PAPER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-STEVENS POINT
1988-89
SIX YEAR Plan
Table of Contents
Unit Mission ......................................................................................................... 2
Prior Accomplishments...................................................................................... 2
Current Position .................................................................................................. 3
Ability to meet student demands and needs...................................................................3
Ouality of program.........................................................................................................3
Areas of strength of personnel. ......................................................................................3
Areas for improvement of personnel. ............................................................................4
Ability to attract, recruit and retain faculty and students...............................................4
Quality and quantity of instructional materials and Physical facilities..........................4
Quantity and quality of research. ...................................................................................4
Quantity and guality of public service to the university, community and state.............4
Objectives: One Year, Three Year, And Six Year............................................. 5
Continuing Education & Outreach ................................................................................5
Engineering Accreditation .............................................................................................5
Facilities.........................................................................................................................6
Foundation & Alumni ....................................................................................................6
Curriculum .....................................................................................................................6
Faculty Development .....................................................................................................6
Student Recruitment.......................................................................................................7
1
Unit Mission
The Paper Science Department at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point is the only
program of its kind in Wisconsin. It is an interdisciplinary program designed to develop an
individual who is well versed in the physical and engineering sciences and who understands the
interrelationships among these disciplines in order to apply them as an industrial scientist or
engineer, and ultimately as a member of management in the paper and allied industries.
Objectives of the Paper Science Department are:
•
-Provide an educational opportunity which will prepare students for useful and rewarding
careers;
•
-Serve the paper and allied industry through well-educated professional employees,
continuing education for those already in the industry, development of new concepts
through research, and as a source of technical information and expertise;
•
-Pursue the above objectives in a manner which will bring credit to the University of
Wisconsin -Stevens Point and the State of Wisconsin.
Prior Accomplishments
The Paper Science program has grown from thirty-two majors and four graduates in 1972-73 to
two hundred and thirty-one majors and thirty graduates in 1987-88. Thirty-two majors are
expected to graduate in 1989.
The program has weathered a three-year transition period. Prior to three years ago faculty and
student enrollment were relatively static. A fifth faculty position was added for 1985-86. Said
Abubakr was hired to fill this position, however, Bob Rouda left the University before Said
began teaching. Subhash Deodhar was able to fill the role Dr. Rouda had played in the
department relative to computing. Gerry Ring was hired for 1986-87 to fill the fifth position.
Mike Kocurek left on a leave of absence prior to Gerry's arrival on campus. During 1987-88 a
search and screen committee was formed by Dean Trainer to fill the department chairmanship.
Larry Graham was appointed chair at the beginning of the summer of 1988. At this same point in
time Subhash Deodhar left the University to join industry. Two new faculty, Mike Misovich and
Karyn Biasca were hired for the 1988-89 academic year. All vacant faculty positions within the
department are now filled.
The department lost its secretary at the beginning of the 1987-88 academic year. This position
was filled with three different LTE's during the year and Barbara Jensen became the regular
department secretary during the summer of 1988.
During this same transition period the Paper Science building addition plans were finalized by
the architects and the construction phase of the project was nearly completed.
In spite of the difficulties associated with faculty turnover, lack of experienced secretarial help,
and building construction, the program has continued to offer an excellent educational
experience to its majors. Each member of the faculty has made unique contributions to the
quality of the program. Placement of graduates has continued to be excellent. All 1986, 1987,
2
and 1988 graduates were placed within the paper and allied industries. Summer intern and coop
placement has also been very good. All juniors and sophomores were placed during the summer
of 1988 with the exception of two non-traditional students. A number of permanent and summer
placements were made at new locations last year. Industry continues to regard the UWSP Paper
Science program as one of the best, if not the best, of its kind in the nation.
Current Position
Ability to meet student demands and needs.
Completion of the building project and full staffing should enable the department to continue to
meet student needs.
Quality of program.
The average number of job offers per 1988 graduate was three. Average starting salary for these
graduates was $31,000. These numbers reflect the quality of the UWSP Paper Science program
as perceived by industry. Two 1988 graduates were accepted as graduate students by Big Ten
chemical engineering departments.
Areas of strength of personnel.
The department has moved from a position where three quarters of the faculty were within a year
of each other in age to a position where the faculty ages span two decades. This change in age
spectrum is very healthy for the program.
Karyn Biasca will join the faculty second semester. She brings a chemical engineering
background, paper industry experience and IPC graduate education to the department. She will
be teaching our statistics course and mass and energy balances this spring. She is an exciting
addition to the faculty.
Mike Misovich joined the faculty this semester. He is currently teaching mass transfer and
process control. Mike's computer background will enable him to get our new computer lab up
and running. He will be teaching our simulation course next semester and has already started
helping other faculty incorporate computer applications in their courses. Mike has received
teaching excellence awards at MSU.
Gerry Ring brings IPC and industry experience to the program. He has spent two years
revitalizing and preparing materials for the lab methods course, the pulping course and the paper
and fiber physics course. He has improved the writing emphasis component of the lab course
considerably. Gerry has been working with telecommunications on exciting new offerings. He is
working on the departmental office computer system and will be taking over the wet end
chemistry course this spring.
Said Abubakr brought an international perspective to the program. He has already received a
teaching excellence award at UWSP. Said's strengths lie in student advising and engineering
courses. He has received a waste to energy grant from the state and has completed three quarters
of the work.
3
Larry Graham has been with the program for fourteen years. He knows the industry which the
department serves. Nearly all of the alumni of the program have passed through his classes over
the years. He has received a UWSP teaching excellence award.
Mike Misovich will be able to teach in CIS providing position and dollars to hire outside experts
to teach part time within the department in the future.
Areas for improvement of personnel.
Both Mike Misovich and Said Abubakr need to gain relevant paper industry experience,
preferably through summer employment within the industry. Said's waste to energy work has
been exciting and interesting however it is not within the mainstream of departmental goals.
Ability to attract, recruit and retain faculty and students.
The department has had little difficulty in attracting good students. Growth in number of
graduates over the years has continued.
Retention of faculty would appear to have been a problem. Faculty turnover in the past three
years has been a result of a narrow age spectrum and age of faculty. The two excellent new hires
this year speak well for the department's ability to attract faculty.
Quality and quantity of instructional materials and Physical facilities.
The IPC move to Georgia will impact the program in the area of library facilities. The IPC
holdings are the premier collection in the world in the paper field. This facility will no longer be
available to faculty and students within easy driving distance. Other means for accessing these
holdings will have to be developed. Local industrial research libraries may help in this area.
It is too early to assess the impact the building addition will ultimately have on the program. The
computer lab and testing lab will be significant improvements. The pilot plant will provide room
for expansion and upgrading of facilities and equipment for years to come. There is a need for
improved recruiting facilities within the department.
Quantity and quality of research.
The primary goal of the Paper Science program at UWSP is undergraduate education. Research
is not a primary component of the department's activities. The waste to energy project has been
an unusual exception to this rule.
Quantity and quality of public service to the university, community
and state.
Paper Science faculty have always contributed their share of service to the university. Currently
Said Abubakr serves on the University Relations Committee and the Senate. Gerry Ring is on the
GDR Committee. Larry Graham has passed through the chairs of the Lake States section of
TAPPI. He is currently LSOC representative to national TAPPI for the Lake States section.
Gerry Ring has responsibility of publicity and newsletter for Lake States TAPPI. Larry Graham
4
serves on the IPC Alumni Council. Larry Graham is a member of the UW System working group
on Wisconsin's responses to the IPC move. Larry Graham serves as Treasurer of the Aldo
Leopold Audubon Society.
Objectives: One Year, Three Year, And Six Year
Goals and objectives are concentrated in several areas including continuing education & outreach
engineering accreditation, facilities, foundation & alumni, curriculum, faculty development, and
student recruitment.
Continuing Education & Outreach
One-year goals include developing and offering courses in:
•
Alkaline Recovery Technology using Tom Grace, Graham
•
Introduction to Pulp and Paper, Wisconsin River Valley, Graham
•
Spread Sheet Applications, Misovich
•
Elderhostel offering, summer 1989, Graham and Ring
•
Two PaperQuest video essays ready for distribution, Ring
Three-year goal is continuation of the one-year projects in addition to:
•
Secondary Fiber with Doshi, Graham and Ring
•
Mass and Energy Balances, Abubakr and Misovich
•
Introduction to Pulp and Paper, other locations, other faculty
•
Statistical Process Control, Biasca
•
Computer Simulation, Misovich
•
Testing and Statistic for Technicians, Ring and Biasca
Six-year goal is to continue successful offerings and add new offerings.
Engineering Accreditation
The Paper Science Foundation has gone on record urging the department to seek engineering
accreditation. Such accreditation would aid graduates in seeking professional registration and
enable the department to use the name Paper Science and Engineering which more accurately
describes the curriculum and entry-level positions which our graduates fill. One year goal is to
continue to work with TAPPI and ABET to insure an accreditation mechanism for paper schools
and to complete the ABET self-study in order to determine any necessary curricular changes.
Three-year goal is to be prepared for an accreditation visit. Six-year goal is to have received
accreditation.
5
Facilities
Primary facility goals involve completion of the building addition project. One-year goals
include completion of specialized equipment purchases (Ring) and utilization of the computer
lab (Misovich). Three-year goal is to ascertain additional equipment needs and initiate an
equipment donation requests.
A secondary facilities goal is to establish a library/recruiting area in the old testing lab. One-year
goal is to prepare plans. Three-year goal is to have work on this project completed.
Foundation & Alumni
One-year goal is to increase corporate support of Paper Science Foundation through increased
levels of contribution and new members. Three year goal is to have endowment drive planed and
underway.
One-year goal for alumni is to revitalize alumni association through regional alumni
representatives. Three-year goal is to have established regular regional alumni get-togethers. Sixyear goal is to increase typical alumni contribution to $100.
Curriculum
Immediate one-year curriculum objectives include:
•
Offer a Semester I section of PS215 so that sophomore coops can be required to have
passed this course prior to cooping.
•
Develop PS490 and 495 into seminar series available to industry technical personnel.
•
Incorporate SPC in PS314.
Three year curricular goals include:
•
Establish a secondary fiber seminar similar to coating seminal.
•
Make differential equations a required part of the curriculum.
•
Reexamine the limnology requirement.
A more fundamental curriculum concern involves the possibility of a Master's degree. Continue
working with the system-working group and explore possibility of a cooperative M.S. program.
Faculty Development
All faculty will work with Karyn as she enters the teaching profession to insure that she has a
good experience during her first two to three years.
Said and Mike need help in gaining paper industry experience.
All faculty in the department will become involved with the TIP program when it becomes
available second semester.
6
Student Recruitment
Complete preparation of new high school brochure.
Prepare Paper Science Department fact sheet.
Prepare short video presentation on Paper Science Department and career opportunities for use
with prospective students.
Six-year goal-development of a summer high school workshop.
7
Program Review of
The Paper Science Department
Introduction
The Paper Science Program Review Committee met regularly during the fall semester, 1989, in
order to review the curriculum, faculty, and programs of the Paper Science Department. The
Committee met with Department Chair Larry Graham, Dean of the College of Natural Resources
Alan Haney, each of the Paper Science faculty, and six Paper Science majors. In addition to
interviewing faculty, students, and administrators, the Committee also examined such documents
as the department's 1988-89 Six-Year Plan, a June 1989 booklet listing the addresses and
employers of Paper Science alumni, and several documents describing the Paper Science
program, its relationship to the Paper Science Foundation and the paper industry, and what
makes the program unique.
