Adult STUDENT Guidebook

(1)

(2)

NEARL

Y

90

%

of 2013 grads say an

education

uwm offered that was

“good

to

ExcELLENt.”

“It can be scary to come back to school as an adult. But UWM makes it so that you have to go out of your way to fail because

there are

so many resources and

avenues available to

help you succeed.

”

Catherine Andersen Milwaukee, Wisconsin Pre-Physician Assistant

(3)

What’s inside

UWM: coNvENiENt, AffoRdAbLE,

LifE-chANgiNg

At UWM, we love adult learners. They’re some of our most engaged and committed

students, and their unique experiences and perspectives enrich campus life and

classroom discussions, both online and in person. And our adult students tell us they

love UWM: In fact, we’re the top transfer destination in the University of Wisconsin

system, and we educate more Wisconsin residents than any other university in the state.

You won’t be alone here. You’ll find other

busy professionals, mid-career changers, working parents, military veterans, transfer students and more. It doesn’t matter if you’ve just finished a two-year degree or haven’t sat in a classroom in years. It’s never too late. Changing your life — and career — is easier than you think, and we’ll help you every step of the way.

Looking for

online learning

...

page 4

A

transfer student

...

page 9

An adult student

new to college

...

page 10

An adult student

returning to college

...

page 11

A

military veteran

...

page 12

A

non-degree-seeking

student

...

page 13

Ready to

get started

...

page 15

The first part of this book covers important information relevant to all adult students, including our academic programs, flexible learning options, costs and financial aid, and unique services designed to help you succeed at UWM. To make things easier, we’ve also highlighted some of the top things you’ll need to know if you’re:

Bachelor’s degree holders

earn an average of

$22,000 MoRE

per year than those with only

a high school diploma.

(4)

TheSchool of Freshwater Sciences is the first in America and one of just three in the world.

UWM’s Peck School of the Artsis the only comprehensive arts school in the UW System, and its film program was ranked in the top 20 in the world by Hollywood Reporter in 2011.

The world-renowned School of Architecture & Urban Planning offers an extensive array of degree programs and excels in the areas of relevance and innovation.

The Lubar School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a distinction given to less than 5 percent of business schools worldwide.

The School of Education offers the only American Sign Language bachelor’s degree in Wisconsin. The College of Engineering & Applied Science

offers degrees through the doctoral level, one of only two engineering colleges with doctoral programs in the UW System.

The College of Health Sciences is the largest of its kind in the Midwest and includes top-ranked programs such as biomedical sciences, kinesiology, healthcare administration, and occupational studies.

Home to UWM’s largest array of academic programs and scholarly research, the College of Letters & Science

teaches students the skills employers want most – problem solving, communication and critical thinking.

The IST degree in the School of Information Studies

is the only information technology degree of its kind in the state of Wisconsin.

The College of Nursing is Wisconsin’s largest nursing school and is consistently ranked in the top 6 percent of graduate nursing programs in U.S. News and World Report. The Helen Bader School of Social Welfare is home to a top-ranked social work program and a criminal justice major that is one of the best in the Midwest. The Joseph J. Zilber School of Public Health is the only dedicated public health school in Wisconsin.

ENdLEss PossibiLitiEs

chARt

YoUR

PAth

1,700

professors/ instructors 1:18 RAtio

At UWM, you’ll do more than pick a major. You’ll chart a path from your first day here to

your future career endeavors, with our award-winning (and well-connected) faculty and

staff as your guide. And our distinctive programs will be key to your success:

(5)

For a full list of every academic offering available visit

uwm.edu/academics

.

ARchitEctURE & URbAN PLANNiNg

• Architectural Studies •

PEck

schooL of thE ARts

• Art & Design • Art Education • Dance • Film • Music • Music Education • Theatre • Theatre Education • Inter-Arts •

LUbAR schooL of

bUsiNEss

• Accounting • Finance • Human Resources Management • Information Technology Management • Marketing • Supply Chain & Operations Management •

EdUcAtioN

• American Sign Language Studies • Community Engagement & Education • Educational Studies • Exceptional Education • Interpreter Training • Teacher Certification •

