University of Wisconsin–Waukesha

The University of Wisconsin–Waukesha County is a two-year college located in Waukesha, in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. A campus of the University of Wisconsin Colleges, it is part of the University of Wisconsin System. The dean is Harry Muir. Like the other UW Colleges' campuses, UW-Waukesha's land and buildings belong to a local government unit, in this case Waukesha County. As part of the local-state partnership, the University of Wisconsin provides faculty, staff, educational programs, technology, furnishings, libraries, and supplies.

History

Waukesha County purchased the 86-acre (35 ha) campus from William J. and Blanche Hughes, in March 1965. The first buildings on the campus were erected in 1966 on an 86-acre site near the geographic center of Waukesha County. The first classes met in fall 1966 at Mt. St. Paul Seminary because the new buildings were not ready for occupancy. In December 1966 the campus opened in its current location, beginning with Northview Hall, the Field House, and the Commons. Southview Hall opened in February 1969, and both the Administration Building and an extension to Northview Hall, were added in 1978. The Fine Arts Center, with its 337-seat Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, came in 1987. In 1992, a computer center, and a new entryway to Northview Hall added 5,000 square feet (460 m²) to buildings on the campus.

In celebration of the campus's 30th anniversary, the Student Commons was completely remodeled and Westview Hall was added. Dedicated on September 8, 1996, the $5.7 million project added 20,000 square feet (1,900 m²) to the Commons and renovated an existing 29,000 square feet (2,700 m²). Along with expanded space for the student lounge, student activities, student services and study center offices, a dining area and re-located bookstore were added.

In 2001, a new gym floor was installed in the Field House, and the building was remodeled and expanded to include three classrooms and a fitness center, adding 9,885 square feet (918.3 m²).

To preserve a natural environment for educational use, Gertrude Sherman donated a 92-acre (37 ha) field station, located approximately 10 miles (16 km) west of the main campus, to the university in 1967. The former farm land is being restored to native prairie and woods, and it harbors the UW System's only large wood-fired kiln, and as well as a smaller one. In 2001 a 3,000-square-foot (280 m²) classroom building was constructed on the site. The Gertrude Sherman Building includes one general classroom and one devoted to art. The Wildlife in Need Center moved its headquarters to the field station site in 2011.^[1]

Students, through their segregated fee, support services to students such as day-care reimbursement and a peer tutoring program, managed by the Academic Success Center.

Campus

UW-Waukesha's land and buildings belong to Waukesha County, which purchased the 86-acre (35 ha) land from William J. Hughes and his wife, Blanche I. Fischer Hughes, in March 1965. As part of a local-state partnership, the University of Wisconsin provides faculty, staff, educational programs, technology, furnishings, libraries, and supplies.

Student profile

About 2,000 students attend each fall and spring semester and another 1,000 take summer classes. Many community residents are involved in the campus non-credit classes offered through Continuing Education.

Enrollment for fall 2013 ^[2]

• Headcount: 2,155 credit; FTE 1,569 credit; 2,907 non-credit
  • Full-time: 47%
  • Part-time: 53%
  • Female:47%
  • Male: 53%
  • Ethnic minority: 9%
  • Receiving financial aid: 43%

Curriculum

UW-Waukesha's curriculum covers the three broad areas of humanities, natural and mathematical sciences, and social sciences. The school offers a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences ^[3] but many students go on to receive their bachelor's degree at other institutions.^[4]

Extracurricular activities

Students can participate in a variety of co-curricular activities ranging from athletics and intramural sports to the student newspaper, The Observer. Student clubs range from drama, ecology, literary to philosophy. In addition, the Student Activities Committee (ACT) plans noon-time entertainment, movie/video nights, fall fest, and spring fling. Student Government (SGA) is the official representative and legislative body for all students.

Notable faculty

• Edward Jackamonis, speaker of the Wisconsin State Assembly
• Neal Nelson, Hall of Fame coach.

Notable Alumni

• George Arndt, Anesthesiologist at UW School of Medicine and Public Health
• David Elmer, CPA at Pewaukee CPA Firm
• Kathleen Falk, Regional Director of Region 5, U.S. Health and Human Services
• Brad Schimel, Attorney General of the State of Wisconsin
• Dan Vrakas, Waukesha County Executive
• J.J. Watt, active NFL player.

References

External links

• University of Wisconsin–Waukesha