Observations
The Committee found the program to be impressively strong with few problems or serious
concerns. Administrators, faculty and students alike expressed overwhelmingly favorable views
of the Department. What follows is a summary of the department's strengths, a few concerns of
students and faculty, and recommendations.
Strengths
The Paper Science Department appears to be a very well run, strong unit on the UW-SP campus.
The department enjoys strong paper industry support at many levels and has an excellent track
record in recruiting and placement of students. The following points distinguish the department:
1. Department/Industry Interaction
A strong working relationship exists between the Paper Science Department and the
paper industry. This relationship manifests itself through a Paper Science Foundation
which provides financial support for many activities, among which are scholarships to
students.
The paper industry supports many summer internships and semester-long placements that
provide practical experience to students. Most students have two job experiences upon
graduation. Furthermore, representatives from the industry act as reviewers of student
research project presentations, giving students additional experience interacting with
members of the industry.
2. Recruitment and Placement of Paper Science Graduates
The Paper Science Department continues to draw good students to its program. Students
cite UW-SP's geographical location and the program's reputation as two of the important
factors in choosing this program. The department has an excellent graduate placement
1
record. In 1988, for instance, each graduate received an average of 3 job offers, with
starting salaries averaging $32,000.
3. Recruitment of Good Faculty
Recruitment of faculty members has been very successful, including the addition of a
woman, Karyn Biasca, this last spring. The faculty have a strong teaching/student
orientation, with all of them strongly committed to teaching. Diversity in gender,
nationality, age and training is represented within the faculty.
4. Curriculum
The department has developed a strong paper science and engineering curriculum.
Development of communication skills, both written and oral, has been given high priority
in the curriculum, a practice which students find especially rewarding. Practical
experience is gained from summer internships and semester placements. Most graduates
have at least two separate work experiences during their undergraduate careers. The
department has committed itself to the infusion of computer skills at all levels of the
curriculum from word processing to simulation and data analysis.
5. Outreach and Continuing Education Programs
The department is actively engaged in several outreach programs aimed at the paper
industry. They have conducted a Kraft Chemical Recovery Workshop which attracted
participants from across the nation and ran an introductory 7-week course in the Fox
River Valley this past fall. Three different offerings, in addition to the Kraft Workshop,
are in the plans for second semester of this year. Faculty are currently developing a video
series on the paper industry called PaperQuest.
6. Classroom and Laboratory Facilities
The recent construction of the Paper Science addition to the Science Building has given
the department very respectable classroom and laboratory facilities, though occupation of
the new facility is still in progress. The new computer lab has made a great improvement
in developing the computer literacy of paper science students. Such new facilities are
comparable to other premier programs across the United States, although not as well
equipped as those actively engaged in research.
7. Student Interaction and Activities
Students participate in a wide range of activities, from taking many of their courses
together to attending national paper conferences to participating in sports activities
sponsored by their student organization. They share a strong sense of camaraderie and
value their social life together very highly.
Concerns
The easiest conclusion to draw from the review of the Paper Science Department is that it is one
of the strongest programs, if not the strongest program, on campus. Consequently, while some
concerns exist, they are not as pressing as those in many other units. This is not to say that the
2
department does not need the continued good support of the administration to maintain its
excellence. The following few minor concerns were voiced by some students and faculty:
1. Every effort must be made to keep current faculty members and prevent the high degree
of faculty turnover which has occurred over the past several years. Of the current five
faculty members, only two are tenured. This is in contrast to just three years ago when the
faculty numbered four, all of whom were tenured.
2. Increased support should be obtained from the paper industry, possibly through the
addition of a part-time position in the Paper Science Foundation.
3. The curriculum should be reexamined to see if it could be changed so as to allow students
to take a degree in four years, but without sacrificing the program's strengths. Related to
this, students commented that some classes, such as those combining lab and lecture,
require more contact hours than credits earned. The curriculum could be reviewed with
an eye to bringing into line the actual class hours required with the number of credits the
course receives.
4. Student recruitment should be expanded geographically to attract more students from
outside of Central Wisconsin.
5. The possibility of providing an emphasis in Waste Water Management within the paper
science major should be examined in light of student interest in more flexibility in the
environmental course requirements.
6. Since it is an engineering program and since the engineering degree designation is
important in the paper industry, somehow or another the department needs to get the
word "engineering" officially in its name.
Recommendations
In light of the strengths and concerns listed above, the Committee makes the following
recommendations:
1.
Paper Science is essentially an engineering program. The faculty, the dean, and
the Paper Science Foundation all recognize that accreditation is appropriate and a
necessary future step. Therefore, the pursuit of general engineering accreditation
is recommended.
2.
Paper Science is an excellent, small, industry-driven department. With five
faculty members, work loads and responsibilities are understandably heavy and
may limit individual scholarship and research. Faculty should, however, be
encouraged to remain current in the discipline and to maintain their general
commitment to faculty development.
3.
Although the demands of the major are rigorous, in fact challenging, to complete
in four years, some students have suggested the desirability of an emphasis area
such as Waste Management. It is recommended that this option be explored by the
department. We also suggest a review of courses which require more student
contact hours than the number of credits assigned to them.
3
4.
The nature of the paper industry and the discipline may combine to restrict
student diversity in the major. The department is aware of and should continue to
address the matter of few female and minority students.
4
What Puts UWSP Paper Science & Engineering
On The Map
The Paper Science Department at UWSP is one of seven programs in the United States
specializing in preparing undergraduates for technical and managerial careers in the pulp, paper,
and allied industries. The ethers are at the University of Maine, Syracuse (SUNY), North
Carolina State University, Miami University (of Ohio), Western Michigan University, and the
University of Washington. The success of the UWSP program can be discussed in terms of
students, curriculum, faculty and facilities.
Students
The Paper Science Department attracts well qualified students. Most of the students come from
within the State of Wisconsin; many from mill towns. They are attracted to the program because
they are aware of the potential for interesting and rewarding employment in desirable geographic
locations.
The Paper Science Foundation enables the program to attract highly qualified high school
seniors. Eighteen $2000 scholarships were awarded to Freshmen entering in the Fall of 1987.
This group contains six high school Valedictorians and one Saluditorian. The average class
ranking of this group was in the upper six per cent, and their ACT composite ranking was in the
top five per cent. In order to keep the scholarship, the student must maintain a 3.2 GPA. Other
students in the program maintaining the same standard also receive financial aid from the
Foundation. In 1986-87 forty-eight per cent of the majors maintained 3.2 or better GPA's.
Two dozen students typically graduate from the program each year. Each entering class will have
between seventy-five and one hundred students. The demands of the program insure that the
Paper Science major is well motivated in addition to being well qualified. A number of very
good students find other majors within the University after discovering that their interests lie in
other areas.
Curriculum
The curriculum in Paper Science is based upon Chemical Engineering. It is a demanding
curriculum; students typically take at least eighteen credits per semester. The first two years
concentrate on mathematics, chemistry, and physics. These fundamentals are followed by two
simultaneous and interrelated course sequences through the second, third and fourth years. One
sequence emphasizes chemical engineering subjects such as mass and energy balances, fluid
mechanics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, and process dynamics. The other pathway involves
the science of pulp and papermaking and includes wood chemistry, pulping chemistry and
technology, paper and fiber physics, colloid and surface chemistry. Although the engineering
courses are taught using standard chemical and mechanical engineering texts, examples and
problems are used frequently which relate to the paper industry.
1
The demands of the science and engineering courses in the curriculum insure the technical
competence of the Paper Science graduate. Equally important to the success of these graduates is
the heavy load of liberal offerings required at UWSP. The number of courses required to satisfy
general degree requirements at UWSP in larger than at any of the other paper schools. This is
viewed as a strength since these offering round out the individual. Problem solving, logical
thinking, communication skill are all areas addressed in both GDR and within the Paper Science
curriculum. During second semester of Freshman year, all majors take a one-credit forum; young
alumni are invited to discuss their work and answer questions; the underlying intent of this
offering is to emphasize the importance of communication and interpersonal skills. This is
followed in the second year by a writing emphasis course within the program. Juniors prepare at
least two classroom presentations during the year. Seniors attend professional organization
meeting both locally and nationally. Seniors also discuss the results of individual projects in
front of a group of industry representatives
An important component of the curriculum is the required summer mill experience. Every
graduate has worked at least one summer in industry. By the time a student is a Junior, he/she
knows what he/she might be involved with after graduation and has made a commitment to the
industry.
Faculty
The faculty are committed to undergraduate education; research is not the primary interest. Two
of the current faculty of four have received Excellence in Teaching awards. Faculty are involved
in professional activities and organization. Larry Graham is currently Chairman of the Lake
States Section of TAPPI; Gerry Ring is the Newsletter Editor for Lake States TAPPI. Subhash
Deodhar serves on several national TAPPI committees.
Three of the faculty hold B.S. degrees in Chemical Engineering; the other is a Chemist. Two
hold Ph.D.'s in Chemical Engineering. The doctorate for the other two are from the Institute of
Paper Chemistry. Three of the faculty have industrial experience. Said Abubakr brings
interesting insights to the program having been educated in the Soviet Union and having worked
in the refining industry. All are interested in and concerned about students as individuals.
The reputation of the program is enhanced by the continuing education activities of the faculty.
Both Deodhar and Graham teach three day courses every year in Toronto and Atlanta. Both have
also taught in-house courses for specific companies. The videotape series produced by Kocurek
and Telecommunications has sold widely and video offerings are planned for the future.
Facilities
The physical facilities have been a weak link in the chain; this is being remedied by the $2.1
million building addition now under construction. Library holdings are augmented by use of the
R&D libraries at Consolidated Papers in Biron and at Nekoosa Papers in Port Edwards. Students
and faculty use the Institute of Paper Chemistry library in Appleton; this library is the best in the
world for pulp and paper related topics.
2
The program is fortunate to be located in the heart of the Wisconsin River Valley. A number of
mills are located within driving distance. The program has enjoyed an open door policy with
these mills. Students run mass and energy balances on mill scale processes using data collected
on site. The unique relationship between industry and the program could not exist if the program
were located in another part of the state. Because of the importance of the industry in Wisconsin,
Paper Science students have many opportunities to interact with professional people within the
industry.
Alumni
Each year thirty to forty companies recruit Paper Science seniors on campus. Last year, each
graduate received an average of 2.3 job offers. The average starting salary for this group was
$30,100. Placement of Paper Science graduates has been excellent. All graduates have been
placed by Commencement in thirteen out of sixteen years.
Fifty per cent of the alumni are located within Wisconsin. The other half can be found from
Brewton Alabama to Everett, Washington and from Rumsford Maine to Anderson, California.
The success of these graduates both professionally and personally is what puts UWSP Paper
Science and Engineering on the map.
3
Self Study 1989.doc
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Paper Science Department and Foundation
The Paper Science Department at UWSP is one of seven recognized "paper schools" in the
United States specializing in preparing undergraduates for technical and managerial careers the
pulp, paper, and allied industries The others are at the University of Maine, Syracuse (SUNY),
North Carolina State University, Miami University (of Ohio), Western Michigan University, and
the University of Washington. There has been a fledgling program at the University of
Minnesota for fifteen years. Georgia Tech and Auburn offer options in pulp and paper within
traditional engineering programs. The success of the UWSP program can be discussed in terms
of students, curriculum, faculty and facilities.
