Higher Learning Commission approval? Check!
Board of Regents pricing structure approval? Check!
Just two months ago, the University of Wisconsin Colleges and UW-Milwaukee applied to the Higher Learning Commission for permission to offer a selection of degrees via the UW Flexible Option. The accrediting authority has approved all requests. Details are provided in this news release.
UW-Extension provides leadership for the UW Flexible Option, and UW Colleges will offer the Associate of Arts and Science degree in this format so that Wisconsin residents can fulfill basic requirements and earn a UW degree.
“We are leading the way to help every Wisconsin resident have a chance at a University of Wisconsin degree on their own terms,” said Chancellor Ray Cross. “We want to increase the number of residents with degrees to build Wisconsin’s workforce and support economic development throughout the state.”
The UW System Board of Regents – at its July 12 meeting – approved the “all-you-can-learn” pricing option of $2,250 for a three-month term. That will be available when enrollment opens for the UW Flexible Option in fall of 2013.
An “assessment-only” option will be added later so that students with significant prior work experience, training or knowledge can satisfy competencies through an assessment process. Instead of paying for a three-month term, they would pay for each competency-based assessment required for advancement to a degree. Pricing is not yet set, and this option will not be available this fall.
The next step?
“With UW-Extension’s leadership, UW Colleges and UW-Milwaukee are already in contact with the U.S. Department of Education for guidance and authorization to facilitate federal financial aid to students enrolled in the UW Flexible Option,” said Aaron Brower, UW-Extension interim provost and vice chancellor. “Both institutions are on track to open enrollments into their programs late in November.”
Prospective students can call 1-888-526-2626 to speak to a student services specialist and sign up via an online form to receive updates via the UW Flexible Option eNews.