FAQ List
Parents FAQs
Applying to UW-Superior
-
What undergraduate programs does UW-Superior offer?
UW-Superior offers more than thirty undergraduate degree programs. Visit our Academic Departments page for more information. -
-
UW-Superior has an enrollment of about 2,700, 60 percent of which come from Wisconsin and 30 percent from Minnesota. The remainder comes from other states and more than 30 countries.
-
Are professors available for individual appointments?
One of the advantages of a university the size of UW-Superior is the accessibility of professors. Students can expect to get to know their instructors and for their instructors to get to know them. All faculty members hold office hours each week and students are welcome to drop by during those office hours. They also can make an individual appointment directly with their advisor or professor.
-
What does it mean to be a "Liberal Arts College"?
Wisconsin's Leading Public Liberal Arts College? What does that mean?Good question. First, let's clarify that it does NOT mean that it is an "art college". It DOES mean you'll take subjects from a variety of academic departments. At UW-Superior we will teach you how to think, not just do. A liberal arts education prepares you for a lifetime of learning and gives you the skills you need to adapt to a lifetime of career choices and changes.
We challenge you. We teach you to question, to contemplate, to solve problems for yourself. We offer you hands-on experience, and you'll hold onto more than you ever thought possible. We offer you top-rate professional training that helps you with real-world skills and real-life decision making. Simply put, a liberal arts education means you'll learn how to learn.
So, you're thinking now, will I have to take a bunch of boring classes? No. But you will be exposed to classes that open your mind to new ideas and new ways of thinking. And isn't that what college is all about?
UW-Superior has been selected as one of 19 nationwide members of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. Okay, we're patting ourselves on the back here, but we want you to appreciate the value we place on teaching you to think for yourself, as well as the high standards we set for our university. Our affiliation with the Council means that if you want a liberal arts education, we can offer you one of the finest examples of such in the country.
General University Info
-
Superior is a town with a population of 27,000 and three-kilometer bridge separates it from Duluth, Minnesota. Together, Superior and Duluth form the "Twin Ports", with a metro area population of 240,000. The Twin Ports are a popular tourist destination for visitors who enjoy going for a stroll along Lake Superior or taking in the many sites (Check out Visit Superior and Visit Duluth for more information)
-
Superior is located in an area called the Upper Midwest. Our region has vast forests and many lakes, and many UW-Superior students take advantage of the many outdoor activities available here. Our Superior Outdoor Adventure Program (SOAP) offers guided outdoor trips during fall, winter and spring. You can join your friends and an experienced guide to go skiing, rock climbing, snowshoeing, camping, sea cave kayaking, hiking, canoeing and horseback riding.
If you are from a warmer climate, you will get a special treat during your time in Superior: in September and October, the leaves on the trees turn bright yellow, orange, and gold. If you've never seen these "fall colors," you will find it an astounding sight!
OK, not everybody wants to go outdoors when it's cold. If your idea of winter activity involves staying inside, don't worry. We're near a shopping mall, coffee shops, bookstores and dance clubs. We have comedy nights on campus, along with plays, concerts, recitals, movies, club activities and club sports. Superior and nearby Duluth also offer a symphony orchestra, a ballet troupe and several museums.
Many international students also enjoy visiting cities such as Minneapolis (home of the largest shopping mall in the U.S. - the Mall of America), St. Paul, Madison, Milwaukee and Chicago. All are within driving distance of Superior. -
UW-Superior is located in a quiet residential neighborhood. Walkways and parking lots are well-lighted and equipped with emergency telephones linked directly to the campus safety office. Campus safety officers are on duty around the clock and will escort students when requested. Residence Hall entry doors are locked at all times and guests must be escorted. A professional hall director supervises each building. All rooms have smoke detectors.
More information can be found on the UW-Superior Campus Safety page.
-
UW-Superior is
- a comprehensive public university in the University of Wisconsin System
- a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC)
- accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
-
UW-Superior is located in the city of Superior in the state of Wisconsin. Superior is a city of 27,000 located at the western tip of Lake Superior (see map below). It is across the bridge from Duluth, Minnesota and part of the Superior/Duluth metro area, which has a population of 240,000.
![international_brochuremap-1[1]](/oip/intl_pros/faqs/images/international_brochuremap-1-1.jpg "international_brochuremap-1[1]")
Graduation
-
Yes, you can view commencement via streaming video provided by ifan.tv.
Housing
-
We like to make sure students have what they will need to get themselves through four years of college. Since technology is changing all the time, the networking technology changes as well. Please refer to the Residence Life Packet that talks about the current minimum specifications for your computer. ResNet will try to get any computer working with the network, but we can't guarantee that all computers, both old and new, will work with our network. We will do our best to get every computer to work on our network. ResNet does reserve the right to not work on computers.