Students
The Paper Science Department attracts well qualified students. Most come from within the State
of Wisconsin; many from mill towns. They are attracted to the program because they are aware
of the potential for interesting and rewarding employment in desirable geographic locations.
The Paper Science Foundation enables the program to attract highly qualified high school
seniors. Eighteen $2000 scholarships were awarded to Freshmen entering in the Fall of 1998.
The average high school class ranking of this group was in the upper eight per cent. In order to
keep the scholarship, thy student must maintain a 3.2 GPA. Other students in the program
maintaining the same standard also receive financial aid from the Foundation. In 1988-89 twenty
of thirty two graduating seniors received awards from the Foundation.
Twenty-five to thirty students typically graduate from the program each year. The demands of
the program insure that the Paper Science major is well motivated in addition to being well
qualified. This high level of motivation is reinforced by industrial experience gained through
coop and summer employment.
Curriculum
The curriculum in Paper Science is based upon Chemical Engineering. It is a demanding
curriculum; students typically take at least eighteen credits per semester. The first two years
concentrate on mathematics, chemistry, and physics. These fundamentals are followed by two
simultaneous and interrelated course sequences through the second, third and fourth years. One
sequence emphasizes chemical engineering subjects such as mass and energy balances, fluid
mechanics, heat transfer, and process dynamics. The other series of courses involves the science
of pulp and papermaking and includes wood chemistry, pulping chemistry and technology, paper
and fiber physics, and surface chemistry. Although the engineering courses are taught using
standard chemical and mechanical engineering texts, examples and problem, are used frequently
which relate to the paper industry.
1
Self Study 1989.doc
The demands of the science and engineering courses in the curriculum insure the technical
competence of the Paper Science graduate. Equally important to the success of these graduates is
the heavy load of liberal offerings required at UWSP. The number of courses required to satisfy
general degree requirements at UWSP is larger than at any of the other paper schools. This is
viewed as a strength since these offering round out the individual. Problem solving, logical
thinking, communication skills are all areas addressed by general degree requirements and within
the Paper Science Curriculum. During second semester of Freshman year, all majors take a onecredit forum; young alumni are invited to discuss their work and answer questions: the
underlying intent of this offering is to emphasize the importance of communication and
interpersonal skills. This is followed in the second year by a writing emphasis course within the
program. Juniors prepare at least two class room presentations during the year. Seniors attend
professional organization meeting both locally and nationally. Seniors also discuss the results of
individual projects in front of a group of industry representatives
An important component of the curriculum is the required summer mill experience. Every
graduate has worked at least summer in industry. By the time a student is a junior, he/she knows
what he/she might be involved with after graduation and has made a commitment to the industry.
Faculty
The faculty are committed to undergraduate education; research is not the primary interest. Three
of the current faculty of five have received Excellence in Teaching awards. Gerry Ring recently
received an undergraduate teaching improvement grant from the UW system. Faculty are
involved in professional activities and organization; for example, Larry Graham is Past
Chairman and Gerry Ring is the Newsletter Editor or the Lake States section of TAPPI. Four of
the five faculty hold Chemical Engineering degrees. Three are IPC (IPST) Ph.D.'s. Two hold
Ph.D.'s in Chemical Engineering. Three of the faculty have industrial experience. Said Abubakr
brings interesting insights to the program having been educated in the Soviet Union and having
worked in the refining industry. All are interested in and concerned about students as individuals.
The reputation of the program is enhanced by the continuing education activities of the faculty.
Larry Graham has taught pulp and paper seminars in Toronto, Atlanta, Chicago, East Brunswick,
and Amsterdam. He has also taught in-house courses for specific companies. The videotape
series produced by Kocurek and Telecommunications has sold widely and video offering are
planned for the future. Continuing education courses are offered in both the Fox River Valley
and Stevens Point.
Facilities
The physical facilities have been a weak link in the chain; this is being remedied by the $2.1
million building addition now being occupied by the department. Library holdings use of the
R&D libraries at Consolidated Papers in Biron and Nekoosa Papers in Fort Edwards.
The program is fortunate to be located in the heart of the Wisconsin River Valley. A number of
mills are located within driving distance. The program has enjoyed an open door policy with
these mills. Students run mass and energy balance, on mill scale processes using data collected
on site. The unique relationship between industry and the program could not exist if the program
2
Self Study 1989.doc
were located elsewhere. Because of the importance of the industry in Wisconsin, Paper Science
students have many opportunities to interact with professional people within the industry.
Alumni
Each year thirty to forty companies recruit Paper Science seniors on campus. Last year, each
graduate received an average of 2.9 job offers. The average starting salary far this group was
$32,770. Placement of Paper Science graduates has been excellent.
Fifty per cent of the alumni are located within Wisconsin. The other half can be found from
Briton Alabama to Port Townsmen Washington and from Rumford, Maine to Santa Clara,
California. The success of these graduates both professionally and personally is what puts UWSP
Paper Science and Engineering on the map.
The UWSP Paper Science Foundation
The Paper Science program at UWSP is enriched through the efforts of the UWSP Paper Science
Foundation. This organization has an annual operating budget in excess of $100,000. Over one
third of this budget is used for the scholarship/awards program which attracts and encourages
good students to pursue a career in the pulp, paper and allied industries. Another five to ten per
cent of the budget is used to support student activities such as attendance at professional
meetings including the TAPPI exhibit. Faculty professional activities are supported by the
Foundation. Faculty recognition awards are another important contribution to the program.
In addition to the operating budget, the Foundation has approximately $123,000 in restricted
funds. $52,300 in scholarship endowments. Scholarship endowments are invested to provide
income for the scholarship/awards program of the Foundation. A $10,000 named scholarship
endowment would support one senior award of $1000 and provide some reinvestment potential.
This would free $1000 for other Foundation activities and help put the scholarship/awards
program an a sounder footing.
8/25/89
3
Self Study 1992.doc
SELF-STUDY
January 1992
PAPER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
LARRY GRAHAM, CHAIRMAN
COLLEGE OF NATURAL RESOURCES
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - STEVENS POINT
I. Paper Science at UWSP
It is difficult to separate the Paper Science Department from the Paper Science Major (or
Program) at UWSP. They are one and the same therefore information in the department report
will overlap information provided in the major report.
The Paper Science Program at UWSP prepares undergraduates for technical and managerial
careers in the pulp, paper, and allied industries. During its two decades of existence it has
become nationally recognized as one of a handful of programs with similar goals. Other
nationally recognized pulp and paper programs exist at The University of Maine at Orono,
SUNY-Syracuse, North Carolina State University, Miami University of Ohio, Western Michigan
University, and The University of Washington. Graduates of these programs compete directly
and successfully with bachelor's level chemical engineering graduates for entry level positions in
the pulp, paper and allied industries.
The best indicator of the quality of the Paper Science Program at UWSP is its placement success.
Typically all graduates of the program have accepted employment prior to graduation. Fifty
percent of the graduates are employed within the State of Wisconsin, the remaining 50% live and
work throughout the United States. The average starting salary for 1991 graduates was $36,000
per year. The average number of employment offers was 2.5 per graduate. The average starting
salary for 1990 graduates was $35,000 with comparable numbers of offers per graduate.
The primary area of instructional strength is the dedication of the Paper Science faculty to their
primary goal - undergraduate education. The curriculum is a demanding one focusing upon the
scientific and engineering fundamentals underlining pulp and papermaking processes. In addition
faculty emphasize interpersonal and communication skills; writing and oral communication skills
are stressed throughout the curriculum. In addition, graduates typically have multiple industrial
"internship" experiences prior to graduation. The faculty also emphasize problem solving skills.
The curriculum of the Paper Science program at UWSP has served its students well, however,
two areas of technology have become increasingly important in the pulp and paper industry
within Wisconsin. These are coating and secondary fiber (recycling). It is important that these
two areas be addressed more directly within the program in the future. The faculty of the
department has suffered a 20% reduction due to quality reinvestment. This requires the current
faculty carry a heavier teaching burden than in the past three years. If a strain on faculty energies
can be reduced through additional teaching faculty the areas of secondary fibers and coating can
be more adequately addressed.
1
Self Study 1992.doc
II. Faculty
There are four faculty members in the department presently. These include: Dr. Larry Graham,
Dr. Said Abubakr, Dr. Gerard Ring, and Dr. Karyn Biasca. Resumes for these four faculty
members follow. These four individuals are all interested in undergraduate education and are at
UWSP because they want to teach. Three of the four faculty hold chemical engineering degrees,
three of the four faculty received their doctorates from the Institute of Paper Chemistry. All
members of the faculty have industrial experience. Three of these have industrial experience
within the paper industry. Of particular importance are Dr. Ring's experiences with International
Paper and Kimberly-Clark Research, and Dr. Biasca's mill experience with Kimberly-Clark. Two
members of the faculty have received University wide Excellence in Teaching Awards
As mentioned earlier expertise in the areas of coating and secondary fiber needs to acquired or
developed within the department. Currently some help in the coating area is received from Dr.
Sherwood Holt, retired Director of Research and Engineering for Consolidated Papers, Inc.,
however, this help cannot be relied on indefinitely. Dr. Abubakr is making efforts to acquire
expertise in the secondary fiber area as he modifies one of the current course offerings to include
a considerable amount of secondary fiber/deinking technology content.
If the Paper Science Program is to grow in number of graduates, additional faculty will be
required merely to handle the teaching load. One of the primary strengths of the program at
UWSP is the amount of individual attention each student receives from faculty as well as the
small class size.
The Paper Science Program at UWSP is essentially an upper division program. Only two of the
required courses are offered in the lower division. The department offers no service courses for
other majors within the university. An occasional forestry student may take Paper Science 101.
In addition to an extensive "coop" and "internship" program, the department provides many
opportunities for students to interact with professionals in the field. All faculty belong to two
professional organizations, the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI)
and the Paper Industry Management Association (PIMA). Faculty and students attend all local
section meetings of these two organizations within the state of Wisconsin. In addition students
attend the TAPPI Exhibit and Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, every other year. The Paper
Science student organization is affiliated with both TAPPI and PIMA as a student chapter.
Students visit industrial locations as a part of many Paper Science courses. For example, seniors
conduct actual mass and energy balances on operating paper machines in local mills during their
last semester in the program. Juniors visit six different locations during their pulping course,
Paper Science 350. The student organization carries on an extensive social and intramural
program in addition to holding career oriented and technical meetings. seniors and juniors make
presentations to representatives from industry at the UWSP Paper Science Foundation Academic
Advisory Committee Meeting each spring. An extensive seminar program featuring outside
speakers is carried out throughout the year. Topics typically pertain to areas of current interest
within one or more of the major courses.
2
Self Study 1992.doc
III. Instructional Facilities
Three years ago the department occupied a 2.1 million building addition which it shares with
wastewater management. There are three principal areas within this building addition in addition
to departmental and faculty offices. These are a paper testing lab, a "pilot" scale laboratory and a
student computing lab.
The paper test lab is equipped with up-to-date paper testing instruments for measuring most of
the significant properties of paper. The department is currently working with IBM on
computerization and networking of this laboratory. It is anticipated that this laboratory will
become a beta site for demonstration of IBM paper test lab technology. The department is
cooperating with the Computer Information Systems faculty in this laboratory computerization
project.
