Viterbo University

“The Viterbo University community prepares students for faithful service and ethical leadership.”

President and Cabinet

Highlight Reports 2015-2016

August 22, 2016

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OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2015-2016 Prepared by Rick Artman

Strategic Plan The 2015-2020 Strategic Plan Values and Value was approved in principle by the Board of Trustees on January 26, 2015. The four strategic initiatives outlined in the plan are:

1. Assuring and Advancing Viterbo’s Franciscan Identity 2. Offering Distinctive and Innovative Academic Programs 3. Supporting and Enhancing Student Experiences 4. Enriching and Engaging the Community

A progress report on the strategic plan will be presented to the Board of Trustees and the university community in the months ahead. While some action plans have been implemented, it is acknowledged that considerable time, attention, and resources were focused on responding to the enrollment challenges faced in Fall 2015 when the university experienced a decline from the previous fall of 12% in freshmen and 39% in transfer students. This was a decline of 93 full-time undergraduate students resulting in a tuition revenue loss of $1.3 million. Enrollment The decline in new student enrollment necessitated a significant adjustment to the operating budget and reallocation of resources to address changes for the 2016-2017 new student recruitment cycle. Glena Temple, vice president for academic affairs, and Todd Ericson, vice president for finance, were assigned shared responsibility for enrollment management following the resignation of Rob Forget, Dean of Admission, on Sep. 21. The goal for new students for fall 2016 was benchmarked with Fall 2014 enrollment of freshmen and transfers. Progress throughout the 2015-2016 academic year was measured against the 2014 benchmark. Census enrollment date will be September 9. The highlight reports from the vice president for academic affairs, vice president for finance, and vice president for communications and marketing include additional information related to enrollment, recruitment and retention. Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees appropriately focused its attention on enrollment and financial matters throughout the academic year. The Board authorized an allocation of $400,000 from the quasi-endowment to support new admission initiatives. The allocation of funds from the quasi-endowment was primarily directed toward actions that would impact the 2016 class. However, funds were also invested in website re-design and recruitment strategies that will impact 2017 and beyond. Other board highlights included the following:

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Presidential Search: In February 2016, I announced my plans to retire at the conclusion of the 2016-2017 academic year, thus providing ample time for the board of trustees to commence a presidential search. A presidential search committee, under the leadership of trustees Jim Birnbaum and Dan Gelatt, commenced its work in the spring semester. In early August, Kent Handel, chair of the board of trustees, announced the board chose Dr. Glena Temple to serve as the ninth president of Viterbo University. The presidential transition was accelerated at my request and I will retire December 31, 2016. Dr. Temple will assume the presidency on January 1, 2017.

Trustees: Three new trustees joined the board in July 2015: Susan Christopherson, La Crosse, Andrew Dahl, La Crosse, and Kourtney Ratliff Gibson, Chicago. John Desmond was honored for 16 years of service upon his retirement from the board June 30, 2016. Former trustees Mark Connolly, MD and Nola Jo Ratliff Cobb were elected trustee emeriti.

In May, the board of trustees elected two new trustees whose service began July 1, 2016: Margaret Hammell, La Crosse and Scott Rathgaber, MD, La Crosse. The board continued implementation of its leadership succession plan by appointing Jim Birnbaum, vice chair, S. Sue Ernster, secretary, and Rick Lommen, treasurer. Sue Christopherson will serve her first two- year term as chair of the Facilities Committee.

Support: The trustees continued their generosity to the university through gifts to the Annual Trustee Opportunity Fund. Trustees and trustee emeriti contributed over $295,000 in 2015-2016. Since the establishment of the Annual Trustee Opportunity Fund in 2008, the trustees have contributed $2.6 million in support of innovative programs and grants aligned to support strategic plan initiatives.

Policy: The Compensation and Benefits Committee revised the university’s Statement of Compensation Philosophy and the revision was approved by the board of trustees in May. The revised policy is posted on the website.

Franciscan Identity

Pilgrimages to Assisi and Rome continue to be a key strategy to strengthen Viterbo’s Catholic and Franciscan identity. Tom Knothe and Ted Wilson participated in the FSPA Leadership Pilgrimage in October. Thirty-two pilgrims, consisting of students, parents, alumni and employees, were guided by Tom Thibodeau and S. Jean Moore, FSPA during spring break.

Jeanette Armstrong, Michael Lopez-Kaley, Polly Scott, and David Waters participated in the May pilgrimage sponsored by the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities (AFCU).

Personnel

Governing bodies were capably led by the following: Liza Ware, faculty council, Jane Brunner, staff assembly, Sarah Bearbower, administrative assembly, Jill Haram, student government association, and Joelle Kaufman, alumni association. Leadership of these respective bodies for

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the 2016-2017 academic year are: Liza Ware, Reta Keenan, Polly Scott, Emily Hinman, and Juan Jimenez.

2016 Rose Awards

The annual Rose Awards honors exceptional teaching, advising, leadership, and service to the university. Awardees receiving awards included:

Outstanding Teacher Jason Howard Employee of the Year Christine Valenti Alec Chiu Award Annette Roter Outstanding Advisor Stephanie Thorson-Olesen S. Helen Elsbernd Award Deane Hatteberg Fr. Finucan Exemplar Polly Pappadopoulos Of Mission Award Pax et Bonum Award Career Services Servant Leader Awards Emilio Alvarez, Jennifer Anderson-Meger, Mike Behan, Alyson

Dahlquist, Wayne Hanson Retirements in the 2015-2016 academic year included the following: Judy Anderson, Carl Bargabos, Deane Hatteberg, Sue Hauser, Jan Janiszewski, Teri Kunavich, Deborah Peetz, Gary Robbins, Jean Saladino, Deb Siebenaler, Michael Smuksta,

Promotions in rank were awarded as follows: To professor: Nancy Allen, David Gardiner, Jason Howard; to associate professor: Matthew Bersagel-Braley, Susie Hughes, Vickie Holtz-Wodzak.

