By virtue of its Carnegie classification as a Doctoral/Research Extensive University, many UWM students have the opportunity to participate in research and creative activities alongside distinguished faculty. They also have access to a wide variety of enriching learning, social and cultural activities that are available in a dynamic metropolitan area. UWM offers a high-quality, learner-centered education with opportunities that challenge students of varying abilities to achieve their goals. UWM’s undergraduate and graduate degree programs are clearly defined, coherent, and rigorous.

The University is committed to effective teaching. The UWM mission statements, Investment Plan, and mission statements of the units of academic affairs assert a commitment to high-quality teaching, learning, and/or student achievement, as do the mission statements for all student affairs units that provide co-curricular programs.

This chapter offers direct and indirect evidence of student learning and teaching effectiveness at UWM, in the work of individual faculty and staff, in program reviews, in faculty dossiers for tenure and promotion, in reports on curricular or pedagogical enhancements, and in recent efforts in Academic Affairs and the schools and colleges to approach the assessment of student learning more systematically. Moreover, there is ample evidence for the existence and effective functioning of structures and programs designed to promote student learning and teaching effectiveness.