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4/30/2025

UW-Parkside Spring 2025 Commencement Set for May 17

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside will hold its Spring 2025 Commencement on Saturday, May 17, in the De Simone Arena in the Sports and Activity Center. The two ceremonies will honor more than 550 graduates and will both be followed by a reception in the Petretti Fieldhouse.



The first ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. with doors opening at 8 a.m. and will include graduates from the College of Business Economics and Computing and the College of Arts and Humanities. The second ceremony will include graduates from the College of Natural and Health Sciences and the College of Social Sciences and Professional Studies and will begin at 1 p.m., with the doors opening at 12 p.m.

Learning in Action: Tilde Bean

By: Kaila Bingen, Experiential Education Specialist

Tilde Bean, a new eCommerce platform creating inclusive clothing such as t-shirts and casual work apparel for women in STEM, places women at the center of its mission. One of the ways this small but mighty business achieves its goal is by offering short-term, high-impact experiential learning opportunities for current Parkside students.

Jozi Anderson, a UW-Parkside alum, recently launched Tilde Bean with the expert support of Kathryn Jackson, Director of Parkside's Small Business Development Center. Jozi shared, “Kathryn has been instrumental in working with Wisconsin entrepreneurs. Kathryn's belief in me was the nudge needed to realize Tilde Bean's sisterhood community mission. Kathryn led me to Kaila Bingen of Parkside's Community and Business Engagement, who is amazing with supporting students and businesses on our journeys. With these inspiring people collaborating with Tilde Bean, we are able to build into a business that will be a bridge to belonging.”

In order to expand her work, Jozi knew she would need more help. By joining the platform Parker Dewey, she was able to hire Jenny Osorio, a senior business management and marketing major, and Brianna Hunter, a junior business management student, as micro-interns. Jozi explained that when developing these roles for Brianna and Jenny, she considered her own internship experience when she was at Parkside. “My Parkside internship raised me up from a timid girl in some spaces to an experience where I reported to a woman who was a role model for other women. She created an environment where women were seen and heard as colleagues, not competitors. That experience shines a light on Tilde Bean's mission of community-building and sisterhood through thoughtful ethical design.”

Wisconsin Student Musicians Head to UW-Parkside

Thousands of dedicated middle and high school student musicians from Wisconsin and contiguous states are preparing for the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) State Solo & Ensemble Festivals. UW-Parkside will host this event on Saturday, May 3 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. It will be open to the public and free of charge.



"The WSMA State Music Festival is an enriching experience for all participants, both performers and their supporters,” said Dr. Donna Hewitt, Chair of the UW-Parkside Music Department. “It is also an opportunity for our music program to showcase our facilities and emphasize how much we value and support the efforts of our school music colleagues, their students and their families. Juniors and seniors can use their piece to audition with us on campus that day by inquiring at the table in the Rita Lobby.”

April Parksidegear.com Deal!

Announcement: In-the-Moment Support for Students

As the semester winds down, you may notice some of your students are feeling stressed. If you see a student struggling, remember that in-the-moment support is available through Mantra’s ConnectNow. Students can easily access this support through the Navigate app or directly on our website: Personal Counseling & Support Encouraging students to reach out for help can make a big difference during stressful times. Thank you for supporting student well-being!

New Accessibility Services Course Available on Canvas

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) has partnered with UWM and is offering a course for faculty and staff to learn about providing academic accommodations to students with disabilities and universal design concepts. Click the link below to enroll in the course in Canvas.

Priority registration began on April 14!

Please remind students about priority registration and an exciting scholarship opportunity.

Priority registration began on April 14, and students can check their specific registration time by visiting the link below.

To encourage early enrollment, students who register for Fall Undergraduate courses will be automatically entered into a drawing for scholarships:

• Six scholarships of $750 for students enrolled by April 18
• Six scholarships of $500 for students enrolled by May 9

Encouraging students to register early helps ensure they get the courses they need to stay on track for graduation—and now, they have the added incentive of potential scholarship awards!

Please consider sharing this information in your classes, student employees, or other groups of students whom you work with in the semester.

Thank you for your support in helping our students succeed!

Quick Reference Guide: 

Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)

Individuals with disabilities may use a Service Animal or an Emotional Support Animal for a variety of reasons relative to a disability. 

This page linked below will serve as a quick reference guide for individuals who have questions pertaining to services animals and emotional support animals. 

