Founded in 1868, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is known for academic excellence in a setting of high-quality, career-oriented undergraduate and graduate programs. UW-Whitewater serves as a regional center for cultural and athletic activities. Offering 2 associate degrees, 7 bachelor's degrees, 5 master’s degree, and one doctoral degree program, enrollment has grown to about 11,000 students per year. The University of Wisconsin Whitewater is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.  Several programs have individual accreditations which can be found on the Accreditation listing page.

Academic Excellence

UW-Whitewater leads the way in preparing students with the outstanding skills that make them strong candidates for 21st-century careers and community leadership. We are known for our education, music and business programs, but boast just as proudly of programs as diverse and respected as chemistry, political science, biology, communication, theatre, criminology and media arts and game development. Warhawks benefit from our fierce focus on student success, from small class sizes and free tutoring to professors who choose UW-Whitewater because it means they get to work directly with students in the classroom, in the laboratory — and beyond. Our transformative programs are designed to provide you with all the opportunities, challenges and skills you desire.

Community and Regional Engagement

Warhawks have the opportunity to do amazing things — from creating and launching their own businesses using resources in the Whitewater Innovation Center and the Community Engagement Center, to participating in study abroad opportunities, community based learning courses, competing in international competitions and presenting at national conferences. Faculty who are passionate about student success makes for more than just great classroom experiences — it means help finding internships.

Whitewater Campus

The walkable city of Whitewater provides students with an abundance of recreation opportunities, from restaurants and cinemas to biking and nature trails and the weekly Whitewater City Market. And we’re just 10 miles from the southern unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, renowned for its mountain biking and cross-country ski trails, and the camping, swimming and golf opportunities in the Whitewater Lake region. We are also close to major cities like Milwaukee, Madison and Chicago — as handy for world- class entertainment and shopping as it is for an exceptional number of internship and research opportunities.

Rock Campus

Located in Janesville, WI, our Rock County Campus is another way to join the Warhawk Family and you’ll be on your way to a college degree and unlimited transfer and career opportunities. Our diverse students embark on a rewarding journey of academic advancement and personal growth in a supportive atmosphere. UW-Whitewater at Rock County's College of Integrated Studies combines the advantages of a small college with the resources of the world-class University of Wisconsin System. That makes our Rock County Campus your best path to a college degree and unlimited career opportunities. As an enrolled student at the Rock County campus, you're a part of the Warhawk Family - and that means you can continue your education with a seamless transition to the main campus in Whitewater, or transfer to any school within the University of Wisconsin System.

University of Wisconsin System Mission

The mission of the System is to develop human resources, to discover and disseminate knowledge, to extend knowledge and its application beyond the boundaries of its campuses, and to serve and stimulate society by developing in students heightened intellectual, cultural, and humane sensitivities, scientific, professional, and technological expertise; and a sense of purpose. Inherent in this broad mission are methods of instruction, research, extended training, and public service designed to educate people and improve the human condition. Basic to every purpose of the system is the search for truth.

The Core Mission of the University Cluster Institutions

With the approved differentiation stated in their selected missions, each university in the Cluster shall:

1. Offer associate and baccalaureate degree level and selected graduate programs within the context of its approved mission statement.
2. Offer an environment that emphasizes teaching excellence and meets the educational and personal needs of students through effective teaching, academic advising, counseling and through university-sponsored cultural, recreational and extra-curricular programs.
3. Offer a core of liberal studies that supports university degrees in the arts, letters, and sciences, as well as specialized professional/technical degrees at the associate and baccalaureate level.
4. Offer a program of pre-professional curricular offerings consistent with the university’s mission.
5. Expect scholarly activity, including research, scholarship and creative endeavor, that supports its programs at the associate and baccalaureate degree level, its selected graduate programs, and its approved mission statement.
6. Promote the integration of the extension function, assist the University of Wisconsin-Extension in meeting its responsibility for statewide coordination, and encourage faculty and staff participation in outreach activity.
7. Participate in interinstitutional relationships in order to maximize educational opportunity for the people of the state effectively and efficiently through the sharing of resources.
8. Serve the needs of women, minority, disadvantaged, disabled, and non-traditional students and seek racial and ethnic diversification of the student body and the professional faculty and staff.
9. Support activities designed to promote the economic development of the state.

UW-Whitewater Mission

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is a preeminent academic institution driven by the pursuit of knowledge, powered by a spirit of innovation, and focused on transforming lives. As part of the University of Wisconsin System, UW-Whitewater embraces the Wisconsin Idea and is an economic and cultural driver of our region. We are nationally and internationally recognized for the accomplishments of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Grounded in a rigorous core curriculum, students receive a well-rounded education and every academic program prepares students to be creative, innovative and adaptable in dynamic and diverse work and life environments.

