The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee will host the annual “UWM Rhetoric & _____ Conference: Practicing Rhetoric in New Contexts,” a dynamic event showcasing the power of language and the promise of dual enrollment. This half-day conference brings together around 140 Milwaukee-area high school students enrolled in UWM English 101 courses taught at their high schools through UWM’s Office of Dual Enrollment.
Media are invited to attend and cover the workshop, which will take place Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. Media can stop by anytime during the event.
To enhance their experience taking English 101 at their high schools, students will participate in interactive workshops led by UWM English faculty, exploring topics like Rhetoric & Hip-Hop, Rhetoric & Cancel Culture, Rhetoric & Comics and even Rhetoric & the Zombie Apocalypse.
The conference offers students a chance to experience college life firsthand, explore the relevance of rhetoric in modern culture and build confidence in their academic journey. It’s a powerful example of how dual enrollment can inspire students to pursue higher education and see themselves as future college graduates.
“This conference is more than just a day of learning, it’s a celebration of student voice and intellectual curiosity,” said Kathleen Breuer, UWM senior manager of dual enrollment. “We want students to see themselves as UWM students, and events like this help bridge the gap between high school and higher education.”
The conference is part of UWM’s commitment to expanding access to college through dual enrollment, allowing students to earn college credit while still in high school — often at little or no cost. Courses are taught either by UWM instructors or credentialed high school teachers.
Media are encouraged to attend to observe sessions, interview students and faculty, and capture the energy of this unique educational experience.
Media access
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event, which will take place at UWM’s Curtin Hall Room 175, 3203 N. Downer Ave., Milwaukee. Students, faculty and program organizers will be available for interviews. Please RSVP by email to media-services-team@uwm.edu.