executive summaries
student life services
annual report ∙ 2013-2014
staff activities
operational highlights
programmatic accomplishments
data ∙ throughout report
executive summaries
ADMINISTRATION – For the past 18 months, SLS Administration
housed Scott Griesbach, Executive Director, and Traci White, Financial Specialist. This year saw staff additions through new hires and
campus transfers to build a comprehensive administration team
which includes Sarah Rykal, Sustainability Coordinator, Shelly Hendrickson, Business Manager, and Andrew Cleveland, Assistant Director. A design team was established to support marketing efforts for
key SLS units. Exploring budget systems, incorporating transparency
in processes, and increasing sustainability partnerships were key
points of interest and will continue to be integrated as the division
matures.
S L S operates 2 4
b u i l d i n g s which is
4 0 % of the c am p u s
square footage
UNIVERSITY DINING – The department invested significantly in branding and marketing, streamlining
content, and unifying the persona of the department. Sales in convenient stores, meal plan purchases and catering services showed consistent growth throughout the year. Self-reporting
measures indicate high morale amongst employees affirming the level of training and development
The department is fiscally sound and nimble to allow for necessary financial/operational changes.
400 students
are employed by University Dining
UNIVERSITY HOUSING – Major staff changes occurred this year with the arrival of a new Director,
Sandi Scott Duex, and the departure of two long-term hall directors. Significant time was committed to the acclimation of new leadership without sacrificing productivity or new initiatives. A six-year
facilities and capital improvement plan (which augments the 25-year residence hall renewal plan)
was created to further monitor renovations and projects. The successful implementation of a pet
policy for hall directors occurred in the fall along with an internal department review using Council
for the Advancement of Standards. Investments continue for inclusivity, alcohol education, and
anti-bullying social norming campaigns.
96%
of new freshmen live in the residence halls
UNIVERSITY RECREATION – Implementation of the department’s new strategic plan began after two
years of development. A strategic planning committee was formed to assess the sports facility
needs over the next ten years. A majority of Health and Fitness Center (HFC) equipment were
updated along with combination memberships to HFC and Stout Adventures’ climbing wall. Consequently, memberships saw an increase of 9%. Sports complex hosted multiple local/regional athletic events including the 2014 WIAC softball championship in May. New staff joined Intramurals and
Stout Adventures contributing to the multiple events and functions available to the students and
campus community.
Over 3,000 students
participate
S p o r t s
g
Intramural
p r o g r a m s
in
9% increase in fitness membership sales
executive summaries
76 5 , 0 0 0
traffic
c o u n t in the M S C
annual
9,142
m e e t i n g a n d e ve n t
reserv a t i o n s
UNIVERSITY CENTERS – The MSC continues to be a focal point for the
campus community to gather, to work ,and to play. While the renovation was completed in 2011, it received the 2014 Facility Design
Award from the Association of College Unions International.
Leadership development continued its investment through
workshops, programs, and the development of PickOne – a
resource guide (complete with website) for connecting students
with campus involvement opportunities. Two retirements of longterm staff occurred this year along with the transfer of Conferences
and Events to the MSC (from SLS Administration) to streamline
communication and services. Staff worked diligently to host many
successful community/business events such as, Royal Credit Union
Summit, Menomonie Chamber of Commerce’s 75th Annual
Banquet, and Hall of Heroes dedication ceremony.
Over 160
r e c o g ni z e d
student organizations
CAMPUS CARD OFFICE – As many SLS departments made software and technological updates,
Campus Card Office was present to consult, troubleshoot, and implement changes. The banking
relationship with HigherOne was reviewed with committee recommendations being implemented in
the next year. New card machines make it easier for students and guests to add money to their
accounts and check balances. Integration of Flexline and Baseline as payment options within
Student Business Services provides more flexibility for students to pay tuition and bills. Residence
halls’ and student centers’ TV services were upgraded from analog to digital providing clearer
picture experiences. Division-wide email accounts transitioned to Office 365 and cloud-based
communication storage.
