uwm adult guidebook 2010-2011

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Page 1: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

Outstanding. Affordable.[ You can do it! ]

Page 2: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

Outstanding. Affordable.

Page 3: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

How can I advance my career? Will a college degree really help me stay employed? Am I too old for

college? Can I afford to go back to school? Can I afford not to? Will all of the kids in class treat me like

their mom? I already have a bunch of credits. Will they count? How quickly can I finish? Can I afford

to go to school full time? What about my kids? How much of their lives will I miss? This is a HUGE

change for me. Will people get that? Can I really take classes online? What if I go to school part time?

Can I still get aid? What will my kids say when I have to do homework? Will people on campus get that

I’m a grown-up? How in the world can I balance a job, my family and school? What do I do after

graduation? Can this really change my life?

You can do itYou’ll find that you have much in common with the thousands of adult students at UWM. Similarities likely include balancing a busy life, along with the desire to continue learning. Whether that means completing your college degree, going on to graduate school, earning a certificate or taking classes for personal enrichment, you can do it at UWM. Our advisors, faculty and support staff, including financial aid experts, are here to help.

But don’t take our word for it. In the following pages, you’ll meet some of our adult students and read their stories. Are they really like you?

• Seven have kids.• Seven work full time or part time.• Seven transferred credits from

another school.• Five took courses online to make

college work. • Four served in the military.

You can also hear their own stories in their own words at adultstudent.uwm.edu.

And all of them – every single one – say it’s worth it.

Page 4: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

Rodger Enters, 42Civil Engineering majorAttended UWM in the ’80s … moved to Africa … dedicated to mission work in remote villages … discovered his life’s passion for building bridges … traveled back to the States – 14 years later – to complete his degree … poised to better the world.

Page 5: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

Everyone tells you that getting a college degree will make a big difference in the job market – but will it really, and can you pull it off right now?

Yes!Statistics tell us that two out of three Wisconsin jobs are located in the Southeastern Wisconsin/Metro Milwaukee area. This means you’ll have great options, right here in the University’s backyard, for networking, co-ops and other unique learning opportunities, giving you access to the valuable experience necessary to set you apart in today’s tough job market.

Rodger Enters was particularly impressed that several of his professors had worked in industry and brought real-world experience to the classroom.

UWM’s Career Development Center reports that 89.5 percent of 2008 graduates were employed within three to nine months after graduating. Are those graduates happy in their new jobs? Well, 86.9 percent say they are satisfied, and we’re pretty happy with that statistic.

Did they have to leave home to find those jobs? No. The Career Development Center reports that 85.7 percent of 2008 UWM graduates found jobs in the State of Wisconsin – 70.3 percent in the Metro Milwaukee area. Visit www.cdc.uwm.edu for more career information.

career paths

Quick Fact:

Page 6: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

Many adults considering a return to school try out this sentence: “In four years, I’ll be X years old.” You may not like the answer. But don’t let the math get you down.

How old will you be in four years if you don’t come back to school? The math doesn’t change, but your life can.

You won’t be alone. Someone just like Linda Netherland could easily be in your class. Linda rose to vice president of sales at her company by age 35, while raising her son as a single mom. Linda wanted to return to school and do something meaningful for herself and her community. That’s pretty good company to keep!

The average age of UWM students overall is 25. Not bad when you consider we have well over 25,000 undergraduates taking classes here.

The data get even more encouraging when you dig a little deeper. The average age of non-degree-seeking students is actually 39.2 years. Those are students who want to take a class or two just to see what it might be like to be back in school.

We’re so serious about helping our adult students find their way that we have established an office just for them: the Office of Adult and Returning Student Services (OARSS).

A good first step on your journey back to school is contacting OARSS by email at [email protected] or by phone at 414-229-5932. From pre-admission advising to adult orienta-tion programs, OARSS is here to help.

Learn more about other adult students, as well as services available through OARSS, at adultstudent.uwm.edu.

Do the math

Quick Fact:

According to the Aslanian Group, adult learners make up nearly 50 percent of the students enrolled in higher education credit courses – a number that has tripled in the last three decades. www.aslaniangroup.com

Page 7: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

Linda Netherland, 50Vice president of sales by age 35 … raised her son as a single mom … chose to explore her dreams after her son graduated from UWM … works as a neuropsychology research assistant … determined to make a difference with Alzheimer’s patients.

