UW-River Falls makes it easier for students to enroll

April 17, 2020 –The University of Wisconsin System has announced a series of changes to admissions policies that will make it easier for students to enroll this fall at UW schools.

Changes include reducing the undergraduate application fee effective immediately, accepting unofficial high school transcripts for admission consideration, and holding students harmless for changes in admissions testing, grading formats, and other standard requirements. 

“A college education is something students and families plan for and dream about for years,” said UWRF Executive Director of Admissions Sarah Nelson. “These new policies will help keep those dreams alive by allowing greater access for those impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.”

UW-River Falls is among many UW System universities still accepting applications for the summer and fall 2020 terms. While all on-campus visits and admissions events have been cancelled through the end of May and while not having students visit campus in person is disappointing, virtual accommodations ensure that students interested in learning about more about UWRF can do so.

“We know this is a challenging time for our high school seniors,” said UW System President Ray Cross. “We want to do everything we can to ensure that students who want to enroll in our universities this fall can enroll.”

UW System universities, including UW-River Falls, are taking the following steps to provide even greater access for students:

• An immediate reduction of the $50 per university undergraduate application fee to $25 for summer 2020 and beyond (with the exception of UW-Madison).
• Making application fee waivers available for students experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. Students needing a fee waiver should contact the UW System university to which they are applying and request one.
• Acceptance of unofficial transcripts for admission consideration and additional flexibilities in submitting other application materials.
• Holding students harmless for circumstances out of their control such as the cancellation of ACT or SAT testing dates, or a high school or college moving to a pass-fail grading system.
• Taking campus-visit programs online and providing virtual tours.

Consistent with the long-standing UW System admissions policy, UW universities will continue to review each student’s application individually through a holistic and comprehensive review.

“These steps make it evident that the UW System understands the current situation of students and families,” added Nelson. “As well, UWRF is committed to helping students and families through this tough time and encourage them to connect with us about any additional flexibility that may be needed.”

For more information about UW-River Falls, email admissions@uwrf.edu or call 715-425-3500.