Overview
Northwood Technical College Overview
One of 16 districts in the Wisconsin Technical College System, Northwood Technical College began serving Northwest Wisconsin in 1912 in Superior, and now has locations in Ashland (1921), Rice Lake (1941), and New Richmond (1967). Northwood Technical College has outreach centers in Balsam Lake, Hayward, and Ladysmith. Additionally, Northwood Technical College’s state-of-the-art Health Education Center in Shell Lake, provides a high-tech, centrally located learning environment for students from all four campuses’ health science programs
Today the College employs a staff of more than 850 and provides education to over 5,000 credit students in 70+ Career Programs, technical certificates, and apprenticeship programs. Over 13,000 residents enroll in continuing education courses at the College.
The Northwood Technical College district encompasses 10,500 square miles with over 340,000 residents. More than 14,000 students were served last year, 46 percent were female, 11 percent were ethnic minorities, 3 percent were Veterans, and 60 percent were 20 years old or older.
The College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The College offers a variety of associate degrees, technical diplomas, short-term certificate programs, continuing education courses, and customized business training designed to help start or advance a career.
Operating under the direction of the Board of Trustees and the state technical college system, the College generates its revenue through student tuition and other student fees, local government, state and federal aid, and institutional revenue. The Northwood Technical College Foundation also supports the College with scholarships, staff development training, and equipment donations. The College works closely with local businesses, other educational institutions, and government and service agencies to develop partnerships and collaboration for the benefit of its students and the community.
Northwood Technical College
CAMPUS HISTORY AND CURRENT INFORMATION
Campus History
Please visit the pages below to learn more about Northwood Technical College’s extensive and rich history.
History of Northwood Technical College
Health Education Center (Formerly Administrative Office)
Ashland
New Richmond
Rice Lake
Superior
Chronological Highlights in the History of Northwood Technical College
Chief Executive Officers (1967-2023)
College Board Membership (1977-2023)
Current Campus Information
Please visit the pages below to learn more about Northwood Technical College’s current programs and services, course descriptions, tuition and fees, and policies.
2023-2024 College Catalog
2023-2024 Student Handbook
MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES
The College regularly reviews the Mission, Vision and Values (MVVs). In May 2023, the College Advisory Council recommended to the Northwood Technical College Board of Trustees that after 20+ years, it was time to refresh the MVVs. An iterative process consisting of 6 rounds of feedback was used to collect data and input from Northwood Technical College employees. Approximately 350 individual feedback comments were provided throughout the data gathering and feedback cycles. A draft document was developed based on the multi-phase process. The Board approved the revised statements in January 2024.
Mission, Vision and Values
Mission
Students First.
We strengthen communities by empowering each student to realize their own success story.
Vision
Transforming Communities.
We aspire to be the recognized education leader in workforce development and community engagement through our students’ success.
Values
Collaboration
We value relationships that enhance learning and promote economic development.
Innovation
We embrace the latest theories and technologies to support student and community success.
Excellence
We prioritize high quality education, services, and continuous improvement in a dynamic learning environment.
Community
We value our deep connections to our communities, working together to provide solutions through student success.
Support
We empower individuals by supporting their success with quality experiences and services designed to meet their needs.
Integrity
We uphold honesty and accountability in a diverse, open and ethical learning and working environment.
Respect
We value each individual and approach all interactions mindfully, with civility, empathy, and openness to new and differing ideas.
Strategic Plan and Related Operational Goals
Executive Summary: 2024-2027 Strategic Plan
Introduction
EVOLVE XXVII, the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, provides a comprehensive and adaptive framework designed to navigate the post pandemic landscape of higher education. This plan builds upon the foundational efforts of the EVOLVE XXIII 2021-2023 Strategic Plan, incorporating insights and adjustments derived from our experiences during the COVID19 pandemic.
Background
The EVOLVE XXIII 2021-2023 Strategic Plan was developed amidst the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. To maintain agility and responsiveness, Northwood Tech opted for a shorter, two-year strategic plan with the intention of reevaluating and adjusting the plan as new information became available. This approach allowed us to adapt swiftly to the emerging "new normal."
