Fox Valley Technical College is welcoming students back for the fall semester with enrollment growth in programs leading to in-demand careers, four new academic programs, expanded transfer opportunities and several campus improvements designed to enhance the student experience.
Many longstanding programs related to nursing, dental, aviation, construction and cosmetology are beginning the semester at or near capacity, while several others are experiencing significant enrollment increases compared to last fall.
Programs reporting the largest gains include Medical Laboratory Technician (86%), Dental Assistant (52%), Legal Studies/Paralegal (38%) Supply Chain Management (33%), Early Childhood Education (27%) and University Transfer Associate of Science (22%).
"Each fall semester brings fresh energy to our campuses, and this year is no exception," said Dr. Chris Matheny, president of Fox Valley Technical College. "We're excited to welcome students back and offer even more opportunities for them to build rewarding careers. Each year, more than 40,000 individuals enroll in classes at FVTC, and it is especially rewarding to see continued demand for technical education and the many ways FVTC is evolving to serve our community."
To help meet workforce needs identified by local employers, FVTC has added four new programs in high-demand careers:
Students seeking a pathway to a bachelor's degree also have more transfer opportunities than ever before. Recent transfer agreements with St. Norbert College and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay provide additional pathways for students studying business and accounting to continue toward a bachelor's degree after earning an associate degree from FVTC. These agreements join a growing list of transfer partnerships with Lakeland University, Ripon College, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Stevens Point, UW-Milwaukee and other institutions.
Students returning to campus this fall will also notice several improvements completed during the summer. At the Appleton campus, The Commons has been refreshed with contemporary furniture and gathering spaces that support studying and social connection. The completion of the Quantity Foods Kitchen renovation marks the final phase of a four-year Culinary Arts modernization project and includes a new teaching station and three production lines designed to enhance hands-on learning experiences.
Additional upgrades include improvements to the Student Services area to help students more easily access support resources, refreshed Interior Design classrooms that serve as both learning environments and design showcases, and updates to the hallway leading to Ione's Dining Room. At FVTC's Riverside Campus in Oshkosh, a newly installed mural overlooking the Fox River welcomes students and visitors. The mural was commissioned through Discover Oshkosh's Riverwalk public art initiative.
FVTC also continues to offer flexible enrollment options for students who were not ready to start classes in August. Several programs offer a second start date on Oct. 21, including:
Community members, prospective students and families are invited to explore these opportunities during FVTC's Open House on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 3 to 6 p.m. Visitors can tour classrooms and labs, meet instructors, learn about the college's more than 200 programs and hear from current students about their experiences.
Individuals who apply for admission during Open House will have their $30 application fee waived and be entered to win one of four $500 tuition credits courtesy of the FVTC Foundation. The event will also feature food trucks, giveaways and family-friendly activities.
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About FVTC
Fox Valley Technical College, one of 16 colleges to make up the Wisconsin Technical College System, offers more than 200 associate degree, technical diploma and certificate programs. The College also provides instruction related to 22 apprenticeship trades and customized training to business and industry. Each year, more than 40,000 individuals enroll in classes at FVTC, more than any other technical college in Wisconsin.