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What a Polytechnic Education Means to Me

willams — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +0000

What a Polytechnic Education Means to Mewillams August 3, 2026

Graduates explain how ��Ͽ� Polytechnic prepared them for their careers

If you are new to ��Ͽ� Polytechnic, our Polytechnic Advantage comes down to a simple equation:

Applied Learning & Research + Career-Focused Experiences + Collaboration with Business & Industry = 99% of our graduates are employed or continuing education.

Hands-on, technology-driven, industry-inspired learning has been at the core of the ��Ͽ� Polytechnic experience for decades, but how does it impact our students’ education and success? We asked recent graduates what "polytechnic" means to them and how it prepared them for their dream careers.

Applied Learning & Research

Through a hands-on learning environment, students say their education connected them with the experiences and employers that will empower them to lead the future of their field. Students are taught by industry-experienced faculty and instructors in labs and studios that outnumber traditional classrooms by three to one.

Dylan LaFontaine
B.S. Information & Communication Technology; B.S. Digital Marketing Technology; Spanish Minor
"Polytechnic, in my mind, means 'hands-on' and experiential learning. This means using labs unique to the Stout campus; examples include the Graphics/Printing lab, Photography Studios, and having three times as many labs as classrooms. The second part of 'polytechnic' is having that experiential learning. For me, I was fortunate to intern as a Web Developer with Colony Brands during summer and fall 2022. I put my digital marketing and web development skills to the test, by updating client-facing websites with my web development colleagues. I was also exposed to other areas of my digital marketing department including web merchandising, credit risk, and data analytics. This was a very fulfilling and rewarding experience. In all, Stout's 'polytechnic' aspect means both using hands-on labs and state-of-the-art facilities, in addition to having industry experience before graduation. Both components were very fulfilling and enjoyable for me in my time here."
Luke Langefels
B.S. Applied Mathematics (Computer Science Concentration)
"Polytechnic means hands-on experience with real-world scenarios with enterprise equipment. Instead of just learning the theory, the theory is taken and practiced in labs with a practical scenario. It had a very positive impact on my college experience as I was able to learn so much more by doing rather than just learning theory."
Noah Wingo
B.S. Technology Education
"Polytechnic to me means that the school is advanced and inclusive for technology, especially vocational education courses. My major specifically was impacted majorly as most of the classes I took that were major-specific were hands-on courses like welding, woods, electric, plastics and more."

Career-Focused Experiences

Discovering your career path is an adventure, and ��Ͽ� Polytechnic students say they were provided with opportunities and resources to find and follow their passions. Students develop critical thinking, complex problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills in technology-driven environments that prepare them for success during and after their college careers.

Tyler Weiss
B.S. Computer Science
"Polytechnic to me involves being able to learn multiple different technical topics as opposed to only focusing on one specific topic. This mindset has led me to be more self-motivated within my classes so that I may be able to intake as much knowledge as possible that pertains to my field of study."
Melanie Hennes
B.S. Special Education
"Polytechnic means that there is a variety of options and career paths to take with the proper supports needed to be successful. I think that going to a polytechnic school was great because I was able to make friends with people of many different majors and backgrounds, and I was also able to have many teaching experiences via internships and practicums."

Collaboration with Business & Industry

On day one, students experience labs with state-of-the-art equipment that is used in their industry. ��Ͽ� Polytechnic students say they have set themselves apart by gaining practical, professional experience in real-world settings through an internship or co-op before graduation.

Anna Brooks
B.S. Applied Science (Biology Concentration)
"Polytechnic means that the skills one achieves at Stout are easily transferable to real-life research and day-to-day operations. When I entered the college three years ago, I would never fathom dissecting and presenting cadavers to other like-minded, curious students. I would have never imagined that in a biology laboratory, I would be conducting real genetic research and presenting it at competitive conferences. In both of the internships I have had so far, I have realized that the practical knowledge we acquire at Stout is inspired by the standards of the industry. Not only did the polytechnic education open a million doors for my future, but it also expanded my view of the world as a system of many moving parts that work together in an astoundingly impressive way."
Nathan Campbell
B.S. Manufacturing Engineering
"To me, polytechnic means not only in-depth study and research but also hands-on training focusing on technological skills. Not only do I have the knowledge to speak and advise on subjects I've been taught, but also the self-confidence to physically perform the task or operation. In turn, I understand more about the task since having to physically train for it."