Strategic Priority Re-Evaluation Process
In 2023, Northwood Tech conducted a thorough re-evaluation of the 2021-2023 Strategic Plan priorities, which involved:
• Assessing the relevance and effectiveness of existing themes and strategies.
• Deciding which themes and strategies to extend, retire, or modify.
• Identifying new themes and strategies that address current and future needs.
The re-evaluation process was completed by December 2023, laying the groundwork for the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan.
Development of Action Items
Following the establishment of new strategic priorities, the development of specific action items began in spring 2024. This process included:
• Aligning departmental operational plans with strategic goals.
• Ensuring departmental initiatives support the overall strategic objectives.
• Creating clear, measurable action items to drive progress and accountability.
Shift to Calendar Year Planning
To improve coherence and efficiency, Northwood Tech transitioned from a fiscal year planning cycle to a calendar year cycle. This change aligns our planning processes with broader institutional timelines, facilitating more streamlined execution of strategic initiatives.
Implementation of Anthology Planning
To enhance our strategic and operational planning processes, Northwood Tech adopted Anthology Planning as part of our new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Anthology Planning provides:
• Enhanced tools for tracking progress and measuring outcomes: Robust reporting capabilities allow for precise monitoring of strategic initiatives and operational activities, ensuring we stay on track to meet our goals.
• Improved collaboration across departments: The platform facilitates seamless communication and coordination among departments, ensuring all units are aligned with strategic objectives and can contribute effectively.
• Real-time access to inform decision-making and adjustments: Stakeholders at all levels have access to up-to-date information, enabling swift and informed decision-making.
• Integration with existing systems: Anthology Planning will integrate smoothly with other Anthology products, minimizing disruptions and providing a unified platform for all strategic and operational planning activities.
• User-friendly interface: The intuitive design of Anthology Planning makes it accessible and easy to use for all members of the Northwood Tech community, from faculty and staff to administration.
Operational Planning and Review Process
Northwood Tech's commitment to continuous improvement is embodied in our Operational Planning and Review process. This systematic mechanism engages all operational departments in reflective self-study, examining progress toward articulated goals and anticipating challenges and opportunities. The process serves multiple purposes, including:
• Ensuring alignment of unit goals with the College’s Mission, Vision, Strategic Plan, and budgeting process.
• Enhancing departmental knowledge of their roles within the college and their service to on-campus and offcampus populations.
• Developing plans based on gathered knowledge to uphold existing strengths.
• Identifying and leveraging best practices across the college.
Conclusion
The 2024-2027 Strategic Plan positions Northwood Tech for success in a dynamic educational environment. By integrating lessons from the EVOLVE XXIII plan, leveraging new technologies like Anthology Planning, and engaging in continuous improvement through our Operational Planning and Review process, we are well-equipped to meet future challenges and opportunities. We look forward to executing this plan with the support and collaboration of the entire Northwood Tech community.
Strategic Themes
Transferability:
Increase holistic, seamless transfer and higher education partnership opportunities.
Strategies:
Strengthen and increase holistic, seamless transfer opportunities through collaborative partnerships and technology within our region
Program Optimization:
Establish programming that focuses on flexibility and leverages technology to serve regional employment needs.
Strategies:
Expand access to learning and support through flexible delivery methods, schedules, and credentials to increase enrollment and retention
Cultivate innovative teaching and learning practices using emerging technology, methodologies, facilities and equipment
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion:
Foster an inclusive and welcoming college climate and culture that removes barriers and promotes a sense of belonging in the learning and working environments.
Strategies:
Improve access and outcomes for all learners, especially populations with demonstrated gaps in student success
Attract, recruit, hire, onboard, train and retain a diverse staff that mirrors student and county populations of the region
Community Focus:
Improve our communities through relationships with our regional K-12 districts, non-profit partners, and community partners that provide pathways to credentials, supporting greater employment opportunities.
Strategies:
Strengthen connections with K12 partners and parents/ guardians to expand awareness of and increase equitable access to programs and services available to meet high school student needs
Strengthen connections with community organizations and business and industry to expand equitable access to programs and services available to working adults
Perception:
Remain a leader in higher education through excellence in all programming and services.
