Regents approve, advance historic UWO academic, Polk Library transformations

Above, the "North Porch" view of the planned UW Oshkosh Polk Learning Commons.

The $137.5 million transformation of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh's Polk Library and a landmark academic plan reshaping UWO colleges and programs into a new, more learner-centered, career-focused structure both advanced with Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents support Thursday.

The renovation-and-rebuild of nearly 60-year-old Polk is featured as one of the major projects in the Regents' 2025-2027 state biennial budget capital budget requests.

The UWO academic restructuring work, which aims to save UWO $1.75 million in administrative costs, is well underway but required the endorsement of the Regents.

"We are grateful to the Board of Regents for their support and confidence in UWO," Chancellor Andy Leavitt said. "We're ready to work hard to ensure the Polk project earns the state legislature's and Governor's support. Likewise, we are committed to the transformation of our academic structure and delivery of an even more relevant and powerful educational experience for students."

Smaller, modern Polk revitalization prioritized in Regents' capital budget plans

The capital project is yet another example of UWO's commitment to renovate-first-rebuild-as-necessary approach to modernizing the Oshkosh campus. UWO has only added one entirely new freestanding academic building to the Oshkosh campus-Sage Hall-over the last half-century, working with the Universities of Wisconsin and state to invest in the renovation of several others.

A hybrid renovation-and-new-construction plan will transform Polk, modernizing the current building's 1967 wing through renovation and demolishing and rebuilding the complex's north wing. The project addresses years of water penetration and outdated, failing mechanical systems; more than 50 percent of Polk's rated building components are designated in "Poor" condition a late-May predesign report. The project also will provide UWO and the broader community a complex that houses print collections, distinctive local and state archives and a digital and social hub, all more accommodating to student, faculty, staff, alumni and community member study and research.

"The Polk Learning Commons plan reminds us that as libraries transform in shape and usage, they remain the beating heart of any university-havens for learning, collaboration and research," Leavitt said. "We're ready to work with state officials in the months ahead and make the case for this much-needed investment in UWO."

Upon completion, the revitalized Polk Learning Commons will total 163,000 square feet, a footprint smaller than the existing Polk. The commons will be brighter, more sustainable and efficiently use energy and space.

The features and hybrid design approach are responsive to the preferences of today's UWO learners and reflective of sustainability goals within the UWO2030 Strategic Plan.

The commons will integrate entrances and exits on every side of the building, align Dempsey Hall and the campus's central mall and walkways, incorporate a new café-like "social collector space" on its north side referred to as the "porch," and feature a striking multi-use space on the building's northwestern, second-floor corner.

Learner-centered UWO academic restructuring earns Regents' approval

The Board of Regents also endorsed UWO's innovative academic restructuring proposal that realigns programs, strengthens connections to Wisconsin career-clusters and cuts administrative costs.

The new UWO academic model will shift the institution from four to three colleges and, within, a new structure containing six new "schools."

The restructuring aligns UWO's distinctive academic units with nationally recognized career clusters already infused into Wisconsin's K-12 school systems. The new schools group existing programs in ways that make it easier for students to explore and pursue majors without slowing down their time to achieving degrees.

The new colleges and their respective new schools are titled:

• The College of Business, Arts & Communication, home to the School of Business and the School of Media, Arts & Communication.
• The College of Public Affairs & Education, home to the School of Public Affairs & Global Engagement and School of Education & Human Services.
• The College of Nursing, Health Professions & STEM, home to the School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics; and School of Nursing & Health Professions.

"A team of faculty and staff have worked incredibly hard on developing the new structure that offers an even better educational experience for students while achieving considerable savings outside the classroom," Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Ed Martini said. "We appreciate the support of the Regents Education Committee and full board which now propel us toward implementing the plan and fully realizing what we call 'UWO 2.0.'"

Learn more:

• Next-gen UWO library design moves forward
• UW Oshkosh Academic Planning
• UWO2030 Strategic Plan

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