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What a Polytechnic Education Means to Me

Graduates explain how ��Ͽ� Polytechnic prepared them for their careers

��Ͽ� Polytechnic Fall 2027 Application Open Aug. 1

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How to Navigate Class Waitlists

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Our Polytechnic Advantage

What is a Polytechnic? Learn about this remarkable designation and why it's so important to our students.

Inspiring Graduates Share Their ��Ͽ� Polytechnic Experiences

Celebrate our graduates as they cross the commencement stage and reflect on the journey that brought them here

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��Ͽ� Polytechnic Fall 2027 Application Open Aug. 1

goersab — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 15:01:07 +0000

��Ͽ� Polytechnic Fall 2027 Application Open Aug. 1goersab July 20, 2026

Join our Blue Devil family of doers

Applications for fall 2027 open on Saturday, Aug. 1. We’re committed to making your application process to ��Ͽ� Polytechnic as stress-free as possible.

Applying is free for incoming undergraduate students, and applying early maximizes your scholarship eligibility, so we encourage prospective students to submit their applications by Friday, Jan. 1, 2027.

Each student type has different application requirements. See below.

Our Undergraduate Admissions and Graduate Studies teams are here if you have any questions. We can also help high school senior families and supporters with questions about Direct Admit Wisconsin. Universities of Wisconsin will be sending students information on Direct Admit this week.

New First-Year Students

Take the next step toward your future at ��Ͽ� Polytechnic. Our new first-year student application process provides you with all the information to confidently complete your application.

You may submit either of the following applications:

Your application will include:

Your high school transcripts or GED Certificate/HSED Diploma
Your ACT or SAT scores. This is optional through summer 2028.

��Ͽ� Polytechnic is also in its third year of participating in the Direct Admit Wisconsin program. Many students will qualify to bypass the traditional application and simply submit their Direct Admit form. Eligible students must have opted into the program and will have received a notification letter confirming their admission to ��Ͽ� Polytechnic. All they need to do is claim their offer by completing the Direct Admit form— no additional application is required.

Turn Your Two-Year Degree into More

Join the 33% of ��Ͽ� students who successfully transfer from other two-year and four-year universities and graduate with the hands-on experience employers are looking for in candidates.

Our transfer process is simple:

Complete your UW Application. This is the same application for all students.
Explore course transfer information with Transferology.
Submit your high school transcripts and transcripts from other institutions attended.

The Transfer Center is here to help with any questions.

Returning to ��Ͽ� as a Reentry Student

Whether you’ve been out of school at ��Ͽ� for five years or 20, we’ll give you the tools to finish what you started. If you’re applying as a reentry student, it’s important to determine your student type to understand the specific application requirements.

We welcome two types of reentry students:

Undergraduate Reentry Students: Our application process is designed to seamlessly facilitate your return. There is no application fee, and you do not need to submit your high school transcripts or submit ACT/SAT scores.
Transfer Reentry Student: If you’re currently earning credits elsewhere since attending ��Ͽ�, our process ensures easy credit transfer. You will need to submit your transcripts from other universities or colleges you’ve attended.

Complete the UW Reentry Student Application and review the additional application requirements.

Earn Your Master’s or Doctoral

If you’re looking to expand your undergraduate knowledge or begin the next phase of your academic journey, ��Ͽ� has more than 25 graduate programs available.

As a graduate student applicant, you'll need to complete the general UW Graduate School Application and follow the program-specific requirements. There is a $56 application fee.

30+ Certificates & Certifications

��Ͽ� also offers more than 30 professional certificates and certifications to upskill and increase your knowledge in your career, help you meet state licensing requirements, fulfill state or national education requirements or give you a foot in the door toward a new career.

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Graduates explain how ��Ͽ� Polytechnic prepared them for their careers

��Ͽ� Polytechnic Fall 2027 Application Open Aug. 1

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What is it, why does it happen, and what steps can be taken when waitlisted?

Join our Blue Devil family of doers Engineering on Day One, Machine Component Design class

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Admissions Office

A little bit about the ��Ͽ� Admissions team and what we do.