The pilot lab is still in the process of being equipped. It currently contains pulp digester and
refining equipment as well as pulp evaluation equipment. The department is currently acquiring a
pilot paper machine which will occupy the majority of the space available in the pilot lab. There
is a need to develop secondary fiber teaching facilities and a small bench scale coating teaching
laboratory within the department. space may be required for either of these two additions.
The Paper Science Computer Simulation Laboratory includes 24 work stations which are on the
university wide network. Many Paper Science classes meet regularly or as needed in this facility
for "hands on" teaching involving computer simulation or use of other software. The department
has benefited from an AT&T Equipment Grant which will provide higher capability computers
which will be used in a satellite laboratory within the pilot area for larger scale computer
simulation of pulp and paper processes and independent student study.
It should be noted that the department has no technical assistance for upkeep or maintenance of
these facilities in particular the testing lab and the pilot laboratory. A technical assistant will be
required for proper maintenance and utilization of these facilities as their use is incorporated into
the curriculum.
IV. Research Programs
The Paper Science Department at UWSP has an exclusively undergraduate educational mission.
Currently there are insufficient faculty to allow for any level of significant research activity other
than during summer. Primarily, research efforts have been in the area of secondary fiber with Dr.
Abubakr as principle investigator.
There is a need for faculty to become involved with "faculty industrial internships" where faculty
could work in industry for a semester at a time to keep current with mill procedures and new
technology. This would require additional faculty within the department.
V. Extension/Outreach
Outreach activities are not a part of the department budget, however, faculty and the department
are involved in outreach activities. A number of different Continuing Education offerings have
been given over the past three years. These include: Kraft Chemical Recovery which draws up to
3
Self Study 1992.doc
50 participants for a week long workshop conducted by internationally known experts. Offerings
featuring department faculty include: Introduction to Pulp and Paper Technology, Introduction to
Wet End Chemistry, Introduction to Paper Properties and Technology, and Statistics for the Pulp
and Paper Industry. All of these seminar/workshops are conducted in conjunction with UWSP
Continuing Education. Residual income generated from these offerings is shared.
The department views Continuing Education as an opportunity for faculty to meet with and share
ideas with industry personnel, thereby, helping faculty keep current and up to date with the
current needs and problems of the industry.
VI. International Programming
The Paper Science Department has not been involved in international programing however, both
Dr. Ring and Dr. Graham conduct private seminars in Holland each year.
VII. Budget Summary
4
Self Study 1992.doc
SELF-STUDY
PAPER SCIENCE MAJOR
DEPARTMENT OF PAPER SCIENCE
COLLEGE OF NATURAL RESOURCES
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - STEVENS POINT
JANUARY 1992
I. CURRICULUM
The Paper Science Department at the University of Wisconsin -Stevens Point offers a Bachelor
of Science degree in Paper Science and Technology. A recommended curriculum appended to
this document gives a semester by semester plan for students to complete the course of study in
four years. It is more typical that a student will take five years to complete the curriculum
including a one semester on industrial "coop" experience.
Slots in the recommended curriculum labeled general degree elective provide opportunity for
students to meet university wide Bachelor of Science General Degree Requirements. The first
two years of the four year curriculum are very similar to that which what a pre-chemical
engineering student would take at UWSP with the exception of Paper Science 210 and Paper
Science 215. Paper Science 210 is a laboratory methods and writing emphasis course. Paper
Science 215 represents the first "engineering" course in the curriculum.
The upper division courses include two primary areas of study. One area (e.g. Paper Science 320,
Paper Science 326, Paper Science 460, Paper Science 440, and Paper Science 430) includes
engineering fundamental courses. These courses are typically taught using chemical or
mechanical engineering textbooks; however, they rely on pulp and paper industry examples.
Another set of courses (e.g., Paper Science 350, 355, 365 and 475) deal with the fundamental
science and technology involved in pulp and paper making processes.
Students are encouraged to take challenging courses to satisfy their general degree requirements,
but choice of courses for these general degree requirements is left up to the students own
interests; this is desirable since the major requirements are highly structured. Each graduate from
the program also receives a Chemistry minor. The curriculum provides contemporary and
forward looking information by utilizing many field trip experiences particularly in the Paper
Science and Technology courses. For example, students in Paper Science 350 take six different
field trips visiting industrial pulping operations. Each field trip consumes an
afternoon. In
many courses students carry out classroom calculations utilizing data which they have gathered
in neighboring mills. Students enrolled in Paper Science 355 and 365 are given the assignment to
produce paper on the automatic handsheet former matching specifications which they determine
from a sample provided by the instructor. In Paper Science 486, the "Capstone" course, students
work on a design project in a current area of interest, and present their results to a panel from
industry. Students interact with professionals in the industry and are acquainted with current
technological trends through attendance at professional meetings. The curriculum in Paper
Science at UWSP cannot be thought of as merely a prescribed sequence of courses which must
5
Self Study 1992.doc
be taken. The curriculum also includes professional organization activities, summer mill
internships and industrial coop positions.
The curriculum is reviewed annually by the UWSP Paper Science Academic Advisory
Committee. One past weakness of the curriculum has been lack of on campus pilot laboratory
facilities. This deficiency is being corrected and students are gaining more hands on experience
in the laboratories in addition to the experience they gain in the mills.
Effectiveness of the curriculum can be determined through placement results and the career
progress of graduates. The average starting salary for May, 1991 Paper Science graduates was
$36,000. Accepted salaries ranged from $33,000 to $37,500 per year. The average number of
offers per graduate was 2.5. An alumni directory is appended to this self study. Examination of
this directory shows the professional progress of graduates.
Student evaluations are carried out for all courses. These course evaluations are consistently
above 4.0 on a 5.0 scale.
Strengths of the curriculum include high faculty student interaction, location in the heart of the
Wisconsin River Valley with proximity to industrial operations, high level of industry experience
for undergraduates prior to graduation and an emphasis on communications and interpersonal
skills in all of the course offerings within the major.
Areas within the curriculum needing emphasis include the production of recycled fiber and use
of recycled fiber in papermaking. Major curriculum changes are not anticipated, however, a
number of fine tuning changes are currently in process. These include some redistribution of
credits, and small changes in sequence of particular courses. For instance, the Process Dynamics
and Control Course has been moved into the junior year to better prepare juniors for their
summer experience prior to senior year. The examples used in Paper Science 430, Mass
Transfer, are being reoriented to include more examples of operations of importance in
secondary fiber/deinking operations. The summer mill internship experiences has included a
lengthy report on the mill at which the student was employed. Faculty are contemplating changes
in the mechanism for evaluating summer experience which will include individual personal
interviews of each student by the entire faculty.
Even though the recommended curriculum is presented in a four year format, the typical student
requires five years to complete the degree. This five years includes at least one semester of
industrial experience for most students. The major difficulty in completing the program within
that time frame would be failure to meet prerequisite standards. The curriculum is highly
structured with extensive prerequisites.
Failure in a prerequisite course can delay graduation for a student. The Paper Science Program
operates independently of many other programs at the university, however, it does rely
extensively upon service courses from Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics. The strengths of
these departments is important to the success of the Paper Science Program. At the
undergraduate level there is very little overlap between the Paper Science curriculum at UWSP
and any other curriculum within the system or within the state. Paper Science graduates do
compete directly and successfully with chemical engineering graduates from other universities
for entry level process engineering positions within the pulp and paper industry on a national
basis. One potential for beneficial interaction might be wood utilization which is currently
6
Self Study 1992.doc
emerging within the College of Natural Resources at UWSP. Some of the engineering, wood
science, and fiber science offerings might overlap needs in wood utilization.
II. Student Enrollment and Graduation Data are
Presented Below
The low number of graduates from the program in 1991 is a reflection of two separate
phenomena. One contributing factor was an increase in coop positions filled at the sophomore
level from approximately 12 per year to approximately 25 per year while this group of students
was moving through the curriculum. Another factor which may have contributed to the reduced
enrollment was a fairly extensive turnover of faculty during that time.
Any student accepted by UW-Stevens Point can declare Paper Science as a major. A 2.75 grade
point average requirement is utilized for admission into the junior year of the curriculum.
Enrollment limitations have increased the quality of the entering students at the same time that
the increased admission standards to UWSP have reduced a number of freshman Paper Science
majors. Prior to enrollment limitations, the program typically had 90 freshman during fall
semester. Today the number is closer to 65, however, the number of graduates has not dropped
off, thus retention of students has improved during this period of time.
Basic impediment for transfer students is the fact that the program is highly structured in its
prerequisites. Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics are required prior to taking the upper division
Paper Science courses. If a transfer student is inadequately prepared in any of these areas, it
requires remedial work prior to acceptances as an upper division Paper Science student. Many
hardships for transfer students are avoided by advising students prior to transfer on requirements
which are needed.
Diversity in the Paper Science student population is an area which needs improvement. Typically
the Paper Science Program attracts students from the northern half of the State of Wisconsin.
Very often these students are from a rural or semi-rural environment. Very often incoming
students have had some contact, association, or affiliation with the paper industry. Very often
students will be attracted because of the small size of the UWSP campus and its location.
Students are also attracted to the program since they realize that very often careers in pulp and
paper can be found in desirable living environments. The program at Stevens Point as well as
sibling programs at the other paper schools have had small success in attracting minority students
to date. Though the student attracts a fair number of female students, retention of female students
has not been as good as we would like. The program at Stevens Point has made an effort to
encourage women to continue in the major through advising utilizing Dr. Karyn Biasca on our
faculty. It is to early at this point in time to assess the success of this strategy.
There is no accrediting body for the paper programs. There has been some interest among the
paper schools in seeking general engineering accreditation through A.B.E.T., however this is still
under discussion among the various paper schools. There is a certain amount of fear that meeting
general engineering accrediting standards may diminish some of the strengths of the various
paper programs around the country. The Paper Science Program is still evaluating the desirability
of seeking general engineering accreditation.
7
Self Study 1992.doc
IV. Budget
Essentially the department budget and the Paper Science major budget are the same. Please refer
to the Paper Science Department Self-Study information. All four faculty serve the major. Of the
existing four faculty, 3.5 FTE are teaching and 0.5 FTE is administrative relief held by Dr.
Graham, Department Chair.
8
Self Study 1995.doc
PAPER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT SELF-STUDY
January 1995
A. Centrality
The Paper Science Department provides professional undergraduate education in Paper Science
as specified in the UWSP Select Mission. In addition, the department cooperates with UW Extension and Continuing Education in the development and delivery of statewide outreach
programming to meet the needs of citizens employed by the pulp, paper and allied industry.
As the only Wisconsin undergraduate program with a specific focus on the pulp, paper, and
allied industry, the department emphasizes undergraduate education and effective teaching.
However, faculty and students are also involved in research and service activities beneficial to
the economic development of this important industrial segment Wisconsin.
Thus, the Paper Science Department is an integral part of the UW Mission, the Comprehensive
Universities Mission and the UWSP Select Mission.
B. Quality
Faculty and Academic Staff
Current faculty in department include Professor Larry Graham, Associate Professor Gerry Ring,
and Associate Professor Karyn Biasca. Dr. Jack Maxham currently occupies a teaching academic
staff position. All faculty have relevant industrial experience. Dr. Biasca is the only tenured
female teaching in a pulp and paper program in the United States. Undergraduate education is the
primary focus of all members of the department.
