The Physics Department is comprised of individuals who have as their
central mission: service to students interested in learning physics.
Some of the aspects of that mission follow. These are not to be considered
secondary to that central aspect. Rather, each is to be considered
essential in contributing to its character and substantive meaning.
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The Physics Department includes a grouping of educators with proven skills
and training in physics.
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These individuals dedicatedly involve themselves in the task of teaching
students and keeping cognizant of the latest pedagogy.
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These individuals provide instruction to those whose career goal requires
a working knowledge of physics fundamentals and to others whose goals require
only an introduction to basic physics principles.
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Students in physics related programs are given training in the analytical
skills, creativity and imagination required to solve problems in their
future fields. They are given experience with laboratory techniques
and data analysis appropriate to technical endeavors.
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All students are instructed in the meaning and structure of physics.
They are also shown how physics provides perspectives that permit them
to better appreciate and experience their physical environment. All
are shown something of physics’ role in humankind’s endeavor to advance
in knowledge, understanding and wisdom.
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The Physics Department includes a grouping of researchers with skills and
training in physics. Recognizing that their field of expertise is
a dynamic one, these individuals also contribute to their own professional
development by maintaining an active, participator role in the science.
The styles and forms of their activity are as broad and varied as
physics itself. The emphasis can range over research in its conventional
form, contributions to professional organizations, and the development
of delivery techniques. Research is viewed as any endeavor
that enhances the participant’s own experience as educator and/or scientist
and that provides a unique contribution to those served.
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The Physics Department includes a grouping of service minded individuals.
These members combine their organizational and problem solving skills with
those of their university colleagues to address the broad issues facing
the institution. · The Physics Department includes skilled classified
staff, and student assistants. These individuals contribute their
talents to maintaining essential departmental functions apart from those
related to physics. The contribution of these individuals is valued.
Their efforts are vigorously supported.
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The Physics Department recognizes a broader mission as a part of the University
of Wisconsin system. The Department seeks to enrich the general community’s
understanding and enjoyment of physics, serving as an educational resource
for the citizens of the State of Wisconsin.
The Physics Department is a structured union of these individuals that
is designed to provide a framework that supports, fosters and coordinates
their missions. All of its members are treated with respect and courtesy
at all times. The department values diversity, integrity, high and reasonable
standards among all its members. As such, communication and sharing
of information among members is maintained and considered essential.
The structure insures that each member is given a voice in areas in which
they contribute. All are given recognition and encouragement.
The department’s structure provides:
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A mechanism for supporting member activities by allocating departmental
resources in an equitable, open manner.
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A voice for calling for capital support for the member activities.
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A mechanism supporting members in gaining research funding and grants.
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A mechanism of maintaining, selecting, and promoting staffing to fulfill
the departmental mission.
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An umbrella for its members, protecting the long standing principles of
academic freedom, tenure and sabbatical leave.
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A mechanism by which suggestions and grievances can be clearly presented
both within the unit and, when necessary, outside the unit through appropriate
mechanisms without fear of retaliation and with the expectation of a fair
hearing and action.
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A mechanism through which members can achieve balance among various aspects
of their individual professional missions.
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A comfortable and safe physical environment for its members and students.
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A mechanism for the establishing course offerings and scheduling which
best meet student needs and educator contributions.
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A mechanism for offering students reasonable access to departmental physical
resources.
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A link with other units within the college and university.
It serves as a link to like units in academia and industry encouraging
the free exchange of concepts characteristic of scientific endeavors.
The Physics Department members are a group among other units, administrative,
academic and service, within the university. It values the support
it receives from this interlocking and unification of missions. Its
structure provides channels of open communication with these units and
keeps these units informed as to its status and anticipated needs.
It provides schemes by which it can coordinate efforts with other units
and provides recognition and acknowledgment for their contribution to the
fostering of the department’s mission.
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| UW-Stout Physics Department |
