UW-Waukesha awards first-ever bachelor's degree
(MADISON, WI) During the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha’s commencement ceremony May 21, the first bachelor’s degree graduate in the campus’ history will be among those accepting a diploma. Geoffrey Hall is one of the first seven recipients of UW Colleges’ Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS), which is offered at six of UW Colleges’ 13 campuses. Other BAAS graduates come from UW-Marshfield/Wood County and UW-Barron County. The program is also offered at UW-Baraboo/Sauk County, UW-Richland and UW-Rock County.
“The BAAS represents a natural extension of UW Colleges’ access mission, extending this new educational opportunity to working adults who want to remain in their communities while completing bachelor’s degrees,” said UW Colleges and UW-Extension Chancellor Cathy Sandeen.
“We are very proud of our first BAAS graduate, Geoff Hall, and in particular how the completion of the degree requirements demonstrate the importance of the professional field experience component of the program” said UW-Waukesha Dean Harry Muir.
UW Colleges launched the BAAS in fall 2013 so that adult students could earn a bachelor’s degree close to home. From a beginning class of 45 in 2013, the interdisciplinary program has more than doubled to 96 students this spring. Students enter the degree-completion program already holding an associate degree, and complete their course requirements in as little as two years. With a focus on experiential learning, the degree includes an internship and capstone project, and it takes into account a student’s prior experience.
“From when we first began discussing the possibility of the BAAS degree in 2006 through today, we’ve worked to incorporate the type of learning that employers say they need in their employees. By stressing critical thinking, effective communication and real world application, these students are equipping themselves not only with a bachelor’s degree from UW, but the necessary knowledge and skills to take their career to another level,” says Lampe.
For BAAS graduate Geoffrey Hall of UW-Waukesha, the practical nature of the program offered an opportunity to work with local organizations to apply what he’d learned.
“The service learning and internships are valuable beyond measure,” said Hall. “The courses being taught focus on providing potential solutions to problems students may actually run into. I got to work with local agencies I hadn’t even thought to contact and I was able to use the skills I had learned to make an actual difference in these organizations.”
Graduating students’ career plans range from international business and management, to graphic design, the travel industry and more. Hall plans to continue his education, pursuing a graduate degree and academia in the future.
UW-Waukesha’s commencement ceremony takes place Thursday, May 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the Fieldhouse gymnasium.
For additional information on the UW Colleges BAAS, visit www.uwc.edu/baas, and watch a video of a current student.
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About UW Colleges: The University of Wisconsin Colleges is an institution of the University of Wisconsin System comprised of 13 campuses and UW Colleges Online. UW Colleges offers an Associate of Arts and Science degree, and a single Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree. By providing an affordable, accessible education, UW Colleges prepares more than 14,000 students of all ages and backgrounds for success in some 200 baccalaureate and professional programs. Visit www.uwc.edu for more information.