Tenure was awarded to Matthew Bersagel-Braley, Ph.D, Assistant Professor of Master of Arts in Servant Leadership

Sabbaticals for 2016-2017 were awarded to: Judy Casto, spring 2017, Apryl Denny, spring 2017, Jeffrey Stolz, spring 2017, Thomas Thibodeau, fall 2016, David Waters, fall and spring semesters.

The university mourned the loss of retired faculty member S. Georgia Hammell, FSPA who was a significant leader in the nursing program for many years.

Accreditation

Following a site visit in January 2015, the university was notified in August 2015 the Master Degree in Mental Health Counseling was awarded accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) for an eight-year period.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) visited the campus in October 2015 to determine the continued accreditation for the Master of Science in Nursing degree and initial accreditation for the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. The university received notification in June that both programs met all accreditation standards. Accreditation of the MSN program

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was renewed for ten years and five years for the DNP. The first doctoral degrees awarded by Viterbo were conferred upon three graduates of the DNP program in May 2016.

Preparation for HLC Reaffirmation in 2018 moved forward with the appointment of a Steering Committee, under the leadership of co-chairs Naomi Stennes-Spidahl and Gretel Stock-Kupperman.

Athletics

The dissolution of the Midwest Collegiate Conference in 2015 necessitated the search, application, and acceptance into a new athletic conference. Beginning with the 2015-2016 academic year the V-Hawks competed in the North Star Athletic Conference. Viterbo teams were competitive and won numerous individual and team honors. The new conference imposed significant more cost for travel and time away from campus.

The V-Hawk Volleyball team achieved many team and individual honors, including a repeat opportunity to play in the NAIA final four championship round. Natalie Geidel earned first team All-American honors.

Facilities

Major facility projects completed or started in the 2015-2016 academic year included renovation of McDonald Terrace apartments, Student Union commons area furniture (funded primarily by Student Government Association), Phase II of the Outdoor Athletic Complex, repair of the Fine Arts Center orchestra shell, replacement of the Dining Hall air handling unit, and the construction of a new Finance Simulation Laboratory in Brophy Center.

Mission Effectiveness

The Mission Effectiveness Committee was chaired by S. Rochelle Potaracke. The work of the committee

included expanding outreach for First Friday prayer service and perpetual adoration, selection of Assisi

Pilgrims for the AFCU sponsored pilgrimages in May 2016 and May 2017, supporting National Catholic

Sisters Week, and initiating a series of orientation programs for new employees hired in January.

Policies The President’s Cabinet/Deans adopted new policies and approved a variety of proposals and/or changes to existing policies. To maintain transparency and communication with university constituencies, minutes of the meetings of the Cabinet/Deans are distributed by email to all employees. Some of the more significant initiatives of the past academic year appear below. August 13, 2015

Endorsed a flexible and accommodating plan for Ashford University students to transfer and an aggressive plan to recruit those students.

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Endorsed a Leadership Development Training Series for supervisors with three or more subordinates

September 17, 2015

Approved the addition of three new academic programs: Finance BBA, Health Care Wellness and Management BS, and Health Care MBA online

October 15, 2015

Approved a list of 20 peer intuitions to be used for benchmarking resource allocations, policies, structures, faculty salaries and other

October 29, 2015

Endorsed explorer level membership to “College Promise”, a program with chapters in Minneapolis/St. Paul and Milwaukee which assists low income students who meet specific requirements in their search to obtain a college degree

December 17, 2015

Approved a proposal to expand the volleyball roster by eight students

Approved a practice for supervisors to review expenditures on university issued credit cards February 18, 2016

Approved Physical Plant projects for 2016-2017

Approved hardware and software technology requests for 2016-2017

Approved a certificate proposal for Innovative Teacher Leadership and Instructional Coaching Graduate Certificate

April 14, 2016

Endorsed a proposal to add Accounting online for fall 2016

May 13, 2016

Approved a revision to the Tuition Remission Benefit which will allow the spouse or dependent of an employee to be eligible for the benefit the first full semester (Fall or Spring) following the start date of the employee

June 27, 2016

Approved a proposal to increase the salary bump from $3,000 to $4,000 for promotions from assistant professor to associate professor and from $4,000 to $6,000 for promotions from associate professor to professor.

Endorsed a pilot program for Sunday food and beverage services to be available at Einstein’s for the fall semester.

I am extremely grateful for the hard work and dedication of an outstanding executive team,

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faculty, administration, and staff whose accomplishments are evident in the highlight reports that follow. Changes in leadership and reporting structures occurred during the 2015-2016 academic year and I appreciate those who accepted new or additional responsibilities to assure the mission and values of the university were advanced and to maintain a high quality teaching and learning experience for our students.

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2015-2016

Prepared by Glena Temple

Academic Structure and Leadership

The 2015-2016 academic year was the second year of the current College structure in

academics. Work continues on clarifying the Assistant Dean role, building communication

within Colleges, and engaging in interdisciplinary collaborations.

Sara Cook was appointed as the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs for the 2016-

2017 academic year, providing oversight for adult learning and graduate councils, faculty

development, core curriculum and other administrative functions.

Gretel Stock-Kupperman expanded her leadership contributions through changing her

position to include oversight for the Registrar’s office, study abroad, and high impact

practices.

The Honors Program faculty director now reports to Dean Tim Schorr.

Dean Wilson (Education, Science and Math) completed his second year of service, and made

the decision to join the Biology faculty for 2016-2017. Jerry Kember will return to Viterbo as

interim Dean of the College of Education, Science and Mathematics for the academic year.

Ted Wilson will continue to provide leadership through his appointment as Assistant Dean.

Restructuring of positions occurred in internship coordination, study abroad, international

recruiting and service learning/undergraduate research.

Significant work was completed to expand the use of the CRM in graduate and CAL

programs, and implement the centralized admissions structure through the office of Adult,

Graduate and International Admissions.