ENgiNEERiNg & APPLiEd sciENcE

• Applied Mathematics & Computer Science • Civil Engineering • Computer Engineering • Computer Science • Electrical Engineering • Industrial Engineering • Materials Engineering • Mechanical Engineering •

hEALth sciENcEs

• Biomedical Sciences • Communication Sciences & Disorders • Health Care Administration • Kinesiology • Nutritional Sciences • Occupational Studies

•

iNfoRMAtioN stUdiEs

• Information Science & Technology •

LEttERs &

sciENcE

• Actuarial Science • Africology • American Indian Studies • Anthropology • Applied Mathematics & Computer Science • Art History & Criticism • Atmospheric Sciences • Biochemistry • Biological Sciences • Chemistry • Chinese • Classics • Committee Interdisciplinary Major • Communication • Comparative Ethnic Studies • Comparative Literature • Conservation & Environmental Science • Economics • English • Film Studies • French • Geography • Geosciences • German • Global Studies • History • International Studies • Italian • Japanese • Jewish Studies • Journalism, Advertising & Media Studies • Latin American, Caribbean & U.S. Latino Studies • Linguistics • Mathematical Sciences • Microbiology • Philosophy • Physics • Political Science • Psychology • Religious Studies • Russian • Sociology • Spanish • Urban Studies • Women’s Studies PRE-PRofEssioNALPRogRAMs: Chiropractic Medicine • Dentistry • Law • Medicine • Optometry • Pharmacy • Physician Assistant • Podiatry • Veterinary Medicine •

NURsiNg

•

(6)

Evening Degree Program

From accounting to English to social work, UWM offers nearly 20 degree programs that can be completed entirely in the evening. eveningdegree.uwm.edu

UWM Online

Maybe you have an unpredictable work schedule. Maybe you don’t have time to take classes until after your kids are in bed. Or maybe just you prefer to save on gas money and knock out your college credits from the convenience of your kitchen table. Whatever your situation, you can take advantage of UWM’s robust — and growing — online education program. You’ll learn from the same high-quality faculty who teach our in-person classes, and you’ll graduate with the same respected UWM degree. Many of our majors, minors and certificates can be completed entirely online. Think you’d prefer getting to know

your classmates and professor face to face? We offer hybrid classes, too, which allow you to blend online and in-person instruction. Learn more at online.uwm.edu.

UW Flexible Option/Flex Degree

The UW Flexible Option is an innovative way to make UW degree and certificate programs more accessible, convenient, and affordable for adult and nontraditional students. Built on the long-standing foundation

of high-quality degree programs offered by University of Wisconsin System campuses, the UW Flexible Option includes self-paced, competency-based degree and certificate programs that allow you to make progress by demonstrating what you know, whether that knowledge was gained through prior coursework, military training, on-the-job training, or other learning experiences. By emphasizing what you know rather than how much time you spend learning, the Flexible Option lets you advance toward a UW degree at a pace you set.

UWM’s flexible options include:

• A bachelor’s degree for registered nurses who need additional college to qualify for higher professional credentials

• A bachelor’s degree in biomedical science, diagnostic imaging degree completion program • A bachelor’s degree in information science

and technology, preparing students for jobs in today’s digital culture and economy • A certificate in business and technical

communication, providing students with the essential written and oral communication skills needed in the workplace

Visit flex.wisconsin.edu for more information.

700 ₊

oNL

iNE

co_UR sEs TO CHOOSE FROM

fLExibLE LEARNiNg thAt

fits YoUR bUsY LifE

(7)

UWM’s

U-PAcE

oNLiNE iNstRUctioNAL APPRoAch

HAS WoN

2 NAtioNAL AWARds

foR iNstRUctioNAL ExcELLENcE.

oNLiNE LEARNiNg

Highly rated online programs, a degree from a reputable university, more than

700 online courses to choose from, and 29 online degrees and certificates from

undergraduate to doctoral levels. But that’s not all. As part of UWM Online,

you’ll have access to:

• Convenient learning built around your busy schedule

• Frequent, personalized faculty feedback on your academic performance

• Academic advising services that can help you choose the best online courses based on your career interests and previous academic experience

• A dedicated, call-in help center; online tutoring and writing support; and outstanding electronic library resources (including specialized support for online students)

For more information visit online.uwm.edu

“ I knew UWM was right for me when I could get a

high-quality degree in a non-traditional way.