Strategies:
Promote Northwood Technical College as the key provider of high quality, life-long learning
Mission
Students First
We strengthen communities by empowering each student to realize their own success story.
Vision
Transforming Communities
We aspire to be the recognized education leader in workforce development and community engagement through our students’ success.
College Data
COLLEGE FACT SHEET
2023-2024 (Various Departments)
FTE
(Cognos: CSWSR041 Enrollments and FTE by Campus and Plan)
*Includes transcripted credit
$87,625,635
$55,278,847,853 (
Enrollment (Unduplicated)
(Cognos: CSWSR041 Enrollments and FTE by Campus and Plan)
*Includes
Enrollment (Duplicated)
(Cognos: CSWSR041 Enrollments and FTE by Campus and Plan)
*Includes transcripted credit
(Graduate Follow Up Survey) (Cognos: SR8023) Total
Square Footage 573,904 (Ashland, New Richmond, Rice Lake, Superior, HEC, NRMLEC) (
FINANCIAL AID DISBURSED TO STUDENTS
2023-2024(Financial Aid Director)
PROGRAM FEES
(Cost Per Credit)
(District Controller)
*On June 29, Governor Doyle signed the 2009-11 budget bill. The budget bill amended the total out-of-state tuition rate to 150% of the program fee rate, effective the fall 2009 semester.
Demographics
STUDENT DEMOGRAPHICS OVERVIEW
(WTCS OLAP Cubes – Program Enrollment)
The data table on the following pages shows the breakdown of Northwood Technical College program students by gender and race/ethnicity.
Key Findings
Analysis of this data led to several key findings related to the program student population at Northwood Technical College:
Gender
• Female students made up 63% of the total 20232024 program enrollees.
• Seventeen programs (16% of all programs) were 100% Male, while only five programs (5%) were 100% Female.
• Fifty-three programs were 50% or more Female and 36 programs (34% of all programs) were over 75% Female.
• Fifty-four programs (50% of all programs) were more than 50% male.
Race/Ethnicity
The race/ethnicity of all 2023-2024 program enrollees was:
• White: 84.57%
• American Indian/Alaskan Native: 4.82%
• Hispanic/Latino: 3.59%
• Multiple Ethnicities: 1.70%
• Black/African American: 3.02%
• Asian: 1.21%
• Unknown:1.00%
• Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander: 0.09%
GENDER, RACE/ETHNICITY BY PROGRAM
(WTCS OLAP Cubes – Program Enrollment)
GENDER, RACE/ETHNICITY BY INSTRUCTIONAL DIVISION
(WTCS OLAP Cubes – Program Enrollment)
Enrollment
UNDUPLICATED ENROLLMENT AND FTE SUMMARY
(Cognos: CSWSR041 Enrollments and FTE by Campus and Plan)
*Includes transcripted credit
FTE BY CAMPUS
SUMMARY BY CAREER AND DIVISION
(Cognos CSWSR001)
UNDUPLICATED HEADCOUNT BY CAMPUS
SUMMARY BY CAREER AND DIVISION
(Cognos CSWR001)
CSWSR001)
WISCONSIN TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM INTER-DISTRICT
ENROLLMENT SUMMARY
Outgoing Students = students that reside in the Northwood Tech district but attend another WTCS college Incoming Students = students that reside in a WTCS district other than Northwood Tech but attend Northwood Tech (WTCS OLAP Cubes)
HEADCOUNT BY DISTRICT AND PROGRAM TYPE
(WTCS Client Reporting – Headcount: CLI572B and FTE: CLI570B)
GRADUATION RATES
(WTCS OLAP Cubes)
RETENTION RATES
(Cognos CSWSR021)
Year to Year Program Retention Rates
Budget/Finance
BUDGET/FINANCE
College Budget 2023-2024
Please visit the pages below to learn more about Northwood Technical College’s financial operations.
Combined Budget Summary (Budget 2023-2024; p. 45)
Valuation and Tax Levy Analysis by County (Budget 2022-2023; p. 154-161) (Most current information)
2023-2024 Project Listing by Funding Source (Budget 2023-2024; p. 86-90)