A sign at the entrance to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Fond du Lac campus, seen Oct. 17, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — In-person instruction will end at two Universities of Wisconsin branch campuses, including one in Northeast Wisconsin.
UW president Jay Rothman said Tuesday that in-person instruction would end at UW-Oshkosh, Fond du Lac campus; as well as UW-Milwaukee at Washington County.
Rothman said in a news release that students’ choices, not cost savings, are driving the decision. The Fond du Lac campus had 243 students during this year’s fall semester, 15 fewer than a week earlier.
“We are seeing freshman enrollment rising at most of our four-year campuses while enrollment at the two-year campuses has been falling at a rapid rate for years,” Rothman said. “Moreover, online enrollment has been trending up as well. The market is telling us that increasingly students are pursuing a degree at our four-year campuses or online.”
The decision, along with the closure of UW-Platteville Richland, leaves 10 two-year branch campuses remaining. Those include campuses in Manitowoc, Marinette and Menasha.
“We want to work with the counties to determine the best way for our universities to serve their communities,” Rothman said. “This reassessment is designed to ensure facilities are used in ways that meet community needs and provide long-term stability.”
Rothman is asking chancellors to work with leaders of local counties that own the classroom buildings. Some suggestions include offering four-year and graduate degree options, upskilling and reskilling opportunities for the existing workforce, expanding dual enrollment, or opening ‘navigation centers’ for high school and nontraditional students seeking guidance on their post-secondary education.
Rothman gave the chancellors a goal of coming up with a clear plan by early spring.
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