The ranked faculty in the department have been actively involved with two professional
organizations: the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) and the Paper
Industry Management Association (PIMA). Dr. Graham is currently one of fifteen Directors of
the International TAPPI organization and will soon assume the chair of TAPPI's Local Sections
Operating Council. Dr. Biasca holds a leadership position in the Pulp Manufacture Division of
TAPPI. Both Dr. Graham and Dr. Ring have actively served on the Executive Committee of the
local Lake States Section of TAPPI. Faculty have worked closely with PIMA also
Ranked faculty have also worked with Continuing Education. Dr. Biasca currently teaches a
course on Pulp Bleaching to industrial personnel, Graham teaches Introduction to Pulp and Paper
Technology. Dr. Ring teaches offerings in Wet-End Chemistry and Pulp Quality. These
Continuing Education activities continually focus faculty attention on current trends and
problems in the industry. Dr. Maxham has offered papers on conversion of paper mill sludge to
papermaking pulp and filler products. He will be making a presentation on this topic in Cairo,
Egypt this spring. All faculty attend at least one international technical conference each year.
1
Self Study 1995.doc
Curriculum
The curriculum in Paper Science is demanding and rigorous. A copy is attached to this report for
review. The educational philosophy within the department is that the curriculum is more than a
list of courses to be taken. Rather, it is an integrated combination of a number of experiences
including course offerings, work experiences, and participation in professional organizations and
activities to develop problem solving and interpersonal skills. Even though this curriculum has
stood the test of time, for over two decades, the faculty are currently involved in critical
evaluation of the competencies expected from Paper Science graduates in an effort to optimize
the entire course of study.
Each year the program is examined by the UWSP Paper Science Foundation's Academic
Advisory Committee. This day long meeting includes presentations by graduating seniors and
discussion with representatives from industry regarding the overall goals and content of the
curriculum.
Facilities and Equipment
The Paper Science Department is currently housed in the $2,100,000 Paper Science Addition to
the Science Building. The Department moved into the addition during the 1988-1989 school
year. The facilities include a computer laboratory, a testing laboratory, and a large general
purpose laboratory area. The testing laboratory was equipped with modern testing instruments
which have been recently connected to a computer network so that test results can be accessed
from the computer laboratory during report writing by students. The computer laboratory was
upgraded to IBM 486 machines obtained through a grant from IBM. The department is currently
interfacing these networked machines with the campus-wide network. This has been an ongoing
project within the department over the last three or four years. Computer equipment donation to
the department are valued at approximately $300,000.
Currently the largest single project within the department is the 18" Paper Machine. This paper
machine was donated to the university by the S.D. Warren Division of Scott Paper Company. In
January, 1994, the State of Wisconsin committed $917,500 toward refurbishing and installing
this 76' long machine in the general laboratory. The department is currently acquiring in-kind
contributions from the private sector to make the estimated $1,835,000 project complete.
Approximately $300,000 worth of in-kind donations have been committed from the private
sector and this machine should be operational by mid 1995-96. The machine will be an important
teaching tool for the department. The Paper Science program at UWSP has been the only paper
school without a machine. The installation has been designed so that it can be used throughout a
student's career at UWSP and will serve as a focus for the entire curriculum. Nearly every Paper
Science course will use this machine for significant laboratory exercise.
Student Recognition
The principle way the excellence of Paper Science students is recognized is through their
employment within the industry. Currently there are over 450 Paper Science alumni, 50% of
these graduates work within Wisconsin, the other 50% are employed across the nation. At least
three paper industry vice presidents are included in the alumni group. Typically all Paper Science
2
Self Study 1995.doc
students are employed by graduation. UWSP Paper Science students are well received by both
the paper industry and the allied industry.
Students in Paper Science are required to have a 2.75 GPA to take junior level courses. The
grades they receive during their first two years are primarily determined outside the department.
The fact that access to junior level courses has very seldom been denied speaks to the quality of
Paper Science majors. Paper Science students receive recognition through TAPPI, PIMA, and
corporate sponsored scholarships.
Student Advising
All students are regularly advised by a member of the faculty. Dr. Biasca concentrates on the
first year students, Dr. Ring advises second year students, and Dr. Graham works with juniors
and seniors. Advising goes beyond selection of courses prior to registration. It includes
counseling on graduate study, career opportunities, selection of entry level positions, and
personal matters. Advising continues after graduation since many alumni continue to consult
with faculty on technical and personal matters as well.
Other Items
The Paper Science Department is fortunate to have the encouragement and support of the UWSP
Paper Science Foundation, Inc. Private contributions to this foundation provide scholarships for
Paper Science students which helps the department attract excellent students to the program and
to UWSP. In addition the department enjoys an intense relationship with the industry it serves.
Typically, 40 - 50 different companies will interview students on campus for permanent
positions, summer jobs, and semester long coop opportunities. A typical graduate of the program
could expect to have as many as 60 one-on-one job interviews during their undergraduate
experience. These interactions occur within the department facilities allowing industrial
colleagues to interact with faculty and students when they visit campus.
The average starting salary for this year's graduates will be between $42,000 and $43,000 per
year. Half of the graduating class has already accepted permanent positions.
Demand And Workload
Twenty different Paper Science courses are taught each year. The department has three and
one-half teaching positions available. Dr. Graham has 50% release time as chair. He has
responsibility for academic administration, serves as secretary of the Paper Science Foundation,
teaches, advises, runs the corporate recruiting program and is actively soliciting contributions
from the private sector. In addition all faculty are active in developing student work experiences.
All Paper Science juniors and seniors visit the TAPPI Annual Meeting and Exhibit every other
year and in alternate years they participate in a week-long field trip touring the industry in
Wisconsin. These experiences require extensive faculty involvement. A limited number of Paper
Science majors take undergraduate Independent Study projects supervised by faculty. All
students participate in the senior design activity making presentations at the annual Academic
Advisory Committee Meeting.
3
Self Study 1995.doc
The typical Paper Science major might be a first generation university student coming from the
northern two thirds of Wisconsin seeking an education which will lead to a rewarding and
satisfying career in an important and stable industry. Even though these students are focusing on
the career opportunities close to home, 50% of Paper Science alumni find themselves employed
throughout the nation. UWSP Paper Science program typically graduates 25 - 30 students per
year. There are currently eight active paper schools in the United States; the total number of
bachelors-level graduates from these eight programs is approximately 200 each year. The best
estimate is that the pulp, paper, and allied industries hire approximately 1500 technically trained
entry- level graduates each year. The UWSP Paper Science enrollment has been relatively stable
for a number of years. When the data supplied by Institutional Research are examined, it should
be noted that two new faculty were hired during 1988-89. One of these was not retained after
1990-91. The Paper Science Department lost one position to QRP in 1991-92. The data presented
by Institution Research therefore, do not represent the Paper Science Department as it exists
today.
Cost Effectiveness
In addition to the data supplied by institutional research, it should be noted that the appropriate
comparison for the Paper Science Department would probably be with engineering disciplines at
other universities. The curriculum in Paper Science clearly resembles a traditional chemical
engineering program.
Comparative Advantage
The Paper Science Department at UWSP is one of a handful of similar programs across the
United States. "Paper Schools" might be defined as programs with a strong undergraduate
science and engineering emphasis leading to technical and managerial careers in the pulp, paper,
and allied industry. The existing paper schools are all influenced by and have support for
students from separately incorporated foundations made up of industrial and individual members.
Paper school programs currently exist at The University of Maine (Orono), SUNY - Syracuse,
North Carolina State University, Miami of Ohio, Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo),
Auburn University, and the University of Washington. Another program at the University of
Minnesota is currently thought to be moribund. The curricula at all of these paper schools are
very similar, however, most of them also support small graduate programs. The total number of
bachelor level graduates from these combined programs in any given year is approximately 200.
All of the programs graduate similar numbers, however, they typically have more full time
faculty than does UWSP. In addition, many of these programs are located at universities where
engineering courses can be supplied by a school of engineering. The Paper Science program at
UWSP is unique within the State of Wisconsin, however, graduates from our program do
compete effectively with chemical engineers from Michigan Tech and UW-Madison for entry
level process engineering and technical service representative positions. The program at Stevens
Point enjoys a favorable reputation within the industry for providing graduates with a good work
ethic and strongly developed interpersonal and communications skills. The program at UWSP is
extremely fortunate to have a strong chemistry, math, computer, and physics service component
4
Self Study 1995.doc
provided by other departments within the university. Without this basis for the UWSP Paper
Science curriculum the program would not have been able to do as well as it has.
Currently there is an attempt to organize the various paper schools into an alliance known as the
Pulp and Paper Education and Research Alliance. Currently five of the paper schools have
signed a mission and vision statement for this alliance which seeks to promote cooperation in
seeking outside research funding and support for educational programs from various sources.
When UWSP joins this alliance, cooperation with these other institutions should enhance the
department's efforts.
There are several important needs facing the Paper Science Program.
•
It is essential that the position currently filled by a fixed term academic staff be filled
with a tenure track faculty who can develop and grow as a continuing member of the
department.
•
With the start-up of the paper machine it will be necessary for the department to recruit
and hire appropriate technical support staff to insure proper and safe operation and
maintenance of this teaching tool.
•
Another goal for the department is to secure a position and funding from whatever source
to have a fifth faculty member. The department would be severely affected by the loss of
any one member due to illness or resignation. Paper Science faculty have been unable to
seek sabbatical outlets for professional development and growth because of the size of
the department. If the department had one more faculty member on board, it would be
possible for individual faculty within the department to seek and occupy faculty
internships within industry thus upgrading their skills and knowledge and bringing
current information and technology back to the campus for the benefit of undergraduate
majors.
The Paper Science Department at Stevens Point has made a large contribution to national
recognition of UWSP as a center for undergraduate education and enjoys an excellent reputation
within the pulp, paper, and allied industry through the efforts of its faculty and the contributions
its alumni have and are making.
5
Self Study 2002.doc
Department of Paper Science
Program Review Self Study
April 15, 2002
Table of Contents
I. Assessment Activities................................................................................................ 2
II. Data from the Office of Institutional Research........................................................ 3
Paper Science Department Performance Indicators, 10 Year History .................................. 3
Table 1: Student Credit Hours--Student Level .................................................. 3
Table 2: Instructional Staff, Contact Hours, Expenditures ................................ 4
Table 3: Majors, Minors, Degrees, Employment............................................... 4
III. Paper Science Program Information....................................................................... 5
Faculty Professional Development........................................................................................ 5
Contributions to General Degree Components ..................................................................... 6
Contributions to Graduate Education .................................................................................... 7
Adequacy of Physical Facilities ............................................................................................ 7
Classrooms................................................................................................................... 7
Laboratories ................................................................................................................. 7
Other Facilities............................................................................................................. 8
Other Significant Information ............................................................................................... 8
The Unique Nature of “Paper Schools”....................................................................... 8
Curriculum................................................................................................................... 9
Table 4. Paper Science Curriculum.................................................................. 11
Students...................................................................................................................... 12
Table 5. Characteristics of Current Majors ...................................................... 12
Outreach Activities .................................................................................................... 13
Relationship with the Paper Industry......................................................................... 14
Conclusion........................................................................................................................... 15
Vacant Faculty Position............................................................................................. 15
Technical Support Staff ............................................................................................. 15
College Alignment..................................................................................................... 15
Facilities..................................................................................................................... 15
Outreach..................................................................................................................... 15
ABET Accreditation .................................................................................................. 16
Certificate and Associate Degree............................................................................... 16
Appendicies........................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
1
Self Study 2002.doc
I. Assessment Activities
The Assessment Plan for the Paper Science Department appears below. The Assessment reports
submitted to the Assessment Subcommittee for academic years 1999-2000 and 2000-2001
appear in Appendix 1. All assessment reports from previous years (back through 1997) are very
similar to the report from 1999-2000, and are therefore not included in this self study.
