MADISON— The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents is tapping into statewide communications networks to facilitate a dialogue about freshman admissions policy. The university launched a special website where people can review a draft policy and share comments.
The Board in December 2006 postponed action on a system-wide policy that would update and clarify admissions guidelines, some of which date back nearly 35 years. Under the updated policy, UW campuses would have clear guidelines for performing a comprehensive, individualized review of every applicant. The policy reflects common practices of top U.S. universities, including UW-Madison.
“UW students aren’t numbers — they’re people. We are updating this policy so that our admissions officers can give each applicant the personal consideration they deserve, for the good of students, the university and the state,” said Board of Regents President David G. Walsh. “Before we vote on that policy, we want to engage with future students, families and all taxpayers. We want them to understand the facts about this policy, and we value the opportunity to hear their voices.”
Five UW campuses will host a statewide educational forum about the policy on Monday, Jan. 29, from 4–7 p.m. The session will be carried over videoconferencing networks to facilitate live interaction between residents of several Wisconsin communities and presenters located at The Pyle Center in Madison.
Residents, prospective students and elected officials are invited to participate in person at any of the locations, or to watch the video broadcast at 4 p.m. through http://www.wisconsin.edu/admissions. Sites for the Jan. 29 educational forum include:
- UW-Eau Claire, Room 1132, Old Library, 105 Garfield Ave.;
- UW-Green Bay, Room 137, Mary Ann Cofrin Hall, 2420 Nicolet Dr.;
- UW-Madison, Room 235, The Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St.;
- UW-Milwaukee, Wisconsin Room, UWM Union, 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd.; and
- UW-Stevens Point, Room D279 Science Bldg., 2001 Fourth Ave.
The forum will begin with a brief presentation from UW representatives. Participants will then be invited to share comments and questions about the policy.
Details about the admissions policy and this educational forum are available at http://www.wisconsin.edu/admissions. The special site contains the full text of the policy and answers to frequently asked questions. The site also offers an opportunity for residents to e-mail their comments to the Board before or after the public forum.
“There is a place in Wisconsin’s public university system for any student who wants a UW education and is willing to work hard to earn their degree,” Reilly said. “In the end, our UW admissions policy will help Wisconsin keep its best and brightest students, and position this university to build a 21st-century workforce for Wisconsin’s knowledge economy.”