“It seemed like a great way to get a feel for the campus, and what being a student would be like,” said Allison, a student at Baraboo High School who, despite an unexpectedly snowy day on April 17, was one of more than 30 students attending a chance to meet the faculty, staff and university leadership that they’ll work with on campus when they enroll as planned at UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County in fall 2023. She plans to study food and agriculture, and eventually dairy science at the main UW-Platteville campus, while staying close awhile longer to her family’s farm north of Baraboo.
That strong turnout months ahead of the fall semester, despite the weather, shows that interest in the campus and its growing list of degree programs remains strong. UW-Platteville Vice Chancellor for Enrollment and Student Success Angela Udelhoefen, attending the event, said “It’s terrific to get to meet face-to-face with so many incoming students and learn more about how we can support them as they pursue their goals.”
Evan, enrolling from the Ithaca School District, said he plans to enroll in the campus’ relatively new associate degree in tourism and hospitality, and expects to find employment and then an internship in nearby Wisconsin Dells. “I’ll be living on campus, so I’ll be able to study and work nearby,” he said, excited about the program that provides a direct path to a bachelor’s degree in hospitality through the campus’ partnership with UW-Stout.
The open house offers incoming students the opportunity to meet informally with faculty, advisors and other staff, as well as meet other students and explore the campus, said Admissions Counselor Meg Tabor. “It really builds excitement for the coming year, and shows the personal connection and attention that students get at Baraboo Sauk County.”
Students in attendance had a wide range of plans. Kayela from Baraboo plans to study art for sure, but is mostly just looking to see what interests her. Brogan from Reedsburg wants to enroll in pre-engineering, and Mollie from Baraboo plans to eventually get a Ph.D. in psychology and become a therapist. All said staying close to home to start out was important to them, and they also all referenced the great value the campus provided, with its lower tuition and generous scholarship programs.
Applications will be accepted to attend UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County through August and people can apply online at https://apply.wisconsin.edu/ To learn more about campus, sign up for a visit at uwplatt.edu/visit or contact Meg Tabor at 608-342-1125.