ASSESSMENT PLAN, 2001-02
PAPER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Behavioral Objectives for Paper Science Graduates
Graduates of the Paper Science program at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point have the
greatest potential for success in their professional lives if they possess the following attributes:
1. Fundamental knowledge of pulp and paper raw materials and processes
2. Excellent communication skills
3. A high level of computer literacy
4. The ability to work effectively as part of a team
5. A professional comportment
6. The ability to continue learning
Assessment Plans
The faculty in the Department will continue to focus on the first three objectives in our
assessment activity. Specifically, we will continue to:
1. Administer a Paper Science Knowledge Exam to graduating seniors
2. Evaluate writing skill development with the assistance of faculty from the English
Department.
3. Evaluate oral presentation skills with the assistance of industry representatives.
4. Assess computer skills through student performance in a required Paper Science course.
In addition, we will explore opportunities to assess our students’ development in the other three
behavioral objectives, especially through outside evaluation or in the context of required course
work.
2
Self Study 2002.doc
II. Data from the Office of Institutional Research
Tables 1-3 show the relevant data compiled by the Office of Institutional Research (OIR). In
addition to the data supplied by institutional research, it should be noted that the appropriate
comparison for the Paper Science Department would probably be with engineering disciplines at
other universities. The curriculum in Paper Science clearly resembles a traditional chemical
engineering program.
The Paper Science program had its beginnings with an informal UWSP credit course of study
designed for research and development technicians at Consolidated Papers, Inc. Its true birth
occurred in 1970 when Mike Kocurek was brought into the Chemistry Department to create a
Bachelor of Science level Paper Engineering program. An additional position was added to the
program and it was made a department in CPS in 1972. A third faculty position was added in
1974 and the department was relocated to CNR. A fourth full time faculty position was added
and filled in January of 1978. A fifth faculty position was provided in 1985. This position was
not filled until January of 1989. The department surrendered a position to the CNR to cover a
portion of the CNR share of deallocation after a faculty resignation in 1991. In 1993 CNR
covered 0.4 FTE in Paper Science with Extension funding; there were no reductions in
undergraduate teaching responsibilities for Paper Science faculty from this funding. During the
first semester of 2000-2001, the Department had 3.5 FTE teaching positions with 0.5 release for
administration.
Paper Science Department Performance Indicators, 10 Year History
Table 1: Student Credit Hours--Student Level
Year
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
Mean Mean Mean
Level Level Level
Level
Level
Level Mean
I
II
III
Total
I
II
III
Total
SCH SCH SCH SCH
SCH
SCH
SCH
SCH
273
543
0
816
232
142
0
163
290
491
0
781
180
145
0
156
323
500
0
823
254
183
0
206
228
581
0
809
252
174
0
190
203
504
0
707
218
189
0
196
339
559
0
898
655
182
0
250
300
598
0
898
457
203
0
249
282
675
0
957
449
170
0
267
264
813
0 1077
543
261
0
299
240
783
0 1023
484
234
0
266
222
687
0
909
220
265
0
253
150
643
0
793
255
214
0
220
Source: UWSP Office of Institutional Research 13 Feb 02
Total
GDR
SCH
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
Self Study 2002.doc
Table 2: Instructional Staff, Contact Hours, Expenditures
Average
weekly
group
FTE
FTETF
FTETF
contact
Year
budgeted
available
needed
hours
1989
5.00
.
3.87
.
14.4
1990
5.00
4.50
3.68
.82
16.2
1991
4.00
3.50
3.87
1.11
19.6
1992
4.25
3.75
3.88
1.03
18.0
1993
3.60
3.10
3.47
1.12
19.1
1994
3.60
3.10
4.25
1.37
14.8
1995
3.60
3.10
4.34
1.40
19.6
1996
4.60
3.10
4.60
1.48
12.4
1997
4.60
3.10
5.23
1.69
12.9
1998
4.60
3.10
5.04
1.63
11.5
1999
4.60
3.10
4.44
1.43
11.4
2000
4.60
3.10
3.89
1.25
11.6
Source: UWSP Office of Institutional Research, 13 Feb 02
Average
weekly
individual
contact
hours
FTETF
needed/
FTETF
available
Total
expend
per SCH
$141.62
$146.69
$127.99
$146.54
$144.87
$143.73
$139.51
$135.04
$131.16
$142.90
$152.57
$170.45
.0
.0
.8
.0
2.2
.0
.0
17.5
21.7
15.7
13.1
15.0
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
169
.
175
.
184
.
164
.
166
.
201
.
203
.
206
.
209
.
186
.
161
.
128
.
Source: UWSP
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
27
.
.
.
16
.
.
.
26
.
.
.
24
.
.
.
27
.
.
.
21
.
.
.
25
.
.
.
31
.
.
.
22
.
.
.
37
.
.
.
37
.
.
.
29
.
.
.
Office of Institutional Research, 13
27
15
24
24
25
20
23
30
22
35
31
.
Feb 02
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
.
Further
schooling
Non teachers
employed out
of field
Non teachers
employed in
field
Teachers
employed
out of field
Teachers
employed
in field
Graduate
degrees
awarded
Undergrad
degrees
awarded
Graduate
majors
Minors
Majors
Year
Table 3: Majors, Minors, Degrees, Employment
0
1
0
0
2
1
1
0
0
2
3
.
4
Self Study 2002.doc
III. Paper Science Program Information
Faculty Professional Development
The current faculty and staff include Professor Larry Graham, Professor Gerard Ring, and
Associate Professor Karyn Biasca. A faculty resignation in January 2002 left the department
short one faculty member. Remaining faculty have taken on additional courses to ensure that
students are not disadvantaged by this resignation. Appendix 2 contains curriculum vitae for
current faculty members.
Although all faculty members in the department are fully dedicated to teaching in the
undergraduate program, each has chosen a distinctly different focus for their professional
development activities. With no graduate program in the department and a small number of
faculty, conducting cutting edge research in this highly technical field is very difficult.
Therefore, the research component of faculty professional development is not emphasized in the
Paper Science Department. Faculty growth is directed more in areas that may have traditionally
been considered service.
Larry Graham has concentrated his professional development activities in two areas. These are
continuing education/outreach and TAPPI. He wrote and narrated an audio home study course,
“Fundamentals of Paper Machine Operations” in 1979; this work was later translated into
Spanish. Since 1984 he has taught “Introduction to Pulp and Paper Technology” frequently and
to a wide variety of audiences from Amsterdam to Toronto to Baton Rouge. His original content
for this offering has served as the basis for the department’s continued refinement of this and
other continuing education offerings. From 1991-1997, much of Graham’s time was devoted to
the paper machine project. Over the last several years, he has worked with UW-Extension
coordinating the department’s continuing education program. He served on the Lake States
TAPPI executive committee for nearly twenty years as newsletter editor, education chair,
secretary, treasurer, vice-chair and chair. In 1994 he received the national Local Section
Outstanding Member award. He served on and was chair of national TAPPI’s Local Section
Operation Council, one of the organization’s two primary governing bodies. He served a three
year elected term on the national Board of Directors and was made a TAPPI Fellow in 1997. He
currently serves as Secretary of the Pulp and Paper Education and Research Alliance. He is the
author of the World Book Encyclopedia article on pulp and paper.
Since joining the faculty in 1986, Dr. Gerry Ring has been active in undergraduate course
development, non-credit course development, scientific research, professional association
committee work, UWSP committee work and professional writing. He has developed handout
manuscripts for his undergraduate courses and participated in the Department’s paper machine
installation project. Gerry Ring has developed a number of non-credit Paper Science courses
including “Hands On Papermaking”. His active interest in scientific research led to the
publishing of the peer reviewed article “Multicomponent Analysis of Fiber Length
Distributions”. Soon another journal article will be submitted for publication entitled “The
Hyperbolic Nature of Tensile, Density and Light Scattering in Paper”.
Dr. Ring has been active in professional and UWSP committee work. He has served locally on
Lake States TAPPI’s executive committee for a number of years, assuming numerous
5
Self Study 2002.doc
responsibilities including the role of Chair. He is now concentrating on national TAPPI by
serving on committees that report to TAPPI’s Operating Committee. At UWSP, Gerry Ring has
maintained a membership on numerous temporary and standing committees each semester. He is
now chair of the University Affairs Committee.
In collaboration with UWSP’s University Telecommunication, Dr. Ring wrote and helped
produce a series of videotapes on the properties of paper entitled “PaperQuest”. He presently is
working on the galley proofs of a book entitled “Colloidal Chemistry for Papermaking
Materials”. Dr. Ring is editing and producing this book as a tribute to his graduate school
professor John Swanson who wrote but never published his manuscript.
Karyn Biasca joined the Paper Science faculty in January 1989, and has served the paper
industry, the department, the college and the university in a variety of capacities. As the “pulping
specialist” on the faculty, she attends international conferences on pulping technology to keep
abreast of developments in the field. She has worked continuously to keep the notes for her
Paper Science 350 – Wood and Pulping Technology course up to date, responding to
developments on the technological and environmental fronts. Research in the pulping area
requires equipment that is not feasible to install in the UWSP Paper Science laboratories, so she
has not continued with her pulping research interests.
Early in her career at UWSP, Dr. Biasca was active in TAPPI, working on many industry
projects and committees within the Pulp Manufacture Division of TAPPI. As department needs
changed, she shifted her focus to participation in Paper Science Outreach programs, including
short courses in Introduction to Pulp and Paper, bleaching, and statistics. She has been
extensively involved in the development of the department’s Hands On Papermaking course, and
teaches in the vast majority of these offerings.
One of her major accomplishments is the development and programming of the control interface
to the department paper machine. Most functions on the machine are controlled from a central
computer using a graphical interface. This interface, and all of the communication and control
logic behind it, is the result of Dr. Biasca’s efforts to learn the software and hardware
requirements for the programming and to design the interface. She is also responsible for
maintaining and improving the interface, incorporating new features as needed for paper
machine activities developed by other faculty members.
Dr. Biasca has also focused on developing leadership skills through involvement in faculty
governance activities and campus leadership groups. She has had the opportunity to serve on
many faculty governance committees, as well as college committees. She currently chairs the
Faculty Affairs Committee of the Faculty Senate, whose primary charge this year is to improve
the process of student evaluation of instruction on this campus. She was appointed to the
Committee on the Status of Women, serves as the Faculty Athletics Representative for women’s
sports, chairs the Athletics Committee, and is a member of the Steering Committee for the
campus chapter of the Wisconsin Women in Higher Education Leadership (WWHEL).
Contributions to General Degree Components
The Paper Science department offers two courses that satisfy the Writing Emphasis General
Degree Requirement, Paper Science 210 and 350. Both of these courses are required for the
6
Self Study 2002.doc
Paper Science major. No other Paper Science courses are currently approved to satisfy General
Degree Requirements.
Contributions to Graduate Education
Paper Science faculty members are graduate faculty, and are therefore eligible to serve on
graduate student committees within the CNR. Biasca and Graham have both served in this
capacity. The department offers no graduate courses in Paper Science.
