Visiting Committee Meeting

3 December 2004

Forest Club Room, Anderson Hall, UW

 

Attendees:

Committee members Brian Boyle, Dale Cole, Duane Kelley, Jim Dooley, Janet Wainwright, Maureen Frisch, Phil Woolwine, Bob Alverts, and Roger Hoesterey; Dean Bruce Bare; Professors Bob Edmonds, Steve West, Gordon Bradley, and Rick Gustafson; staff members Michelle Trudeau, Tom Mentele, and Sarah Westbrook; and Washington Pulp and Paper Foundation head John Hanby

The meeting commenced at 2 pm on Friday December 3, the University’s Advisory Board and Visiting Committee Day. Brian Boyle welcomed all attendees and then introduced Michelle Trudeau, Student and Academic Services Director, John Hanby, Executive Director of the Washington Pulp and Paper Foundation, and Larry Mason of the Rural Technology Initiative.

Student Recruitment

Michelle presented a summary of undergraduate recruitment and reasons why we are in recruitment mode ((handout attached; see graph on pg. 2). Since 1997 the college has lost over 100 students due to other competition on campus, and less successful recruitment efforts. One area that this has not been affected is the Paper Science and Engineering program which has actually grown thanks to John Hanby’s and other efforts, and at present there are 16 students on scholarship.

The downward trend that we have seen with recruitment in the College should be turning around with the new Environmental Science and Resource Management Program, which has attracted 64 new students. This program is expected to be a success partly because of its flexible curriculum.

Michelle then referred to a graph on page 3 of the handout to point out that enrollment by quarter is doing better then previous years, and 84 students graduated last year. Half of the students now within the college are transfer students and half are women. It has been noted also that the college is receiving more women in graduate programs. Another area of reflection is the current problem of getting international students due to the new security environment. This is a problem that not only affects CFR, but all of the departments on campus, and the Graduate School is particularly concerned.

To alter this trend Michelle has been visiting classes to tell them about CFR programs, and in a joint effort with John Hanby, the two hosted a luncheon for 22 community college advisors to educate them about the programs and what is new at the college. In addition, a positive change has been made in the career fair, in that it has been moved to Mary Gates Hall which receives a lot more traffic and students from all disciplines. This year’s Career Fair will be held on 19 January, 2005, from 10am until 2pm.

Larry Mason followed with a discussion of how historical needs of community college recruitment had not been met.  The college is now working with community colleges to start a GIS program, as well as to make information more readily available about transfer programs and credits.

Larry spoke about different student populations and the relationship between different counties and enrollment in the University, as well as the implications of the Running Start Program, and graduating in 4 years versus 5 years. Supplemental information about this can be found in the attached handout and on the graphs in the end of the handout.

John Hanby, speaking about the Paper Science and Engineering program, remarked that good candidates are not easy to get, given the competition from engineering and science disciplines.  However, two recent recruits had perfect SAT scores.  He stressed that paper industry towns are good sources of candidates.  Associate Dean Steve West mentioned that the number 400 is a good target to consider, as that is the number needed to reach a doubled enrollment.

Urban Ecology Program

Gordon Bradley briefed the Committee on the NSF-funded Urban Ecology Program (see the web site for this presentation):

http://www.cfr.washington.edu/About/visiting_committee/CFR_visiting_committee_files/frame.htm

Working Forest Forum

Brian Boyle discussed the Working Forest Forum held at Alderbrook Resort November 22-23.  The attendees filled Alderbrook (85 total) and there was a significant clamor for an early follow to address the specific recommendations of the Forum.  This was the first Environmental Forum of the College, which we have worked on for over two years.  Bruce Bare recently received the University’s endorsement of the Northwest Environmental Forum and a two year seed fund commitment for the College.  The Northwest Environmental Forum http://www.nwenvironmentalforum.org/ and Working Forest Forum http://www.nwenvironmentalforum.org/ForestForum/index.htm  discussions are found at the College web site, also showing the November agenda, sponsors, and attendees.  An final report of the Working Forest Forum will be available on the web site or in print by request, in January. 

Dean Bruce Bare concluded the meeting by asking the committee members for assistance and advice about student recruitment.  He suggested that this should be a subject of our next meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 3:30 PM.