Plying the Digital Arts: In response to strong industry demand in Wisconsin, the new major in multimedia digital arts was approved in fall 2004, with the 42-credit program beginning this spring. Students will be able to follow separate tracks on artistic design and message development, which will help create a new class of professionals for online media. The program is so popular that is has already enrolled 114 students in the current minor.

Tracking the Cold Trail: A new curriculum focus was christened this fall in forensic sciences, beginning with the new faculty hire in sociology of Peter Killoran. The program will start with introductory courses on the field, with the goal of eventually building an ideal complement to the university’s criminal justice program. Forensics training is another area of professional demand across the country.

Earnestly Seeking Accreditation: The College of Education joined an elite group of campuses enjoying 50 continuous years of accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. At the same time, the university launched its planning campaign for the once-a-decade accreditation from the national Higher Learning Commission. That extensive self-reporting process will continue in 2005 and culminate in a 2006 report from the HLC. For more, visit: http://www.uww.edu/hlcselfstudy/

A World Without Wires: Wireless network and Internet access began its invisible march across campus this fall, with the first “convenience phase” launched in seven buildings. There are now 35 places on campus to unplug and tune in at common places in the University Library; Carlson, Heide and Upham halls; and the Williams Center. The next frontier will be academic classrooms and residence halls.

Help for New Education Professionals: UW-Whitewater’s College of Education created an innovative new model for meeting 2005 state requirement for licensing educators. The program will be offered on campus and at school districts, training the support network that’s needed to help new educators meet their professional development goals.

Field Trips Far Afield: Students took their education on location in 2004 through a number of remarkable travel opportunities. Over spring break in March, 42 students in the Symphonic Wind Ensemble took an unusual performance tour of England. The group visited and performed on stage at some of the world’s most revered music settings. In January, members of the student Finance Association toured the hallowed institutions of Wall Street in New York City to get a firsthand impression of the financial world center. And a group of students traveled to India last spring with Choton Basu, head of the Global Business Resource Center, to learn about the country’s economic needs.