By the second month of the year, a number of New Year resolutions have probably been abandoned. I have managed to maintain a perfect record with my New Year resolutions; I never make any. But if I could, in my role as Dean of Students, suggest new semester resolutions for UW-Platteville students, I would suggest this Dean’s Dozen, in no particular order of importance.

1. Pioneers will show up on time to responsibilities such as classes, labs, discussion groups, practices, unless ill to the point of it being inconsiderate of others to attend.

2. Pioneers will come to class prepared.

3. Pioneers will treat one another well. I do not want to have to define that; you know it starts with no pushing, punching, name calling, gossiping.

4. Pioneers will seek out something new to attend, participate in, view, listen to, perform or discuss on a regular basis, and not just to get an attendance slip signed.

5. Pioneers will be honest in their interactions with others.

6. Pioneers will talk face-to-face with each other. They will also listen closely to understand the other person’s perspectives, feelings, ideas and questions. (Note: this is a trait many employers value).

7. Pioneers will support their peers at athletic events; music, theater and other fine arts events; fraternity and sorority events, and more. Pioneers will know that in addition to home contests in football and men’s basketball, there are events in volleyball, soccer for women and for men, women’s basketball, wrestling, track and field and cross-country, women’s golf and club sports organizations like hockey, softball and baseball.

8. Pioneers will continue their outstanding tradition of the giving of their time, talents and treasures for the improvement of the lives of others. For example, remember and offer aid to fellow human beings suffering in Haiti.

9. Pioneers will take care of their bodies, minds and spirits and get help from professionals when things are not going well. Pioneers do their best to get sufficient, restorative sleep. Pioneers eat what meets the needs of their body and they go lightly on the stuff that’s not so healthy.

10. Pioneers who choose to drink alcohol strive to stay at or under the “buzzed” level of intoxication. Pioneers do not view getting completely wasted as especially adult, funny, cool or a good time.

11. Pioneers see and capitalize on the opportunity to know other students, faculty and staff who come from a rich diversity of life experiences. Pioneers know individuals from the cities, the countryside and other states, countries and continents; from many ethnic backgrounds, with a color of skin different from their own; from many different faiths, and dare I say, from an array of political perspectives. I’ve discovered that Democrats and Republicans can be friends and good colleagues, even if both are absolutely convinced that the other is unable to see obvious truth. (Packer fans with Bears or Vikings fans, I’m not so sure about).

12. Pioneers know and exercise their rights under the Constitution of the United States of America and under the Constitution of the State of Wisconsin. Pioneers know the practical meanings of Chapter UWS 36.09 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code.

Congratulations and good luck with any of your still-surviving resolutions. Give some thought to aspiring to try out one of the suggested resolutions for 2010. Have a great weekend – and try to remember that Friday evening through sometime on Sunday is the general consensus on the definition of a weekend for a lot of people in this area.

Rich Egley
Dean of Students