”

(8)

Imagine this: A future employer is scanning through a mountain of resumes, glances at

your educational background and says, “Where?” That won’t happen with a degree from

UWM. The University of Wisconsin system is nationally known for its high quality, and a

UWM degree means more than just a diploma.

Brendon dorn

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Economics

As Wisconsin’s only urban research university, UWM offers powerful resources and networking opportunities that you won’t find elsewhere. Our faculty maintain deep ties in their fields, and our students hold 600-plus internships every year at some of the area’s leading companies — including Miller-Coors, Harley-Davidson,

Northwestern Mutual, GE Healthcare, Johnson Controls, and more. When it’s time to search for a full-time job, UWM’s Career

Development Center — and our strong alumni network, the biggest and fastest-growing in Southeastern Wisconsin — can help you get a foot in the door. In fact, more than 600 local employers hire UWM students and grads every year.

5 ,

000 dEgREEs

awarded annually

oNE

AWEsoME EdUcAtioN

AccELERAtE

YoUR cAREER

“ In 2009 I ventured into UWM as a full-time student, but I was not ready to take school seriously at that level. I barely scraped by and got D’s across the board. What made the difference when I returned to UWM in 2012 was that I had enough pain in my life and job and, I thought ‘I’ve got to get out of this.’ And I had a lot of encouragement from people — faculty, family, friends, my wife. I’ve been getting all A’s and B’s ever since. Then I started hunting for internships, and

with the help of UWM’s

Career Development Center, I got an internship that

turned into a full-time job as a performance analyst at

Environmental Systems, Inc.

I have everything I had been working for in less than a year.”

(9)

EMPLoYMENt

foREcAst

fAst-gRoWiNg, iN-dEMANd cAREERs

The

AccoUNtiNg, AUditiNg & ActUARiAL sciENcE

explore ✔ Accounting, Actuarial Science, Economics

internhere✔ Baird, Ernst & Young, Kohler

ARchitEctURE

explore ✔ Architecture

internhere✔ Eppstein Uhen, HGA, Perkins + Will, Plunkett Raysich, SOM

coMPUtER ENgiNEERiNg

explore ✔ Engineering & Applied Science

internhere✔ Johnson Controls, Quad Graphics, Rockwell Automation

cREAtivE iNdUstRiEs

explore ✔ Arts

internhere✔ Cannes Film Festival, Discovery World, Milwaukee Art Museum

hEALthcARE & NURsiNg

explore ✔ Health Sciences, Pre-Med, Nursing

internhere✔ Aurora Health Care, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, The Milwaukee Brewers, Wheaton Franciscan Hospitals

hUMAN REsoURcEs

explore ✔ Human Resources Management, Communication

internhere✔ Brady Corporation, Harley-Davidson, Manpower

k-8 EdUcAtioN

explore ✔ Education

internhere✔ Boys & Girls Clubs, Milwaukee Public Schools, Urban Ecology Center

LAW ENfoRcEMENt

explore ✔ Criminal Justice, Psychology

internhere✔ Milwaukee Intelligence Fusion Center, Wisconsin Dept. of Corrections, U.S. Secret Service

NEtWoRk & dAtA ANALYsis

explore ✔ IT Management, Information Sciences & Technology, Math

internhere✔ GE Healthcare, National Security Agency, Northwestern Mutual

MARkEtiNg & PR

explore ✔ Journalism, Advertising & Public Relations, Marketing

internhere✔ Laughlin Constable, Miller Park, State of Wisconsin

sociAL & coMMUNitY sERvicE MANAgEMENt

explore ✔ Social Welfare, Sociology, Urban Studies

internhere✔ Pathfinders, Running Rebels, Milwaukee County Bureau of Child Welfare

tRANsLAtioN & iNtERPREtiNg

explore ✔ Languages, Global Studies, Study Abroad Programs

internhere✔ verson Language Associates, Milwaukee Jewish Museum, Southern Wisconsin Interpreting and Translation Services

Combine your UWM degree with the expertise and connections of career services offices across campus. Take a look at just a few of the academic/ internship combinations that can help you land a job before graduation day.