Those of us in the Admissions Office are happy to be your first point of contact as you're considering ��Ͽ�.

We provide formal tours to prospective students and their families. We coordinate with other offices on campus for undergraduate recruitment events on and off campus. We are also responsible for processing undergraduate applications and undergraduate transfer credits.

If you're thinking about choosing ��Ͽ� for your college experience, we would love to hear from you! Get started by requesting personalized information, or contact us any time with your questions.

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How to Navigate Class Waitlists

willams — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:00:00 +0000

How to Navigate Class Waitlistswillams July 9, 2026

What is a "waitlist," how does it happen, and what should students do?

When a class’s registration is full, a "waitlist" is created to provide students still hoping to take the class on a first-come, first-served basis to register if seats become available. Being waitlisted can happen for many reasons—registering too late for the class, the priority registration of more senior students, class popularity or other circumstances — and it impacts most students at least once during their college career.

But being waitlisted rarely affects graduation timing unless it frequently occurs. Often students on a class waitlist will find that seats open up in their preferred class as other students drop. Significant waitlists may cause new class sections to be added.

If your student is waitlisted, they may consider the following helpful suggestions.

5 Steps to Stay on Track for Graduation

Know in advance which classes are required for the degree program and when they are offered. Students can use degree plans to confirm the frequency and semester of course offerings.
Know when registration opens and enroll as soon as possible.
If a class is full, get on the waitlist right away. In most cases, once a seat opens in the class, the next student on the waitlist will be automatically enrolled.
Talk with an advisor to find class alternatives and adjust degree plans to ensure the preferred class can be taken during another semester.
Monitor Stout emails. Students will receive an automated email if they are enrolled from the waitlist into the class.

Keep an Eye on Access Stout

Access Stout is where students can check on their “transition placement number” (aka, their place on the waitlist), and students can check their status as frequently as they want. We recommend checking the list each day to see if a student has moved up in line and if they are closer to getting placed. The transition placement notice will say something like: “Waitlist in position number 5.”

Always Have a Backup Plan

Although many students do move from a waitlist to being enrolled, they should always be prepared with class alternatives in case they don’t get into their first choice. A student’s advisor can be very helpful in assisting with schedule adjustments, so students do not add time to their college career. And remember, with enough planning, WinTerm and summer classes might be a way to stay on track.

Stay Positive

The waiting can be frustrating, but we try to help every student, in all different circumstances, whenever we can during the registration process. As we said earlier, students should always sign up for the waitlist if they really want to take a particular class. Signing up helps the waitlisted student (and potentially their peers), and it helps us. Academic department chairs evaluate waitlists to determine if additional class sections could be offered. The more people who sign up for the waitlist, the more likely a course section could be added, which increases the odds a student will get a spot in the class. And remember, students change their class schedules frequently, so spots open often.

It's important for students to stay positive, plan ahead, and make the best choices they can with the information they have. Your student’s adviser is ready to help!

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What a Polytechnic Education Means to Me

Graduates explain how ��Ͽ� Polytechnic prepared them for their careers

��Ͽ� Polytechnic Fall 2027 Application Open Aug. 1

Join our Blue Devil family of doers

How to Navigate Class Waitlists

What is it, why does it happen, and what steps can be taken when waitlisted?

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Achievement Center

A campus resource for students in the areas of academic advising, career exploration, student development, peer mentoring, success coaching, and tutoring.

Welcome to the Achievement Center

��Ͽ�'s Achievement Center is here to support you throughout your academic journey. Our advisors are committed to empowering you to make the most of your time at ��Ͽ� and achieve your full potential. In your first year, our dedicated advisors will partner with you to:

Explore Your Interests & Strengths: Discover your unique interests, abilities, and values to help you choose the right major and career path.
Develop Essential Skills: Build the academic and professional skills needed to succeed in your studies and future career.
Plan for Success: Create a clear and informed academic plan to ensure a timely and smooth path to graduation.
Navigate Campus Resources: Learn how to access and utilize the wide range of campus resources available to support your growth and success.
Understand University Policies: Gain clarity on university policies, procedures, and requirements to make well-informed decisions.
Receive Personalized Career Guidance: Benefit from one-on-one career exploration services tailored to help you reach your goals.