The philosophy faculty joined with the history faculty forming a new department of History

and Philosophy. Criminal justice and sociology merged with social work beginning with the

2016-2017 academic year. A new structure for graduate programs in the College of Business

and Leadership was implemented. New chairs were appointed for 2016-2017 in music and

religious studies.

Academic Affairs Priorities and Accomplishments

The first group of doctoral students graduated from Viterbo in the DNP program. Graduate

Council continued to strengthen the graduate culture and implement several graduate

related policies.

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Clarification of faculty appointments for faculty with administrative release, faculty hired

with administrative roles, administrators with faculty rank and Deans.

A new attendance policy was recommended by the Committee on Academic Regulations

and subsequently approved by the Faculty Council.

Multiple initiatives were launched to strengthen communication with adjunct faculty

members including ongoing specific emails, a fall open house, a dinner in January, and

ongoing training and orientation opportunities (led by Cari Mathwig-Ramsier).

Faculty council approved adding two adjunct faculty representatives on faculty council

beginning in 2016-2017.

To support the strategic plan, a process for evaluating programs for closure was developed

and integrated into the program review process. After this process was implemented for

the first time, suggestions were received by the faculty and administration and revisions to

the process were recommended and vetted.

A new peer institution list was finalized through the work of a faculty working group and

feedback from governance bodies (led by Naomi Stennes-Spidahl).

A faculty working group proposed a faculty salary benchmarking model and provided

feedback into the compensation plan for the available faculty compensation pool to address

gaps during the year.

The Dean’s Council met with communications and marketing, the Office of Adult Graduate

and International Admission, and undergraduate admission once a month to discuss

enrollment and recruitment issues.

The unit supported the launch of multiple major grant-supported projects including TRIO,

Title III Pathways Project, Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation Career Ready

Internship Grant., Lilly Endowment Grant for the Franciscan Core Summer Theology

Institute and a National Science Foundation S-STEM grant supporting scholarships in biology

and environmental biology.

Several new articulation agreements were completed with Western Technical College and

UW Colleges Online. In addition, 4+2 programs were launched with our Mental Health

Counseling program at Viterbo. The Pre-Health program established 3 +4 agreements with

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

A working group investigated competency based education, supported by an award from

CAEL/Lumina Foundation Competency Based Education Jump Start Program.

New programs were approved for: finance major, health care and wellness major, online

MBA with a health care focus, an arts therapy pre professional program , and an innovative

teacher leadership and instruction coaching certificate. The accounting degree completion

program moved to an online format.

The nursing program launched a new dual admission process (fall and spring professional

phase starts) and also planned a direct admission process for the fall of 2017 class.

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High Impact Practice Examples

The Honors Program led a spring break service trip to Rochester, New York. The program

admitted 27 new students during the academic year.

Thirty-four undergraduate students participated in the summer undergraduate research

program under the mentorship of 24 faculty.

Seven Rivers Undergraduate Research Symposium in November engaged 265 participants

from seven institutions, and Scholars Day in April showcased 332 presentations by 446

Viterbo students.

A total of 106 students participated in a study-away program through Viterbo, a 39%

increase over the previous year.

A high impact practices mini-grant program was launched and six faculty-led programs were

supported, under the direction of Dean Tim Schorr. The proposals for educational practices

that engage 1st and 2nd year students to support the quality-improvement project focused

on retention and student success.

Career services and faculty partners expanded our available internship locations in the

community, and launched a new software program to assist students and community

partners in establishing internships.

Six students attended the National Council on Undergraduate Research conference with a

faculty mentor, piloting a move from conference attendance as a solo student experience to

a faculty-led high impact practice.

Undergraduate research students participated in the Washburn Neighborhood Asset

Project, a specific project in the strategic plan, during the semester as well as during the

traditional summer research period.

Service Saturdays, a once a month service opportunity, was piloted as a retention tool for

freshman and sophomore students. The three pilot Saturdays garnered a total of 71

participants, and 62% were in the target population.

Academic Services

The new advising center in the Center for Student Success was fully launched, with all new

nursing majors being advised by this unit in 2015-2016 using the developmental advising

model. Forty-three percent of new nursing advisees met with their advisor in the Center for

three or more checkpoints in the fall of 2015.

A new Transfer Transition Program was launched in Fall 2015. Only 11% of students on

probation at the end of Fall of 2015 were new transfer students, compared to 27% at the

end of Fall 2014.

Through the support of the Title III grant, three new staff were hired in the Center for

Student Success, including two professional advisors.

The advising process is now paperless, with online tools replacing the traditional paper

advising files.

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The Academic Resource Center launched two new initiatives: A coaching program and first

generation student panels.

Eighty-six percent of all undergraduates received services through the Academic Resource

Center and 68% of all undergraduates received tutoring.

The new second floor study rooms in the library were fully furnished from endowment and gift funds. Study room use increased by over 3,700 hours, a 32% increase from the previous year, representing the third straight year of significantly increased use.

The Viterbo Research Collection in the library had a 65% increase in use (from 2,120 unique views to 6,048). Overall, all Viterbo digital collections had a 25% increase in use (from 11,718 to 15,624).

Career Services launched the First Destination Survey (i.e. Placement Report) for students graduating in Summer 2014, Winter 2014, and Spring 2015 and reported an overall 99% success rate (employed full- or part-time and in-or out-of-field; enlisted in armed forces; involved m volunteer service; or enrolled in continuing education) based on information gathered from 88% of the graduates.

The Fine Arts Center sold tickets for a total of 91 performances in the Fine Arts Center and the Weber Center. Online ticket sales continued to grow.

The Ronald McDonald Arts for Young America school-day performances served more than 21,400 children and teachers.

Accreditation and Ongoing Program Review

Work continued on our Quality Improvement Project for the Higher Learning Commission

focused on retention and graduation rates. This project was enhanced by the $2m Title III

grant focused on retention and student success.

The graduate nursing program received initial accreditation for the Doctor of Nursing

Practice and re-accreditation for the masters of science in nursing.

