January 25, 2024
As part of the work of the College of General Studies Transformation Team (CGSTT), UWM is providing regular updates as it works toward closing the Washington County campus by June 30, 2024. These will be provided every two weeks to CGS faculty and staff and have a dedicated section in the biweekly Faculty & Staff Updates newsletter. Other updates may also be sent, as necessary, in addition to this biweekly email.
Work Group Updates
Goal 1: Plan for the end of in-person instruction on the Washington County campus
The facilities planning subgroup met on Jan. 8 and is completing inventories of Washington County assets and determining their destinations. The group will meet monthly.
The work group co-leads are working with the Washington County Student Transition Support team to gather the necessary information to complete the “Provisional Plan” for student completion alternatives as required by the Higher Learning Commission.
In addition, the work group co-leads and UWM are in the process of negotiating an agreement with Moraine Park Technical College for students who want to transfer to finish an associate degree at MPTC (for example, at MPTC’s location in West Bend near the UWM at Washington County campus). The group is exploring an agreement similar to one signed between UW-Oshkosh and MPTC. Once an agreement is in place, CGS advising will offer guidance to students.
Goal 2: Explore the future structure of the College of General Studies (CGS)
The work group has met twice since the last campus update. Each meeting focused on discussing one of the options for the future structure of CGS.
Goal 3: Plan future programming, particularly at the Waukesha Campus
The work group recently submitted a preliminary report to the CGSTT executive sponsors as directed in the group’s charge. This report covered historical enrollment trends, future enrollment opportunities and next steps for the group.
In future meetings, the work group will gather additional input from K-12 leaders and counselors, current and prospective students, and continuing education staff.
Goal 4: Develop plans for implementing any future decisions
Work group members took a tour of the Waukesha facilities on Jan. 19 to identify space needs and underused spaces. A similar visit to Washington County is planned.
Research and planning continue regarding academic approvals, accreditation requirements and governance approvals that might be needed because of decisions made by other groups. Specifically, the group will consider the need to align associate of applied science and bachelor’s degree general education requirements to achieve “one catalog” for UWM courses and improve transfer mechanisms.
These written updates to CGS employees will continue through the end of the semester. This CGS webpage will remain the source of updated information, including copies of all previous update emails.