Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 45.35
Liaison Wesley Enterline
Submission Date April 22, 2015
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
PA-8: Affordability and Access

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.04 / 4.00 Wesley Enterline
Sustainability Coordinator
Facilities Planning and Management
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have policies and programs in place to make it accessible and affordable to low-income students?:
Yes

A brief description of any policies and programs to minimize the cost of attendance for low-income students:

There are various grants available to UW-Whitewater students that target students below a certain threshold of EFC (expected family contribution). Examples include:
- Pell Grant: (EFC must be less than 5,101) - $602–$5,730/year
- Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant: $100–$1,000/ year (at UWW)
- WI Higher Education Grant: (EFC must be less than 4,000) - $764–$2,324/year
- WI Covenant Scholars Grant: $250-$2,500/year
- Non-Resident Grant: (EFC must be less than 12,000) - $1,000-$1,500/year (at UWW)

Work Study: Considered financial aid and is based on need and availability of
funds; funds run out quickly (at UW-Whitewater). Funds earned by rate of pay and hours worked and jobs are usually on campus (at UW-Whitewater).

Return to Wisconsin Tuition Discount: The Return to Wisconsin program was designed to encourage alumni to help keep UW-Whitewater in the family. Available at only a handful of UW campuses, Return to Wisconsin offers non-residents a 25% discount on out-of-state tuition, provided a parent, guardian, or grandparent had previously graduated from UW-Whitewater.
http://www.uww.edu/alumni/benefits/return-to-wi


A brief description of any programs to equip the institution’s faculty and staff to better serve students from low-income backgrounds:

The UW-Whitewater Inclusive Excellence (IE) Fellowship Program seeks applications from scholars, artists and educators who can contribute significantly to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Inclusive Excellence initiatives. The IE Fellowship Program supports the university’s commitment to fostering greater understanding of individual, societal and group differences at every level of university life. Fellows play a critical role in intentionally integrating those differences into the core aspects of the institution. The IE Fellowship Program offers a unique opportunity to work in a university environment that is committed to creating learning environments in which students of all backgrounds can thrive, and that demands that the ideals of inclusion, equity, diversity and excellence be pursued as interconnected and interdependent goals.
http://www.uww.edu/diversity/inclusive-excellence-fellowship-program


A brief description of any programs to prepare students from low-income backgrounds for higher education:

TRIO programs are federally funded by Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. These programs are designed to prepare low income, first generation or disabled Americans to begin and complete college. http://uwhelp.wisconsin.edu/preparing/multicultural.aspx

The King/Chavez Scholars program is designed to compliment the array of multicultural/disadvantaged programs at UW-Whitewater that serve the interests and needs of first generation/low income TRIO students. The program aims to attract and retain scholars for participation in the following: McNair Scholars Program; University Honors Program; Undergraduate Research Program. http://www.uww.edu/acadsupport/king

The Upward Bound Program is funded by a grant through the US Department of Education, and it follows the legislation provided by the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (Title IV). Its success helped support the creation of Educational Opportunity Centers, Veterans Upward Bound, and Upward Bound Math/Science in 1972; the Training Program in 1976; the Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program in 1986, and the TRIO Dissemination Project in 1998. All of these programs make up what we call "TRiO" programs. http://www.uww.edu/precollege/programs/upward-bound

Pre-College summer camps provide students entering 6th through 12th grade with a wide range of academic, career, cultural, and recreational experiences at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Campus include Reading for Success in Math & Science, College Acceleration Programs, and ACT Preparation Camp. http://www.uww.edu/precollege/programs/summer-academic-camps


A brief description of the institution's scholarships for low-income students:

There are several hundred scholarships and grant programs offered to UW-Whitewater students and many of them have requirements for demonstrated financial need. http://www.uww.edu/scholarships


A brief description of any programs to guide parents of low-income students through the higher education experience:

The First Year Experience Office has several programs geared toward all parents of students, which include connecting with campus departments that can serve in a support role for students from low-income families.

