The University of Wisconsin-Platteville has announced it will permanently close its Baraboo Sauk County branch campus in May 2026. University and county officials confirmed the decision, citing a significant and sustained decline in student enrollment as the primary reason for the closure.
Operations at the two-year campus will officially cease on May 22, 2026, following the completion of the spring semester. The university is developing transition plans to support the affected students, faculty, and staff.
Key Takeaways
- Closure Date: The UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County campus will close on May 22, 2026.
- Primary Reason: Officials cite declining enrollment, with only 116 full-time students enrolled in the fall semester.
- Student and Staff Support: The university will assist current students in transitioning to the main Platteville campus and will create plans for employees.
- Future of Property: Sauk County and the City of Baraboo will begin a redevelopment planning process for the campus property starting in November.
Details of the Campus Closure
The announcement confirms that the spring 2026 semester will proceed as scheduled, allowing current students to complete their academic term. However, after this final semester, the campus will no longer hold classes or offer services. This decision follows a period of evaluation by university leadership in response to ongoing enrollment challenges.
In an official statement, UW-Platteville Chancellor Tammy Evetovich emphasized that the choice was difficult but necessary. She pointed to the enrollment figures as a key factor that could not be ignored for the long-term health of the university system.
“Enrollment continues to decline on that campus, and we are committed to being good partners with the city and county by ensuring the campus can be used in ways that best serve the region,” Evetovich said. “We remain dedicated to supporting our students, faculty and staff through this transition.”
Enrollment Figures Drive Decision
The core issue leading to the closure is a sharp drop in student numbers. According to officials, the campus currently has only 116 full-time students enrolled for the fall semester. The total student population, including part-time students, is 178, as listed on the campus website.
These figures represent a level of enrollment that is no longer financially sustainable for operating a physical campus with the associated costs of maintenance, staffing, and academic programming. University officials stated that resources can be more effectively used by consolidating operations at the main Platteville campus.
Enrollment by the Numbers
- Full-Time Students: 116
- Total Students (including part-time): 178
- Closure Date: May 22, 2026
Support for Affected Students and Employees
University officials have stated that their top priority is managing a smooth transition for everyone affected by the closure. Specific plans are being formulated to address the needs of students, faculty, and staff at the Baraboo Sauk County campus.
For students, UW-Platteville will provide dedicated advising and support to help them transfer to the main campus in Platteville to continue their education. The goal is to ensure that students can complete their associate degrees or transition into bachelor's degree programs without significant disruption.
Details regarding the plans for faculty and staff members have not yet been fully released, but the university has committed to working with employees to explore options and provide support during the transition period. This process will unfold over the next year and a half leading up to the final closure date.
Future Plans for the Campus Property
With the university ceasing operations, the future of the physical campus property becomes a key issue for the local community. Sauk County and the City of Baraboo are already preparing to take the lead on determining the site's next chapter.
Sauk County Administrator Lisa Wilson acknowledged the end of an era but also framed it as an opportunity for revitalization. A comprehensive redevelopment plan is set to be launched to find the best possible uses for the property.
“While it’s sad to see UW-Platteville conclude classes here, the redevelopment effort positions us to create a new vision for the property,” Wilson stated. “Together with the City of Baraboo, we are ready to begin shaping a future filled with new opportunities.”
The formal planning process is scheduled to begin in November and is expected to conclude by early June 2026, shortly after the campus officially closes. This timeline allows for community input and careful consideration of proposals that could benefit the region economically and socially.
A Continuing Trend in Wisconsin Higher Education
The closure of the Baraboo campus is not an isolated event but part of a larger trend affecting the University of Wisconsin System's two-year branch campuses. These smaller institutions have faced significant headwinds in recent years, including demographic shifts, changing student preferences, and increased competition from online education providers.
Recent UW System Campus Changes
The UW System has seen several branch campuses close or significantly alter their operations. This reflects a system-wide strategy to adapt to new financial and demographic realities in higher education.
This pattern includes several other notable changes:
- The UW-Platteville Richland campus closed its doors in 2023, also due to low enrollment.
- UW-Milwaukee's Washington County campus and UW-Oshkosh's Fond du Lac campus have both transitioned away from in-person classes, shifting to primarily remote learning models.
These strategic shifts highlight the challenges of maintaining physical infrastructure for smaller student populations. University systems across the country are grappling with similar issues, forcing them to re-evaluate the role and viability of regional branch campuses in the modern educational landscape.