UW-Superior Turns To Staff, Students For Ideas To Improve Enrollment

University of Wisconsin-Superior officials have been exploring ideas brought forward from the campus community to boost the university’s enrollment as it works to tackle a budget shortfall.

UW-Superior has set a goal of attracting 400 more students. The university received $150,000 from UW System to fund proposals that grow enrollment.

Chancellor Renee Wachter said around one-quarter of the money will go toward improving residential life for students.

“If students, for instance, come in and have a particular interest, they can reside with a similar group of students on a floor in one of the residence halls and there would be programming that would go along with it,” said Wachter.

Money will also go toward summer youth camps on campus and new degree programs. UW-Superior’s enrollment grew last fall, but the overall number of students has declined in recent years.

The university has cut at least $1.8 million across programs, faculty and staff as part of ongoing efforts to make up for a $4.5 million shortfall.