Adequacy of Physical Facilities
Classrooms
The Paper Science Department has only two classrooms in the Science building where it is
located: A-104 and D-279. Its original classroom, A-104 can hold 28 students and does not have
any computer projection capabilities. This classroom has not been significantly renovated in the
past thirty years and has only standard blackboards for instructional use. Because of the
increased reliance on computer presentation technology, room A104 is no longer adequate for
most Paper Science courses and is seldom used by the Paper Science faculty. The faculty
frequently use classrooms in the CPS and Collins Classroom Buildings. Rooms A107 and A109
(scheduled by the Physics Department) have also been used regularly for Paper Science classes
since they have both adequate blackboards and computer projection equipment.
Room D-279 has recently been converted from a departmental computer laboratory to a Level-4
Distance-Education Classroom designed for 40 students. However, with its change of status,
Room D-279 is now being scheduled by University Telecommunications, and Distance
Education programs offered by other Departments may preempt its use as a Paper Science
classroom.
Laboratories
The paper machine, located in room D-135, is a valuable educational tool. Now valued at over
$8 million, the machine is the center of the undergraduate and outreach programs. No other
Paper Science program in the country has a machine that can match the usefulness of this
machine. The machine was offered to the department in 1991. After accepting the donation and
arranging for transportation of the machine from Westbrook, Maine, the machine arrived in
Stevens Point in the summer of 1992. Since the machine had not been used for several years, it
was in need of substantial refurbishing. In excess of $2 million in resources was required to
install and make the machine operational. These resources came from a combination of WISTAR
funding and in-kind donations of parts, equipment, labor and expertise. The campaign to obtain
these resources was led by Paper Science faculty, and involved more than forty companies. Since
its startup in 1997, this machine has become an important part of virtually every Paper Science
course taught. Furthermore, the machine is the cornerstone of the fastest growing Paper Science
outreach offering – “Hands On Papermaking”.
A well-equipped paper-testing laboratory also supports the program. This laboratory has over
$300,000 worth of modern paper testing equipment that is used in sophomore; junior and senior
level Paper Science courses. Many of these instruments are also used by industrial clients,
generating a small amount of revenue, which partially supports the maintenance of the
equipment.
7
Self Study 2002.doc
Throughout its history, the department has suffered from a lack of technical support staff.
Faculty members were required to handle all laboratory set up, preparation, clean up, etc. When
the UWSP paper machine became a reality, it was essential that a laboratory manager/machine
operator be hired. A small amount of seed money was provided to hire Bill Radue; there is no
GPR support for this position or for the operation of the paper machine. Radue’s salary and
operating costs associated with use of the machine, even for undergraduate education, are
provided through program revenue. This revenue is generated by continuing education activities,
service work, and income from a small Paper Science Foundation endowment.
Although the Paper Science Department has always had a large inventory of expensive
laboratory instruments, the Department never had a staff to maintain this equipment until the
arrival of the paper machine. Radue has been successful in ensuring that the very complex and
maintenance-intensive paper machine keeps running to meet all the demands required of it. The
Department has been fortunate to have Radue in this capacity since he serves not only as
manager, but also as engineer, instructor, electrician, millwright, instrument technician, pipe
fitter, carpenter, purchasing agent, machine operator, and supervisor to a crew of six to twelve
undergraduate student employees. Although Radue has been successful at keeping the
Department’s equipment successfully operating, the amount of equipment and instrumentation
owned and operated by the Department requires more than one staff member. At a bare
minimum, the addition of a technician to specialize in instrument maintenance and operation is
required. This person must also have the ability to help Radue operate and maintain the paper
machine.
Other Facilities
Due to the Department’s large inventory of equipment in both the Paper Machine and Instrument
Laboratories, 700 square feet of storage area is rented (using program revenue) at the 601
Division Street Facility. Radue is responsible for this storage area. The Department also has three
small rooms in D-124 that are used for professional interview training and one library/conference
room (D-281). In the near future, Room D-271 (which was created by the construction of Room
D-279) must be finished, possibly as a wet chemistry lab.
Other Significant Information
The Unique Nature of “Paper Schools”
The Paper Science Department provides professional undergraduate education in Paper Science
as specified in the UWSP Select Mission, and is the only Wisconsin undergraduate program with
a specific focus on the pulp, paper, and allied industry. The department cooperates with UW Extension and Continuing Education in the development and delivery of statewide outreach
programming to meet the needs of citizens employed by the pulp, paper and allied industry. The
Department emphasizes undergraduate education and effective teaching.
The UWSP Paper Science Department is one of only ten comparable programs in the United
States, each specializing in preparing undergraduates for technical and managerial careers in the
pulp, paper, and allied industries. These ten programs, plus the Institute of Paper Science and
Technology, cooperate with each other through the Pulp and Paper Education and Research
Alliance (bylaws for this organization are in Appendix 3). The ten programs have similar
curricula, have scholarship programs supported by independent foundations, and collectively
graduate approximately two hundred individuals with B.S. degrees each year (see Ramaswami
8
Self Study 2002.doc
article, Appendix 4). These ten programs recruit students regionally and place their graduates
nationally and internationally. The department recently received an interesting letter from
Charles Klass, president of Charles Klass and Associates, who has many years of experience in
the paper industry (Appendix 5). He describes his perceptions of the various “paper schools”.
Another letter, received from Tim Laatsch, Stora Enso North America, commends the
department on both the quality and the quantity of process engineering graduates hired
(Appendix 6). Currently, Stora Enso employs 12% of all Paper Science alumni.
Two of these paper programs have recently obtained accreditation as general engineering
programs by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Other programs
are evaluating the resources necessary to obtain this accreditation (roughly estimated at one to
two years of full time effort by one person). The Paper Science Department at UWSP may have
to pursue this accreditation to remain competitive with other paper programs.
Curriculum
The Paper Science Program at UWSP is essentially an upper division program (see course
sequence in Table 4 below). Only two of the required Paper Science courses are offered in the
lower division. The course sequence in Paper Science is based on a traditional Chemical
Engineering curriculum. It is a demanding curriculum; students typically take at least eighteen
credits per semester. The first two years concentrate on mathematics, chemistry, and physics.
These fundamentals lead into two simultaneous and interrelated course sequences through the
second, third and fourth years. One sequence emphasizes chemical engineering subjects such as
mass and energy balances, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, and process
dynamics. Although these engineering courses are taught using standard chemical and
mechanical engineering texts, examples and problems are used frequently which relate to the
paper industry. The parallel sequence covers the science and technology of pulp and
papermaking; this sequence includes wood and pulping technology, paper and fiber physics,
colloid and surface phenomena, coating and converting, and paper machine operations. There are
no good, affordable textbooks for these “paper courses”. Instructors in these courses must
generate their own set of lecture notes, incorporating a substantial number of graphics, for
student use.
Ideally, a UWSP faculty member should be well versed in all aspects of pulp and paper to give
the Department some flexibility in teaching assignments. The current ranked faculty members all
hold Ph.D. degrees from the Institute of Paper Chemistry. The graduate program at IPC was
designed to train scientific/engineering generalists through an interdisciplinary course of study.
Since Paper Science faculty members have broad based knowledge and skills, they are able to
teach across a curriculum in which the individual courses interrelate heavily with each other.
The demands of the science and engineering courses in the curriculum ensure the technical
competence of the Paper Science graduate. Equally important to the success of these graduates is
the liberal arts coursework required at UWSP. The number of courses required to satisfy general
degree requirements at UWSP is larger than other paper schools. This requirement is viewed as a
strength since these offerings round out the individual. Problem solving, logical thinking, and
communication skills are all areas addressed both within the Paper Science curriculum and in the
general degree requirement courses.
9
Self Study 2002.doc
One requirement that is particularly valuable for students is the Paper Science 300 Mill
Internship Report. This requirement is usually met through the Cooperative Internship program,
which places students in an engineering internship with a paper mill or a technical internship
with an allied industry. Students will spend a summer plus an academic semester working in the
industry. This experience gives students an excellent understanding of the work environment
they will enter upon graduation, and energizes them upon their return to the classroom. Because
of the small faculty size, required Paper Science courses are offered only once per year. The
sequential nature of the courses and prerequisites means that students are not prepared to take
junior level Paper Science courses when they return from their internships, and therefore must
wait until they are offered again the following year. This means that a Cooperative Internship
adds a full year to students’ time to a degree.
One of the strengths of the Paper Science major at UWSP is that the program is more than a
sequence of independent courses that students take to graduate. The work experience gained
during the internships is directly relevant in the classroom, and Paper Science courses are highly
interrelated, with material in many courses dependent on material covered in others.
There is a conscious, sequential development of communication skills in several courses,
including Paper Science 210, 350, 355, 365, and 486. Paper Science 210 and 350 are both
designated as Writing Emphasis courses. Paper 210, a laboratory course for sophomores, begins
the technical writing skill development with extensive technical report writing requirements.
Paper 350 introduces other types of technical writing; this writing includes resumes and cover
letters, an introduction to the technical literature of the pulp and paper industry, abstracts and
summaries, and a brief research report. Paper Science 355 and 365, although not official Writing
Emphasis courses, require students to produce a more extensive research report. Oral
presentations are required in Paper 350, 355, and 486. The presentation in Paper Science 486, the
capstone course in the major, is a highly technical presentation of a group design project to the
Paper Science Foundation Academic Advisory Committee meeting in May of each year. This
committee consists of representatives from the pulp, paper, and allied industries, who are critical
listeners and questioners.
This curriculum has withstood the test of time, and remains essentially the same as the original
curriculum from 1974. The Paper Science faculty made a few minor adjustments over the years.
Based on a recommendation from the last Program Review, faculty agreed to add an
Environmental Elective to the major requirements. This requirement originally gave the students
a choice of four courses within the CNR, each of which focused on a specific area (i.e., air
pollution, water pollution, etc.). In 1999, Dr. Aga Razvi offered to develop a course that covered
all areas of environmental issues faced by the paper industry (Waste Management 489). This
course is now the Environmental Elective taken by all Paper Science students, and is very well
received.
10
Self Study 2002.doc
Table 4. Paper Science Curriculum
Fall Semester
Freshman Year
Chem 115 Gen & Quantitative
Chemistry
Math 120 Calc & Analytical
Geometry I
P.S. 101 Intro to Pulp &
Paper Processes
English 101 Freshman English
General Degree Elective
Total
Sophomore Year
Chem 325 Organic Chemistry I
Chem 248 Quantitative
Analysis
Math 222 Calculus &
Analytical Geometry
Physics 150 Mechanics, Heat,
Sound
P.S. 210 Pulp & Paper Lab.
Methods
Total
Summer
P.S. 300 Mill Internship
Junior Year
P.S. 320 Fluid Mechanics &
Hydraulics
P.S. 350 Wood & Pulping
Technology
Chem. 330 Physical Chemistry
P.S. 485 Systems Engr &
Simulation
Economics 210 General
Economics
Total
Senior Year
P.S. 410 Leadership
Practicum
P.S. 430 Mass Transfer
Operations
P.S. 440 Industrial Thermo &
Kinetics
P.S. 360 Process Dynamics &
Control
P.S. 490 Senior Seminar I
General Degree Electives
Total
Spring Semester
Credits
4
4
3
3
3
17
Chem 116 General Quantitative
Chemistry
Math 121 Calculus & Analytical
Geometry
English 102 Freshman English
CIS 205 Computing for PS
P.S. 105 Freshman Forum
General Degree Elective
Total
Credits
5
4
3
4
1
3
20
3
3
Chem 326 Organic Chemistry II
Chem 328 Organic Chemistry Lab
3
2
4
Math 320 Differential
Equations
Physics 250 Electricity,
Magnetism, Optics
P.S. 215 Intro to Process
Engineering Calcs
Total
3
5
3
18
5
4
17
3
3
4
4
3
3
17
1
P.S. 314 Engineering Stat
Design & Analysis
P.S. 326 Heat Transfer
Operations
P.S. 355 Paper and Fiber
Physics
P.S. 365 Colloid and Surface
Phenomena
General Degree Elective
Total
3
3
4
3
6
19
3
3
P.S. 445 Coating & Converting
Seminar
P.S. 475 Paper Machine
Operations
P.S. 486 Engineering Design
Project
P.S. 495 Senior Seminar II
1
6
Waste Management 489
General Degree Elective
3
3
3
4
18
Total
3
3
1
19
11
Self Study 2002.doc
Students
The Paper Science program at UWSP attracts very bright, capable students into the major. The
main drawing force is the placement of graduates in challenging, rewarding positions in industry.