Page 8: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

Ron Granberg, 37Information Resources majorBalances life … enjoys his family of four … works full time as a network administrator … plays in two bands … teaches drums … left 78 credits on the table … completing his degree totally online – 12 years later … insists on an outstanding future.

Page 9: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

Most adult students at UWM start with some credits already under their belts. Forty-four percent of adult students who enrolled for the fall 2009 semester had at least some college credits when they started their coursework here. Let’s say it again: You are not alone.

You’re also looking at a great choice for transferring. UWM remains the No. 1 transfer destination in the University of Wisconsin System. With 271 degree and certificate options to choose from, you are sure to find one that will fit your future and make the most of your past.

As Ron Granberg says on our website, adultstudent.uwm.edu, even if you can only work in 3 credits right now, it’s worth it to get started. Those 78 credits he left on the table when he hit the road to play drums in a band did not disappear. And, like many of our transfer students, he jump-started his education later in life by studying online through one of the UW System’s two-year schools.

You’ve been down this college road before and have the credits to prove it. One of the big questions you face is how many of those credits will transfer. If you attended a UW System or Wisconsin Technical College System institution, you can check out how your courses will transfer by visiting tis.uwsa.edu.

UWM grants credit for most college-level coursework from regionally accredited colleges and universities. Additional transfer credit may be available through one of our many articulation agreements or degree completion programs.

Advisors in the Office of Adult and Returning Student Services can help with questions about credits earned at other colleges and universities – email [email protected] or phone 414-229-5932.

transFer issues

Quick Fact:

CollegeToolkit.com reports that 30 percent of college students transfer at some point in their college career.

Page 10: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

David Weaver, 45 Musical Theatre majorWorked road construction and served in the U.S. Air Force … returned to UWM to pursue his true passion, theater studies … a husband and dad to two boys – intent on empowering children through community theater … performed in the Florentine Opera’s “Aida” and as the Lion in First Stage

Children’s Theater production of “The Lion King.”

Page 11: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

Financial concerns

At some point, the question comes up: “Can I afford to go to school?” Well, the real question should be: “Can I afford not to go?”

There are many resources available to make this life-changing choice possible:

• Financial aid – yes, even for adult students

• Scholarships – yes, even for adult students

• Tuition reimbursement from your current employer

• Tax benefits if you are expanding your education in your current field

• On-campus job opportunities

David Weaver switched from engineering to the arts when his supervisor reminded him that if you are doing what you enjoy, you will never really work another day in your life!

Once you decide you are worth your own good investment, your first step is to begin working with UWM’s Financial Aid Office. Check out the website at financialaid.uwm.edu and use the “Ask the Panther” feature.

Ultimately, you will be encouraged to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, even if you aren’t sure you qualify. Visit the FAFSA website at fafsa.ed.gov. Look again at the title: It’s free! (BTW, any information about financial aid, loans and/or scholarships should be free; keep that in mind as you search the Web.) The FAFSA website includes a fantastic section for nontraditional students, with all kinds of information about starting the college process, including warnings about diploma mills, checking the real costs of education, accreditation, etc. And again, the information is free.

Quick Fact:

The U.S. Department of Education estimates that 90 million individuals participate in some form of adult education each year. Forty percent of American college students, or almost 6 million people, are 25 years of age or older.

Page 12: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

Becita Fields, 28Public Health Microbiology majorWent into the Army after high school … worked as a deputy sheriff but got laid off … decided to pursue her real passion … started college at age 24 while raising her daughter … inspired to earn

her Ph.D. in Public Health.

Page 13: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

Balancing act

Quick Fact:

Help yourself – and your children. The Popula-tion Research Center at the University of Texas studied 3,677 high school juniors. Results showed that students with college-educated parents were more likely to attain higher levels of education themselves than students of parents with lower levels of education.

Adult and returning students have to learn a delicate balancing act: how to balance school, work, family and self. That’s no small task, but plenty of your peers have managed to do just that. At UWM, we have no shortage of resources to help you.

