Interest grows in Northwoods’ bachelor’s degree options

GREEN BAY – Interest in the new partnership between Nicolet College and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay has soared in recent weeks.More than 20 Northwoods residents have taken advantage of a program that lets place-bound working adults earn a bachelor’s degree closer to home. Dozens more have expressed interest in the program, which is especially beneficial to those who already have an associate degree.

The two schools are piloting a new initiative that will offer UW-Green Bay courses at Nicolet College starting this fall. Classes at Nicolet College in Rhinelander, combined with online courses and, in some cases, occasional trips to Green Bay, will enable more Northwoods residents to earn a UW-Green Bay bachelor’s degree.
While having earned an associate degree from Nicolet College or another institution will significantly increase the number of credits that will transfer to UW-Green Bay, it is not necessary.
“This program will be especially appropriate for graduates of Nicolet College who have earned their associate degrees, who have work experience and who want to turn that associate degree into a bachelor’s degree,” said Eric Craver, program manager for UW-Green Bay’s Adult Degree Program. “The program also is appropriate for adults who have other prior college credits earned from any college or university, or who are starting fresh.”
All courses offered through UW-Green Bay’s Adult Degree Program — which is coordinating the partnership — are scheduled on Saturdays or online. Many courses only meet three or four times during a semester with students staying connected through Web-based distance learning between class meetings. Nicolet College has made its resources available for all Northwoods area students enrolled in the program.
“By having the availability of a four-year degree here, it will expand the educational base of our workers in the area,” said Jim Kumber, director of the Oneida County Economic Development Corporation. “That’s going to assist our employers in getting an educated workforce.”
Enrollment is still open for the fall semester.

Information session scheduled
A free information session about the partnership and UW-Green Bay’s Adult Degree Program is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13 in Room 202 of the University Transfer Center on the Nicolet College campus, 5364 College Drive, Rhinelander. It is open to anyone interested in this new degree option. Discussion topics will include all of the various options and majors in the program, transferability of classes, the admissions process, financial aid, the use of local resources to finish the degree and other information pertaining to going to college.
For more information, or to register for the information session, call (800) 621-2313, visit www.uwgb.edu/adultdegrees/infosessions or send an e-mail to adultdegrees@uwgb.edu. To learn more about this partnership visit www.uwgb.edu/adultdegrees/northwoods.

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