There are many ways to connect with the Paper Science and Chemical Engineering Department at UW–Stevens Point. From engaging directly with students through networking opportunities to advancing your professional knowledge through continuing education and industry partnerships, industry partnerships play an important role in supporting both student success and workforce development.
Hands-on Courses for Professionals
Gain practical experience and a deeper understanding of the papermaking process in our two-day courses at the UW-Stevens Point Paper Science and Chemical Engineering lab. Ideal for professionals looking to enhance their skills, these courses blend classroom instruction with hands-on practice on a pilot paper machine. Organized by UWSP’s Paper Science and Chemical Engineering Department, the courses are taught by experienced faculty and staff. Participants will earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Whether you’re aiming to improve your on-the-job performance or gain valuable insights into the papermaking industry, this program is designed for you.
Who Should Attend
These courses are ideal for the following professionals:
- Newcomers to the paper industry
- Machine operators and operating managers
- Financial managers and sales representatives
- Maintenance staff and training/development professionals
What to Expect
- Schedule: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., includes lunch and refreshments.
- Interactive learning: Mornings in the classroom focus on industry fundamentals.
- Team exercises: Work in teams to perform tasks on the pilot paper machine and in the control room.
- Facilitated discussions: Teams rotate and discuss observations, gaining insights for future tasks.
Learn More
- Explore the links below to learn more or contact us at 715-346-4817 or engineering@uwsp.edu. We are happy to provide additional information!
Join us to enhance your expertise in papermaking and take your career in the paper industry to the next level! Explore the course details below
Hands-On Papermaking Course
Details
This introductory class features morning classroom sessions followed by afternoon sessions of guided exercises operating the UW-Stevens Point Fourdrinier pilot paper machine. It is designed for anyone who needs the basics, has transferred from another industry, is new to operations, does maintenance, or supervises employees. Topics covered in this course included pulp and papermaking operations, with more information about papermaking processes and equipment.
Dates
- March 12-13, 2026 (Registration Details)
- August 6-7, 2026 (Registration Details)
Learning Outcomes
- Safely participate in the operation of a pilot-scale paper machine
- Perform basic tests to monitor paper machine performance
- Expand your knowledge of paper machine operations
- Use what you learn to resolve upsets on the paper machine
- Broaden your awareness of how one part of the process impacts other operations
- Build your knowledge of paper industry vocabulary
Advanced Papermaking: Additives
Details
This two-day course provides an overview of common paper making additives used in the industry today. Clear descriptions of how and why these additives work are presented in classroom discussions. Attendees will participate in discussions focused on where additives are introduced into the paper making process, potential interactions with both equipment and other additives, and the relationship between additives and enhanced performance of paper. This course features hands-on exercises on the UW-Stevens Point pilot paper machine where attendees will produce paper with different additives. The group will also evaluate the properties of this paper using typical laboratory tests. Class size is limited to 16 for this course to provide ample opportunities for questions and discussion during classroom sessions and hands-on experiences on the paper machine. More Information.
Advanced Papermaking: Formation
Details
This two-day class features morning classroom sessions followed by afternoon sessions of guided hands-on exercises using the UW-Stevens Point Fourdrinier pilot paper machine and testing the resulting paper. This combination has proven to be a highly effective and enjoyable way to gain fundamental knowledge of the industrial papermaking process. Class size is limited to 16 for this course to provide ample opportunities for questions and discussion during classroom sessions and hands-on experiences on the paper machine. More Information.
Dates
- May 7-8, 2025 (Registration Details)
Learning Outcomes
- Safely participate in the operation of a pilot-scale paper machine
- Identify the relationships among sheet structure, formation, and paper properties
- Explain why paper making fibers floc
- Apply manufacturing techniques that minimize fiber floccing
- Perform both visual and instrumental measurement of formation
- Describe the difficulties associated with the correlation of visual formation assessment and instrument measurement
Coating and Lamination in Packaging Applications
Details
It is designed for those working in paper converting, coatings, printing, plastic films, and packaging, especially in flexible packaging. The content will particularly benefit engineers, technicians, chemists, scientists, sales representatives, and customer service representatives. Representatives of companies that supply papers, paperboards, adhesives, inks, polymers, plastic films, and aluminum foils will also find this curriculum very useful. Participants will spend the morning in lecture and the afternoon in a hands-on lab experience on state-of-the-art equipment. Lunch and morning refreshments will be included on both days. More Information.
