Students in northeast Wisconsin have another path to a bachelor's degree thanks to a new partnership between Fox Valley Technical College and the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.

Under a new agreement, approved recently by the UW System Board of Regents, students can earn a liberal arts transfer associate degree at Fox Valley Tech and be eligible to transfer into a baccalaureate program at UW Oshkosh with junior status.

"UW Oshkosh has always been the top transfer destination for FVTC students," said Dr. Chris Matheny, FVTC president. "They have been strong partners in creating multiple pathways from our technical degrees to bachelor’s degrees. It was a natural fit that they are our first partner in this effort to expand transfer options for our students.”

FVTC now will offer both an Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degree. Each will meet the requirements for general education courses at UWO. The programs are made up of 60 credits, including 39 to 41 credits of general education and 19 to 21 credits of electives.

In recent years, a growing number of students have shown interest in beginning their college coursework at FVTC and then transferring to another school in pursuit of a bachelor's degree, said Dr. Jennifer Lanter, interim chief academic officer at FVTC.

"In fact, 6.8% of FVTC students last enrolled during the 2020-21 academic year pursued additional credentials at a four-year college or university," she explained.

"This increases the educational opportunities and pathways for students in our region to complete a four-year degree at UWO," said Provost John Koker. "Offering additional pathways to a bachelor's degree, especially to non-traditional and returning adult students, is central to the mission of the University."

Dr. Morna Foy, president of the Wisconsin Technical College System, praised the agreement. "I am pleased with the Board of Regents' action. They are expanding educational opportunities across the state of Wisconsin and creating new pathways for more students to pursue their career goals, and for employers to expand their talent pipelines."

The associate degree approvals result from months of discussion between UW System and Wisconsin Technical College System academic experts and cover hundreds of courses. Once final approval is granted from our accrediting body, FVTC expects to begin offering both degrees in the 2022-2023 academic year.