Press Release
WITC and UW-Superior have partnered to offer flexible, online University Transfer Degree – Associate to Bachelor’s programs aimed at increasing access to higher education in northwest Wisconsin. According to the Lumina Foundation, the Northern Wisconsin attainment rate is 38%, while the state average is 53%. The attainment rate is the proportion of the population aged 25-64 with an education credential beyond a high school diploma. With this new partnership, WITC and UW-Superior will work to close the attainment gap by expanding and maximizing access to postsecondary education in Northern Wisconsin.
Also See: WITC will become Northwood Technical College (Northwood Tech, for short) effective August 2, 2021
With this unique partnership, the University Transfer Degree – Associate to Bachelor’s programs allow students to combine classes from both WITC and UW-Superior to earn either an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree from WITC. The collaboration allows each college to continue to do what they do best in their respective areas to provide a well-rounded experience for the student.
Front row, left to right: UW-Superior Chancellor Renée Wachter, WITC President John Will.
“The agreement builds on a long-standing and robust partnership between the institutions as together we serve the people of Northern Wisconsin and enable them to achieve their professional and personal goals,” shared UW-Superior Chancellor Renée Wachter. “The seamless ability of a student to continue on, with no lost time, helps to lower costs for students and accelerate their degree completion.”
“Although students will technically be attending classes between two different colleges, the admission process is student-focused and relatively seamless,” said Pam Brunclik, Dean of Academic Programs. “Students work through WITC for the admissions and financial aid processes, and due to the partnership agreement parameters, no entrance exams and little or no placement exams are necessary to take classes at UW-Superior. Collaborative advisement helps students choose the best courses to complete their degree based on their chosen career path.”
WITC’s University Transfer Degree – Associate to Bachelor’s programs are designed to prepare students to enter baccalaureate programs at junior status by completing their general education requirements. Upon successful completion of either of the programs, qualified graduates are guaranteed transfer to UW-Superior, with the option to transfer to many other universities.
“One of the most exciting part of this agreement is that graduates are able to transfer up to 72 credits,” said Brunclik. “It will open the door to so many opportunities.”
“The WITC University Transfer Degree program provides me with the opportunity to continue my education at the university of my choosing after earning my associate degree,” said Bill Thompson, WITC student. “I plan to transfer to UW-Superior and study pre-law, then I will move on to law school.”
Students in the University Transfer Degree programs can do their classes from anywhere through either ‘online’ or ‘online live’ classes. With online live classes, students join into a live class virtually at a schedule time to interact with their instructor and classmates, whereas online classes provide structured deadlines for assignments as well as flexibility due to no scheduled class time.
“Due to family or work obligations, many students need flexibility in their class schedule,” explained Brunclik. “The option to complete general education classes online will make college a possibility for more people throughout the WITC District and beyond.”
“This powerful partnership between two strong higher education institutions in the north ensures that students can successfully access and complete academic credentials to enhance their future employability and advanced educational options,” Dr. Maria Cuzzo, UW-Superior’s Interim Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, further explained. “It’s a win-win for everyone and embodies the Wisconsin Idea.”
For those who seek a traditional college experience, there will still be opportunities for onsite classes. Select classes are offered on WITC main campuses in either Ashland, New Richmond, Rice Lake or Superior and at the outreach centers in Ladysmith, Hayward and Balsam Lake. Students in these programs have the opportunity to live in campus-provided housing in the Ashland, Rice Lake or Superior areas, and participate in campus events and student life opportunities through WITC or UW-Superior.
The first step to get admitted is to fill out a WITC application, and WITC will guide you from there. For more information or to apply, visit www.witc.edu.
WITC is grateful to all its community partnerships. Your support of the WITC Foundation is essential to student success. For information on how to contribute, visit witc.edu/donate.
WITC will become Northwood Technical College in August 2021. A nationally top-ranked college and a designated 2020-21 Military Friendly® School, WITC serves the educational and career needs of more than 15,000 residents of Northwestern Wisconsin each year. With multiple campuses, WITC offers career-focused associate degree programs, technical diplomas, short-term certificates, customized business training, and a wide array of courses for personal or career enrichment. WITC is a member of the Wisconsin Technical College System and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org). For more information, call 800.243.WITC or visit witc.edu. WITC is an Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer and Educator.
[Featured photo: Left to right: Nick Danz, Dean of Academic Affairs; Jeremy Nere, Executive Director of Admissions; Jena Vogtman, Associate VP of Marketing and Communications and Superior Campus Administrator; Jenice Meyer, Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Officer; Janie Campbell, Interim Registrar/Transfer Specialist; Pam Brunclik, Dean of Academic Programs; Christy Roshell, Curriculum and Articulation Coordinator.]
Last Update: May 26, 2021 3:38 pm CDT