Help Us Share Your News!

There’s always something exciting happening at UW-Parkside, and we need your help to spread the word! Whether it’s an upcoming event, a major achievement, a student success story, or an exciting new initiative, we want to make sure our campus and community know about it.

The Share Your News form is the easiest way to submit details about your news and updates. When you submit, our communications team reviews the information and determines the best way to amplify your message—whether that’s through the university website, social media, newsletters, or other promotional channels.

• What to Share: Events, initiatives, announcements, achievements, student and faculty highlights, and more!
• How to Submit: Complete the Share Your News form with as much detail as possible.
• Timing Matters: To ensure effective promotion, please submit your request at least three weeks before your event date.

Your stories will help showcase the great work happening at UW-Parkside this spring semester!

Join Chancellor Akey for Coffee Talks

Join Chancellor Akey for Coffee Talks. Share your ideas, ask questions, or just enjoy a casual chat over coffee. See you there!

Location: Outside of Chancellor's Office   



•    Thursday, 5/8, 8-9 a.m.

Marketing and Communications Needs

Due to the high volume of requests to University Relations at this time of the year, please use the forms below to help us better track and complete requests.

Administrative Transformation Program (ATP) Updates

Stay Informed with Workday Thursday

Workday Thursday is your go-to source for the latest updates and tips on UW System’s Workday implementation. Each Thursday, we cover key topics like Time and Absence, Benefits and Pay, and other upcoming changes, helping you prepare for a smoother transition. Stay ahead with insights, resources, and previews of what’s coming next. It’s delivered to your inbox each Thursday afternoon.

What Is ATP?

The Administrative Transformation Program (ATP) is on a mission to rebuild finance, human resources, and research administration systems at every institution within the University of Wisconsin System. The goal is to reduce the complexity of the current administrative environment and refocus valuable staff time on UW’s mission of education, research, and outreach.

To make this vision a reality, we’re working with people across the UW to standardize processes and implement new, best-in-class technology to support these essential functions.

Budgeting and the Transition from WISER 

Learn about Workday’s budgeting capabilities and the upcoming transition from the Wisconsin Enterprise Reporting (WISER) system. As WISER is phased out in July 2025, Workday will become our new platform for budgeting and financial reporting, allowing UW-Parkside staff to manage and analyze financial data more seamlessly and efficiently. 

Budgeting in Workday: Key Enhancements 

Workday’s budgeting tools offer a fully integrated platform designed to simplify and streamline budgeting and financial planning.

Athletics Student Success Lead

The Athletics department is inviting internal UW-Parkside applications for the position of Athletics Student Success Lead.

Under the guidance of the Deputy Director of Athletics, the Athletics Student Success Lead to serve as a student success coach to student-athletes in all sports and acting as liaison between athletics and academic advisors and academic support services across campus (specifically the PARC, Academic Advising and Career Center, and primary advisors within the academic departments). 

Senior Vice Provost and Dean of the Faculty

An internal search will be completed to identify a Senior Vice Provost and Dean of the Faculty to provide leadership for our future academic college pending formal approval by the Board of Regents. The Senior Vice Provost and Dean of the Faculty plans, directs, and provides administrative, operational, and strategic leadership within the Office of the Provost and serves as the chief academic and executive officer of the academic college, responsible for instructional, research, community, and service functions. The Senior Vice Provost and Dean of the Faculty serves as a member of university leadership and makes decisions in the absence of the Provost. Attached is a copy of the position description outlining: essential duties and responsibilities; knowledge, skills, and abilities; and required and preferred qualifications. 

To apply:

Applications must be submitted electronically through the Universities of Wisconsin employment portal. If you need additional assistance you may contact UWSA Human Resources at:

Sarah Haen

608-263-4953

sarah.haen@uwss.wisconsin.edu

Hours 8:00am-4:30pm Monday-Friday.

Applications received by 04/25/2025 are ensured full consideration. Position open until filled. Please click the links below to go to the UWSA employment portal to apply:

For further information about the position, please contact Provost Cecil at cecilm@uwp.edu.

UW-Parkside BioBlitz May 4 through 10



Join in the UW-Parkside BioBlitz May 4 through 10 and discover the hundreds of thousands of living creatures right outside your door. Participate in guided and self-guided activities, and contribute to the scientific understanding of our natural world. Check out the schedule of guided walks below, or submit observations anytime through the iNatralist app.

