University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is located along the Chippewa River in the center of Eau Claire, the largest city in western part of the state. The university’s campus and surrounding area offer students an exceptional four-year college experience at one of the top public regional universities in the Midwest. Students at UW-Eau Claire are encouraged to think globally and act locally to support and serve their community. The campus is surrounded by rivers and bike trails as well as shopping and entertainment. It is also one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful campuses, deemed as safe and friendly.

UW-Eau Claire was founded in 1916 and has, from the start, provided students with small classes facilitated by talented professors who use cutting-edge programs. The endless opportunities provided to students allow them to get involved with the world around them and support them in their endeavors. There are roughly 11,000 undergraduate students who attend the university, as well as 600 graduate students. International students are very welcome to join the UW-Eau Claire family.

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Information Summary

Ranks 9th in Wisconsin and 432nd overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	87.7
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$20,349
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT 75%ile scores	26
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	24 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	81% / 100%
Enrollment Total (all students)	11,604

Academics

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire offers academic degrees from four different colleges. The well-rounded offerings allow students to explore the field they want to immerse their studies into while dabbling in other subjects as well.

College of Arts and Sciences

The UW-Eau Claire College of Arts and Sciences offers degrees in areas such as art, computer science, English, mathematics, history, and theater, among others. The courses expose students to the humanities, arts, and natural and social sciences. The college’s core values include giving students the opportunities to develop higher level skills such as analysis, synthesis, application, and critical thinking. They believe in helping students strengthen their communication skills and abilities, as well as develop an in-depth understanding of human experience and the natural world. The College of Arts and Sciences encompasses the broadest base of programs at the university, providing students with 18 departments and a few interdisciplinary programs.

College of Business

The motto for UW-Eau Claire’s College of Business is, We Prepare You for Success. The College of Business believes that success is a personal goal and their jobs, as faculty and staff, is to help students achieve their targets. They provide students with the academic knowledge that is necessary be successful in the fields of accounting, finance, business communications, management and marketing, information systems, and health care administration, just to name a few. The College helps students acquire the personal skills that they will need to communicate clearly and concisely.

College of Education and Human Sciences

At UW-Eau Claire’s College of Education and Human Sciences, students delve into the fields of education, communication sciences and disorders, kinesiology, and social work. They believe in developing collaborative, innovative, interdisciplinary leaders who inform their practices through scholarly inquiry. They prepare students to serve their communities and promote equity, diversity, and inclusiveness.

College of Nursing and Health Sciences

At the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, students are able to explore degrees in nursing, environmental health, public health, and more. An emphasis is placed on promoting the health and well-being of local communities and environments. Students receive ample clinical experiences at local clinics, long-term care facilities, hospitals, and retirement communities. Particular attention is paid to the underserved populations in their community.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Admissions

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire campus welcomes first year students from high school, transfer students, international, and graduate students into their schools for a great education. The university provides prospective students with a “College Checklist” that can be downloaded from their admissions website, outlining what is needed to apply for student slot. UW-Eau Claire accepts college prep credits students accrued while still in high school. Transcripts are needed for verification purposes. Campus visits and tours are highly recommended.

Financial Aid

UW-Eau Claire provides students with many opportunities to gain financial assistance to pay for their college educations. Financial aid officers are readily available to support students as they find out different options. There are loans, grants, scholarships, and student employment opportunities available, as well as an ROTC program.

Students from Minnesota wishing to attend UW-Eau Claire are also eligible to pay what the Minnesota State University System is required to pay for their tuition. This reciprocity is between the two states of Wisconsin and Minnesota.

UW-Eau Claire also offers discounted out-of-state tuition rates for grandchildren and children of UW-Eau Claire alumni. This benefit is called the Return to Wisconsin Program. The candidates are held to the same admissions standards as others. All student fees will be paid at full rate for qualifying students. The student or qualifying relative must be a legal resident of a state other than Minnesota or Wisconsin.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 2883rd for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Wisconsin.

Students

At the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, there are many opportunities for students to get involved with campus life. Many students live in residence halls, where community is built almost immediately among roommates, hall-mates, and dorm-mates. There is a Student Senate, as well as a whole host of different student organizations to join, ranging from academic, athletic, and interest-based to charity, political and fun-focused groups. There are also religious services provided at the Ecumenical Religious Center, for students of all backgrounds and beliefs.

Housing and Residence Life organizations are also available for students:

Residence Hall Association

The Residence Hall Association, or RHA, is the student government organization that represents all students living in the UW-Eau Claire dorms.

National Residence Hall Honorary

The NRHH recognizes and honors residents who have demonstrated exceptional leadership on campus within the dorms.

Peer Diversity Educators

The PDE is a Housing and Residence Life organization that sponsors interactive programs focusing on issues surrounding diversity.

Global Learning Community

The GLC is housed in Katherine Thomas Hall and is a positive living community that bridges the gap between the classroom and where students reside.

Judicial Board

The UW-Eau Claire Judicial Board has jurisdiction over matters pertaining to violations of rules and regulations around the dorms.

TV 10

The TV 10 is a student-run cable station which allows students to explore television production and promote communication and interest in the media.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Blugolds play in NCAA’s Division III, intercollegiate sports circuit. Nine men’s and sports eleven women’s varsity sports are offered. The Blugolds also participate in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) with the other universities in the UW system. The teams represented by the UW-Eau Claire Blugolds have participated in both Conference and National Championships, winning a few of them over the years. The University has a particularly strong swimming program for both men and women.

Local Community

The city of Eau Claire, incorporated in 1872, is located in northwestern Wisconsin. Roughly 65,000 people call Eau Claire home. The city has a diverse and growing economic base in health care, information technologies, manufacturing and retail. The citizens of Eau Claire are an active group. There is a 30-mile recreation trail going from Eau Claire to the city of Durand. There is a local symphony, theater guild, and children’s theater for all ages to be engaged and involved in the arts. Local business in Eau Claire also partner with University Programs to provide students with hands-on field experiences tied to their majors. Although Eau Claire has many residents, it exudes a small-town community feel where residents truly care for one another.

Bibliography

City of Eau Claire. City of Eau Claire. n.d. Web. 7 July 2011.

McGrath, Anne, ed. U.S. News and World Report: Ultimate College Guide 2011. Washington: Sourcebooks, Inc., 2010. Print.

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Blugolds. University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. n.d. Web. 7 July 2011.

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. n.d. Web. 7 July 2011.

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Be Recruited. n.d. Web. 7 July 2011

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire