The annual University of Wisconsin System Accountability Report shows four-year graduation rates in the UW System are lower than the national average, a UW System representative said at a Board of Regents meeting Thursday.
The Accountability Report outlines areas where the system has worked to improve, based on a framework spearheaded by UW System President Kevin Reilly.
Senior Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Mark Nook summarized notable aspects of the report, including four- and six-year graduation rates, degrees completed and enrollment trends.
Nook said although the four-year graduation rate is below the national average, the six-year graduation rate is four percent above the national average and the system is on track with its plan for four- and six-year graduation rates.
“We are getting them out, we just take a little bit longer to get there,” Nook said.
According to Nook, most people feel it is part of the state culture for people to take longer to finish their degrees.
Nook said the system has experienced a 15 to 20 percent increase in the number of degrees earned in the last 10 years, which is 34 percent ahead of the system’s goal.
The system is awarding more degrees in business, health and science fields, according to Nook.
“In key areas to drive the economy, we are turning out more graduates,” Nook said.
According to Nook, enrollments are steady but not growing, with the biggest decline in graduate enrollments.
Nook also noted enrollment for members of underrepresented minority populations has increased significantly in the last 10 years
But Regent Ed Manydeeds pointed out enrollment has decreased for American Indian students and said the Board should do more to address the issue.
“Our people need respect,” Manydeeds said. “If their students see that our great system, this University of Wisconsin System, respects them… I think that would be the basis for them feeling good about themselves and having the intentions to go forward and be successful.”