The following majors will be phased out with no new students accepted after the fall of

2016: sociology, criminal justice administration, servant leadership degree completion

program, online degree completion in substance abuse, graduate early childhood licensure

programs and middle school grad programs in Iowa and Wisconsin, and clinical lab science.

Preliminary program cost information was integrated into the program review process for

graduate programs and were calculated and reported in program review. A working group

led by Tom Knothe continued to develop program cost tools to inform this process.

The Committee on Online Learning reviewed 35 online courses and provided feedback to

instructors, chairs, and deans during the 2015-2016 academic year.

The undergraduate research program was reviewed by the Director’s Program Review

Committee, including feedback by an external reviewer.

A steering committee was appointed for the 10-year Higher Learning Commission re-

accreditation process with co-chairs Naomi Stennes-Spidahl and Gretel Stock-Kupperman.

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The Core Curriculum completed a five-year review, through the program review committee,

full-faculty sessions, and core curriculum working groups. This extensive review process

was led by Frank Ludwig and Naomi Stennes-Spidahl, with the support of the Core

Curriculum Committee.

The undergraduate program review committee also reviewed the undergraduate nursing

programs (BSN and BSNC), nutrition and dietetics, secondary education, technology

education, elementary education, music and the dance minor. The Arts Administration

program interim report was also reviewed.

Examples of Student and Faculty Scholarship

The second Philosophy and Pop Culture Undergraduate Conference was held at Viterbo in

April.

Beth Marzoni (English), Michael Parker (Psychology) and Pamela Dixon(Business)/Jennifer

Anderson-Meger (Social Work) were named D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership

Research Fellows.

Annette Roter had a peer reviewed article and a book proposal accepted on the topic of

understanding registered nurses’ experiences related to dysfunctional leadership in a

hospital setting.

Tom Thibodeau presented The Power of Servant Leadership as part of TED X at Gustavus

Adolphus.

Forty-six students participated in the Wisconsin NATS Auditions, and 11 students were

semi-finalists or finalists. Alex Lentz received first place in the category of Upper College

Music Theater Men.

Student Austin Sanders was second in the Schubert Club Scholarship Competition in the

advanced voice category.

Becky Liebert published a peer-reviewed paper titled “Establishment and evaluation of an

anterior cruciate injury prevention program.”

Jackie Kuennen published a peer reviewed paper titled “Critical reflection: a transformative

learning process integrating theory and evidence based practice.”

Mary Ellen Haupert released a CD of chamber music on Centaur.

Matthew Campbell was the Movement Director/Actor for the Tempest at Missouri

Shakespeare Festival.

Sherri Lisota exhibited at the Monmouth Museum of Art.

Examples of Student and Faculty Engagement in the Community

Venancio Luz engaged students in a project for Habitat for Humanity – serving as a design

consultant for Restore’s storm water education and outreach project.

College of Nursing, Health and Human Behavior faculty served as officers, committee or

board members on 22 local organizations serving the needs of our community.

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Derek Cortez was awarded a grant from the La Crosse Foundation-June Kjome Justice and

Peace Fund for his work with Hispanic youth and families.

Faculty and Administrator Recognition in Academic Affairs

Chris Mayne was selected as the faculty/staff of the month by the Wisconsin Honorary of

Involved Leaders and the National Residence Hall Association.

Jeannette Armstrong was recognized by the Wisconsin State Reading Association by the

Outstanding Contributions and Service Award.

Apryl Denny was recognized by the YWCA as an Outstanding Educator

Beth Marzoni was a Finalist for the 2015 Tomaz Salamun Prize; Finalist for the 2015

Coniston Prize; Semi-Finalast for the Brittingham and Pollack Prize.

Deb Daehn Zellmer received a mentor award from the council on the Role and Status of

Women in Social Work Education.

Maria Morgan-Bathke was named an Emerging Leader in Nutrition Research Finalist by the

American Society of Nutrition.

David Waters was named an Olympic Academic Fellow to the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics by

Tiffin University and Tiell Sports.

Examples of Events and Programs

Over 80 students participated in Interprofessional Simulation 1.0 event in Nursing, Health

and Human Behavior. This included nursing, social work, and nutrition students, in addition

to UWL students.

Business and Leadership hosted Bill O’Rourke for the Business Ethics Lectureship in 2016.

Business and Leadership launched two leadership certificate programs with the La Crosse

Area Chamber of Commerce.

The School of Humanities expanded and coordinated programming for students including

welcome dinner, Minds at Work, Theology on Tap, and the Humanities Symposium.

ADMISSION OFFICE HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2015-2016

Prepared by Glena Temple

Recruiting activities in the 2015-2016 academic year involved the entire campus, and a high level of involvement across units occurred.

Overall

Two extensive training sessions by an Ellucian expert on the CRM.

Piloted the automatic integration of Outlook email into the CRM system.

Launch of the digital imaging system for the application work flow in undergraduate, adult and graduate admissions.

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Expanded focus on La Crosse as a destination in recruiting materials.

Expanded collaborations with Communications and Marketing to highlight the unique features of a Viterbo education.

Undergraduate Admission

An Accepted Student Day was piloted; over 140 admitted students and their families attended. Activities included a performance by Platinum Edition, in-depth tours, meetings with financial aid, and tours of La Crosse.

A faculty and staff panel of parents with college age students gave feedback on the college visit experience. Several projects were launched to improve our visit experience including: additional reserved parking places and aesthetic improvements in the residence halls.

The CRM was used to initiate a “Become a V-Hawk” campaign to drive deposits in the spring.

Recruitment territories were re-defined, and the recruitment corridor was clarified.

A visit-day coordinator position and a communication manager position were added to the office.

Saturday visits were available most Saturdays during the academic year.

An athletics open house event was piloted on Homecoming, with over 40 students attending.

A transfer agreement with Ashford University was established as its campus-based programs closed and multiple student athletes from Ashford will transfer to Viterbo.

