Frequently Asked Questions
The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents’ November decision to restructure the UW Colleges and join them with four-year comprehensive institutions ushers in an exciting and historic time for UW Oshkosh, Northeast Wisconsin and the entire state. UW Oshkosh, UW-Fox Valley and UW-Fond du Lac have an opportunity, together, to grow a new and stronger institution: three campuses, one university.
Why restructure campuses?
The purpose of this restructure is to keep campuses open and expand access to higher education by leveraging the strength of four-year institutions like UW Oshkosh at a time when overall enrollments at UW Colleges are declining. The primary objectives of integrating UW Colleges with four-year and research institutions include:
- Expanding access to higher education by offering more courses at the two-year campuses
- Identifying and reducing barriers to transferring credits within the UW System
- Maintaining affordability by continuing existing tuition levels post-integration for courses currently offered at the two-year institutions
- Further standardizing and regionalizing administrative operations and services to more efficiently use resources
- Leveraging resources and shared talent at our institutions to get more students into and through the educational pipeline successfully, better aligning the university to meet Wisconsin’s projected workforce needs
Does the restructuring call for closing any UW Colleges campus?
No, all campuses will remain open. The restructuring will allow the UW System to better address current and projected enrollment and financial challenges at the two-year institutions, while maintaining the important UW presence in local communities like Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, Menasha and throughout the Fox Valley.
How has the application process changed?
Students should continue to apply to the two-year or four-year UW campus they wish to attend. Go to UW HELP to get more information on applying to a UW campus that meets your needs and educational goals. Once a student has selected the two-year or four-year UW campus and education track that meets their needs and goals, they should apply at apply.wisconsin.edu.
What can be expected of tuition rates?
The tuition for each of the three UW Oshkosh campuses will remain the same for students who are starting classes in the fall of 2018. Access and affordability of all three campuses during the restructure process is a priority.
The financial aid process remains unchanged. Students should apply for financial aid at the school they wish to attend.
Will the FAFSA application process change for the 2019-2020 academic year?
If you apply to a two-year campus, then yes. As of Oct. 1, 2018, if you are applying for financial aid for 2019-2020, you must use the FAFSA code for the four-year comprehensive and research university in the region you are applying to.
When will the restructuring go into effect?
UW-Fox Valley and UW-Fond du Lac became campuses of the UW Oshkosh after the UW System restructure plan was approved June 29 by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Read more.
What will the name of the UW Oshkosh campuses be after July 1, 2018?
All three campuses will keep their same name in the immediate future.
Campus name changes would require (1) Board of Regents approval, (2) UW must remain in the campus name, (3) stakeholders must have a voice in the process, specifically with county/city that has a collaborative MOU with the campus, (4) receiving institutions must hold focus groups to hear input from community stakeholders and prospective customers.