First-Year Freshmen Students

Freshman Registration & Orientation

Freshmen

Re-Entry Students

A diverse group of students who have attended ��Ͽ� in the past and are looking to return to complete their degree.

Re-Entry

Transfer Students

Registration and transition information for students transferring to ��Ͽ� to complete their degree.

Transfer

Special/Non-Degree Seeking Students

A diverse group of students including mid-career professionals, community members, and high school students.

Special/Non-Degree Seeking

Meet Your Advisors

Wondering who your first-year advisor will be? Each advisor specializes in certain ��Ͽ� majors

Meet Your Advisors

Tutoring & Study Support

Take advantage of Stout's free tutoring and study support resources across campus.

Mission

The Achievement Center strives to challenge, support, and empower students to become independent and engaged citizens who take responsibility for achieving educational, personal, and career goals. With an emphasis on serving first year and undeclared students, and an advising philosophy grounded in psychosocial, cognitive, and career development theory, the Achievement Center provides a variety of unique services to support holistic student success.

Vision

The Achievement Center is a campus leader in the areas of academic advising, career exploration, student development, peer mentoring, success coaching, and tutoring. We are valued by students as a knowledgeable and supportive resource to help them achieve their goals.

Advisement

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Contact Information

Achievement Center

Office: 11 Bowman Hall

715-232-1465

Email: advisement@uwstout.edu

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30 A Year Gets You Here

Earning 30 credits/year, averaging 15 credits/semester, set a pace for you to graduate sooner!

30 Credits per Year

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Explore your new backyard with Stout Adventures

goersab — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Explore your new backyard with Stout Adventuresgoersab June 18, 2026

Blue Devil Rec Connect

Blue Devil Rec Connect with Stout Adventures is an adventure-based program designed specifically for first-year students. It is a great way for your student to meet like-minded folks, become familiar with campus and explore the community before they start their first semester at ��Ͽ�.

From Thursday, August 27, to Saturday, August 29, we'll spend time exploring the Menomonie area through various activities and day trips, with campus as our home base.

Registration is open. Activities may include:

Outdoor Challenge Course
Indoor Climbing Wall
Canoeing and Kayaking
Paddle Boarding
Hiking
Beach Day
Yard Games and Picnics

The cost is $310 and includes trip leaders, transportation, meals, activities and all necessary equipment. All are welcome, and no experience is needed.

Reach out to Stout Adventures with any questions at stoutadventures@uwstout.edu.

We also offer a variety of clinics and outdoor trips for students, ranging from afternoon, day and weekend trips to seven-day spring break trips. Stout Adventures has adventure opportunities for all students.

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��Ͽ� Polytechnic Fall 2027 Application Open Aug. 1

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How to Navigate Class Waitlists

What is it, why does it happen, and what steps can be taken when waitlisted?

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Stout Adventures

Hours Employment

A comprehensive outdoor recreation program providing a climbing wall, challenge course, rental equipment, trips and clinics, and youth programming

Special Events

Check out our department events!

Events on Connect

Birthday Parties

Let Stout Adventures be a part of your special day!

Celebrate

Stout Bikes

Need a bike? We've got you covered!

Learn More

Established in 2001, Stout Adventures provides a variety of outdoor programming. Opportunities include:

Challenge Course

Alpine Towers Design with two 50ft. climbing towers, a 30ft. giant swing, a Leap of Faith and endless team activities.

Learn More

Climbing Wall

Two 30ft. walls with 12 ropes, bouldering wall, and over 50 routes. No experience necessary!

Learn more

Equipment Rental

Everything you need to get outdoors is available to rent.

Learn More

2 Climbing Walls & 1 Bouldering Wall

12 High & Low Elements Challenge Course

20+ Pairs of Cross Country Skis

Trips & Clinics

Domestic and International trip destinations with many instructional clinics offered.

Learn more

Youth Climbing League

Climbing instruction for youth ages 6-12.

Learn More

Gear Shop

Check out our gear shop for all of your climbing equipment needs.

Learn More

Recreation

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Fall 2026 Move-In Week

goersab — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:18:07 +0000

Fall 2026 Move-In Weekgoersab June 16, 2026

What to expect, FAQs and packing advice

��Ͽ� has a weeklong move-in process, when your student may drop off items before returning to campus for orientation.