A partnership was established with College Possible, bringing students in college preparatory programs in Minneapolis and Milwaukee to campus.

International Admission

The international transfer scholarship grid was modified

Several new policies were put in place related to 3-year degrees for graduate admissions and English language competency.

As of mid-August, international student recruitment has increased for the academic year with 25-30 undergraduate students anticipated to enroll from at least seven countries. This includes 16 who will likely need some ESL courses.

Adult Admission

The office adjusted to the new structure, focusing on admissions processing and recruitment (the advisors now are located in the Center for Student Success).

Welcome videos were added, and web resources were added including online tutoring information and credit for prior learning.

Collaboration with the Center for Adult and Experiential Learning to expand our credit for prior learning program was launched.

Three adult education fairs were held.

Interest in online course offerings continues to grow.

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Enrollment of new students increased compared to last year, however still below our peak several years ago.

Graduate Admission

The focus of the work this year was to standardize and centralize the graduate application process.

Created a unified student information document about business office policies across all programs.

Worked to improve university reports to accurately capture trends in graduate education (without uniform start dates in cohorts).

The majority of the graduate programs showed some growth. The off campus graduate education programs showed the most growth with increased net revenue generation and enrollment, however still well below our peak in past years.

COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2015-2016 Prepared by Paul Wilhelmson

Produced over 630 print and publications projects and additional web, video, multimedia, display and special projects—meeting virtually all deadlines.

Produced a growing number of videos for recruitment including internships, Dahl School of Business, and nursing.

Increased video production in-house including performing and visual arts cluster video, “shout out” videos for commencement (winter and spring), run/hide/fight video for campus safety, Center for Adult Learning web videos, and over 20 student/alumni videos.

Added Chinese and Spanish subtitles to the Dahl School of Business video to assist in international recruitment.

Coordinated the Viterbo “Numbers” campaign with a local agency highlighting Viterbo rankings and outcomes to traditional undergraduate students in a targeted corridor in the Midwest, and produced supporting marketing materials including postcards, online ads, monitor graphics, web graphics, and transfer of landing page to the www.viterbo.edu website.

Updated/revised all undergraduate major web pages to new format focused on recruitment/marketing and outcomes for traditional undergraduate students.

Redesigned the www.viterbo.edu home page to a single image or video to promote recruitment/visit opportunities.

Updates/improvements to the www.viterbo.edu website have resulted in an average page load time of under four seconds, five percent reduction in bounce rate, and seven percent longer visit time indicating improved user satisfaction.

Created “cluster” web pages grouping majors by career path.

Produced two new MBA and 17 Viterbo Fine Arts Center TV ads.

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Produced nearly 30 radio ads for Center for Adult Learning promoting online programs, BSN Completion, and adult education fair events.

Maintained and/or updated Viterbo University designations, promoting College of Distinction (Catholic and Wisconsin), Military Friendly, President’s Honor Roll for Service, and NAIA Champions of Character school.

Coordinated Saint John XXIII: Honorees were Marjorie Collins, Don and Norma Vinger, and Sr. Celesta Day.

Supported/collaborated with admission office on further CRM implementation and message customization for undergraduate recruitment.

Maintained programming for integrated emergency notification system via email, monitors, web, and certain social media.

Increased support of proofreading services provided to the academic and administrative areas throughout campus.

Successful production of two editions of Strides alumni magazine (fall and spring).

Active involvement with FSPA, Mayo, and Washburn Neighborhood with events such as neighborhood picnic and community policing.

Completed over 130 projects for Fine Arts Center/Weber Center including all season programs, posters, ads, postcards, and both the Fine Arts Center Presents and On Stage booklets.

Coordinated the announcement of President Artman’s retirement and presidential search process to the campus and external community.

Completed over 100 print jobs for admission including Accepted Student Visit Day invitation, letterhead, Picture Yourself Here signs, and in-house photo backdrops for the event; targeted ads for non-music major scholarships; certificates for every accepted student.

In-house production of View Book and Pre-VU search piece for admission, major sheets, and several other informational sheets printed on demand throughout the year.

Increased proficiency and use of drone photography and video for recruitment and campus promotion.

Initiated a website audit of content and navigation prior to securing third-party assistance in redesigning the www.viterbo.edu website.

Created mobile-friendly email templates for admission, Center for Adult Learning, and Institutional Advancement.

Continued to grow social media involvement: Viterbo University was Facebook verified on Nov. 8, 2015. Facebook likes of the Viterbo page have grown 18 percent to 5,812. Facebook Class of 2020 group participation reflects 77 percent of incoming class. Twitter followers grew 13 percent to 3,005, and Instagram followers grew 134 percent to 927.

New social media initiatives include the start of a Viterbo Snapchat channel (ViterboSnaps) reaching 282 followers in the first year.

Assisted admission office and other departments with social media initiatives and strategies including educational and development opportunities presenting social media best practices for career services and international nursing society.

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Improved implementation and use of Google analytics to quantifiably track the performance of marketing and promotional campaigns.

Coordinated an online display banner and keyword search campaign with ReachLocal for Viterbo’s fully online programs generating a 56.9 percent increase (20,930) website visits from prospective students.

Initiated and managed Facebook advertising campaigns for undergraduate and Center for Adult Learning programs for an increase of 93.1 percent (22,529) in website visits with nearly 25 percent coming from mobile devices.

Continued partnership with the admission office in sending 3–4 text messages per month to potential students resulting in 2,307 (7.3 percent increase) in website visits from text messages.

Transitioned and administered nearly 30 surveys from SurveyMonkey to Qualtrics and provided data files for various departments ranging from reasons not to attend, class/course satisfaction, Student Government Association elections, etc.

Continued to support the Student Help Office summer retention efforts with student success tips directed at current students.

Created and launched 150 email campaigns for various departments (admission, Center for Adult Learning, ethics, etc.), which generated 6,924 website visits.

