Students returning to Fox Valley Technical College this fall will find several new additions across the college. From academic programs and transfer opportunities to campus improvements completed over the summer, the semester is starting with plenty of fresh additions on campus.
Interest in FVTC continues to grow. Many longstanding programs related to nursing, dental, aviation, construction and cosmetology will start the semester at or near capacity. Several others report enrollment increases heading into the fall:
- Medical Laboratory Technician: Enrollment up by 86%
- Dental Assistant: Enrollment up by 52%
- Legal Studies/Paralegal: Enrollment up by 38%
- Supply Chain Management: Enrollment up by 33%
- Early Childhood Education: Enrollment up by 27%
- University Transfer-Associate of Science: Enrollment up by 22%
“Each fall semester brings fresh energy to our campuses, and this year is no exception,” says Dr. Chris Matheny, president of FVTC. “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.”
In response to workforce needs identified by local employers, FVTC has added four innovative programs in high-demand careers:
- AI Data Specialist – associate degree
- Biomedical Electronics – associate degree
- Electrical Technician – technical diploma
- Phlebotomist/Specimen Processor – technical diploma
Students pursuing bachelor’s degrees 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.
These agreements join a growing list of transfer partnerships with institutions including Lakeland University, Ripon College, UW-Stevens Point, UW-Milwaukee and others.
What’s New Around Campus?
Students returning to the Appleton campus will notice several updates completed during the summer. The Commons has been refreshed with contemporary furniture and gathering spaces designed to support studying and social connection.
In the Culinary Arts area, the completion of the Quantity Foods Kitchen renovation marks the final phase of a four-year modernization project. The expanded kitchen includes a new teaching station and three production lines designed to enhance hands-on learning experiences. Nearby, updates to the hallway leading to Ione’s Dining Room create a more welcoming and modern experience for students and guests.
Additional improvements include updates to the Student Services area to help students more easily find support resources and refreshed Interior Design classrooms that double as learning tools through a variety of finishes, furnishings and design styles.
At FVTC’s Riverside Campus in Oshkosh, a newly installed mural overlooking the Fox River now welcomes students and visitors. The mural was commissioned through Discover Oshkosh’s Riverwalk public art initiative.
What’s Next? Fall Start Dates and Open House
For students who were not ready to start classes in August, there is still time to enroll. Several FVTC programs offer a second start date on Oct. 21, providing additional flexibility for students balancing work, family and other commitments.
Programs with October start dates include:
- Automated Manufacturing Systems
- Aviation Management
- Business
- Business Operations
- Electromechanical Technology
- Human Resources
- Industrial Maintenance Mechanic
- Precision Machining
- Industrial Welding
- Marketing
- Supply Chain Management
Community members, prospective students and families can learn more about these latest programs, see campus improvements firsthand and explore programs during FVTC’s Open House on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 3 to 6 p.m.
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.
