UW-Superior Unveils ‘Innovation Initiative’ To Find Ways To Increase Enrollment

University of Wisconsin-Superior is rolling out a new initiative that will provide seed money to faculty and staff to fund proposals aimed at recruiting and retaining students.

UW-Superior received $200,000 from UW System to support its Superior Innovation Initiative. Provost Faith Hensrud said they want to find new ways to increase enrollment by 400 students over the next three years.

“We want to be able to provide funding for use of travel for a group that may want to go and explore some best-practice institutions, to look at hiring a consultant to help with some of this work. It can be used for somebody to get a course-reassignment time. It can be used for marketing efforts, for student workers, for new equipment and supplies,” said Hensrud.

Hensrud said a team will evaluate projects based on how many new students will be recruited and make recommendations to the chancellor. Submissions are due by Oct. 1.

A UW System spokesman says it’s an example of how campuses across the state are seeking innovative ways to grow enrollment.