For instance, the UWM Children’s Center has been in operation since 1971. Operating under the Division of Student Affairs, the UWM Children’s Center offers half-day and full-time care to accommodate the work and school schedules of UWM students. www4.uwm.edu/ccc

Then there is the Life Impact Program for disadvantaged students with children. Funded through the Jane Bradley Pettit Foundation, this program provides $5,000 scholarships as well as academic, professional and personal support, including a life coach serving as a point of first contact for all concerns.lifeimpact.uwm.edu

Does returning to school impact your family? Definitely! Becita Fields’ daughter will gladly tell you that she intends to be a UWM student someday, just like her mom.

We help adult and returning students in lots of other ways, too. In a recent survey of the University of Wisconsin System colleges and universities, UWM tied for first place in terms of greatest number of services offered to adult students. Those services include:

• Pre-application advising• Streamlined undergraduate

reentry process• On-campus housing for adults• Child care financial assistance • Scholarships for adult students• One-on-one career counseling

Page 14: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

We understand that coming back to school represents a big change, and that change can be a little scary. As Maura Colon-Bowers can tell you, balancing life as a full-time student, employee, wife and mother is hard work. But UWM has lots of resources to help you make the transition smoothly.

AcceSS tO SucceSSAccess to Success is a campus-wide initiative designed to help students achieve greater success, especially during their first year. The goals and programs of Access to Success are embraced by the entire UWM community, and include a continuum of initiatives starting with recruitment and culminating in graduation.AcceSStosuccess.uwm.edu

FiRSt-YeAR centeR Make the First-Year Center (FYC) one of your first stops. Located in Bolton Hall, the FYC is your one-stop source for information about the range of resources available on campus. Its mission is to provide quality, comprehensive services to new freshmen and transfer students enrolled at UWM.fyc.uwm.edu

LGBt ReSOuRce centeR The LGBT Resource Center provides a resource for students and community members wanting to learn about and advocate for LGBT issues, and is a safe-space for all LGBT students and their allies. www.lgbt.uwm.edu

MiLitARY educAtiOn BeneFitS OFFice UWM’s Military Education Benefits Office is dedicated to providing current and past members of the military and their qualifying dependents with accurate information and timely processing of their state and federal military education benefits. www4.uwm.edu/mebo

nORRiS HeALtH centeR The Norris Health Center, your on-campus health resource, will provide treatment if you are ill or injured, but, more important, Norris staff will assist you in understanding your health needs and learning to make healthy choices on a daily basis.www.nhc.uwm.edu

Student AcceSSiBiLitY centeR The mission of the Student Accessibility Center (SAC) is to create an accessible university community for students with disabilities, fostering the development of each student’s full potential. As a campus resource, SAC works with students, faculty and staff to promote an increased awareness of the abilities of all students and to ensure they are regarded on the basis of ability, not disability. sac.uwm.edu

WOMen’S ReSOuRce centeR The Women’s Resource Center enhances awareness and understanding at UWM of the diversity of women’s lives and experiences, and the role gender plays in everyone’s life. wrc.uwm.edu

Want more information on services? See page 28.

campus resources

Quick Fact:

The National Survey of Student Engagement makes it clear: The more involved you are, the more successful you will be. “Those institutions that more fully engage their students in the variety of activities that contribute to valued outcomes of college can claim to be of higher quality compared with other colleges and universities where students are less engaged.” nsse.iub.edu

Page 15: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

Maura Colon-Bowers, 31Community Education majorServed as a U.S. Marine … succeeds at being a full-time wife and mom … balances work and school full time … proud to become the first college graduate in her family … committed to showing her kids the importance of a college degree.

Page 16: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

Caress McFarland, 24 Accounting majorDanced with local artists in Tampa, Louisville, North Carolina and Miami … started seriously thinking about her future career … afraid of her age and that she wasted too many years after high school … reassured by advisors that she wasn’t too old … took up finance and is pledging a business fraternity … loves her personal growth.

Page 17: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

UWM’s Office of Adult and Returning Student Services (OARSS) has staff specifically dedicated to working with adult students. OARSS advisors will meet with you in person by appointment, or discuss your questions and concerns by phone or email. OARSS advisors understand the issues of adults returning to school – many of them have been there themselves. They will be happy to provide information on UWM’s programs and services, advise you on choosing an academic program, or discuss your prior academic records.

UWM offers new adult and transfer students an adult orientation program before the start of each fall and spring semester. You will be invited to orientation after you have been admitted to the University.

