UWM expands cooperation with MPTC, facilitates student transfers

Representatives from UWM and Moraine Park Technical College sign 49 articulation agreements on Wednesday at the MPTC campus in West Bend. From left: Doug Hamm, vice president of teaching and learning at MPTC; MPTC President Bonnie Baerwald; UWM Chancellor Mark Mone and Andrew Daire, UWM Provost and Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs. (UWM photo/Troye Fox)

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee will add nearly 50 new program pathways at Moraine Park Technical College that will ensure MPTC students can seamlessly continue their education at UWM with confirmed junior status.

UWM Chancellor Mark Mone, UWM Vice Chancellor and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Andrew Daire, MPTC President Bonnie Baerwald and MPTC Vice President for Teaching and Learning Doug Hamm signed 49 cooperative agreements on Wednesday at the MPTC West Bend campus.

“We believe that education should be accessible to all,” Mone said. “This agreement guarantees admission and streamlines the transfer process, demonstrating our commitment to breaking down barriers and enabling students to pursue a life-changing education.”

These program combination agreements will allow MPTC students who have completed one of the many associate degrees at MPTC to seamlessly transition into specific UWM bachelor’s degree programs in one of the following schools: College of Community Engagement & Professions, College of Engineering & Applied Science, College of Health Professions & Sciences, Joseph J. Zilber College of Public Health, College of Literature & Science, or Lubar College of Business.

Additionally, students who complete an Associate’s degree at MPTC will likely complete more of the bachelor’s degree requirements than students with individual courses, giving them guaranteed junior status.

“At Moraine Park, we strive to serve our students throughout their educational journey – including after they leave our campuses and transfer to our four-year partners,” Hamm said. “These agreements with UWM are of paramount importance as they not only serve our students, but also continue to meet the educational needs of Washington County residents in light of recent changes in the higher education landscape.”

The new transfer agreements with MPTC are based on the initial cooperation between UWM and four regional technical universities concluded in January. All associate degree holders from Milwaukee Area Technical College, Waukesha County Technical College, MPTC and Gateway Technical College are guaranteed to seamlessly transfer at least 60 credits toward a bachelor’s degree at UWM. Interested students will only need to complete a short intent form – free of charge – rather than a longer, formal application for admission.

UWM has made the difficult decision to close its Washington County campus after the spring 2024 semester due to multi-year enrollment declines and budget challenges. The articulation agreements signed Wednesday will allow UWM to meet the needs of students and employers in the county while ensuring the university’s long-term success.

“It’s a dream come true. I hope this collaboration is just the beginning of the lasting impact our students and community will feel,” said current Washington County Superintendent Josh Schoemann.