Sources include Cultural Alliance of Greater Milwaukee, lubar Career Services Center, u.S. bureau of labor Statistics, uWM Schools & Colleges and the Wisconsin department of Workforce development.

(10)

We’ll do everything we can to help you from the moment you apply (or even earlier)

until graduation day. We genuinely care for our students and support them in a

number of ways:

WE’RE hERE to

hELP YoU sUccEEd

• UWM’s Student Success Center offers peer mentors and a slew of other free resources.

• Our 18:1 student/faculty ratio ensures that you will get to really know our award-winning professors. • You’ll be assigned a professional advisor in your

school or college right away, as well as a faculty advisor when you reach your upper-division courses. • Free tutoring is available for more than 120

freshman- and sophomore-level courses. • The Norris Health Center provides everything from

free flu shots to counseling to low-cost prescriptions.

• If you’re on campus during the evenings, the S.A.F.E. (Safety Awareness for Everyone) Walkers program and B.O.S.S. (Be on the Safe Side) Van Escort Service can get you to where you need to go, including the UPARK satellite parking lot. The University Police Department is also available 24/7.

• The UWM Children’s Learning Center offers convenient and affordable childcare on campus.

uwm.edu/children

hoW

cAN WE

hELP YoU

?

“I chose UW-Milwaukee because of my rich family history with UWM. I have a sibling and two nephews who are currently attending, and now my son is here, too. I am so excited that he is here to share in the wonderful UW-Milwaukee experience.

Never in a million

years would I have

thought we would

be attending college

together, but now that

he is here I am very

proud of him.

“ James cocroft Jr. St. Louis, Missouri Biological Sciences James cocroft sr. Jefferson, Wisconsin

(11)

For Transfer Students

As the No. 1 transfer destination in the University of Wisconsin system, we

welcome students who began their college careers elsewhere and try to make

the transfer process as easy as possible. We offer the following resources:

Panther Tracks Program

Our partnership with Milwaukee Area Technical College allows you to complete your liberal arts and sciences courses at a lower price point and then transfer to UWM to finish up your bachelor’s degree — if you meet the program’s requirements, your admission to UWM is guaranteed. We even have a full-time staff member dedicated to facilitating a successful transfer from MATC to UWM who holds regular office hours at UWM and MATC’s main campus. matc.edu/student currentstudent/credittransfer/panther_tracks.cfm

Liberal transfer credit acceptance policies

The following programs have especially generous transfer credit policies, meaning more of your former credits or professional experience could count toward a UWM degree.

• Information Science and Technology: ist.uwm.edu

• Community Engagement & Education (awards academic credit for previous professional experience): ceed.uwm.edu

Mentors for transfer students

You’ll have your own peer mentor, a current UWM student employee who can answer any questions related to your transition to UWM. Your peer mentor will contact you early in your first semester. Peer mentors host a variety of events and are available for personalized campus tours. ssc.uwm.edu

Your path to becoming a Panther:

m Visit! We’d love to meet you and show you around our beautiful campus. Turn to p. 15 for more on tour opportunities or go to visit.uwm.edu.

m Contact our adult student admission advisors with any questions: 414.229.2222 or [email protected].

m Connect with us! Find other transfer students at facebook. com/UWMTransferstudents or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/uwmadmit.

m Complete and submit the online application for admission at apply.wisconsin.edu. If you’re attending another school at the time you apply, be sure to complete the “Courses in Progress” section on the application. The $44 application fee is required except from degree candidates transferring directly from a two-year UW college, or if you’re a re-entry student to UWM.

m Request that official transcripts from your high school, and any post-secondary schools attended, be sent to UWM. ACT/SAT scores are not required of most transfer applicants, though they may be requested if you’re a recent high school graduate transferring with fewer than 12 transferable college credits. Send transcripts to: UWM Undergraduate Admissions, P.O. Box 749, Milwaukee WI 53201.

m If you’re transferring from a Wisconsin technical college or a different UW System college or university, check out the Transfer Information System at tis.uwsa.edu or transfer equivalent database at ted.uwm.edu to see how credits may transfer.