At orientation, you can prepare for the upcoming semester by picking up a UPASS (a free bus pass good on all Milwaukee County Transit System routes), paying your tuition, buying textbooks, making any necessary changes to your schedule, meeting with financial-aid counselors and having your photo taken for your campus ID.

In addition, you can take a campus tour and meet with academic advisors. The event is co-sponsored by OARSS and the Department of Recruitment and Outreach.

The OARSS office also celebrates National Nontraditional Student Week (the first full week in November) with a reception. Each UWM school and college nominates an outstanding adult student to honor at this event. Current and prospective students are invited to attend the open house to network and celebrate the power of being an adult student!

The OARSS office also works with adult students who are interested in returning to school but not necessarily to earn a degree. We offer several special audit programs as well as the opportunity to take enrichment classes as a nondegree student.

Contact OARSS by email at [email protected] or by phone at 414-229-5932.

aDults only

Quick Fact:

The National Academic Advising Association website notes that an academic advisor often “functions as the adult student’s touchstone…; however, like any relationship, the advisement relationship is a partnership.” Adult learners can bring their experience to enrich and contribute to the learning process. nacada.ksu.edu

Page 18: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

Lindsey Kempinski, 24and daughter FaithOccupational Therapy, MSDetermined to complete her graduate degree … succeeded at being a student, a wife and a new mom … appreciated the convenience of taking classes online and in person … loves her family and her

patients.

Page 19: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

One of the best strategies to help you balance school, family, work and life is to seriously consider a “blended” course or online option.

OnLine LeARninGIn an online course, you will work both independently and with others as you interact in the “online classroom.” Depending on the course, you may develop new skills such as participating in the class through online discussions or forums, collaborating through online group work, and working and taking responsibility in an online team for class projects.

Fully online courses are designed for students who:

• enjoy active and participatory learning;• want to replace travel time with online study; • value the freedom of “anytime, any place”

learning.

“BLended” OptiOnSBlended courses and programs combine online and in-person courses for a flexible, student-centered experience. A significant portion of the learning activities take place online, and time spent on instruction that traditionally occurs in the classroom is reduced but not eliminated. This allows the student much more flexible scheduling while maintaining the face-to-face contact with the instructor and classmates that is typical of a more traditional course.

Blended courses are designed for students who:

• enjoy a variety of communication modes;• value personal contact in their learning; • appreciate the convenience and flexibility

to adapt to individual work and family schedules.

ARe OnLine OR BLended cOuRSeS FOR Me?Almost all students who take online and blended courses appreciate the convenience and flexibility, but they also need to be ready for the challenge. We’ve identified four ques-tions you should ask yourself before enrolling in an online or blended course:

• Do you express yourself well in writing and read with a critical eye?

• Are you comfortable working with computers and using the Internet?

• Are you good at managing and scheduling your time?

• Are you willing to take responsibility for your own learning as well as work collaboratively with your classmates and instructor?

You are ready for online or blended learning if you easily respond “yes” to these questions. If you are unsure, go to online.uwm.edu for more information, including tips for success.

online anD in-person options

Quick Fact:

In 2008, More than 1,200 students took courses exclusively online – a 30 percent increase over the previous year.

Page 20: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

You probably already have a sense of the many educational options open to you as you consider a return to school. So, why UWM?

As Southeastern Wisconsin’s largest university, UWM provides you with 271 degree and certificate programs, a wide range of research opportunities and many ways to broaden your education by getting involved with student organizations and volunteer activities.

UWM’s 14 schools and colleges house more than 70 scholarly centers, institutes and laboratories. Put the numbers together and they add up to a university that ranks among the top 102 public doctoral research institutions in the country. At UWM, research means impact – making a difference in your life, and the life of the city, the region and the world.

The University’s location in the state’s business center also yields many opportunities to explore possible careers through internships, clinical experiences and hands-on learning. The city itself provides a rich resource, and UWM’s faculty frequently tap their own real-world experiences to extend their students’ learning beyond textbooks.

Why UWM? We want you here! UWM is firmly committed to helping students like you reach their academic, personal and professional goals. And we value the knowledge, experience and enthusiasm you can bring to the University community. As Corie Miller-Liberacki demon-strates, UWM can work for you.

why uwm?