-
In recent years, all students who have submitted their housing contracts and security deposits by the deadline (July 1 for the Fall semester, December 1 for the Spring semester) have successfully been placed in the residence halls.
Regional
-
Superior is a town with a population of 27,000 and three-kilometer bridge separates it from Duluth, Minnesota. Together, Superior and Duluth form the "Twin Ports", with a metro area population of 240,000. The Twin Ports are a popular tourist destination for visitors who enjoy going for a stroll along Lake Superior or taking in the many sites (Check out Visit Superior and Visit Duluth for more information)
-
Superior is located in an area called the Upper Midwest. Our region has vast forests and many lakes, and many UW-Superior students take advantage of the many outdoor activities available here. Our Superior Outdoor Adventure Program (SOAP) offers guided outdoor trips during fall, winter and spring. You can join your friends and an experienced guide to go skiing, rock climbing, snowshoeing, camping, sea cave kayaking, hiking, canoeing and horseback riding.
If you are from a warmer climate, you will get a special treat during your time in Superior: in September and October, the leaves on the trees turn bright yellow, orange, and gold. If you've never seen these "fall colors," you will find it an astounding sight!
OK, not everybody wants to go outdoors when it's cold. If your idea of winter activity involves staying inside, don't worry. We're near a shopping mall, coffee shops, bookstores and dance clubs. We have comedy nights on campus, along with plays, concerts, recitals, movies, club activities and club sports. Superior and nearby Duluth also offer a symphony orchestra, a ballet troupe and several museums.
Many international students also enjoy visiting cities such as Minneapolis (home of the largest shopping mall in the U.S. - the Mall of America), St. Paul, Madison, Milwaukee and Chicago. All are within driving distance of Superior. -
UW-Superior is located in the city of Superior in the state of Wisconsin. Superior is a city of 27,000 located at the western tip of Lake Superior (see map below). It is across the bridge from Duluth, Minnesota and part of the Superior/Duluth metro area, which has a population of 240,000.
ResNet
-
We like to make sure students have what they will need to get themselves through four years of college. Since technology is changing all the time, the networking technology changes as well. Please refer to the Residence Life Packet that talks about the current minimum specifications for your computer. ResNet will try to get any computer working with the network, but we can't guarantee that all computers, both old and new, will work with our network. We will do our best to get every computer to work on our network. ResNet does reserve the right to not work on computers.
-
ResNet follows all of the University policies regarding network access. ResNet also has developed other policies that were approved by the RHA board. These policies, and the other University policies, can be found in the "Policies" link on this page.
-
A MAC address (or a Media Access Control address) is a series of letters and numbers that is assigned to your network card inside your computer, gaming system, or wireless device. This number is supposed to be unique.
-
These devices use network technology that is similar to computers. Like any computer in the Residence Life network, those machines would also have to be registered in order for them to work. Registration of these devices will have to take place in the ResNet office after school begins.
You can do one of two things to get your device connected to the network:
1. You can follow the instructions on how to register your own device by following the "Connecting to ResNet" page on the ResNet web page.
or
2.You can bring your system to the ResNet office, and we would be happy to help you get that set up. NOTE: Wii (original Wii's only) owners, wireless is no longer available for your Wii at UWS. You will need to purchase the wired adapter from Nintendo.
-
You will need a Cat5e Ethernet cable to hook up your computer to the residence hall network. A Cat5e cable is NOT the same as a phone cable. A phone line will typically have four wire leads on each end of the plug, and the plug will be a little less than 3/8" wide. A Cat5e Ethernet cable has eight wire leads, and the plug is a little less than ½" wide. These cables can be pretty much purchased anywhere. We do sell a limited quantity of 5' and 10' cables at the beginning of the school year.
-
You will be required to have a current Antivirus software on your computer. If you do not have a current antivirus program, you will be provided an option to download one from the school at the time of network registration.
If you choose to use one of the University sponsored antivirus program, you will need to remove any antivirus program before you can install our antivirus software. If ResNet works on a computer, we will remove any and all forms of expired antivirus software programs before we put ours on.
-
If you can afford your own computer, you will probably find that it will be a great convenience for you. If you cannot afford your own computer, there are lab machines available in every resident hall. You may be able to borrow a laptop from Information Technologies. Contact IT at 715-394-8300 to reserve a laptop.
Student Tax Reporting Information - 1098T
-
This information may be found on your campus' Student Information Systems on your tuition account or on-line billing statement history. If you are a parent looking for this information for a student, please ask your student to access this information for you.
