MENASHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Declining enrollment is creating an uncertain future for two-year college campuses across Wisconsin.
That includes UW-Oshkosh’s Fox Cities campus.
Huddled inside a room on campus, leaders are discussing the future of the campus.
“There’s so many assets here,” said UWO Chancellor Andrew Leavitt. “With the Barlow Planetarium and the Weis [Earth Science] Museum, along with excellent faculty and staff. And so, we’re excited about the future.”
During the Fox Cities campus’s Board of Trustees meeting Monday, UW-Oshkosh made it clear it supports the Fox Cities campus — but low enrollment numbers are a growing concern.
UWO says 563 students are enrolled at the Fox Cities campus for the 2023-2024 academic year.
That includes Cinthia Fernandez, who is in her final year of school. Being from Appleton, the location of the Fox Cities campus is convenient.
“It was close to home and it’s a small community. And also it’s an easier way to meet with your professors since the classes are more small.”
UW-Oshkosh’s Fox Cities campus is partnered with both Outagamie and Winnebago counties.
“What we’re working towards is a three-way win for everybody,” said Yvonne Monfils, UWO Fox Cities board of trustees chair. “For Outagamie County, for Winnebago County and the university.”
One idea leaders have to increase enrollment is expanding what programs the Fox Cities campus has to offer. A specific idea is to add a two-year nursing degree program.
“We need to make sure it’s possible for us to do it. Certainly the need is everywhere. And so, there’s no question about that,” said Chancellor Leavitt. “And the demand is there, we just need to make sure we can do it.”
Leaders with UWO and the Fox Cities’ board of trustees also want to utilize the Barlow Planetarium to draw people to campus.
“There are thousands of elementary school students that visit the planetarium on an annual basis as part of their field trips,” added Monfils. “So it is unique.”
Nothing is set in stone, and officials will continue to explore ways to improve enrollment and secure the future for the Fox Cities campus.
Monday’s discussion comes on the heels of last month’s announcement that in-person classes will end at UW Oshkosh’s Fond du Lac campus at the end of this academic year.