After you’re accepted for admission, you can attend Transfer and Adult Student Orientation to meet other transfer students and prepare for your life as a UWM Panther. taso.uwm.edu

tRANsfER.UWM.EdU

(12)

Student Success Center

True to its name, this center coordinates a comprehensive array of programs, resources and services that will help you reach your academic goals, develop skills and ease your transition to the university setting. ssc.uwm.edu

Mentors

You’ll have your own peer mentor, a current UWM student employee who can answer any questions related to your transition to UWM. Your peer mentor will contact you early in your first semester. Peer mentors host a variety of events and are available for personalized campus tours. ssc.uwm.edu

Free tutoring

Feeling a little rusty as you get back into the classroom? UWM offers free tutoring for more than 120 freshman- and sophomore-level courses.

m Connect with us! Find other adult students at facebook.com/UWMTransferstudents or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/uwmadmit.

m Complete and submit the online application for admission at apply.wisconsin.edu and pay the $44 application fee. Send transcripts to: UWM Undergraduate Admissions, P.O. Box 749, Milwaukee WI 53201.

m Request that your official high school transcript be sent to UWM. ACT/SAT scores are only required if you are under 21.

After you’re accepted for admission, you can attend Transfer and Adult Student Orientation to meet other adult students and prepare for your life as a UWM Panther. taso.uwm.edu

For Adults New to College

The Panther family includes nearly 30,000 students of all ages and

backgrounds, so you won’t feel alone no matter how long it’s been

since you last opened a textbook. At UWM, you’ll find a welcoming,

caring support network committed to helping you reach your

personal and professional goals. We offer the following resources:

(13)

Mentors

You’ll have your own peer mentor, a current UWM student employee who can answer any questions related to your transition to UWM. Your peer mentor will contact you early in your first semester. Peer mentors host a variety of events and are available for personalized campus tours.

ssc.uwm.edu

Free tutoring

Feeling a little rusty as you get back into classroom life? UWM offers free tutoring for more than 120 freshman- and sophomore-level courses.

m Visit! UWM has changed a lot in recent years. If you haven’t been here in awhile, we’d love to meet you and show you around our beautiful campus. Turn to p. 15 for more on tour opportunities or go to visit.uwm.edu.

m Connect with us! Find other transfer and adult students at facebook.com/UWMTransferstudents or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/uwmadmit.

m Complete and submit the online application for admission at apply.wisconsin.edu.

m If you’re transferring from a Wisconsin technical college or a different UW System college or university, check out the Transfer Information System at tis.uwsa.edu or transfer equivalent database at ted.uwm.edu to see how credits may transfer.

For Adults Re-Entering

If you’ve attended UWM before, welcome back! Your previous

UWM credits never expire, and our caring faculty and staff are committed

to helping you reach the finish line this time. If you started your college

career elsewhere, please see our transfer section on p. 9. You might

already be familiar with the resources available at UWM, including:

(14)

Military and Veterans Resource Center (MAVRC)

MAVRC proudly promotes and educates others about the strengths that individuals with military experiences or veteran status brings to UWM; this includes not only students, but the staff, faculty, alumni, family members and UWM community members. Opportunities for camaraderie and support are strengthened through a shared experience with military service. MAVRC is a one-stop shop in the Union where you can connect with other veterans and learn about all of the services and benefits available on campus and beyond.

UWM also has a Military Education Benefits Office

that can help you understand and take advantage of all your state and federal benefits.

mavrc.uwm.edu; uwm.edu/mebo

Veterans Upward Bound

UWM is the only university in the state to offer this unique program, designed for veterans looking to earn their GED or build up their skills in anticipation of college studies.

Mentors

You’ll have your own peer mentor, a current UWM student employee who can answer any questions related to your transition to UWM.

Your peer mentor will contact you early in your first semester. Peer mentors host a variety of events and are available for personalized campus tours.

ssc.uwm.edu

m Contact our Military Education Benefits Office with any questions: 414.229.6627 or [email protected].

m Connect with us! Find other adult students at facebook.com/UWMTransferstudents and veterans at facebook.com/CenterForMilitary AndStudentVeteransAtUWM or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/uwmadmit.

m Complete and submit the online application for admission at apply.wisconsin.edu and pay the $44 application fee.

m Request that official transcripts from your high school, and any post-secondary schools attended, be sent to UWM. ACT/SAT scores are only required if you are under 21. Send transcripts to: UWM Undergraduate Admissions, P.O. Box 749, Milwaukee WI 53201.

m Apply for military education benefits and financial aid. Learn more, including eligibility requirements, at uwm.edu/mebo.