Corie Miller-Liberacki, 30 Human Resources Management majorSpanish minorPersevering … started UWM as a full-time freshman while raising three daughters, ages 10, 5 and 16 months … works part time and finds time for field trips … does homework at the dining room table with her oldest looking over her shoulder … relies on inner strength … feels support from her husband, family and UWM … loves the convenience and quality of UWM’s Children’s Center … teaching her kids that no matter how old you are, if something’s important to you, you should go ahead and do it.

our cover stuDent

Page 21: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011
Page 22: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

Alyssa Fitzgerald, 27 Communication majorSwitched majors … attended different schools … took time off, moved, got married … lived a little bit of life, then decided to complete a personal goal … is earning her degree … works full time but motivated to take courses online and in the evening on campus … eyes set on working in sports media.

Page 23: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

areas oF stuDy

UWM’s 14 schools and colleges offer 271 degree and certificate options. There’s sure to be one that’s a perfect fit for your future. For program details, visit uwm.edu. Click on “Academics.”

In addition to the schools and colleges listed here, UWM recently established the graduate-level School of Freshwater Sciences and School of Public Health.

ARcHitectuRe And uRBAn pLAnninG UWM’s School of Architecture and Urban Planning has the only accredited program of architecture in Wisconsin, one of two accredited urban planning programs in the state and one of only 10 doctoral programs in the United States. uwm.edu/SARup

tHe ARtSUWM’s Peck School of the Arts houses the only dedicated arts school in the University of Wisconsin System, offering programs in dance, film, music, theatre and visual art. It’s also the second-largest arts presenter in Milwaukee, offering more than 350 events each year. arts.uwm.edu

BuSineSSUWM’s Sheldon B. Lubar School of Business focuses on management education that gives graduates a competitive edge in careers that span the professional spectrum – from

young professionals, to founders of growing entrepreneurial ventures, to accomplished managers, executives and Fortune 500 CEOs. Then there are the school’s 22,000 alumni – talk about networking! uwm.edu/business

cOntinuinG educAtiOnEach year, UWM’s School of Continuing Education offers more than 1,200 programs in a wide variety of subject areas. Choose from noncredit and credit professional courses and certificate programs in fields as diverse as human services, engineering, business and information technology. Pursue opportunities for personal growth through courses in arts, humanities and science. sce.uwm.edu

educAtiOnUWM’s School of Education prepares you for a career as a teacher, counselor or principal, or as an educator working in a non-school setting. You will learn from distinguished faculty, work closely with more than 200 area schools and agencies, and interact with more than 2,000 classmates with varied backgrounds and experience. SOe.uwm.edu

Quick Fact:

The first 60 credits: UWM’s College of Letters & Science offers a completely online freshman and sophomore undergraduate curriculum that provides the necessary foundation courses to complete the University’s General Education Requirements (GER).

Page 24: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

enGineeRinG And AppLied ScienceThe College of Engineering and Applied Science has world-renowned faculty, state-of-the-art laboratories and research collaborations with industry leaders. UWM is one of only two public universities in Wisconsin to offer programs in engineering through the Ph.D. level. uwm.edu/ceas

GRAduAte ScHOOL UWM’s Graduate School is your gateway to unique opportunities in graduate education and research at Wisconsin’s premier urban university. You can pursue traditional fields of study as well as innovative professional and interdisciplinary programs in 51 master’s and 29 doctoral degree programs.graduateschool.uwm.edu

HeALtH ScienceS UWM’s College of Health Sciences is the largest in the Midwest, allowing optimal interdisciplinary study and attracting the best faculty. Three health sciences degree programs have been ranked among the top in the country. www.chs.uwm.edu

inFORMAtiOn StudieS UWM’s School of Information Studies offers the only Information Resources program in the state. The country’s leading institutions seek SOIS graduates for their expertise in areas of new information technology. www.sois.uwm.edu

LetteRS And Science The largest of UWM’s schools and colleges is home to the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences and preprofessional programs, providing the core education and skills necessary for the marketplace or for entry into the most competitive graduate and professional schools. uwm.edu/letsci

nuRSinG UWM’s College of Nursing is the largest in Wisconsin, and one of three that offer the full range of nursing degrees: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. and D.N.P. Established in 1965, it is consis-tently ranked in the top 10 percent of nursing schools by U.S. News & World Report.nursing.uwm.edu

SOciAL WeLFARe UWM’s Helen Bader School of Social Welfare provides an unmatched environment to study social work and criminal justice. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks UWM’s social work program among the top 40 in the country, and three other reviews rank the criminal justice program as one of the top three in the Midwest. uwm.edu/SSW

areas oF stuDy

Quick Fact:

Check out the Bachelor of Science in Information Resources (BSIR) offered by the School of Information Studies. Transfer students who have earned an appropriate associate degree may receive up to 60 credits in addition to other transferrable credits toward the completion of this degree.

