New admissions initiative to boost production agriculture in Wisconsin

A fall 2007 pilot admissions initiative for the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) is working to retain Wisconsin students who are both highly qualified and deeply committed to long-term careers in Wisconsin agriculture.

The pilot applies to University of Wisconsin–Madison applicants who are currently involved in state agriculture with demonstrated commitment to one of seven production agriculture degree programs. Essentially, the initiative will admit these students meeting normal admissions expectations earlier in the admissions process, rather than being placed on the “postpone decision” list, as long as they are likely to be ultimately admitted.

CALS and admissions leaders say the earlier admit can make a big difference with this category of students, since many of them are being lost during that “postpone” period to other campuses that offer an earlier admissions invitation. Officials hope it will counter a perception among students, particularly those from rural areas, that a “postpone” decision means they will not ultimately be admitted.

“Agriculture is a vital and important economic force in this state and we remain intensely committed to our mandate to train the next generation of agricultural leaders for Wisconsin,” says CALS Dean Molly Jahn.

Rob Seltzer, director of admissions, says the initiative helps further align admissions practices with the university’s mandate to serve the state and its future. “The initiative is expected to affect a small percentage of our applicant pool who have a strong and demonstrated interest in seven majors by accelerating their notification of admission,” Seltzer says.

The initiative covers applicants who declare an interest in the departments of dairy science, animal science, agronomy, horticulture, forest ecology, soil science and biological systems engineering.

The students must also demonstrate in their applications a substantial prior involvement in agriculture and an intention to continue that involvement after graduation.

Adds Jahn: “We need to insure that our best and brightest students who are committed to the state’s agricultural future are not lost to other professions or other states.”

The program is strongly supported by a number of agricultural associations in Wisconsin. Bill Oemichen, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives, says it makes sense for state agriculture.

“Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives member co-ops are fortunate Wisconsin has three outstanding agricultural schools at Madison, Platteveille and River Falls and have been able to hire many outstanding graduates,” Oemichen says. “This plan will help insure that our brightest rural Wisconsin students stay in agriculture and benefit us all.”