UIU and Southwest Tech announce articulation agreement

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College business management majors will soon find it easier to transfer credits to complete a business administration degree at Upper Iowa University (UIU) after administrators from both educational institutions formally announced an articulation agreement on Thursday, Aug. 13, at the UIU-Prairie du Chien Center.

“Helping students to first access and then earn an affordable degree at Upper Iowa University is one of our primary goals,” said Dr. Kurt Wood, UIU provost and executive vice president. “The partnerships we continue to develop with other educational leaders like those of Southwest Tech reinforces this commitment. UIU’s faculty and staff look forward to working further with students of Southwest Tech in achieving both their educational and career goals.”

“Southwest Tech is equally excited about this opportunity to partner with Upper Iowa University to provide transfer options for our graduates,” added Dr. Jason Wood, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College president. “In today’s workforce, higher education is essential for individuals and businesses to stay on the leading edge of innovation. This articulation agreement means our students will have more opportunities to continue their studies without unnecessary expenses.”

Located in Fennimore, Wis., Southwest Wisconsin Technical College has over 1,600 full-time equivalent students and serves approximately 12,000 southwest Wisconsin residents each year with educational offerings such as degree and certificate programs, basic education, high school equivalency preparation, professional development, customized labor training, and emergency responder training.  Recognized as the leading provider of technical education and career skills training in southwest Wisconsin, Southwest Tech has served the region since 1967.

Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than 5,800 students—nationally and internationally—at its Fayette campus, 25 U.S. education locations, as well as locations in Malaysia and Hong Kong. The UIU-Prairie du Chien Center opened in 1988 and offers courses to students at locations in Prairie du Chien, Fennimore, and LaCrosse. Many of the courses are taught by full-time UIU faculty members and others are taught by adjunct faculty who draw on their practical experiences in the field. Courses are offered during six eight-week terms. UIU-Prairie du Chien also helps students access the university’s nationally rated online programming.

“Upper Iowa University is proud to be a continued and valued partner with Southwest Wisconsin Technical College,” noted Peg Baxter, UIU-Prairie du Chien Center director. “We have been involved with Southwest Tech since 1988 when the Upper Iowa University began classes in Prairie du Chien. Southwest Tech students who want to continue their education know they can readily transfer to UIU, continue with on-site, online or self-paced classes, and earn their bachelor degree in a convenient and flexible manner. Students can expect to earn their Bachelor of Science degree in as little as two years. The convenience and ability to transfer prior credits to UIU is also a huge draw.”