Page 25: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

Joel DesArmo, 34Information Resources majorLoved being a school bus driver for nine years … comfortable financially but wanted to own a home … took a big step to get there … returned to UWM after 10 years … found his future … pursuing a career that bridges the gap between people

and technology.

Page 26: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

Lara Brown, 33Criminal Justice, BSAdministrative Leadership, MSStuck in a job with limited potential … came back to school for an advanced degree in adult education … balanced a full-time job and family with a blended mix of online and classroom coursework … now

designs blended courses for Manpower.

Page 27: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

aFter you graDuate

Many great career journeys begin with a UWM degree. Just ask Lara Brown. She was challenged but not intimidated by the amount and complexity of the work she encountered as a UWM student. After graduation, Lara got a job in a field she never knew existed.

But graduation is not the end of UWM’s commitment to your success. You can continue to call on campus resources for help after you have your new diploma.

cAReeR deveLOpMent centeR The Career Development Center (CDC) is available to you as a UWM student and alumnus. CDC staff can help you navigate the career planning process; match your interests, values, skills and personality to potential careers; develop resumes, interviewing skills and salary negotiation strategies; and identify graduate school or internship programs that will take your edu-cation to the next level. Through networking and job fairs, CDC helps employers reach and recruit UWM’s best and brightest alumni. www.cdc.uwm.edu

uWM ALuMni ASSOciAtiOn As a graduate, you automatically become a member of the UWM Alumni Association, a dues-free organization that strives to connect alumni to the University and each other. This organization dates back to 1904, when alumni of UWM’s predecessor institution, Milwaukee Normal School, began holding regular meetings. Stay connected to the growing network of nearly 130,000 UWM graduates worldwide! alumni.uwm.edu

ALuMni cAReeR SeRviceS Since 2006, Alumni Career Services has helped hundreds of alumni manage their careers through career counseling and programs. Alumni Career Services can assist graduates at every stage of their careers, from first job through retirement.

Quick Fact:

According to the 2009 UWM Senior Survey:• 67.1 percent of respondents indicated that

UWM was their first choice of school. • Of those for whom UWM was their first choice,

92 percent would choose UWM again. • Of those for whom UWM was not their first

choice, 80 percent would choose UWM again.• 88 percent rated the overall quality

of instruction received at UWM as “Excellent/Good.”

Page 28: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

applying to uwm

deGRee-SeeKinG StudentSUWM is committed to both excellence and access. In considering applicants for admission to degree programs, we look for evidence of solid academic preparation and the potential for further intellectual development. Each application is given a comprehensive review, with all relevant factors considered.

If you have been an exceptionally strong student, you’ll find plenty of company here, with lots of opportunities for academic challenge. But, in fact, we admit students with a fairly wide range of academic preparation. The key question is, do you demonstrate the potential for academic success here at UWM? To help determine this, we look at a number of factors.

High school graduation (or the equivalent) is required for admission. Believe it or not, we will need a copy of your high school transcript! We carefully consider your academic preparation, as evidenced by your pattern of coursework, grades in specific courses and other information gleaned from your high school transcript as well as transcripts from any other college or university you have attended. You may also want to send us your ACT/SAT scores, though these are not required for applicants age 21 or above.

We will also consider any other relevant information you provide that helps us get a more complete picture of who you are. We get most of this information from the application form, so be sure to fill it out completely, including sections 8 and 9.

Some programs have more stringent academic requirements than others. Go to uwm.edu. Click on “Academics” to look up the school or college that houses your major and to get complete information.

deAdLineS FOR deGRee pROGRAMSApplications are accepted beginning Sept. 15 for the next fall semester. For most programs, applications are accepted until July 1 for fall (Dec. 1 for the spring term), or until enrollment capacity has been reached, whichever comes first.