FINANCE/ADMINISTRATION HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2015-2016 Prepared by Todd Ericson

The departments and staff under the umbrella of VP Finance/Administration had a successful and productive year. In addition to the continuing support provided to the campus community throughout the year, there were many significant accomplishments:

Traditional undergraduate and Center for Adult Learning enrollments did not meet original budget goals, and the University had fewer resident students during the academic year; however, the University was able to implement several significant budget curtailments and/or postpone hiring or spending decisions, and that allowed for a balanced budget for the 39th consecutive year, and excess net revenue from operations was transferred to quasi-endowment. Business Office, Financial Aid Office, and Instructional and Information Technology personnel continue to provide outstanding service to University students and employees, while ensuring the accuracy of data entry, processing, and reporting that allows for successful annual audits of financial records, retirement plans, and financial aid compliance and processing.

The University explored and implemented a number of directives aimed at enhancing recruitment activities and increasing enrollment of new freshman and transfer students. Directives included, but were not limited to: eliminating the Additional (financial aid) Information Form for prospective freshman and transfer students, and programming Ellucian to accommodate that change; providing training for, and implementing, customer service training for ‘front-of-house” staff; depth-sounding of financial aid packages to evaluate student/parent satisfaction; opening Einstein’s for STAR events; addition of athletic and

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accepted student visit days; clarifying financial aid and admission web page information; web site redesign efforts; CRM training; marketing campaign; high impact videos; enrollment management consulting; addition of communication coordinator for sophomore and junior high school students; promotion of downtown La Crosse utilizing Grounded and The Pearl coupons. Financial aid staff continued to provide estimated financial aid packaging for prospective students, as well as timely packaging of financial aid for prospective and continuing students. The collective efforts of many campus departments and employees to plan and implement these directives have led to an increase in the number of deposited/registered freshman and transfers expected in Fall 2016, compared to Fall 2015 figures.

The initial cycle of reporting requirements for students who were enrolled in, or completed, programs designated as gainful employment programs for the Department of Education was completed in summer/fall 2015. These reporting requirements included seven years of student/program data, with annual reporting required in each subsequent year. Gainful employment regulations will require academic departments to provide prospective students with disclosures, and document communication of those disclosures.

The University continues to develop and improve its campus to support educational and student support services for students, and ensure that its facilities are attractive to prospective and continuing students. The following projects in progress at June 30, 2016 were funded by restricted gifts: 1. Construction of a finance simulation lab on the first floor of the Brophy Center

commenced in summer 2016, and is expected be completed prior to the start of the Fall 2016 semester. The lab will feature two 22-foot stock tickers, 24 dual-screen computer terminals to be equipped with financial market simulation software, and four large screen televisions to provide live coverage of financial markets and world news.

2. Phase II of the Outdoor Athletics Complex improvement began in spring/summer 2016. Phase I of the project included various site work (e.g. extension of water, sewer and natural gas services to the service building location, installing/building the erosion control measures, and constructing the service building foundation/slab) was completed in September 2015. Phase II, projected to be completed in September or October 2016, includes construction of the service building, which will include locker rooms, restrooms, a training room, and concessions area.

In addition to completing customary technology projects and providing campus-wide support, the Instructional and Informational Technology departmental staff planned and have implemented several significant projects: automation of all server system backups; transitional controllers to Layer 3 network; creation of a data warehouse server; updating CORE firmware to accommodate 10GB infrastructure; participation in the selection process and/or implementation of new software, including Career Services Purple Briefcase, Student Development Maxient, Qualtrics, Perceptive Content, Tableau, Kaspersky, Insight, Virbatim, and Call Aware; implementation of tracking for all printers and MFD on Papercut; upgrades to Recruiter CRM, Libservices, Ensemble, Moodle, EMS, Ezproxy, Unidata, LUCY, Ecommerce Gateway, and LLEAP; firmware upgrades to firewalls in La Crosse and Green Bay; installation

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of 180 new computers and repurposing of existing units; replacement of tablets; installation of AV equipment in Library collaboration rooms; Recruiter CRM training.

Physical Plant staff made excellent progress toward completion of the many physical plant improvement projects identified for 2015-2016 and began an aggressive schedule for projects identified for 2016-2017. Several significant 2015-2016 projects included the complete renovation of McDonald Terrace resident apartments, replacement of the Dining Hall air handling unit, repair of the Fine Arts Center orchestra shell, and replacement of the Fine Arts Center main theater sound system. Several 2016-2017 projects funded by the annual physical plant improvement fund are in progress or have been completed, with the most prominent being the cleaning and repainting of the Varsity Athletic Center exterior, initial phase of Fine Arts Center exterior tuck pointing, and replacement of the Brophy Center air handling unit.

A 403(b) Fiduciary Plan was adopted for the University’s retirement plans, to define its fiduciary and regulatory responsibilities, and document its compliance with those requirements.

Human Resources and the professional development committee planned and offered a year-long leadership development series for supervisors in a small group format, designed to enhance leadership and management of direct reports. Several professional development sessions were offered throughout the year, including “Crisis Management: Recognition, Response, Resources”, “Using Your Internal Resources”, and “Turning Conflict into Opportunity: Effective Tools and Strategies”.

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2015-2016

Prepared by Wendell Snodgrass

We were able to find three talented individuals to add to our team to replace 4.5 FTEs. Josh Gates ’02 came back to Viterbo as a major gift officer. Shawna Bonney was hired as the annual fund gift officer. Melissa Wells was hired as administrative assistant for institutional advancement/alumni. Highlights from Institutional Advancement for the year include:

Total funds committed for FY16 was $5,960,578.10 compared to $4,033,923.69 in FY15

Grant funds received from federal, corporate and foundation sources totaled $4,915,681 for

FY16 compared to $640,637 in FY15.

A total of twenty-three grant applications were submitted, three are pending, and two were

denied funding.

