PRINT ADS

The Wisconsin Technical College System Board of Directors approved a collaborative associate of science degree between Western Technical College and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse at their May 13 meeting.

The transfer agreement gives Western students who earn a two-year associate of science degree eligibility to transfer to UW-L, or any other four-year UW campus, with junior standing.

The WTCS Board approval was a key step in the approval process. The final step will occur at the August 2008 meeting of the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents. Pending final approval by the regents, the degree will be phased in over several years beginning in spring of 2009 with a limit of 30 students.

“This collaborative degree will provide additional affordable access for residents in the Seven Rivers Region who are seeking a bachelor’s degree,” said Lee Rasch, Western president. “The associate of science provides an additional pathway to increase the number of four-year degree holders in Wisconsin.”

According to the Committee on Baccalaureate Expansion, Wisconsin lags the nation in the number of adults with four-year degrees. However, Wisconsin is above average for the number of adults with associate degrees.

Rasch said many students recognize the need to consider future transfer opportunities as part of their career path. “Approximately, 12 percent of the current student population at Western indicates a desire to transfer to a university at some time in the future. The associate of science will significantly expand options to serve these students.”