Some Wisconsin campuses see enrollment decline

MILWAUKEE — A shift in demographics and competition from online and for-profit universities is causing a decline in enrollment at some University of Wisconsin campuses.

UW System spokesman David Giroux says birthrates began to decline in Wisconsin about 17 to 18 years ago, so the university system has anticipated the enrollment declines.

UW-River Falls experienced the biggest drop, with 6 percent fewer students this fall. At UW-Milwaukee, enrollment dropped 2.4 percent and freshman enrollment is down 6.7 percent. The campus has focused on recruiting more international and graduate students.

UW-Whitewater is an exception to the trend. It experienced record enrollment this fall.

The Journal Sentinel (http://tinyurl.com/9xbqyuo ) says the UW Board of Regents is expected to discuss enrollment trends at its meeting later this week at UW-Stout.