The Faculty Senate at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has approved two new options in natural resources--watershed administration and soils and land management, and the renaming of a minor in the School of Education to Native American Studies.

Watershed Administration, an option in the water resources major, emphasizes basic science and water resources as well as skills in communication, planning and administration. Planners say a degree in watershed management can lead to positions with drainage basin management teams and with state, federal and private interests involved with resource planning and management.

Water resources enrollment is currently about 40 majors. Professors predict an increase in the number of students interested in water resources, but not in hydrology. They designed the new option because of the need for professionals with strong backgrounds in water resources, but not with the same technical training as required in limnology or hydrology. Graduates will be prepared to enter staff management positions in planning and administration.

"The land management option in soil and water resources will be attractive to students who don�t see graduate school in the future but desire more comprehensive courses in soil and land management," planners say. "The option provides strong preparation for completion of national exams and licenses in the field. This option also fulfills the soils requirement for soil scientist positions in the civil service system, and due to anticipated retirements in the public sector, this option should be particularly attractive."

The Native American studies minor replaces a minor in tribal sovereignty. Faculty in the School of Education say the former minor�s title was outdated and due to changes in teacher certification requirements, new courses have been developed and a new coordinator and steering committee appointed. The minor will be proposed to DPI as a certifiable minor for elementary education and secondary broad field social science.

-30-

sclanton/vc/water soils & Native Americans