained at Dillon’s YMCA. The day’s activities conclude with Cosmic Bowling at 10 p.m. at Ned Eva Lanes.
Sunday, Aug. 27, the Faculty and Staff talent show begins at 7 p.m. in the Beier Auditorium.
Classes begin on Monday, Aug. 28.
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Workforce Development Center Open House
Tuesday, August 15 2006
The University of Montana Western Workforce Development will hold an open house Thursday, August 17 from 1 – 5 p.m. The Center is located in the Camp Fortunate Interpretive Center, 2nd Floor, at 10 West Reeder.
The Montana Western Workforce Development Center is Beaverhead County’s newest resource for developing a highly trained workforce in southwestern Montana. The center will serve to connect employers and workers with training opportunities.
There will be refreshments and a drawing for basic computer or business communication classes.
Montana Western received $200,000 from the Montana Legislature to develop new certificate and associate programs that meet the needs of workers and employers in the area.
The award was part of a special appropriation from the Legislature given to campuses that have two-year programs.
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Local Bank Donates Money For Scoreboard
Friday, August 11 2006
Stockman Bank recently donated $14,500 to the University of Montana Western for the purchase of a new scoreboard at Vigilante Field in Dillon. The new scoreboard will replace the existing scoreboard in the southeast corner of the field, which has been in use in excess of 25 years.
"It is gratifying to contribute to an enhancement that will touch those involved with the college, high school, and middle school, along with supporters of our youth athletic programs,” comments Craig Rehm, President of Stockman Bank, Dillon.
The University of Montana Western (then Western Montana College of Education) acquired Vigilante Field in 1949 from the city of Dillon. It has been utilized extensively for the benefit of college and high school football games, numerous track and field events, and an occasional game between middle school football teams.
Miles City rancher and businessman Wm. Nefsy established Stockman Bank in 1953. Still headquartered in Miles City, the Montana company continues to grow with 21 full-service banking locations throughout Montana. Stockman Bank Dillon was established last fall.
Stockman Bank has long been Montana's largest agricultural bank, as well as, one of the state's largest commercial and real estate lenders. Stockman Bank supports strong education, health care and both economic & cultural development in the communities they serve.
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Student Fire Fighters May Call For Deadline Extensions
Friday, August 4 2006
To help University of Montana Western students battling wildfires in late August and early September, the school has extended its September 11 registration deadline for full semester courses for student firefighters to September 18.
Most courses offered by Montana Western are offered in one of four semester blocks. Students can enroll in these courses by the block start deadlines, which are August 29 for block 1, September 26 for block 2, October 24 for block 3, and November 28 for block 4. The later start dates are especially accommodating for students who are firefighters or other warm-season employees.
Students are asked to call the Montana Western’s Registrar's Office at 406-683-7371 before Aug. 20 to leave their names and the agencies they are working for in order to secure the extension. In addition, the $40 late-registration fee will be waived.
The extension ensures students who have not finalized their registration by the start of the semester will not lose the classes they have already selected. However, students are encouraged to contact their professors to make sure their seat in class is not given away. Contacting professors could also help firefighters keep up with class assignments.
The Montana Western Student Life office will hold dorm rooms for firefighters until the Sept. 18 deadline.
If students employed as firefighters haven't finalized their registration by September 18, they will lose their semester-long classes. Block classes will be held until the second day of each block.
Student firefighters are asked to call the Registrar's Office at (406) 683-7371 to secure an extended deadline.
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