SLS
h o s t s 2 4 c a m p s a n d ove r 1 , 4 0 0 c a m p e r s
CONFERENCES & EVENTS – Mandy Colby joined SLS on April 1, 2014 to spearhead the development
of a comprehensive conferences and events program. Relational investments were the initial focus
to understand the multiple services and build connections with various internal and external
stakeholders. A service mark was created and approved and will be used in upcoming marketing
strategies. Summer camps and conferences transitioned to Mandy along with other preparation
responsibilities, such as Science Olympiad National Tournament occurring in 2016. The conferences
and events program is stationed within the Memorial Student Center’s administrative office suite to
streamline the integration of audio/visual, catering, and room reservation services.
SUSTAINABILITY – A number of multi-year projects came to
fruition this year. Building Dashboard was implemented that
allows real-time (and historical) tracking of campus energy
consumption. Stout Student Association approved a green
fee which will allow students to apply and use funds for
sustainable projects or educational initiatives. Development
of UW-Sprout Campus Garden is underway and will be a
learning space sustainable agriculture, business, and
marketing.
R a nke d
2nd most
energy efficient
campus in
U W S y s te m
staff activities
Each unit within Student Life Services has their own
comprehensive training and development programs for
student and professional staff alike. Additionally, employees
are encouraged to participate from campus to national
committees and professional development associations.
Being active in industry organizations helps departments stay
ahead of industry trends, policies, and procedures and ensure
they’re adjusting as needed to be successful and effective.
- 90 -
Number
state,
of campus,
and
national
committees
or
associations
with
SLS participation
PRESENTERS ∙ COMMITTEES ∙ BOARD MEMBERS
NACUFS National Benchmarking Committee ................................................................................................ Member, Ann Thies
NACUFS National Conference Committee .............................................. Committee Chair, Education Co-chair, Ann Thies
FoodPro Users Conference (2014 conference held at UW-Stout) ................................................... Presenter, Chair, Jim Selz
Classified Advisory Council .......................................................................................................................... Member, Darlene Frey
ACUI International Conference ............................................................................................................... Presenter, Darrin Witucki
NACA Northern Plains Conference ................................................. Assistant Showcase Production Manager, Emily Ascher
ACCED-I International Confernce ...................................................................................... Planning Committee, Mandy Colby
Campus Engagement Committee ............................................................................................................ Chair, Amy McGovern
MapWorks User Conference ................................................................................................................. Presenter, Amy McGovern
ACUHO-I ................................................................................. Director of Regional Affiliations (Exec. Board), Sandi Scott Duex
WCPA Student Affairs 101..................................................................... Conference Coordinator/Presenter, Sandi Scott Duex
ACUHO-I .................................................................................................................. Presenter, Sandi Scott Duex, Amy McGovern
Regional Honors Conference .................................................................................................................Presenter, Jennifer Parker
WSC Student Leadership Conference ..................................................................................... Keynote Speaker, Adam Ludwig
WIAC, Northern, & Midwest Conference Semi-final basketball tournaments ...................... Game Official, Larry Mellinger
UMR-ACUHO .............................. Committee Members, Presenters, Andrea Fults, Dana Fritz, Hannah Bendroth, Ben Markl
UMR-ACUHO ...............................................................................Presenters, Sandi Scott Duex, Amy McGovern, Adam Ludwig
Improving as a professional or raising the industry bar largely goes unnoticed. However,
there are instances where individual efforts are recognized and shared as benchmarks of
personal or professional achievement. Student Life Services is proud to have professionals
recognized for their efforts.
RECOGNITION
Darrin Witucki, director of university centers, received the Certified Auxiliary Service Professional (CASP)
Certification. The four-year certification is awarded to individuals with knowledge in management,
leadership, marketing, student development and operations.
