FYE STAFF
First Year Experience Directors:
DeAnn Possehl
Director of Student Life
RNGR 036
262-595-2320
First Year Experience Coordinator:
Hi, I’m Mary Louise Edwards. I coordinate the First Year Experience Program at UW-Parkside. I have been in this position for almost four years, since December 1, 2005. In addition, I have over 13 years of experience working with college students in several different capacities. Over the last four years, I have had the pleasure of working at UW-Parkside with an interesting and diverse group of “Rangers.” I find it very rewarding to help students as they transition to college life and develop their academic and career plans.
I have a Bachelors of Arts in Communications from St. Joseph’s College in Renesselar, Indiana. My Masters of Arts is from Indiana University in Education with an emphasis in College Student Personnel. My duties include coordinating Ranger Welcome, R.A.P., Ranger Read, Success Academy, and more programs to enhance students’ success within the first year.
Welcome!
Mary Louise Edwards
WYLL D175
262-595-2395
First Year Experience Staff:
WYLL D175
262-595-2477
First Year Experience Academic Advisors:
Amy Mac Donald
Welcome to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside! My name is Amy MacDonald. I have been working as an advisor for the First Year Experience Program since August of 2008. Like you, I attended the University of Wisconsin-Parkside where I received my bachelor’s degree in English. I am currently pursuing a Masters of Arts in Education at Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a Parkside alumna, I am excited to be able to nurture a love for learning by connecting with my students and helping students find the resources and opportunities that will shape an experience on campus that is educational, memorable, and rewarding.
I enjoy helping students adjust and navigate the university. It is my practice to guide students in the first year to become familiar with the expectations, opportunities, and resources that are a part of the college experience. I am committed to helping students develop the knowledge and skills that lead to success in the classroom and the extending community. I invite you to ask me questions and tell me more about what you need in order to have a positive and stimulating college experience. You can contact me at:
WYLL D175
262-595-2434
Don Duncan
Hi, I'm Don Duncan, and I have been working in the First Year Experience
Program since August of 2008. Before that, I was an academic advisor for 5 years at College of Lake County in Grayslake, Illinois. I have a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas, which had a student population of only 500! I got my Masters degree in Biology at Wichita State University where I studied learning and memory. I am also a sculptor and potter, and I have studied that at University of Wisconsin Parkside.
I believe that no student is the same; each one of you faces unique issues, and I try to tailor my approach to meet your needs. To that end, I want to be able to put you in touch with all of the campus resources that will help in your success. Think of me as your academic GPS. I'll help you with directions to where you want to go and help you avoid road blocks, but ultimately, you must do the driving! You can contact me at:
WYLL D175
262-595-2593
First Year Experience Governance Committee
The Governance Committee on the First Year Experience shall be charged with developing a comprehensive and consistent program for first-year students. The committee meets regularly to discuss student development needs of first year students. The topics to be addressed this year are listed below:
• Conditional Admission Practice
• Learning Communities
• First Year Seminar
• Phi Eta Sigma (Freshman Honorary)
• Peer Mentors
• Ranger Welcome Orientation
• Ranger Read (freshmen common read program)
First Year Experience Committee
UWPF 4.15.5 Six faculty, appointed by the University Committee. Appointed members should broadly represent the divisional structure, but must have significant contact with first-year students. Three academic staff, appointed by the Academic Staff Committee. Appointed members must have significant contact with first-year students, with consideration given to people with experience on OMSA, in the Advising Center, or with ESS. Two students, selected by PSGA, with the recommendation that they come from Tutoring or be an active RA. Two Co-Directors (faculty and staff), ex-officio, voting.
First-Year coordinator, ex-officio, voting. Members of the committee shall serve three-year terms. Staggered terms of two and three years would be appropriate for the first incarnation of the Committee.
Appointed Faculty:S. Da'Na (BS 09), M. Gurtman (BS 10), V. Kolb-Gregory (SC 10),
M. Seredycz (HU 09), E. Wallen (SC 09)replacement for C. Evans (SC 09),
D. Younk, Chair (FA 10)
Appointed Academic Staff:D. Evans (09), T. Snell (10), C. Tutlewski (09)
Students:
Co Directors, ex-officio:
First Year Coordinator: M. Edwards
