University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
EN-13: Community Stakeholder Engagement

The University has quarterly meetings with the City of Oshkosh's departments of Community Development, Public Works, Transportation and Parks to review what each are currently working on or planning for the future. The University meets with the City to review their utilities infrastructure as well as any city codes, zoning or other considerations with any renovations or upgrades to the grounds or buildings. Most projects also go through the City's Plan Review process. Also, depending upon what item being dealt with a project may also go through a planned development review or a conditional use review process. All events which use City of Oshkosh streets by either blocking them or larger traffic impact are sent from the Dean of Students Office to the City for review and any necessary approvals. In addition to these meetings the University as a UW System school performs environmental impact assessments (EIA) for the majority of our construction and remodeling projects with the involvement of the surrounding community. An initial Wisconsin Environmental Policy Act (WEPA) Evaluation is completed and a determination is made as to whether an EIA or an environmental impact statement (EIS) process is necessary to be completed. Description: Evaluation form for the Wisconsin Environmental Policy Act (WEPA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as it relates to proposed campus physical development. Includes 14 points of assessment related to environmental impacts and alternatives, archeological and historical sites, energy impacts, economic impacts, long-range plan and policy impacts, and precedents. Purpose: Records preliminary investigation and evaluation of potential environmental impact significance and conditional determination of Type I/II/III action requirements.

Education and governmental leaders regularly meet as a community sounding board. Opportunity for review and discussion on various issues. The University is extensively involved in outreach community development and economic development discussions through the chamber of commerce and the economic development corporation. Many social service and nonprofit community-based organizations have significant levels of university involvement and entanglement.

Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes ​Lighted Schoolhouse after school program​ ​Oshkosh YMCA​ ​Oshkosh Area United Way​ ​Day by Day Warming Shelter and the Oshkosh Area Community Pantry​ ​Lutheran Homes of Oshkosh ​Oshkosh North High School​ ​Oshkosh Area Community Pantry and Oshkosh Elementary Schools​ ​Growing Oshkosh​ ​Oshkosh Elementary Schools and local farms​ ​Oshkosh Senior Center and Evergreen Retirement Home​ ​World Relief​ ​Oshkosh Area School Board Oshkosh City Council Winnebago County Board​ ​Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Center​ ​Oshkosh Transit ​ ​Wisconsin Farming and Rural Life Oral History Project​

The relationship between UW Oshkosh and the surrounding community has opened up new doorways for both the campus and the city. Students from all academic disciplines volunteer throughout the city at area schools, non-profits, and businesses. Community members are welcome to join in on all University events including sports, speakers, and open forums. The surrounding community partners with the University each year for events such as the Shamrock Shuffle, a 5K Run/Walk for proceeds benefiting United Way and multicultural initiatives on campus.The Nursing program operates a free clinic for Oshkosh citizens. The Board of Visitors for the College of Nursing is a group of healthcare professionals that serve as a liaison between the college and the healthcare industry employers. They keep both groups informed about the needs of the field so that the college knows how to prepare those going into the nursing field and where there are needs from employers of nurses.