Technology Help Desk
-
We like to make sure students have what they will need to get themselves through four years of college. Since technology is changing all the time, the networking technology changes as well. Please refer to the Residence Life Packet that talks about the current minimum specifications for your computer. ResNet will try to get any computer working with the network, but we can't guarantee that all computers, both old and new, will work with our network. We will do our best to get every computer to work on our network. ResNet does reserve the right to not work on computers.
-
A MAC address (or a Media Access Control address) is a series of letters and numbers that is assigned to your network card inside your computer, gaming system, or wireless device. This number is supposed to be unique.
-
You will be required to have a current Antivirus software on your computer. If you do not have a current antivirus program, you will be provided an option to download one from the school at the time of network registration.
If you choose to use one of the University sponsored antivirus program, you will need to remove any antivirus program before you can install our antivirus software. If ResNet works on a computer, we will remove any and all forms of expired antivirus software programs before we put ours on.
-
If you can afford your own computer, you will probably find that it will be a great convenience for you. If you cannot afford your own computer, there are lab machines available in every resident hall. You may be able to borrow a laptop from Information Technologies. Contact IT at 715-394-8300 to reserve a laptop.
Tuition and Bills
-
To pay with cash or check:
Cash or check payments are accepted at the Cashier's Office in Old Main 136.
Checks payments may be mailed to:
UW-Superior Cashier's Office
Old Main 136
PO Box 2000
Superior, WI 54880Please make checks payable to UW-Superior and include your student ID number on the check. All payments due must be received at the University Cashier's Office no later than 4:30 p.m. on the due date. The University is not responsible for mail delays.
To pay with a credit card:
To make your payment by credit card, go to your E-Hive and follow these steps:
- Locate and click the "View Bill" link
- Choose the appropriate semester
- Be sure the pop-up blocker on your web browser is disabled
- Click the "Pay Online" button located at the bottom of your e-bill
- Follow the instructions on the payment page
- Print the final "Payment Accepted" page as your online receipt
UW-Superior accepts Visa and MasterCard only. No credit card payments are accepted over the phone. There is a $25 convenience fee charged for each credit card transaction using the web.
University Data
-
View University data, such as enrollment numbers, retention rates, student demographics, etc.
University of Wisconsin – Superior Foundation, Inc.
-
To secure, invest and manage financial resources that support exceptional opportunities for the University of Wisconsin-Superior, its students, faculty, and facilities.
-
In addition to executing the mission, some basic duties of the Foundation are:
- balance the budget
- execute donor wishes
- oversee and manage investment assets
- meet financial obligations
- obtain annual audit by independent accounting firm
- maintain effective internal control environment
-
The Foundation is a private foundation. It is a non-stock, not-for-profit entity and is incorporated under Chapter 181 of the laws of the State of Wisconsin. It is also registered as a § 501c3 not-for-profit corporation within the meaning and provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States. The legal name is University of Wisconsin – Superior Foundation, Inc. and its office is located on the UW-Superior campus in Superior, Wisconsin.
The Foundation’s annual meeting is held in September or October in Superior, Wisconsin. The Board of Directors also meets two or three other times during each year.
The Foundation has three categories of Directors: (1) Voting Director; (2) ex officio Director; and (3) Emeritus Director. Ex officio and Emeritus Directors are not eligible to vote on matters that come before the Board.
The Voting Directors (not less than ten and no more than thirty) control and manage the affairs and business of the Foundation. Directors may reside at any location. A Voting Director’s term of office is three years. Upon the recommendation of the Governance Committee, the Board may elect a Voting Director for three consecutive terms.
The Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Superior and the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement may be non-voting ex officio Board members. An Emeritus Director is a distinguished former Voting Director.
The Foundation officers, who are elected from the Voting Directors, are the President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. The immediate Past President also serves as an Officer. The UW-Superior Vice Chancellor for University Advancement may serve as the Executive Director of the Foundation and as the liaison between the Foundation and the university.
The Foundation has three standing committees: (1) Advancement (plans approaches to solicit/acquire contributions and steward donors); (2) Governance (makes recommendations for the Foundation’s corporate governance): and (3) Finance (informs and advises the Board of Directors on financial matters.)
-
After evaluating the qualifications of each Director candidate, any Director or other individual may suggest an individual to the Chair of the Governance Committee for election as a Director. The Governance Committee brings the name of a Director candidate before the Board of Directors for vote. Once the Board decides to approve the appointment of a new Director, the Governance Committee assigns a mentor to the new Director for the purposes of orientation and guidance for the first year
-
The goal of the Board is 100% participation in a gift amount of each Director’s choosing. As a § 501c3 not-for-profit corporation within the meaning and provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, contributions to the Foundation may be tax deductible to the extent of state and federal law.