This fall’s move-in week is from August 22 to August 30, 2026, allowing for flexibility around you and your student’s busy summer schedule.

The weeklong process helps to reduce community congestion so that your day may be low stress and laid back. Although you won't have university staff assistance during move-in, our process allows you and your student to have time for room set up and to get any last-minute items and explore their building, campus and Menomonie.

��Ͽ� Polytechnic Packing List

Know what to bring for move-in day

Your student can settle into their space ahead of time and be focused to start the year!

In early August, your student will be able to select a day and time during move-in week to set up their room. Directions on scheduling a move-in time will be emailed to their ��Ͽ� email address in late July.
Your student may stay during the week. However, most students will leave campus and return for fall orientation. Students should be sure to return to campus between 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 30, for the orientation experience. Meal plans are not active during move-in week, however, some food service will be available.

Meet at Parking Lot 29 on the date and time selected. Your student will have one unloading space in front of their building during their two-hour move-in time. Once unloaded or by the end of your move-in time, you will move your vehicle to an approved parking lot.

If your student will be moving to campus in the spring semester, remind them to check their ��Ͽ� email in December for more information.

Let us know if you have any questions. University Housing is here to help. We also have a list of our Frequently Asked Questions and our recommendations for packing.

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What a Polytechnic Education Means to Me

Graduates explain how ��Ͽ� Polytechnic prepared them for their careers

��Ͽ� Polytechnic Fall 2027 Application Open Aug. 1

Join our Blue Devil family of doers

How to Navigate Class Waitlists

What is it, why does it happen, and what steps can be taken when waitlisted?

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Housing

In University Housing we strive to provide an environment of personal growth and support that also respects individual needs and differences.

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��Ͽ� Polytechnic Packing List

goersab — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 13:20:35 +0000

��Ͽ� Polytechnic Packing Listgoersab June 5, 2026

Know what to bring for move-in day

Our favorite time of the year is when students are moving back to campus – so we want to make the transition as easy for our Blue Devils as possible!

As your student thinks about how to make their room their own, check out this non-exhaustive list of recommended items to bring (and not bring).

There's a printable version you can download, too. See you all very soon!

Bedding

Two pillows
2-3 sets of XL twin sheets
One light comforter/blanket
One comforter
Egg crate mattress pad for XL twin
Fabric/room spray
Bin for bedding storage

Organization

Plastic drawers for what the dresser can’t fit
Milk crate or similar for closet storage
Under bed bin for extra storage
Pencil/pen holder
Command hooks for frames and hanging up keys/lanyard
Shoe rack for the bottom of your closet

Hygiene

2-3 towels; 1 hand towel
Shower sandals
Shower caddy
Small caddy for the sink
Travel soap container
Shampoo, conditioner, soap
Medicine for cold/cough
Cleaning products/hand sanitizer
Personal mask, if desired

Study

Highlighters (students may highlight in our textbooks!)
A planner (digital or paper)
Calculator
Note cards
Scissors
Tape
Fun-Tak for posters
Extra phone charger
Notebook (for written note-takers)
Pens and pencils

Dorm room

Futon/bean bags for seating (futons should be 80" or less)
Rug (optional, all rooms are carpeted)
Power strip and extension cord
Coffeemaker or Keurig
String lights
Body mirror
Small vacuum
Reusable plasticware
Microwavable bowl and plate
Command hooks (for bags, towels, mirror, etc.)
Clorox wipes
Desk and floor lighting
Personal safe

Things Not to Bring

Pets (fish are allowed)
Big stereos
Candles
Appliances with open heat elements
Toasters, toaster ovens
Firearms or other weapons

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��Ͽ� Polytechnic Fall 2027 Application Open Aug. 1

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How to Navigate Class Waitlists

What is it, why does it happen, and what steps can be taken when waitlisted?

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Housing

In University Housing we strive to provide an environment of personal growth and support that also respects individual needs and differences.

A Home Away from Home

Our residence halls provide students a space to academically focus and socially thrive. All residents are members in one of two core communities; the First-Year Experience or The Next Experience.