FRESHMAN/TRANSFER STUDENT ORIENTATION PROGRAM

Parents and guests are invited to join their Warhawk for Plan-It Purple. Your day will begin together, however, at mid-morning you will embark on your own Plan-It experience. While your student is spending time with other Warhawks and their Hawk Squad leader, you will have the opportunity to meet other parents and family members, administrators, faculty and staff from UW-Whitewater. You’ll hear from offices on campus including the First Year Experience, Residence Life, Dining Services, University Police, Financial Services and more. We know that family members have a lot of questions about UW-Whitewater and the Warhawk experience. As such, we’ve designed a special program just for you. So make plans to Plan-It Purple.
http://www.uww.edu/fye/family/plan-it-purple

WARHAWK SEND OFF
The Warhawk Send-Off is a way for new Warhawks and their families to connect with one another and professional UW-Whitwater staff before arriving to campus. Our campus recognizes that students and families are going through a big transition at this time and we want to celebrate this time with you! These events take place in various metropolitan areas near UW-Whitewater.
http://www.uww.edu/fye/family/send-off

FAMILY FEST
Family Fest is a time for students, faculty and staff to host loved ones on campus and enjoy all that the University of Wisconsin Whitewater has to offer!
http://www.uww.edu/fye/family/family-fest

Additionally, the Academic Advising and Exploration Center offers programs that are designed to support students transition to college life, which can disproportionally affect first-generation college students more, which typically also come from low-income backgrounds. Programs of note include:

PATHWAY FOR SUCCESS
The Pathway for Success program demonstrates UW-Whitewater's commitment of ensuring the academic success of students by providing additional support and assistance during the critical first year of their degree program.

Students will find faculty and staff devoted to assisting them in making the most of their learning experience including establishing a strong academic base. The program provides cohesive and supportive services that help students transition into the university environment, develop self-responsibility and encourage motivation for learning all while students establish their individual educational goals.
http://www.uww.edu/aaec/pathway-for-success


A brief description of any targeted outreach to recruit students from low-income backgrounds:

Wheels to Whitewater: The Wheels to Whitewater program focuses on recruitment of students from the Milwaukee Public Schools district. Wheels to Whitewater is designed to give multicultural students the opportunity to visit the UW-Whitewater campus, while also exposing them to specific areas such as Admissions, Academic Advising, Athletics, Financial Aid, and Multicultural Affairs and Student Success. This comes at no cost to the high schools; UW-Whitewater funds transportation and meals. Historically, the program serves 325-400 students each year.

Precollege Programs: The Office of Pre-College Programs administers the Upward Bound Program, Pre-College Academic Camps, and the Saturday College Program. The Upward Bound Program—funded by the U.S. Department of Education—provides academic advising, tutoring, mentoring, and a 6-week summer academic enrichment experience to 68 college-bound high school students each year from targeted schools in Milwaukee and Racine. The Pre-College Summer Camps—funded largely by the State of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction—provide 200-300 low-income, first generation, and URM students with academic, career, and cultural activities in one-, two-, or three-week residential experiences.

Warhawk Premiere Day: Designed to provide a glimpse into life at UW-Whitewater, this open house offers a chance to meet with members of the academic community, discover support services available to students, tour campus, and eat in the dining facility.


A brief description of other admissions policies or programs to make the institution accessible and affordable to low-income students:

Several Diversity Intramural Grant Programs fall under the umbrella of Inclusive Excellence, which addresses needs of students from underrepresented minority groups and from low-income backgrounds.

Whitewater Inclusive Excellence Initiatives Programs: The Office of the Provost is now accepting proposals for the Inclusive Excellence Initiatives Program. The purpose of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Inclusive Excellence Initiatives Program is to fund, on a one time basis, projects supporting equity, diversity and inclusion on the UW-Whitewater campus. Projects will be funded for amounts between $500 and $10,000. Funding will supplement, not supplant, other University of Wisconsin-Whitewater or University of Wisconsin System initiatives and/or programs.

System Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion [EDI] Closing the Achievement Gap Program: This grant program supports practical and innovative programs that are effective in redressing the gaps in access, learning, and academic achievement that currently exist among students from historically underrepresented populations. Through these grant funds, the UW system seeks to advance greater equality, inclusion, and excellence across its institutions.

Extention Diversity Program Development Initiative: The University of Wisconsin-Extension seeks proposals to provide start-up support for new ventures that are consistent with the Extension goals and initiatives. Funds are intended to assist University of Wisconsin institutions in developing and implementing pilot programs that advance diversity and inclusivity.


A brief description of other financial aid policies or programs to make the institution accessible and affordable to low-income students:

The difference between the Cost of Attendance and the Expected Family Contribution is considered financial need. The Financial Aid Office will assist students and their families in trying to meet their financial need by offering a combination of grants, loans, and employment opportunities. Students who have no financial need are eligible to be considered for non-need based loans and employment.


A brief description of other policies and programs to make the institution accessible and affordable to low-income students not covered above:

No other policies or programs not already noted above.


Does the institution have policies and programs in place to support non-traditional students?:
Yes

A brief description of any scholarships provided specifically for part-time students:

No, federal and state financial aid can be disbursed to students enrolled at least half time, but there are no ‘targeted’ dollars for part time students.