-
Yes. Please refer to the Foundation Gift Policy and contact a member of the Advancement staff for further details.
-
The Foundation is connected to the university’s fundraising, alumni relations and development operations. Through a full spectrum of fundraising programs, the Foundation provides resources that advance the mission of the university. The Foundation’s sole purpose is to support the university and encourage and manage gifts (receive, invest and guarantee good stewardship) for the benefit of the university and its community.
The Foundation is a legally separate entity from the university and must maintain appropriate, legally mandated independence from the responsibilities of the university. As such, the Foundation has no formal or legal role in the governance of the university, the setting of academic priorities, payment of university employees or other matters that are part of the university’s responsibilities. Likewise, the university does not have a formal or legal role in the governance of the Foundation.
-
The Foundation works closely with the Alumni Association but the Alumni Association is a separate entity. The Alumni Association works to foster life-long pride and loyalty among alumni and friends by offering opportunities to strengthen their continued relationships with the university.
-
By executing its mission and following donor intent. In FY17, the Foundation supported the university with over $1.2 million, broken down between scholarships and other institutional/programmatic support. In addition, the Foundation funds its own annual operating budget ($450,000) as does the Alumni Association ($77,000).
-
Endowment Funds result from donor contributions which are made for a particular purpose, such as a specific scholarship, and are established as a permanently restricted fund by the donor.
Board Designated Funds are funds that the donor does not designate as permanently restricted, but because of their nature and purpose, are designated as such by the Foundation Board of Directors.
Unless expressly instructed or authorized by the donor, for both endowed and board designated funds, the original gift remains intact and only the investment income generated may be used for the payment of administration fees, investment management fees and for the donor’s or the Foundation’s stated purpose. The earnings from the endowment funds are used to fund the criteria established for each fund. The principal (or charitable contribution amount) is not distributed and the fund lives into perpetuity. A Foundation spending policy is used to calculate annual distributions from each fund – currently 4% of the trailing 3-year average June 30 market values of each fund – as long as that amount is less than the accumulated earnings of the fund. The minimum amount to establish an endowment fund is $10,000.
The Foundation’s investment and financial management firm manages the endowment funds.
Temporary Restricted Funds consist of contributions restricted to a specific use but are expected to be completely used within a short period of time. (E.g. a building fund) Earnings from temporary restricted funds are credited to the unrestricted fund.
Unrestricted Funds are funds from donor contributions without a specific designation. Fees and interest earned from temporary funds and certain other funds are credited to the unrestricted fund. Unrestricted funds are used to fund the administration of the Foundation in compliance with its annual budget. Funds are also used for university institutional support and undergraduate research.
As of June 30, 2017, total assets grew to over $16 million.
-
There are presently 23 academic and non-academic university scholarship committees that award scholarships. Each scholarship committee receives a Foundation report in January that summarizes its scholarships and the criteria for each, along with the award amounts. Each scholarship committee accepts student applications and from those reviews and selects the student recipients that best meet the stated criteria. The number of scholarships per committee varies.
-
Each scholarship committee forwards its recommended student recipient applications to the Advancement Office where the scholarship amounts and criteria are verified. The Advancement Office then notifies the student recipients of their selection along with the scholarship name, contact person(s) and the amount of the scholarship.
-
The university business office invoices the Foundation after the scholarships post to student accounts. The Foundation submits payment to the university.
-
The donor receives an annual scholarship report packet each November that includes:
- A thank you letter co-signed by the Foundation President and Finance Committee Chair that includes investment performance information and other economic info, a financial report of the fund which includes beginning balance, contributions received, market gains/losses, administrative fee charged, scholarship amount awarded, and an ending balance – as of June 30 of each year, a summary of the scholarship criteria and the names and award amounts for the student recipients
- A thank you letter from the Chancellor
- Student thank you letters
-
Temporary restricted funds whose distribution is determined by donor wishes. The Foundation has many institutional funds and each has a fund manager who administers the fund according to the Advancement Office document called the Foundation Fund Management Guideline. The Foundation reports the activity of these funds to the respective fund manager. Examples of these funds include: athletic team funds and academic/ program specific funds.
-
The Foundation operating budget is not funded by the university. It is partially funded by unrestricted “Superior Fund” gifts and an administrative fee charged on endowment funds – currently 2.25%. The Vice Chancellor for University Advancement approves all expense payments, and any payment request of $5,000 or greater is additionally approved by the Foundation President and Chair of the Finance Committee.
-
There are currently more than 400 funds to which you may contribute. If you wish to establish your own fund, please contact an Advancement staff member for further details.