Not sure what to look for? Pick from the suggested search themes for each day of the week.



• Sunday, May 4 – Something green
• Monday, May 5 - Something fuzzy or furry
• Tuesday, May 6 – Something flying
• Wednesday, May 7 - Something blooming or colorful
• Thursday, May 8 - Something on the ground, under rocks, sticks, or leaves
• Friday, May 9 - Something swimming
• Saturday, May 10 - Something found in groups

Sustainable Agriculture and Profitability Speaker Event

Wednesday, April 30, 12-1 pm, MOLN D107

Charles Heide, Brookwood Foundation, Co-Trustee along with wife Ann, own Somers Farm and Prairie, located between UW-Parkside and the Microsoft Data Center and Campus. They hope to preserve 160 acres of remnant prairie, oak savanna and tillable cropping land, while integrating into a landscape of high-tech commercial and supply chain manufacturing investments. The speakers will explain sustainable agriculture and how to make it profitable.

Food and drinks included!

Asian Pacific Islander Desi Arab (APIDA) Heritage Month is observed in the United States during the month of May. At UW-Parkside, in light of the academic calendar we celebrate in April. We honor and recognize the history, culture, and achievements of Asians, Pacific Islanders, Desis, Arabs and all people with heritage from the Asian continent.

Join us this April in the celebration of APIDA Heritage Month!

Visit uwp.edu/apida to learn more about upcoming events this month.

Students registered for Fall will be entered to win one of six $750 scholarships or one of six $500 scholarships. 

To be eligible, students must be

• Registered for Spring 2025 
• Undergraduate, degree seeking students
• Registered for Fall classes by May 9 for the $500 scholarship drawing!

UW-Parkside Foundation Gallery Hosts Spring 2025 Exhibition

The Foundation Gallery at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside is pleased to announce Unconformities, a solo exhibition featuring the work of Leslie Smith. The exhibition will run from April 1 to April 29, showcasing a collection of drawings, prints, and books that explore historical narratives and reimagine their relevance in the present.

UW-Parkside Mathis Gallery Hosts Spring 2025 Exhibition

The Mathis Gallery at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside is thrilled to announce its Spring 2025 exhibition, Lakefront Collage: A Survey of Racine and Kenosha Art Spaces, opening on Feb. 4, and running through May 2. The Mathis Gallery is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and admission is free and open to the public.

UW-Parkside Community Garden Expands Impact Through New Grant

By: Emily Reed, UW-Parkside Sustainability Coordinator

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside's community garden expanded significantly in 2024, supported by funding from the Fund for Lake Michigan. The grant enabled improvements in stormwater management, biodiversity, and food security initiatives.



New additions in 2024 included more leasable plots, as well as a compost bin, cold frame, fruit tree orchard, and Monarch Waystation-certified pollinator garden, enhancing food production capabilities while supporting campus ecological diversity.

The grant created paid student positions, offering hands-on experience in sustainable urban agriculture and ecological restoration. Additionally, the Great Lakes Community Conservation Corps' Ag Veteran Program partnered with the garden, providing training opportunities for military veterans in agribusiness.

The UW-Parkside Library Fighting Geese Trivia Team won the Kenosha Literacy Council Trivia contest, Beating the Kenosha News team by one point. Don Cress sponsored the team, which consisted of Jay and Rebecca Dougherty, Sam Steinke ’23, Heather Spencer, Kenny French, and Greg Mayer. Photos from Kenny French.

Order Undergraduate and Graduate Regalia

The University Bookstore is here for all your graduation needs!

Order Your Regalia Starting April 24. On-line orders can be placed at the link below.

Order for In-store Pickup, Ship to Your Home, or stop by the bookstore and purchase your Regalia from our on-hand stock.

Pricing for Undergraduates is as follows:

Cap: $8.00

Tassel: $6.00.00

Gown: $28.00

TOTAL (3pc) $42.00

(Excludes tax & shipping fees)

Pricing for Masters Graduates is as follows:

Cap: $8.00

Tassel: $6.00

Gown: $31.00

Hood: $39.00

TOTAL (4pc) $84.00

(Excludes tax &shipping fees)

University Bookstore

UW-Parkside Student Center

Email: bookstore@uwp.edu / 262.291-2872

Did You Know? 

   1. Students approved for exam/quiz accommodations should take the exam at the same time or at least the same day as their peers. 