Residence Halls Guide

We provide your student with:

Loft, bed and mattress
Desk and chair
Mirror
Window blinds
Computer and cable TV jack
Smoke detector
Dresser
Closet with shelf and clothes bar
Bookshelf
Trash/recycling containers
Mini fridge and freezer and attached microwave

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Ugh, Finals: 9 Exam Prep Tips

willams — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:17:41 +0000

Ugh, Finals: 9 Exam Prep Tipswillams April 22, 2026

Don't dread your upcoming exams when you follow these tips.

Let’s be honest, nobody is super excited about finals. There is a mix of emotions, and it can be a tough time for some students, but hard work and balancing priorities pay off.

On the brighter side, the semester is almost over, and a very deserved break is almost here.

To help you succeed on your finals, here are a few helpful tips.

Don’t Procrastinate

Don’t wait until the last minute to start reviewing. Every minute you wait to study could lead to more stress. Give yourself at least two weeks before your exam. That way, you are not rushing to figure out what you do not know, and you allow time to get help if needed.

Find a Tutor, Ask for Help

Everyone struggles with at least one subject, so do not be afraid to seek help. Reach out to your professor and ask for assistance. Stout also provides different tutoring options for a multitude of subjects through the advisement center. Or find someone in your class who knows the subject better and can help you.

A variety of tutoring resources is available to support your student.

Tutoring & Study Support

Take advantage of Stout's free tutoring and study support resources across campus.

Find a Study Buddy

Compare notes, quiz each other on the material, and teach each other. Two heads can be better than one when studying for an exam. You can even have a study group. If you are in an online class, you can create a virtual study group with other students in your class or ask your professor to connect you with a study buddy.

One of the many benefits of studying with a partner, as explained by ThoughtCo.:

“A study partner will understand some methods or problems that you don't. You will be able to explain some of the problems to your partner in return. It's a great trade-off!”

Find a Quiet Place to Study

Keep your focus. Studying in a loud or busy environment can be very distracting, so find your favorite study space where you know you can keep your head in the books. The library has reservable study rooms that can hold up to 12 people, so you and your study buddy or group will have plenty of room to work.

Other places on campus that students like to study are outside the Memorial Student Center (weather permitting), on the MSC's upper floor, and in Merle M. Price Commons.

Robert S. Swanson Library & Learning Center

Take your learning to the next level in ��Ͽ� Polytechnic's library.

Review Previous Tests & Quizzes

Some classes let you keep your previous tests or quizzes. These are great tools to review because, more than likely, there will be similar questions on the final exam. Previous tests and quizzes are a great place to start if you are unsure what to study.

Write It Out

Rewrite your notes. Find a blank whiteboard and write out your notes or pretend like you are teaching a class. It has been scientifically proven that writing things out helps you better remember things.

According to Science Daily, the University of Tokyo explains:

“A study of university students and recent graduates has revealed that writing on physical paper can lead to more brain activity when remembering the information an hour later. Researchers say that the unique, complex, spatial and tactile information associated with writing by hand on physical paper is likely what leads to improved memory.”

Try Flashcards

Write down key terms and ideas to study anywhere. You can take them out between classes or review them while you are eating lunch. Also, just writing the term and definition down to create the flashcard helps keep the information in your brain.

If you are more tech-savvy, there are many apps and websites out there to create digital flashcards. These sites allow you to have access to these flashcards on your phone and computer. The downfall of digital is that you need to have an internet connection to access them. Here is a list of a few options: Quizlet, Visme, and Brainscape.

Take Breaks

Whether you want to follow the 40-20 rule or the 45-15 rule, set a time limit for how long you study and then take a timed break. During your break, walk away from where you are studying to disconnect from what you just reviewed. This allows your brain to not get overworked, so you can fully focus while you are studying.

According to The Wellness Thesis:

“Micro-breaks, lunchtime breaks and longer breaks, have all been shown to have a positive relationship with wellbeing and productivity. By taking regular breaks you can boost your performance.”

Eat Healthy, Stay Hydrated, Get Quality Sleep

These three necessities are often sacrificed during finals season, but they can be the most important. Your body and brain need quality fuel and energy to function, and no amount of coffee, energy drinks, or sugary foods can replace actual substance.

According to The Sleep Foundation:

“Students who nap more tend to have higher GPAs. Napping right after you learn something can help improve your memory.”