Emily Ascher, campus activities Coordinator, was honored by Wisconsin College Personnel Association
with the Nora McGuire Outstanding Professional Award.
initiative, creativity, and innovation.
This accolade is based on demonstrated
Scott Griesbach, executive director of Student Life Services, received the Lifetime Achievement Award
for LGBTQ Advocacy at The Qube’s first annual Gayla. The award highlights recipient’s efforts in raising
awareness, developing partnerships, and making LGBTQ rights and inclusion a priority. Consequently,
Griesbach’ s efforts were also memorialized in the naming of a new Qube award, the Scott Griesbach
Award for Excellence in LGBTQ Advocacy.
operational & administrative highlights
From the departments that directly engage the campus community to staff that
work diligently behind the scenes, Student Life Services continues to develop its
reputation as being an efficient and effective division.
Departments have increased efforts to brand and market services and
programs more effectively with the campus and community. SLS Design, a
team of student graphic designers, was established in November to work
with University Dining, Campus Card Office, Sustainability, and
Conferences and Events for marketing and branding solutions.
NEW BRANDING
University Dining has invested in marketing efforts through hiring a
Marketing Specialist, a project position that has worked to unify branding
of the department. From brochures to vehicle wraps, University Dining has
revitalized its image with the campus and community.
In addition to a new service mark for department branding, Conferences
and Events are exploring ways to be more sustainable by developing a
“green meeting” protocol that suggests ways that guests and users can
minimizes waste when hosting meetings or events. This development of this
initiative also includes University Dining and Catering Services.
Over 800 lbs of electronics recycled during
H o u s i n g ’ s ye a r - e n d m ove o u t
In order to streamline communication and collaboration, the Sustainability Office relocated from the
Vice Chancellor’s (ASLS) office to Student Life Services. With increased visibility, new collaboration
efforts surfaced with students and key SLS Departments. University Housing partnered with
Sustainability and overhauled their year-end move program out to reduce waste and increase
electronic, furniture, and clothing recycling.
University Housing conducted an internal department review using CAS Standards and ACUHO-I
review protocols to identify areas of strength and improvements. External reviewers are scheduled
to come in the fall and complete the review process.
New policies have been implemented by University Housing for live-in professionals and residents
alike. A pet policy for live-in staff, an abandoned property policy, and release of information form
and policy were developed to coincide with pending legislation changes as well as industry trends.
The department is poised to address therapy pet policies for residents as the Fair Housing Act may
be adjusted in the upcoming months.
operational & administrative highlights
Redesigned ID cards were created for conference attendees this year in the Campus Card Office
along with tracking meal options electronically to streamline usage for Catering Services. Invoicing
for conferences improved through increasing event details within EMS Scheduling campus software.
Checklists for clients and service providers were drafted to minimize miscommunication.
ImageNow has been utilized from multiple departments to minimize waste and streamline filing. All
but one form (Purchase Requests) have transitioned to electronic versions in University Recreation.
In addition to forms, account processing has improved from previous years. Campus Card Office
was able to minimize the downtime for student account rollovers allowing students quicker access
to funds. Campus Card and Business Services collaborated to integrate student payments via Baseline/Flexline accounts giving students flexibility in for paying university-related invoices.
University Dining developed and launched a mobile app in
August 2013. Users can access menu options and nutritional
details giving users up-to-date dining information.
University Recreation began development of a mobile app in
the fall to provide hours of operations, peak usage times and
streamline membership and trip purchases.
University
scored
Dining
average
in
when
1 1 5
compared to
c o l l e g e s
a b ove
all
categories
n a t i o nw i d e .