The top five award amounts and their granting agencies include:

o Dept. of Education – Title III, Strengthening Institutions Program grant - $1,999,814

o Dept. of Education – TRIO, Student Support Services grant - $1,474,170

o National Science Foundation – S-STEM Scholarship grant - $649,997

o Great Lakes Community Investments – Career Ready Internship grant - $441,758

o Lilly Endowment – Youth Theology grant - $134,570

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Created and distributed spring and fall grants’ newsletters for faculty and staff.

We completed fundraising for the Outdoor Athletic Complex ($1,087,563).

We completed fundraising for the Charles D. Gelatt Finance Simulation Laboratory ($330,000).

Five new benefactors placed Viterbo University in their estate plans. Initial amounts for these five estate plans total $350,000.

Completed the tenth year of the President’s Society with 257 total members (82 were new) and a 72 percent retention rate.

The Board of Trustees surpassed its goal for the Annual Trustees’ Opportunity Fund. A total of $295,520 was given during FY16 from Trustees and Trustee emeriti.

100% of alumni board members gave to the university for the second year in a row.

407 scholarships awarded totaling $687,281 compared to 370 scholarships and $591,705 in FY15. In addition, 18 new scholarships were created which will provide additional funding to Viterbo students in the future.

Achieved 14,765 connected calls through fall phonathon and an average gift size of $78.70.

Undergraduate alumni giving percentage rose to 8.48%.

Graduate alumni giving percentage was just under 3%.

Total alumni giving rose to 7%.

The development staff continued outreach with alumni and friends with 1,292 direct contacts of which 344 were personal visits compared to 1,075 contacts and 318 personal visits in FY15.

Formed a Student Alumni Ambassador organization on campus to foster and promote the

development of beneficial relationships among the University’s students, alumni, staff,

faculty and the community.

Implemented an alumni office benchmarking system on January 1. Since this point, the

alumni office sponsored 29 events with 1,074 in attendance of which 747 were alumni and

85 future alumni (students).

244 guests in FY16 have attended the alumni association’s inaugural “First Thursday” La

Crosse area alumni events. 196 of the participants are alumni.

Revamped Homecoming to drive more alumni engagement by recognizing all past Wall of

Fame honorees and the 2000-01 women’s basketball team. We sponsored a social after the

Homecoming basketball games with 86 in attendance of which 74 were alumni.

Held regional alumni events in Milwaukee, Chicago, Washington DC, Arizona, Madison and

Minneapolis. The alumni board assisted in driving alumni engagement and attendance at

these events by phoning alumni.

Saint Francis School of Nursing Alumnae Chapter held its 5th annual luncheon reunion with

over 185 in attendance. Their scholarship has grown to over $63,000 with $6,400 in

scholarship money awarded to 4 students since its inception.

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The MBA Alumni Chapter sponsored a MBA alumni LinkedIn event and social with 50 people

in attendance, 36 MBA alumni and 7 future alumni (current MBA students).

The alumni board held a successful spring alumni board retreat to continue to foster alumni

engagement, admissions, and giving to the university. In addition, an ad hoc committee

analyzed the alumni board bylaws and relevant changes were adopted at this meeting.

Continued success with Viterbo Days, an admission, alumni and student life collaboration

combining Alumni Weekend, Family Days and an admission visit day.

Processed and receipted 6,179 gifts to the university which represents 2,349 total benefactors.

Planned and executed 33 events involving benefactor relations.

Successful completion of new graduate import resulting in 519 new alumni records added to the database.

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2015-2016

Prepared by Diane Brimmer

The Mathy Center celebrated ten years of operation in Fall 2015. The Mathy Center recorded 569,403 visits to the building between its opening on September 12, 2005, and its ten-year anniversary of September 13, 2015.

The 25th anniversary ceremony of the Athletics Wall of Fame was held in February 2016.

Approximately 575 individuals attended Viterbo’s tenth annual Community Health Fair.

Three employees new to student development areas in early 2016 are Margy Frazier, Laurie Hilden, and

LeeAnn Van Vreede. Margy Frazier, Assistant Director of Residence Life and Community Coordinator, is

a graduate of Indiana’s St. Mary of the Woods College with a master’s in student affairs from Indiana

State University. Laurie Hilden, Administrative Assistant, holds a degree in dietetics from University of

Wisconsin-Stout and has extensive experience in serving as a home school teacher and in office

management. LeeAnn Van Vreede, Director of Counseling Services, is a Viterbo graduate in psychology

with a master’s in counseling psychology from St. Thomas University. LeeAnn holds a substance abuse

counseling credential and has over ten years’ experience working as a mental health counselor.

Viterbo became a member of the first class of the Jed Foundation Health Matters Campus Program, a

national program designed to enhance existing student mental health, substance abuse and suicide

prevention efforts at universities. Since September 2015, the Health Matters Campus Program has

spurred Viterbo student development professionals to launch a Mental Health Task Force, to offer a

substance-free housing option in Viterbo apartment facilities, to correct physical plant vulnerabilities

based on a lethal means assessment, to develop a number of psychoeducational groups to be led by

Mental Health Counseling interns including a Fall 2015 Stressed Out Students group, to offer

motivational interviewing for students with alcohol and drug violations, and to formulate written

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procedures to follow suicide attempts and/or a hospital discharge. Membership in and consultation with

the Jed Foundation Health Matters Campus Program will continue through 2018-2019.

155 students living on campus completed an online bystander intervention training in April 2016. Bystander Intervention training is touted as a promising practice for sexual assault prevention by the U.S. Department of Education.

Campus Safety collaborated with Residence Life and the Vice President for Student Development to install Maxient software, which has been used since January 2016 to record and track incident reports and student disciplinary actions.

Campus Safety and the Vice President for Student Development presented on Title IX, VAWA requirements, and Assisting Distressed Students at Fall 2016 faculty in-service sessions. A brochure with information on helping students in distress was also prepared. Since, the Director of Counseling Services has prepared materials with clear instruction on identifying and assisting distressed students. These materials will be distributed widely across campus.

In January 2016, the Director of Counseling Services position was expanded from a ten-month to a twelve-month position. Now, counseling services are available to Viterbo students year-round.

