University of Wisconsin System officials said the budget approved by the Board of Regents Thursday will mean larger classes, cuts in student services, tighter reins on spending and an increase in tuition.
UW President Kevin Reilly said there’s no doubt the next several years “are going to be very difficult” on UW campuses.
The operating budget cuts $50 million in state aid, freezes salaries and requires eight days of furloughs for all UW System employees.
Guidelines approved by the board also direct campuses to slow down hiring and travel while they make plans to cut or merge unpopular or redundant academic programs.