- What happened? The UW System has 13 four-year campuses and 13 two-year campuses, each designed to serve a unique need. But the proliferation of online education delivered by colleges and universities everywhere means that students have more – and more affordable – options than ever before, calling into question the needs that many UW schools actually fulfill.
- Why is it important? Institutions like UW-Madison can thrive IF they continue to offer credibly a high-quality option for elite students. For other institutions, especially those serving many adult and other non-traditional learners, the winners will be those that deliver what students are looking for in 2022: affordable programs, accessible formats, and workplace-relevant skills.
- What is next? The UW System needs to evaluate itself. What does each university do well? What programs are unique, excellent and essential? On the other hand, which ones are done better just an hour away? UW colleges and universities have a chance to be national leaders in student-focused service, but there is no time to waste.