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The UW Central Wisconsin Connection

Overview

This document formalizes the means for facilitating the creation of a strong connection for the students at the UW Colleges of Marshfield/Wood County and Marathon County with the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. There is convincing evidence that the longer students are enrolled at the UW Colleges before transferring to UWSP the more likely they are to graduate. This connection outlines options for students to remain enrolled at the UW Colleges until such time as it becomes practical to transfer to UW-Stevens Point, and provides those students that choose to enroll concurrently at the UW Colleges and UW-Stevens Point with the rights and privileges of both institutions. 

1.    Freshman Connection Dual Admission and Enrollment

Students admitted to the University of Wisconsin-Marathon County and the University of Wisconsin-Marshfield/Wood County may also be eligible for admission to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, under a dual admission agreement, The UW Central Wisconsin Connection. Students who apply and are accepted into this program, may take courses in one, two or all three institutions that will count toward the baccalaureate degree, subject to the following provision:

Students whose primary enrollment is at UW-Marathon County or UW-Marshfield/Wood County and who are accepted into the UW Central Wisconsin Connection Program either as freshmen or sophomores are expected to complete a minimum of 42 credits at their home campus.

2.      Sophomore Connection Joint admissions agreement

Students admitted to UW-Marathon County or UW-Marshfield/Wood County, but not admitted to UW-Stevens Point as freshmen, are eligible to apply to UW-Stevens Point for admission to the UW Central Wisconsin Connection Program after completion of the following:

Earning a minimum of 30 credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above

Completion of the following UW Colleges general education courses with a “C” or better:    

a.     The equivalent of the UW-Stevens Point freshman English requirement (3-6 credits required)

b.     One math course (Math 105 or higher)

c.     2 science courses (including 1 lab course)

d.     12 credits of social science or humanities courses

3.  Freshman and Sophomore Connection

A.    Benefits of Freshman and Sophomore Connection

     There are a number of benefits available to students who choose to enroll concurrently at the UW Colleges and UW-Stevens Point. Students dually enrolled will receive:

An e-mail account at UW-Stevens Point as well as UW-Marathon County and/or UW-Marshfield/Wood County

Library privileges at all three campuses

Eligibility for on-campus housing at UW-Stevens Point and UW-Marathon County

Passes to UW-Stevens Point athletic events (fee required)

Academic advising from UW-Stevens Point and UW-Marathon County or UW-Marshfield/Wood County

IDs from UW-Stevens Point as well as UW-Marathon County or UW-Marshfield/Wood County

Access to recreational facilities at all campuses

Access to health services, counseling, and career advising at UW-Stevens Point

Access to health insurance through UW-Stevens Point (fee required and enrollment for minimum of 5 credits)

Participation in intramural programs at all campuses

Participation in cultural events at all campuses (fee required)

Participation by UW-Stevens Point students in varsity sports at UW-Marathon County or UW-Marshfield/Wood County

B.    UW-Stevens Point Admission Under Freshman and Sophomore Connection

Admission to UW-Stevens Point and admission to a specific program of study are separate. Some programs may have higher or more specific admission requirements. Students are encouraged to meet with an advisor and/or consult the UW-Stevens Point course catalog and the Transfer Information System (TIS) to select courses to meet specific requirements for their intended major and degree (i.e., Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Fine Arts).

4.  Guaranteed Transfer Agreement

Based on the UW System-wide Guaranteed Transfer Agreement now in place, students who do not qualify for admission to UW-Stevens Point as new freshmen or who are not admitted to the UW Central Wisconsin Connection Program, but who complete 54 credits with a GPA of 2.0 or higher, are still eligible for admission to UW-Stevens Point. However, admission to UW-Stevens Point does not guarantee admission to a specific program of study, as certain majors may require a higher GPA.

5.  Automatic Admission

UW-Stevens Point, UW-Marathon County and UW-Marshfield/Wood County will grant automatic admission to the UW Central Wisconsin Connection to applicants who are graduates of the surrounding nine-county area high schools who are:

in the top 25% of their class; and

have completed the required 17 UW System core college prep credits: 4 English, 3 Mathematics, 3 Social Science, 3 Natural Science, and 4 Elective Credits from the approved list.

Summary of Benefits to Students

This program:

creates a strong connection between students at UW-Marathon County and UW-Marshfield/Wood County with UW-Stevens Point early in their college careers;

encourages UW-Marathon County and UW-Marshfield/Wood County students to maintain their primary enrollment at these campuses through their sophomore year;

creates opportunities for additional advising and career guidance to help ensure a smooth transition to UW-Stevens Point; 

provides UW-Stevens Point students with additional educational and extra-curricular opportunities at UW-Marathon County and UW-Marshfield/Wood County; and 

provides more awareness of the campus life, services and opportunities provided by UW-Stevens Point.

The appropriate staff members of UW-Marshfield/Wood County, UW-Marathon County, and UW-Stevens Point will work together on the implementation of these programs.