Adult STUDENT Guidebook

Transcription

1 Adult STUDENT Guidebook

2 NEARLY 90% of 2013 grads say uwm offered an education 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 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. What s inside 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. 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 guide.uwm.edu 1

4 endless Possibilities 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: The School of Freshwater Sciences is the first in America and one of just three in the world. UWM s Peck School of the Arts is 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 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. Chart Your Path 1,70 0 professors/ instructors 1:18 Ratio 2 guide.uwm.edu

5 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-professional programs: Chiropractic Medicine Dentistry Law Medicine Optometry Pharmacy Physician Assistant Podiatry Veterinary Medicine Nursing Helen Bader School of Social Welfare Criminal Justice Social Work For a full list of every academic offering available visit uwm.edu/academics. guide.uwm.edu 3

6 Flexible Learning that fits your busy life We re not just a 9-to-5 kind of place. No matter what your schedule, we ve got options: 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 4 guide.uwm.edu 700+ ONLINE COURSES TO CHOOSE FROM 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.

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 I knew UWM was right for me when I could get a high-quality degree in a non-traditional way. 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 guide.uwm.edu 5

8 Brendon Dorn Milwaukee, Wisconsin Economics 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. Accelerate Your career 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. 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 6 guide.uwm.edu 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

9 The Employment Forecast fast-growing, in-demand careers 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. Accounting, Auditing & Actuarial Science Explore Accounting, Actuarial Science, Economics Intern here Baird, Ernst & Young, Kohler Architecture Explore Architecture Intern here Eppstein Uhen, HGA, Perkins + Will, Plunkett Raysich, SOM Computer Engineering Explore Engineering & Applied Science Intern here Johnson Controls, Quad Graphics, Rockwell Automation Creative Industries Explore Arts Intern here Cannes Film Festival, Discovery World, Milwaukee Art Museum Healthcare & Nursing Explore Health Sciences, Pre-Med, Nursing Intern here Aurora Health Care, Children s Hospital of Wisconsin, The Milwaukee Brewers, Wheaton Franciscan Hospitals Human Resources Explore Human Resources Management, Communication Intern here Brady Corporation, Harley-Davidson, Manpower K-8 Education Explore Education Intern here Boys & Girls Clubs, Milwaukee Public Schools, Urban Ecology Center Law Enforcement Explore Criminal Justice, Psychology Intern here Milwaukee Intelligence Fusion Center, Wisconsin Dept. of Corrections, U.S. Secret Service Network & Data Analysis Explore IT Management, Information Sciences & Technology, Math Intern here GE Healthcare, National Security Agency, Northwestern Mutual Marketing & PR Explore Journalism, Advertising & Public Relations, Marketing Intern here Laughlin Constable, Miller Park, State of Wisconsin Social & Community Service Management Explore Social Welfare, Sociology, Urban Studies Intern here Pathfinders, Running Rebels, Milwaukee County Bureau of Child Welfare Translation & interpreting Explore Languages, Global Studies, Study Abroad Programs Intern here verson Language Associates, Milwaukee Jewish Museum, Southern Wisconsin Interpreting and Translation Services 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. guide.uwm.edu 7

10 James cocroft Sr. Jefferson, Wisconsin Information Science & Technology James cocroft JR. St. Louis, Missouri Biological Sciences 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. We re here to Help you succeed 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: 8 guide.uwm.edu 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?

11 transfer.uwm.edu 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 contact.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: or UWMlook@uwm.edu. 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 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 guide.uwm.edu 9

12 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: 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. 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: or UWMlook@uwm.edu. 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 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 10 guide.uwm.edu

13 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: 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 classroom life? UWM offers free tutoring for more than 120 freshman- and sophomore-level courses. Your path to becoming a Panther: 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 Contact our adult student admission advisors with any questions: or UWMlook@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. guide.uwm.edu 11

14 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: 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. 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 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 Military Education Benefits Office with any questions: or vets@uwm.edu. 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 m Apply for military education benefits and financial aid. Learn more, including eligibility requirements, at uwm.edu/mebo. Mentors You ll have your own peer mentor, a current UWM student employee who can answer any questions related to your transition to UWM. All veterans are strongly encouraged to apply for financial aid in addition to VA Benefits 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 12 guide.uwm.edu

15 Chris Horsley South Milwaukee, Wisconsin Human Resource Management; Supply Chain Management 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. 1,500 + MILITARY VETERANS, ACTIVE-DUTY SERVICEMEMBERS SPOUSES, DEPENDENTS ATTEND UWM 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. 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 non-degree advisors with any questions: or UWMlook@uwm.edu. 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 m Complete and submit the online application for admission at apply.wisconsin.edu. There is no application fee for non-degree-seeking students. guide.uwm.edu 13

16 UWM: A good value and an even BETTER INVESTMENT 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 rates again for this coming year. 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. Connect. Look: financialaid.uwm.edu Finaid@uwm.edu Call: Tweet: Twitter.com/uwmfinaid Facebook: Facebook.com/uwmfinaid estimated yearly tuition and fees: Wisconsin residents: $9,390 Minnesota residents: $13,020 MSEP states 1 : $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: $ guide.uwm.edu together, about 80% of uwm students receive more than $271 million in aid yearly.

17 2015 Jan. 1 Mar. 1 May 1 Financial Aid application available. Priority filing date for Admission Application and Financial Aid. Deposit day/ confirmation deposits due. All application materials needing to be mailed can be sent to: UWM Undergraduate Admissions P.O. Box 749 Milwaukee WI MILWAUKEE: MOST EXCITING CITY IN AMERICA Movoto Real Estate Blog 85% of UWM grads live in metro Milwaukee nt awesome icons visit.uwm.edu 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. APPLY NOW ADMISSIONS PLAN A VISIT guide.uwm.edu 15

18 #1 in a 6-state region for number of student veterans 600 Employers in the Neighborhoods Surrounding UWM

19 UWM S STUDENTS PROVIDE 19,000+ HOURS OF SERVICE LEARNING IN THE MILWAUKEE COMMUNITY EVERY YEAR 6 9 of the FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES IN WISCONSIN ARE LOCATED IN THE MILWAUKEE METRO AREA Stay connected! Keep up to date and connect with other future Panthers at facebook.com/ UWMTransferStudents.

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