University of Wisconsin - Extension

Nearly 46,000 prospective students submitted online applications for undergraduate admission to the University of Wisconsin System (UWS) for fall 2001, an increase of more than forty percent compared to the same period last year.

Currently, forty percent of the total number of UWS applications are submitted online.

"The huge increase in numbers of online applications validates our commitment to making admission to public higher education in Wisconsin accessible to anyone, anywhere," observed Dr. Cora Marrett, UW System Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. "By making the application process easy and user-friendly, we are enabling prospective students in Wisconsin, the nation and the world to apply to multiple campuses in one simple interaction."

Supported by several UW System working groups on student services and facilitated by the Higher Education Location Program (HELP), online applications are now available to undergraduate and graduate students, including international and "special" (i.e., non-degree) applicants.

According to Dr. Marrett, online applications present several advantages over the traditional paper application, one of them being the easy payment option. Some of the other features of the online application include the use of guidance buttons, an interactive campus-specific listing of academic programs and an easy technique for students to apply to multiple campuses.

For any difficulties that might arise, HELP's contact information appears at the bottom of each page of the application, so that users have quick access to help with any questions or problems.

The UW System Electronic Application for Undergraduate Admission became available four years ago at http://apply.wisconsin.edu. Those interested in experimenting with the application but not actually submitting it to a UW campus can access demonstration applications at the web site.

"Applying to a University of Wisconsin System institution has never been easier or more convenient," added Kris McGrew, director of HELP and Learner Services for University of Wisconsin Learning Innovations (UWLI). "We will continue to find ways to combine technology and quality student support services to reach potential students anytime, anywhere."

About HELP:

A collaboration of UW System and University of Wisconsin Learning Innovations (UWLI), HELP is a centralized information resource and educational advising office that provides support for the 26 campuses in the UW System.

Since 1973, students of all ages, as well as parents and school counselors, have been able to talk to an advisor toll-free, request literature, and access a wide array of information on topics such as admission, financial aid, majors, residence life and more.

For more information on HELP, please e-mail help@learn.uwsa.edu or call toll free 800-442-6459.