We are an inclusive educational community with a deep commitment to access that inspires us to serve students from diverse backgrounds, experiences, identities, and abilities. We have a longstanding special mission to serve students with disabilities. By supporting all students, we champion education, opportunity and prosperity for all. As engaged global citizens, members of our community make positive contributions to the State of Wisconsin, to our nation, and to the world.

Our academic programs serve undergraduate and graduate students, including online learners, and span the disciplines, from the theoretical to the applied, and encompass study in the arts, business, education, humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, technology, and professional and interdisciplinary programs. High-quality programs are offered at the associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral levels. These programs prepare students to become lifelong learners who lead successful lives and enjoy productive careers.

Approved by the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents on October 8, 2021.

Vision

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will be a national and international leader in providing transformational and empowering educational experiences.

Values

Collaboration
We invest in meaningful relationships that leverage our respective talents and strengthen the Warhawk family, and we champion the endeavors of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni.   

Diversity and opportunity
We believe in the dignity of all individuals and we cultivate an accessible, inclusive, and equitable culture where everyone can pursue their passions and reach their potential in an intellectually stimulating and respectful environment.

Integrity
We embrace principles of honesty, fairness, and ethical standards to foster an environment of mutual trust.

Learning and academic excellence
We engage all members of the campus community in learning, research, scholarship, and creative endeavors through powerful academic and co-curricular experiences in an environment that values academic freedom.   

Service and social responsibility
We bring the knowledge and resources of the university into the communities we serve to solve problems, improve the quality of life, and create a more sustainable society.   

Shared governance
We make decisions based on strategy, evidence, and transparent, collegial dialogue and we hold one another accountable. 

Board of Regents

• Angela Adams
• Robert Atwell
• Amy Blumenfeld Bogost
• Evan Brenkus
• Héctor Colón
• Haben Goitom
• Mike Jones
• Jim Kreuser
• Edmund Manydeeds III
• Cris Peterson
• Joan Prince
• Ashok Rai
• Jennifer Staton
• Amy Traynor
• Mark Tyler
• Jill Underly
• Karen Walsh
• Kyle M. Weatherly

UW System Administration

University Administration

Office of the Chancellor

• Chancellor - Corey A. King
• Assistant Chancellor & Intercollegiate Athletics Director – Ryan Callahan

Academic Affairs

• Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs - John Chenoweth
• Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs – Kristin Plessel
• Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment and Retention – Jackie Briggs
• Assistant Vice Chancellor & Chief Information Officer - Sara Deschner
• Dean of College of Arts and Communication - Michael Dugan
• Dean of College of Business and Economics – Paul Ambrose
• Dean of College of Education and Professional Studies - Lana Collet-Klingenberg, Interim
• Dean of College of Integrated Studies and Assistant Vice Chancellor for UW-Whitewater at Rock County - Patricia Clasen
• Dean of College of Letters and Sciences – Jason Janke
• Dean of School of Graduate Studies - Matt Vick
• Director of Research and Sponsored Programs – Carl Fox

Administrative Affairs

• Vice Chancellor for Finance & Administrative Affairs - Brenda Jones
• Assistant Chancellor for Marketing & Communications - Ann Stadler

Student Affairs

• Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs – Kristin Fillhouer, Interim
• Dean of Students - Veronica Warren, Interim

University Advancement

• Vice Chancellor for University Relations & Foundation President - Katie Kuznacic

Academic Accreditions

• ABET: Applied Science Accreditation Commission
• American Chemical Society
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
• Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
• Council on Social Work Education
• Council on Social Work Education
• Higher Learning Commission
• National Association of School Psychologists
• National Association of Schools of Art & Design
• National Association of Schools of Music

Rules and Policies Statement

The information contained in this publication is based upon current regulations and policies of UW-Whitewater as of January 1, 2024.

Wisconsin Statutes, administrative rules, resolutions of the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, court decisions, opinions of the Attorney General, regulations and policies of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and any other rules or decisions from an authoritative source applicable to the university, are among the sources of information in this publication. They are subject to change without notice.

Information contained in this publication is also subject to revision without notice. For the most specific, up-to-date information on any subject that is part of this publication visit the online version of the continually updated catalog, appropriate University Offices or the Registrar’s Office.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is committed to equal opportunity in its educational programs, activities and employment policies for all persons regardless of race, color, gender, creed, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, marital status, Vietnam-era veteran status, parental status and pregnancy. Refer inquiries to:

Diversity and Equal Opportunity Compliance Office
University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
420 Hyer Hall
800 West Main Street
Whitewater, WI 53190