Through studying, preparing the best way for you and taking care of your body, finals will be a breeze. You got this!

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What a Polytechnic Education Means to Me

Graduates explain how ��Ͽ� Polytechnic prepared them for their careers

��Ͽ� Polytechnic Fall 2027 Application Open Aug. 1

Join our Blue Devil family of doers

How to Navigate Class Waitlists

What is it, why does it happen, and what steps can be taken when waitlisted?

Don't dread your upcoming exams when you follow these tips. 20220322_msc_8823.jpg

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Dining

Welcome to University Dining where great food brings the campus together.

Evaluation Dates: Spring 2026

All classes will meet during the time scheduled in Evaluation Week. Special times are reserved for multiple section exams.

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Why STEM Careers Matter – Especially in the Midwest

goersab — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:52:39 +0000

Why STEM Careers Matter – Especially in the Midwestgoersab April 14, 2026

Careers in science, engineering, technology, and applied fields are not just growing. They are essential

If you’re thinking about college, you’ve probably heard a lot about STEM. But what does that actually mean for your future?

Across the Midwest, careers in science, engineering, technology, and applied fields are not just growing. They are essential. From manufacturing and healthcare to technology and energy, employers need people who can solve problems, work with data, and build real solutions.

A Strong Job Market Close to Home

Many employers across the Midwest rely on STEM-related skills. Companies like 3M, Milwaukee Tool, Sargento Foods, and IBM hire graduates across engineering, information technology, design, and other applied disciplines. That demand translates to real opportunities:

High demand for engineers, analysts, developers, and designers
Strong starting salaries across many fields
Career options across the Midwest and beyond

For students who want to stay close to home or build a career in the region, these fields offer strong flexibility and long-term stability.

What You Gain from a STEM Degree

A STEM degree is not just about coursework. It’s about learning how to think. Students build skills in:

Problem solving
Critical thinking
Working with real tools and systems

These are the skills employers look for, and they are a key reason STEM graduates often stand out in the job market.

Outcomes That Speak for Themselves

At ��Ͽ�, students do more than sit in lectures. They apply what they learn through labs, internships, co-ops, and industry-connected projects. That shows up in the outcomes. Career outcomes across STEM and related programs are strong:

99% employed or continuing education
Strong starting salaries across disciplines

Graduates move into roles such as mechanical engineer, software developer, product designer, environmental specialist, cybersecurity analyst, network engineer and more. These fields continue to grow, offering long-term career opportunities.

Why ��Ͽ� Stands Out

��Ͽ� takes an applied approach to learning. Students gain experience by doing the work, not just studying it. That includes:

Lab-based and project-based courses
Internships and cooperative education experiences
Real projects connected to industry partners

By the time students graduate, they already have experience they can talk about in interviews. That makes a real difference when entering the job market.

Explore STEM at ��Ͽ�

If you are interested in how things work, how to improve systems, or how to solve real problems, STEM and related programs might be a good fit.

You can explore programs here.

Not Quite Ready for College Yet?

��Ͽ� also offers STEAM summer camps for middle and high school students. These camps give students a hands-on way to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and design through creative projects and begin discovering what they enjoy long before college decisions are made.

Your Next Step

STEM careers offer strong outcomes, but more importantly, they give you the chance to do meaningful work. If you are curious, start exploring. And whether that is through a summer camp or a virtual panel, there is a place to begin learning more right now.

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What a Polytechnic Education Means to Me

Graduates explain how ��Ͽ� Polytechnic prepared them for their careers

��Ͽ� Polytechnic Fall 2027 Application Open Aug. 1

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How to Navigate Class Waitlists

What is it, why does it happen, and what steps can be taken when waitlisted?

Careers in science, engineering, technology, and applied fields are not just growing. They are essential Plastics engineering students

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Celebrating Graduates on May 16

goersab — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Celebrating Graduates on May 16goersab April 9, 2026

Commencement Information

Commencement is one of the most meaningful milestones in a student’s journey. It’s a time to celebrate years of hard work, dedication, growth, and achievement alongside family, friends, classmates and faculty.