The Director of Counseling Services completed QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Instructor Certification to offer on-campus training to help Viterbo students and employees identify and assist individuals at high risk of suicide.

The Director of Campus Safety and members of the Emergency Response Task Force led campus-wide emergency response exercise for active threat readiness in March 2016. Many campus community members prepared themselves for the exercise by viewing a ten-minute training video.

The Office of International Student Services has completed a very successful first year of operation. The office was established to assist international students with adjustment to life in the classroom, at the university, in the community and in the United States.

Viterbo’s relationship with the La Crosse Friends of International Students was re-established to offer international students an opportunity for connection with a family in the La Crosse area. “Friendship Families” invite international students into their homes and take excursions for shopping, to sightsee, or to participate in community activities.

Fourteen international students were gainfully employed on the Viterbo campus in 16 jobs (two individuals worked for two departments). This is more than three times the number of international students working on campus during the previous academic year. Not only do on-campus jobs provide valuable work experience, they provide opportunities for interaction with American students and employees. On-campus jobs frequently provide a greater connection to the campus that helps with student retention.

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With an ongoing commitment to campus renewal, the 2015-2106 Viterbo University Student Government Association (SGA) invested $36,895 in renovation projects. The refurbishment projects funded by the Student Government Association include reupholstering Student Union lounge furniture and new furniture for the Varsity Athletic Center Lobby, the McDonald House Lounge, and the Treacy House Lounge. Also, in response to student request, SGA funded a bike rack and supporting concrete slab near the Reinhart Center and a garbage receptacle in the Canticle House courtyard.

Automatic locking door handles were installed in Fall 2015 on the exterior doors of Canticle Apartments after student requests. This helps ensure safety for those residing in Viterbo’s only housing facility with apartment doors on the exterior of the building.

Campus Safety and the Physical Plant corrected physical plant vulnerabilities after a campus-wide lethal means assessment recommended by a consultant from the Jed Foundation Health Matters Campus Program. Funds will be sought to correct remaining weaknesses.

Mathy Center patrons, particularly students, enjoy the new fitness center equipment replaced in July 2015.

The exterior of the Varsity Athletic Center was brightened with paint in Summer 2016.

Phase 2 of the Outdoor Athletic Complex project is nearing completion for Fall 2016. The new locker, training, and concession facility will allow the Athletics Department to provide better hospitality and service to our fans, parents and visiting teams.

The Volleyball team finished their season with a 40-5 overall record and reached the NAIA Final Four for the second consecutive season. The team began the season winning their first 26 matches and reach a #1 national ranking – the highest any Viterbo athletics team has ever been ranked in history. They ended the season with a #3 national ranking.

The women’s soccer team won the North Star Athletic Association conference championship going undefeated in league play and qualifying for the NAIA National Tournament. The team won 10 matches in a row to conclude the season, before losing to #11 Baker University 1-0 in the opening round of the NAIA national tournament.

Scott Pirnstill (Women’s Soccer) and Ryan DeLong (Volleyball) were both named North Star Athletic Association Coach of the Year for their respective sports. Ryan DeLong was also named American Volleyball Coaches Association North Central Region Coach of the Year.

The coaches and staff recruited 133 new student-athletes to Viterbo University for the 2015-16 year. The 133 new student-athletes ranks second all-time in history for number of new recruits. The overall cumulative average grade point average of the new student athletes is 3.42.

Viterbo institutional research shows an 80 percent retention rate for student athletes compared with 77 percent for the general student body. The Viterbo athletic teams

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anticipating 100 percent returning student retention in fall 2016 are Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball, and Women’s Golf.

Both Men’s and Women’s Track and Field finished in the top three in conference competition. Keegan Bludworth placed fourth in the nation at the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships.

The Viterbo University women's golf team placed second in the conference at North Star Athletic Association Championship competition.

The Assistant Director of Athletics for Communication and Events expanded social media platforms and provided full live statistical coverage for all outdoor sports for the first time in 2015-2016.

Intramural participants were asked to self-evaluate how involvement in intramurals affected their stress levels. Participants were to select all that applied. Below is a table of their responses.

In addition, one-third of survey respondents indicated an increased sense of belonging through their participation in intramurals.

Campus Ministry projects included celebration of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year of Mercy which was commemorated with distribution of a Celebrating the Year of Mercy brochure, an opening Mass, monthly articles in Connections, and outdoor banners. Campus Ministry also coordinated MUG Thursdays for campus comradery and the Mission Effectiveness Committee’s monthly First Friday prayer service. Campus Ministry expanded its service trips to include an inner-city Chicago trip to the Franciscan-sponsored Port Ministries.

VU After Dark Weekend Late Night program participation increased by nearly 600 attendees with 1,944 total participants in 2015-16 and 1,348 participants in 2014-15. There were 59 programs with 3,619 participants offered by Campus Activities in 2015-2016. This compares with 51 programs and 3,441 participants in 2014-2105. Seven registered student organizations were created or reinstituted in 2015-2016.

Fall 2015 Dining Styles Survey participation numbers increased by 8% or 39 participants. Customer satisfaction scores for The Caf, Einstein’s, and the Crossroads Market and Grill increased over prior year in the areas of food quality, freshness of food, hours of operation, speed of service, number of healthy options, nutrition information and welcoming and knowledgeable staff.

As a result of participating in intramurals, I feel…

More relaxed

I’ve improved on my stress management skills

Less anxious

66.66% 38.88% 24.07%

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Dining Services’ Your Voice Counts service satisfaction score for the year was 65.9 or 14.9 points higher than the Aramark goal of 55. The score reflects the number of guests who provided a 9 to 10-point rating on a 10-point scale for service satisfaction.

In Spring 2016, Dining Services began a composting project with the University Enactus Club. During the last month of spring semester Campus Dining supplied 863 pounds of fruit and vegetable waste for composting. The Club is working with local community gardens to provide produce to local families.