   2. Students must schedule exams/quizzes in Accommodate 48 hours in advance (excluding Saturday and Sunday). 

   3. The testing area is never full- if a student reports they cannot schedule for the same day, they waited too long to schedule in Accommodate. 

   4. Students should obtain the instructor’s permission before scheduling an alternate day or time with SAS. 

   5. Instructors will get an automated email alert when a student schedules their exams/quizzes. This would be an opportune time to verify if it’s scheduled per your expectations. 

   6. SAS sends an email reminder with a cover sheet two days prior to the exam date. You don’t have to wait for the reminder to send the exam. 

   7. If a student misses an exam, it’s up to the instructor to determine when the student will reschedule. The instructor should email sas@uwp.edu and the student with a new day of retake.

As the semester progresses, you may notice that students may be more stressed, experiencing more academic difficulties or having non-academic challenges.

Here is a quick reminder about the resources available to assist you:

• The Red folder website -- This website is designed to help faculty, staff and others to recognize, respond effectively to and refer students as necessary.  
• Food and Shelter Resources – This website provides information about on campus and community resources. 
• ConnectNow - As part of the Care Hub by Mantra, students can get in-the-moment support and problem solving.  
• The Navigate Ad Hoc report - Any faculty or staff member can use this form to report academic concerns such as changes in attendance, declining performance or non-academic concerns (undergraduate students only) To learn “How to file an ad hoc report, check out this KB documents -https://kb.uwp.edu/130519 

Questions?  Contact Steve Wallner, Dean of Students wallner@uwp.edu

UW System Regent Policy 4-21 Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression

Please take a few minutes to review the policy regarding our commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression. Please see your immediate supervisor with any questions you may have.

Have you or someone you know experienced foster care, homelessness, kinship care, or any other out-of-home care? You may be eligible to receive support through the Fostering Success program.

The mission of UW-Parkside's Fostering Success Program is to provide personalized guidance and comprehensive resources to support students with backgrounds in environments with a lack of family support, to pursue their higher education goals. Through collaborative efforts with campus resources, we promote self-sufficiency and academic excellence.

10% Discount at Smoothie King

Friendly reminder that all Parkside students, staff and faculty receive a 10% discount when showing their Ranger Card at Smoothie King located at 3667 Market Lane Ste B, Kenosha, WI 53144. Rule the Day and Go Rangers!

Improve Your "AIM"

AIM is the system that faculty and instructional academic staff use to track and record their teaching, research/scholarship/creative work and service activities, and to prepare their Annual Activity Reports. The information you provide in AIM is used to generate your profile on the UW-Parkside website. Your Dean may also use AIM data for reporting and recognition within the college.

From March 24, 2020 to March 24, 2021, there were more than 97,000 unique page visits to AIM profiles!

Save Clam Shell Containers for Parkside Community Garden!

Help our community gardeners feed food insecure students and community members by saving your clam shell containers. Bring saved containers to Anna Fabian (CBE) in Zone 2 of the Student Success and Learning Commons.

Paws to You is an employee appreciation program designed to offer gratitude to a fellow coworker. You can show them thanks and appreciation by sending them a Paw they are able to display for all to see in their email signature, and a running total of all Paws will be displayed on the Paws to You website.

Brickstone Grill & Eatery:

Monday – Thursday: 7:30 AM – 7 PM

Friday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Cinco de Mayo 5/5 | All day

Down Home: $6

• Chicken or Vegetarian Empanda w/Assorted Toppings
• Cilantro Lime Rice
• Seasoned Beans

(not included in dining plan discount)

Also Available:

Sizzles

• Burrito

Soup

• Tortilla Soup

BBQ Ribs on Terrace | 5/8 | 4-6:30pm

• BBQ Ribs
• Bag of Chips
• Coleslaw
• Corn Muffin
• Drink of Choice

$15 (not included in dining plan)

Book & Brew:

Monday – Friday: 7 AM – 1 PM

Saturday - Sunday: CLOSED

The Encore:



Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED

Wyllie Market Featuring Chilaca & Naan Bread Pizza:

Monday – Friday: 11 AM – 5:30 PM

Saturday - Sunday: CLOSED

The Den:

Monday -Thursday: 7 PM – 10 PM

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: CLOSED

Introducing Bear Boxes!

Dining Specials



Follow the UW-Parkside Dining Services Instagram account @uwp.campus-dining.com