Commencement is on Saturday, May 16:

9:30 a.m.: College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Management undergraduate ceremony
1:30 p.m.: College of Arts and Human Sciences undergraduate ceremony
5 p.m.: Graduate Studies ceremony

Doors will open 45 minutes prior to each ceremony. Seating is first-come, first-served. All guests for the undergraduate ceremony will need a ticket to enter Johnson Fieldhouse. Children 3 and under do not need a ticket. A remote viewing area is available on the second floor of the Memorial Student Center.

The ceremonies will be live-streamed, and links can be found on the Commencement page. Please see the Commencement FAQ page for more information.

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What a Polytechnic Education Means to Me

Graduates explain how ��Ͽ� Polytechnic prepared them for their careers

��Ͽ� Polytechnic Fall 2027 Application Open Aug. 1

Join our Blue Devil family of doers

How to Navigate Class Waitlists

What is it, why does it happen, and what steps can be taken when waitlisted?

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Why Summer Classes Are for You

willams — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Why Summer Classes Are for Youwillams April 9, 2026

Expand your knowledge, get caught up or get ahead in your college career by enrolling in summer courses.

Whether your student wants to lighten their course load for the fall or just learn something new, summer classes are their ticket to a productive break. Students take summer classes for a multitude of reasons. Before your student checks out for the summer, have them consider what they might be missing.

Registration for Summer Session 2026 is open and continues through to the first week of classes. Classes start as soon as the end of May. Encourage your student to see what's available.

4 Reasons to Take Summer Classes

Get Ahead and Graduate Early.

Enrolling in summer courses will accelerate your student's degree path. Not only can it help them save money, but it will also allow them to finish their education early. Graduating early can be a significant advantage, especially when a company is in need of their expertise.

If your student can sustain a large workload, they can take up to 12 credits, which could reduce their graduation date by a whole semester. Don't worry if 12 credits seem overwhelming, taking 3 credits over the summer can still accelerate your student's graduation timeframe or at least lighten their semester load.

Reduce Fall or Spring Semester Workload.

Sometimes a semester is so crammed with challenging courses that your student knows they are going to struggle. Before resigning themselves to burnout, giving up their free time or stressing over their GPA, have them look at what summer courses are being offered to lessen their workload. These classes could cover a Stout Core credit or a major-specific credit.

Stout Core Classes

Your polytechnic education starts with 33 foundational credits in communication, critical thinking, civic engagement, analysis, and reasoning.

Expand Their Knowledge through a Specialty or Experimental Course.

Your student will always find courses offered over the summer that focus on a specific skill or subject. Specialty courses can allow them to dive deeper into a subject or cover emerging topics, such as AI. Make sure to have your student check what courses are going to be offered every summer term to ensure they do not miss out on a great opportunity to expand their knowledge.

Get a Second Chance on Missed Credits.

Sometimes, college classes don't go as planned and can throw off your student's graduation date. If they need to retake a course to stay on track, one option is to check if the course is offered over the summer. If not, encourage your student to talk to their advisor about taking a summer class that fulfills another required credit to make space for the retake in the fall or spring.

Winterm & Summer Session Registration

Apply for winterm or summer classes with helpful step-by-step guides to view your enrollment date and search for courses.

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Contact Information

Registration and Records Office
109 Bowman Hall
registrar@uwstout.edu
Phone: 715-232-2121
Fax: 715-232-2436
Hours: 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

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Established in 2001, Stout Adventures provides a variety of outdoor programming. Opportunities include:

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2 Climbing Walls & 1 Bouldering Wall

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Dining

Evaluation Dates: Spring 2026

Why STEM Careers Matter – Especially in the Midwest

A Strong Job Market Close to Home

What You Gain from a STEM Degree

Outcomes That Speak for Themselves

Why ���Ͽ� Stands Out

Explore STEM at ���Ͽ�

Not Quite Ready for College Yet?

Your Next Step

College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management

Celebrating Graduates on May 16

Why Summer Classes Are for You

4 Reasons to Take Summer Classes

Stout Core Classes

Inspiring Graduates Share Their ��Ͽ� Polytechnic Experiences

��Ͽ� Polytechnic Fall 2027 Application Open Aug. 1

Returning to ��Ͽ� as a Reentry Student

��Ͽ� Polytechnic Packing List

��Ͽ� Polytechnic Packing List

Why ��Ͽ� Stands Out

Explore STEM at ��Ͽ