After you’re accepted for admission, you can attend Transfer and Adult Student Orientation to meet other adult students and prepare for your life as a UWM Panther. UWM also offers a special orientation just for veterans.

taso.uwm.edu

For Veterans

UWM is proud to enroll the largest population of student veterans in Wisconsin.

More than 1,500 military veterans, active-duty servicemembers, spouses and

dependents attend UWM using military education benefits. UWM is committed

to ensuring that military and veteran students receive support in their academic

degree process. Some of UWM’s resources for veterans include:

All veterans are strongly encouraged to apply for financial aid in addition to

(15)

“ It’s well known that UWM has the largest population of veterans of any UW system campus.

I meet

veterans on campus from

every branch of service, and

it’s a comfort to know that

there are others who hold

the same values and share

the same experiences

as myself.

”

m Contact our non-degree advisors with any questions: 414.229.2222 or [email protected].

m Complete and submit the online application for admission at apply.wisconsin.edu. There is no application fee for non-degree-seeking students.

m Browse our courses — including many online and evening options — at schedule.uwm.edu.

After you’re accepted for admission, you can attend Transfer and Adult Student Orientation to meet other adult students and prepare for your life as a UWM Panther. taso.uwm.edu

For Non-Degree-Seeking Students

Just here for a class or two or looking to test the waters? Welcome! We hope you’ll

love your time at UWM so much that you decide to stay for a full degree.

Chris Horsley

South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Human Resource Management; Supply Chain Management

1 ,

500 +

MiLitARY vEtERANs, actiVe-duty s E Rv i c E M E M b E R s sPoUsEs, dEPENdENts attend uwm

(16)

We realize that the cost of college is the No. 1 concern for many adult students. If you’re

wondering whether a four-year university is still worth the investment, consider this:

A worker with a bachelor’s degree can expect to earn about $1 million more than a high

school graduate over a 40-year career, according to a report by the U.S. Census Bureau.

And now is the perfect time to join UWM: Not only is the university competitively priced,

but tuition is frozen at 2012-13 rates again for this coming year.

Wisconsin residents:

$9,390

Minnesota residents: $13,020 MSEP states1_{: $13,436} 1 _{The Midwest Student Exchange Program includes Illinois, Indiana,}

Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska and North Dakota.

Non-Residents: $19,120 Estimated room & meals: $8,815*

There are a number of room and meal plans. The amount listed reflects an average on-campus double room and the value meal plan.

Books & other class materials: $700

Financial aid and scholarships can make the UWM experience even more affordable, and nearly 80 percent of our students receive aid. UWM also offers a variety of scholarships, including the Life Impact Program for students with dependent children and scholarships just for transfer students.

UWM: A good vALUE ANd AN EvEN

bEttER iNvEstMENt

2014-15 estimated yearly tuition and fees

:

together, aBout80%

of UWM stUdENts

receiVe more than

$271 MiLLioN

iN Aid YEARLY.

Connect.

Look: financialaid.uwm.edu Email: [email protected] Call: 414.229.4541 Tweet: Twitter.com/uwmfinaid Facebook: Facebook.com/uwmfinaid

(17)

gEt stARtEd!

Just go to

apply.wisconsin.edu

. Applications for the fall semester have a priority

deadline of March 1st. After March 1st, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions will

continue to review applications on a case-by-case basis until enrollment capacity

has been reached. Applicants interested in starting in the spring semester must

apply by December 15. Visit

admissions.uwm.edu

for details. Other questions?

Contact us at

contact.uwm.edu

.

Ready to take the next step and check us out?

PLAN A visit!

It’s the best way

to experience UWM and all it has to offer. To register, for more information or to see

events geared specifically for our adult and transfer students go to

visit.uwm.edu

.

PLAN A VISIT

REQUEST INFO

APPLY NOW

CHECKLIST

COST

ADMISSIONS

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MAR. 1

JAN. 1

MAY 1

Priority filing date for Admission Application and Financial Aid. Financial Aid application available. Deposit day/ confirmation deposits due.