However, some programs have much earlier deadlines. Students interested in Architecture, Art (Visual Art) or Nursing should apply by Jan. 1 for fall (Nov. 1 for spring).

For more information on the application process, visit our website at uwm.edu. Click on “Future Students.”

Page 29: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

HOW tO AppLY tO uWMHere’s the process in a nutshell:

1 Complete, sign and submit the UW System Application available online at apply. wisconsin.edu.

2 Pay the required application fee.3 You may send your ACT/SAT scores, too.4 Submit official transcripts from your high school.

University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Department of Enrollment Services P.O. Box 749 Milwaukee, WI 53201-0749

That’s it! After your file has been reviewed, you will be notified of your admission status. Usually this takes no more than four weeks, but it may be longer at certain times of the year.

Electronic applications (apply.wisconsin.edu) are STRONGLY encouraged. Help is available with that process at 1-800-442-6459. If you are not able to apply online, please contact the OARSS Office at 414-229-5932 for other options.

nOndeGRee StudentSApply as a University Special Student if you would like to take credited classes for the “university experience.” Many adult students begin this way, so you will not be alone.

To qualify for admission, you must have graduated from a recognized high school at least one year prior to the desired semester of enrollment. A GED or HSED is perfectly fine, too! We also ask that you be in good academic standing with any post- high school work you have done. In most cases, we won’t need your transcripts, but we’ll let you know if they’d be helpful in assessing your admissibility to UWM.

Like degree-seeking students, you are encouraged to complete the online application at apply. wisconsin.edu rather than using the paper form. If using the online form is not possible, you may request that materials be sent to you by contacting OARSS at 414-229-5932. We also recommend that you view UWM’s course selection online at schedule.uwm.edu before you make your admission decision.

Please note: There is NO application fee to apply as a nondegree student, but nondegree students are NOT eligible for financial aid.

Page 30: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

campus resources

UWM is committed to helping you find your path and your place. Again, we encourage you to make the Office of Adult and Returning Student Services (OARSS) your first stop.

HOW tO cOntAct OARSS

Schedule an appointment: 414-229-5932email us: [email protected]: www.oarss.uwm.eduvirtual tour of campus: www.uwm.edu/map

visit us on campus: 2442 E. Kenwood Blvd.Mellencamp Hall, Room 212

Our mailing address is:University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee OARSSP.O. Box 749Milwaukee, WI 53201-0749

Office Hours:Monday-Tuesday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.Wednesday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

There are a host of other resources that will help you on your educational journey. For more information, contact any of the following offices. The prefix for all campus numbers is 414-229-.

Academic Opportunity Center 4696African American Student Academic Services 6657American Indian Student Services 5880UWM Bookstore 4201

Campus Information 1122Career Development Center 4486Center for International Education/Study Abroad 4846Center for Volunteerism and Student Leadership 3161Children’s Center 5384Computer Labs and Help Desk 4040Financial Aid 4541Freshman Seminar Program 2641Health Center 4716Honors College 4658IDs 3800Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Resource Center 4116Library Information 4785Military Education Benefits Office 6392Panther Academic Support Services 3726Parking and Transit 4000Roberto Hernandez Center 6156Southeast Asian American Student Services 5282Student Accessibility Center (Voice/TTY) 6287 TTYStudent Association 4366Student Employment 4487Student Organizations 5780Testing Office (placement) 4689Tour of Campus (evening) 5932Women’s Resource Center 2852

This publication is produced by the Office of University Communications and Media Relations and the Department of Enrollment Services, and may be requested in accessible format.

Photos by UWM Visual Imaging and James Schnepf

Graduation Rate Data, provided in compliance with the Student Right to Know legislation, is available on the Web at: right2know.uwm.edu.

Like other institutions of higher education, UWM is required to publish an annual security report. The latest campus security measures report is available through the Office of Student Life, P.O. Box 413, Milwaukee, WI 53201, or online at www4.uwm.edu/safety.

The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution, and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, color, creed, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, religion, ancestry, pregnancy, marital status, parental status or any other protected status recognized by state or federal law.

Page 31: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011
Page 32: UWM Adult Guidebook 2010-2011

adultstudent.uwm.eduAdult Guidebook 2010-2011