Graduates from the program begin their careers as entry-level engineers in the pulp, paper or
supporting industries, and alumni serve these industries in high-level positions. The major
challenge facing the department is maintaining student enrollment in the face of the current
economic downturn and consolidation within the paper industry.
The currently enrolled students continue the tradition of a high quality “raw material”. The
average high school rank, grade point and ACT composite scores of current majors (compared to
non-Paper Science majors) are shown in Table 5 below (data from OIR).
Table 5. Characteristics of Current Majors
Paper Science Majors
Non-Paper Science Majors
High School Rank (percentile)
81.5
69.6
High School GPA
3.6
3.3
ACT Composite
24.6
22.7
The Department receives many favorable comments on the effort and work ethic of Paper
Science students from faculty in other departments on campus. The vast majority of Paper
Science majors come from within the state; these students bring well-developed study habits
with them to college.
Paper Science students will typically travel to as many as six technical conferences per year, both
within and outside of Wisconsin. The Paper Science student organization is active throughout the
year with fundraising to support travel expenses for these conferences. The student organization
also sponsors many social activities, bringing students at all levels of the major together to enjoy
each other’s company and creating lasting friendships.
Several Paper Science students have taken the opportunity to study abroad in the programs
offered through the University or international internships. Given the increasingly global nature
of the paper industry, faculty members encourage students to take advantage of these
opportunities, and expect that more students will have opportunities to study and work abroad.
Graduates from the program continue to be in demand. Over the past ten years, 98% of Paper
Science graduates received offers of employment in the industry, with most placed well before
graduation. About 2% of Paper Science graduates choose to continue their education, primarily if
their career interests include research or academia. The experience gained during their
internships give students a realistic view of the possible careers in the industry. This ability to
“see themselves” in the workplace, combined with the starting salaries offered to Paper Science
graduates, persuade many to enter the workplace immediately upon graduation. The top students
may receive multiple job offers, and the average starting salary for the class of 2001 was
$49,800.
Alumni from the Paper Science program move into positions with substantial responsibility. Of
the 613 alumni, virtually all work in the paper and allied industries. Two hundred fifty seven
have positions as managers, superintendents or supervisors, thirteen are directors, five are vice
presidents, and three are presidents.
12
Self Study 2002.doc
The major challenge for the program is identifying and maintaining an appropriate number of
undergraduate students. The classes of 2002 and 2003 have twenty-five and twenty-seven
students, respectively. The class of 2004 is expected to have approximately twenty-three
students. After this, the picture becomes less clear. The current first and second year classes have
fewer than twenty students enrolled in each course.
In the past, prospective students heard about the Paper Science program from friends and
relatives in the paper industry, and from science teachers and guidance counselors. Student
recruitment was not an issue for the department. The recent decline in enrollment is a complex
function of changes occurring not only in the paper industry but also in the economy. The
Department plans to actively recruit students to ensure future class sizes of twenty-five to thirty
students. The Department’s recruitment strategy involves reaching out to high school students,
teachers and guidance counselors with the message that the Paper Industry still offers a
rewarding technical career. Current efforts include participation in a high school career fair,
improvements in the department web site, a new recruitment brochure, eye-catching recruitment
posters and student-led public relations activities.
Outreach Activities
The Paper Science Department has been involved in outreach and continuing education activities
throughout its thirty-two year history. “Introduction to Pulp and Paper Technology” has been the
department’s most popular and basic non-credit course offering, and has been taught by all
current faculty members. All faculty members have developed course offerings that take
advantage of their individual expertise. Larry Graham was involved in a short course in the
economic aspects of the industry. Karyn Biasca has developed Pulping and Bleaching offerings,
while Gerry Ring has developed courses in both Paper Properties and Wet-End Chemistry.
In collaboration with UW Extension, the department has developed and offered a non-credit
Paper Science Certificate program designed to meet the technical education and training
requirements of five local paper companies. This effort was well received and is now in the
process of being revised to meet the changing needs of the industry.
In addition to the technical certificate, members of the Paper Science Department helped initiate
a Management Certificate Program. The Department continues to be involved in the evolution of
this program.
The most distinctive outreach offering developed by the Department is the Hands On
Papermaking Course. This course uses the department’s most significant asset, its paper
machine. Because this machine is large enough to perform like a production machine yet small
enough to be operated safely by students, it has been used with great success in this popular
course. This course is substantially responsible for providing financial support for all aspects of
machine operation, including Bill Radue’s salary. Because there is no GPR support for the paper
machine laboratory, the Hands On Papermaking course will have to be offered once or twice per
month to support the continued operation of the machine. Staffing this level of activity is very
difficult for a department with a small faculty, but is critical to the continued improvement of the
undergraduate program.
13
Self Study 2002.doc
Relationship with the Paper Industry
The Paper Science Department has served the Paper Industry and the State of Wisconsin for the
last thirty-two years by concentrating on the education of young process engineers for a
predominantly US based industry. This specialized role for the Department has evolved over the
years in recognition of the needs of the industry and the resources of UWSP. A total of ten
“paper schools” supply the annual demand for paper science graduates nationally. The Central
Wisconsin location places the program in the center of the world’s most diverse, productive
papermaking facilities, and has contributed significantly to the program’s success. Industrial
facilities have always had an open door policy for field trips and internships. These facilities
include pulp mills, paper mills, paper converters, and chemical and equipment manufacturers.
The Paper Science Department program assistant has many responsibilities outside those normal
to other departments. The department office handles all recruiting/placement activites for
seniors for permanent positions as well as for coop positions and summer internships; the
department has not relied on Career Services for this since client companies prefer to deal with
the department directly, and Career Services is unable to handle the volume of activity. In
addition, the PA handles alumni relations, manages the scholarship/awards program, provides
support for the student organization and clerical support for the chair’s Foundation
responsibilities.
Companies communicate directly with the department for recruiting of students for coop jobs,
summer internships and permanent placement. On campus interviews are conducted by these
companies within the department’s facilities. Employers of Paper Science students provide
feedback directly to the department regarding job performance and adequacy of preparation of
the students. This feedback is an important mechanism for keeping the undergraduate program
on track. Interactions with employers are primarily handled by the Department Chair and
Program Assistant however all faculty are expected to interact with industry representatives
when they are on campus.
The UWSP Paper Science Foundation was formed in 1975 to provided support to the program
through a scholarship/award program. Other support activities include support for student and
faculty travel, supplies and services, etc. (Please see Paper Science Foundation Annual Report in
Appendix 7) The Foundation was instrumental in helping secure funding and in-kind donations
for the paper machine project. Income from a $1.4 million endowment is used by the Foundation
for scholarship awards for Paper Science students and for support of paper machine operation
and computing within the department.
The Foundation’s corporate membership represents many U.S. based paper and allied
companies. Annual corporate membership contributions have been approximately $100,000 per
year; these funds are used for all of the Foundation’s activities. The paper and allied industries
are now experiencing the forces of globalization and consolidation. This has had a significant
impact on the growth of the Paper Science Foundation as there are less potential member
companies today than there were in 1975 when the Foundation was incorporated. There are
two important Foundation activities each year. In September the Foundation holds its annual
meeting and scholarship banquet. In May, each year, the Academic Advisory committee meets
to observe the Paper Science senior project presentations and provide important industry input
for faculty consideration. Development activities for the Foundation fall upon the shoulders of
the Department Chair and program assistant
14
Self Study 2002.doc
Conclusion
For the last thirty years, the Paper Science Department has educated process engineers for a
United States based industry. The industry is now changing rapidly, consolidating into larger,
global companies. This trend is having a profound effect on individual paper companies. In order
to be more competitive, companies are requiring their employees to be more technically
proficient through increased education. Global competition is also decreasing job security,
making it necessary that employees get education that increases their job marketability. These
new demands mean that the Department will also have to change to meet the needs of a changing
industry. The following items have been selected by the Paper Science faculty as being essential
to the continued success of the program in light of a rapidly evolving global industry.
Vacant Faculty Position
It is necessary to have at least three full-time teaching faculty and a chair with a half-time
teaching load in order to teach all the undergraduate courses and maintain an effective continuing
education program. At this time, one faculty position is not filled due to a recent resignation.
Filling this position is the faculty’s highest priority.
Technical Support Staff
The undergraduate education program in Paper Science requires a large amount of sophisticated
laboratory equipment, such tensile testers, optical instruments and the paper machine. This
equipment requires maintenance and calibration to keep operational. One laboratory staff
member is inadequate to do this job. There is an urgent need to have a separate staff member
who can maintain and calibrate the Department’s paper testing instrumentation while a second
concentrates on maintaining the paper machine. The additional staff member would serve as a
backup operator on the paper machine.
College Alignment
The Paper Science curriculum relies heavily on the Departments of Chemistry, Physics,
Mathematics, Computer Information Systems and English. The faculty interacts daily with
faculty from these L&S departments. The Paper Science faculty strongly believes that becoming
part of the College of Letters and Science would be a logical move.
Facilities
Room D-271 was created when the Department agreed to have its computer lab converted into a
Distance Ed classroom. This room needs to be finished, possibly transformed into a “wet”
laboratory with bench space suitable for testing pulp, pulping liquors and papermaking additives.
Room A-104, the Department’s only dedicated classroom needs to be updated with video
projection equipment and other computer-based instructional aids.
Outreach
In order to continue offering outreach courses of value to the paper industry, it is necessary to
develop more effective partnerships with paper companies and TAPPI, the paper industry’s
international technical association. To assist in creating these partnerships it is suggested that an
outreach specialist from UWEX be assigned to work at least half time in the department working
directly with the faculty and under their direction.
15
Self Study 2002.doc
ABET Accreditation
The Paper Science Department educates process engineers without the benefit of being
associated with a college of engineering. It is only a matter of time before the Department will
need to join other Paper Science programs across the country and pursue General Engineering
accreditation through the Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Other
Paper Science programs that have completed this process report that it takes one to two years of
full time effort by one person. Because of the unique situation at UWSP, obtaining engineering
accreditation might require a partnership with an established engineering program in the UW
system. Such a partnership could be possible using the Department’s distance education
classroom.
Certificate and Associate Degree
To date, the Paper Science Department has offered only a Bachelor of Science degree to its
students. In the future, it is predicted that the industry will require all employees to have at least
two years of post secondary education. The Department is currently proposing three credit –
based certificates. Upon completion of the first two certificates, an individual could receive a
UWS associate degree. The third certificate would prepare the individual to complete the
coursework necessary to be officially accepted as a junior in the Paper Science major.
Appendices
16