NACUFS
12%
Academic and annual
fitness memberships
52%
Registered Intramural
Sports teams
43%
Female student
participation
General Satisfaction
Food
Value
Menu Variety
Service
Hours
Cleanliness
Environment/Appearance
Sustainability
A popular purchase among students this year was the
combination fitness and climbing memberships offered
through University Recreation. This allowed students to
access the climbing wall without having to buy a
separate membership. Improvements to the bleachers in
Johnson Fieldhouse were a main focus and completed in
time for a WIAA High School Basketball Tournament
game and 2,400 spectators. The campus community
and university guests who utilize the Recreation and
Athletic Complex are able to enjoy new wall wraps that
showcase the activities and services provided by
University Recreation.
programmatic accomplishments
The Sustainaibility Office worked
with the Stout Student Association
in the development of a green fee
which will allow for a number of
new student-focused sustainability
projects.
UW-Sprout Campus Garden has
also gained momentum with the
development of a site location
and the hiring of a student
manager to assist with program
and garden development.
UW-Stout placed
1st
i n t h e UWS y s te m a n d
24th
nationwide
WASTE STREAM BREAKDOWN
35 % RECYCLING | 33% COMPOSTING | 31% TRASH
Satisfaction among students on the ACUHO-I/ EBI Resident Satisfaction Survey remains high,
however, this year EBI completely re-wrote its survey and much of the longitudinal data is
no longer comparable.
Two areas where satisfaction declined and is being addressed are Cleanliness and
Maintenance and Facility and Overall Program Effectiveness.
programmatic accomplishments
2014 ACUI FACILITY DESIGN AWARD
In April, the Memorial Student Center received
the 2014 Facility Design award from the
Association of College Unions International as
being of outstanding design within the $15
million - $25 million bracket.
Since
the
renovation
b u i l d i n g t r a f f i c i s u p 21 % ,
i n t e r n a l c a m p u s e ve n t s u p
1 1%, and daily food sales
are up 25%
HALL OF HEROES
A wall in the Memorial Student Center was
dedicated to honor the students, faculty, and
staff who died while serving their country. 40
plaques were hung as part of the memorial.
The special ceremony held coincided with
homecoming and a class reunion.
PICKONE!
In the fall, a Student Engagement Committee was formed to identify and
recommend ways to increase student involvement. Providing engaging
opportunities for students to connect to campus suggests positive
correlations to higher retention rates.
Krista Proksch, Involvement
Coordinator, recommended PickOne, an involvement campaign
implemented by the University of Iowa to encourage students to pick at
least one activity or campus opportunity and get involved. With
permission from U of I, a comprehensive PickOne campaign was
developed and rolls out this fall!
AC T I V I T I E S | E V E N T S | C O N F E R E N C E S | I N I T I AT I V E S
Q u b i e ’ s G a y l a ∙ S S A R e u n i o n ∙ R o y a l C r e d i t U n i o n S u m m i t ∙ M e n o m o n i e C h amb e r o f
C o m m e r c e’ s 75 t h An n u a l B an q u e t ∙ S t u d e n t O r g an i z a t i o n L e a d e r s Su m m i t ∙ 2 0 1 4
W o m e n ’ s W I A C S o f t b a l l C h a m p i o n s h i p ∙ 2 0 1 4 M e n ’ s W I A A H i g h S c h o o l T o u r n am e n t
G a m e ∙ G r a d ua t i o n B a n qu e t ∙ I n s t e ad Ca m p a i gn ∙ B O L D P r o je c t ∙ F o u r N E W I n t r a m u r a ls
S p o r t s L un c h H o u r G r o u p F i t n e s s ∙ F re n c h D i p H o u s in g Co n f e r e n c e ∙ F o o d P ro U s e rs
C o n f e r e n c e ∙ 2 9 t h A n n ua l G r e a t A m e r i c a n C o o k o u t ∙ 1 s t A n n u a l S a mp l i n g E v e n t
( C a t e r i n g S e rv i c e s ) ∙ B u i l d i n g D as h b o a rd - En e r g y us ag e t r ac k i n g s y s t e m ∙ C l a s s r o o m
c o n v e rs i o n s i n S L S b u i l d i n g s ∙ F o c u s on E n e r g y r e b a t e s ∙ U Re c w a l l m a r k e t i n g wr a p s