Dates
- June 4-5, 2026 (Registration Details)
Learning Outcomes
- Understand coating and lamination fundamentals and their applications
- Recognize the various types of coaters and laminators and their applications
- Understand workflow and unit operations
- Recognize the raw materials and their properties and learn their influences on the final products
- Understand test basics
- Apply the knowledge in operation and quality control
Engage with Students
Build relationships with future engineers and industry professionals through opportunities such as career fairs, Senior Design Project presentations, networking events, guest speaking, and participation in the Academic Advisory Committee. These experiences allow industry representatives to share expertise, provide feedback, and connect with students preparing to enter the workforce.
Connect at the Career Fair Join the Academic Advisory CommitteePaper Science and Chemical Engineering Career Fair
The UWSP Paper Science and Chemical Engineering Career Fair is designed to connect employers with talented students in a professional yet informal setting, similar to a trade show. When you register, you will be assigned a table (or two) where students can visit your booth, learn about your company, and explore potential career opportunities. It’s an excellent chance to meet students face-to-face and identify candidates who may be a strong fit for internships, co-ops, or full-time roles.
Why Attend
Attending the UWSP Paper Science and Chemical Engineering Career Fair gives you direct access to a focused pool of paper science and chemical engineering students actively seeking co-ops, internships, and full-time roles. These students are technically prepared, industry-oriented, and ready to contribute in real-world manufacturing and engineering environments.
- Quality candidates: Highly trained, industry-ready students
- Great timing: Ideal for co-ops, internships, and full-time hiring
- Easy recruiting: Access resumes and student profiles via Handshake
- Affordable participation:
- Registration is per table (includes booth, chairs, parking, refreshments)
- Additional fees for extras (electricity, extra tables, interview rooms)
What to Expect
- Assigned booth (1–2 tables available) in a high-traffic career fair setting
- Direct interaction with students exploring career opportunities
- Option to schedule follow-up interviews after the event
- Access to student resumes through Handshake
Add-Ons
- Electricity available for booth setup
- Interview rooms reserved during registration (limited availability)
- Scavenger hunt may be offered at no additional cost (TBD)
Interviews and Recruiting
- On-campus interview rooms available the day following the career fair
- Limited rooms, reserved on a first-come, first-served basis add-ons during registration
- Employers may also request Handshake resume access in advance
- Additional interview space may be available during or after the fair if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Co-op and an Internship?
Co-operative internship experiences (“co-op”) are 9-month industrial experiences (summer plus
the semester before or after). During a Co-op the students gain engineering experience in a
manufacturing environment. While on Co-op students are considered “continuing” students at
UWSP, and will register for a zero-credit course to maintain that status. During the student’s Co-op,
they may be expected to assist with routine testing, process engineering project support, etc.
An internship experience is a 3-month (summer) long engineering experience. Students doing
internships will use knowledge gained from UWSP courses and previous industry experience to
work in a manufacturing facility as an “apprentice” process engineer.
What is the average wage a student makes in their Co-op, Internship, or Entry-Level Positions?
Average Pay and Ranges for Accepted Positions
2024-2025 Academic Year
| Position | Average Wage | Wage Range |
| Co-op Positions | $23.86/hour | $22 to $26.06/hour |
| Internship Positions | $25.24/hour | $19 to $32/hour |
| Entry Level Positions | $79, 875/year | $75,000 to $80,000/year |
Paper Science and Chemical Engineering Career Fair
Join us at the Paper Science and Chemical Engineering Career Fair at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Academic Advisory Committee
The Academic Advisory Committee (AAC) and Senior Design presentations provide opportunities for industry professionals to connect with students, faculty, and the future workforce in Paper Science and Chemical Engineering.
Industry representatives are invited to:
- Attend student presentations and poster sessions
- Provide technical and professional feedback
- Participate in AAC discussions and breakout sessions
- Share industry perspectives and workforce needs
- Support applied engineering education and student development
Senior Design Projects focus on real-world engineering topics, including process optimization, sustainability, safety, manufacturing systems, and operational efficiency. Participation helps strengthen connections between industry and academia while supporting the development of future engineering professionals.
To get involved, contact the Paper Science and Chemical Engineering Department at 715-346-4817 or engineering@uwsp.edu.
Paper Science and Chemical Engineering Department
College of Natural Resources
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Room D274, Science Building
Stevens Point, WI 54481-3897
715-346-4817
engineering@uwsp.edu