NWTC and UW-Green Bay Partner to Expand Transfer Opportunities for Students

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) and UW-Green Bay will offer new transfer opportunities for learners to earn Associate of Arts and Associate of Arts and Science degrees.

The two institutions of higher education partnered in an announcement at a press conference at the Brown County STEM Innovation Center, located on the UW-Green Bay campus, April 11, 2022.

For the first time, students can begin their bachelor’s degree at NWTC with the new, two-year transfer program. After completing the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree – with focus on the foundational general studies necessary for the attainment of a bachelor’s degree – students can transfer to UW-Green Bay as a junior status.

In his remarks, UW-Green Bay Chancellor Alexander quoted Paul Tough, an author, speaker and journalist who brings to light the glaring injustices of higher education… “Tough says, ‘Our goal should be to create clear, inexpensive pathways after high school that would allow millions more young Americans to get the education they need for a successful life, whether that’s a certificate in HVAC technology or a doctorate in quantum engineering,’ of which we don’t offer,” joked Alexander.

UW-Green Bay and NWTC have long held to the the notion that despite coming from two different systems (UW System and Technical College System), they should partner in higher education pathways.

With the mascots flanking the college presidents, NWTC President Rafn said, “We are birds of a feather, that flock together. Together we will rise. Together we will soar.” Higher education is as much about access as it is success, Rafn said.

Saving students thousands in tuition costs and providing guaranteed transfer as a junior status, the new transfer program will provide affordable and accessible pathways to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Courses will be offered in a variety of modalities for flexible learning options.

“We are thrilled that we are able to create more robust and direct transfer pathways between our institutions that make sense for students and expand the ecosystem of higher education in Northeast Wisconsin,” said UW-Green Bay Chancellor Michael Alexander. “This progress honors the great education that is happening at the technical colleges in our region and provides equitable transfer from technical college degrees into further education at UW-Green Bay. It provides access and opportunity for more students to expand their education beyond high school.”