A brief description of any onsite child care facilities, partnerships with local facilities, and/or subsidies or financial support to help meet the child care needs of students:

The Children's Center offers year round, full day year round child care for children from ages 3 months up to 6 years and a Summer School Aged Camp for children entering the 1st through 5th grades. Our program’s philosophy is that children learn through hands on inquiry based open ended activities. We defend our children’s right to play and believe that play is their work. We follow a Reggio Inspired Approach to teaching by viewing every child as capable and competent and our children’s families as their first teachers and partners in the learning process. Our program’s curriculum is child centered and initiated and we utilize the Project Approach to implement our curriculum. http://www.uww.edu/childrenscenter/


A brief description of other policies and programs to support non-traditional students:

Adult Student Outreach is dedicated to helping each adult student find information, connections, and motivation to achieve his or her educational goals. http://www.uww.edu/aso

The Nontraditional Student Recognition Award was established to recognize a nontraditional student on our campus. It recognizes the nontraditional student’s academic commitment, leadership, and significant contributions to the university community while managing the multiple life roles of a nontraditional student.

Concern for Adults Returning to Education (CARE) Recognition is for UW-Whitewater faculty or staff members who show sensitivity to the diverse learning styles, experiences, and multifaceted lives of nontraditional undergraduate students. Faculty or staff members nominated for this support and enrich the student experience by accepting the unique qualities and challenges that adult students bring to campus.

The Adult Student Services Coordinator key responsibility is to provide one-on-one attention to encourage and coordinate support for you as an adult learner. Some of the valuable services provided include support services to meet your unique needs as an adult student and help to enhance your experience at UW-W, programs and services that help you connect to the campus community such as Plan-It-Purple orientation/registration and advising program, and guidance and support to assist you with the transition while understanding you have other responsibilities such as employment and family obligations.

Adult Students Connections is a dedicated group that aim to support each other on their educational journeys by communicating via email and Facebook.

Non-Trad Pad: The Non Trad Pad is located near the Career and Leadership Offices, past the bay of computers and Bailey Interview Center. It is tucked in the corner near the fireplace. Stop in for as little or as long as your busy schedule allows. It is casual and a fun way to meet other nontraditional students on campus.

In addition, the Talbots Charitable Foundation is proud to present a scholarship program for women looking to return to college later in life. And, the Denise Bertucci Memorial Scholarship was founded to award nontraditional students - those returning to school after a break in their formal education.

There are other various scholarship opportunities available to non-traditional students: http://www.uww.edu/aso/scholarships


Does the institution wish to pursue Part 2 of this credit (accessibility and affordability indicators)?:
Yes

Indicators that the institution is accessible and affordable to low-income students::
Percentage (0-100)
The percentage of entering students that are low-income 29.70
The graduation/success rate for low-income students 51.80
The percentage of student financial need met, on average 60
The percentage of students graduating with no interest-bearing student loan debt 62

The percentage of students that participate in or directly benefit from the institution’s policies and programs to support low-income and non-traditional students:
35

The website URL where information about the institution's affordability and access programs is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

http://www.uww.edu/scholarships
http://www.uww.edu/diversity/grants-and-awards

A reliable source for the percentage of students that participate in or directly benefit from the institution’s policies and programs to support low-income and non-traditional students was not available, so the following assumptions were made: 29.7% of students enter as low-income, according to reported statistics. Furthermore, the Adult Student Outreach Office website reports serving anywhere from 900 to over 1000 students classified as "non-traditional" (900 over the age of 25, but non-traditional includes other classifications, such as students that work full-time or have children). Therefore, the assumption that approximately 10% of the student population meets the criteria of non-traditional and, assuming some degree of overlap between the groups, the final percentage for this criteria was determined to be 35%. If more reliable information is identified, this metric will be updated.


http://www.uww.edu/scholarships
http://www.uww.edu/diversity/grants-and-awards

A reliable source for the percentage of students that participate in or directly benefit from the institution’s policies and programs to support low-income and non-traditional students was not available, so the following assumptions were made: 29.7% of students enter as low-income, according to reported statistics. Furthermore, the Adult Student Outreach Office website reports serving anywhere from 900 to over 1000 students classified as "non-traditional" (900 over the age of 25, but non-traditional includes other classifications, such as students that work full-time or have children). Therefore, the assumption that approximately 10% of the student population meets the criteria of non-traditional and, assuming some degree of overlap between the groups, the final percentage for this criteria was determined to be 35%. If more reliable information is identified, this metric will be updated.

The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.