It’s safe to say when we put Reinvigorating The Wisconsin Idea on our editorial agenda for the year we never dreamed it would be perhaps the most important issue facing our state in 2015.
UW System reform may be difficult, but needed
WISC-TV 3
Author: Kelly Tyrrell
Genetically modified mosquitoes: Why some Floridians fear this solution
The Christian Science Monitor
A British company plans to release millions of genetically modified mosquitoes into neighborhoods in the Florida Keys. Prof. Susan Paskewitz of the Medical Entomology Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Entomology says in a phone interview that even more than the mutant dinosaurs, the public still remembers that in the 1950s domestic cats were dropped into Borneo by parachute to kill rodents.
Walker says UW budget cuts should force larger teaching loads
WISC-TV 3
Gov. Scott Walker said his plan for the University of Wisconsin System should force changes in teaching loads at schools across the state.
Students question bill promoting fiscal autonomy
Daily Cardinal
A bill being considered by Republican lawmakers could require chancellors of UW System schools to approve every decision made by student governments that use segregated fees.
Gov. Scott Walker announces proposed UW System budget cuts, autonomy measures
Daily Cardinal
UW-Madison students might face tuition increases and less oversight of the UW System if certain provisions of Gov. Scott Walker’s budget proposal, announced Tuesday, are approved by the state Legislature.
Anti-bullying policy raises free speech concern from professor
Badger Herald
A recently introduced anti-bullying policy at the University of Wisconsin is causing concern among faculty and staff, who worry that an abuse of the policy may infringe on free speech and thinking.
Walker seeks more UW System autonomy, $300 million in cuts
Badger Herald
After days of speculation over the future of the University of Wisconsin System, Gov. Scott Walker announced Tuesday he wants more autonomy for the UW System along with $300 million in funding cuts and an extension of the tuition freeze.
Blank says Walker budget cuts would result in layoffs at UW-Madison
WKOW-TV 27
Of the $300 million Gov. Scott Walker R-Wisconsin is proposing to cut from the UW System in his next two-year budget request, roughly $120 million would be taken away from UW-Madison.
UW officials warn of layoffs following budget plan
WISC-TV 3
University of Wisconsin officials are warning of layoffs and cuts to student services following Gov. Scott Walkers announcement of planned budget cuts to the UW System.
The science of snow sparkle, as explained by UW weather experts
Wisconsin Public Radio
It can be magical to see a landscape transformed by a layer of pure, white snow. It’s even more enchanting when a weather phenomenon called snow sparkle occurs. Larry Meiller talks to Steve Ackerman, a professor of atmospheric sciences and director of the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, to learn why.
New study suggests Right-to-Work Law is doing more harm than good
Badger Herald
As support for right-to-work laws seems to be dwindling in the state Legislature, a study by the Economic Policy Institute has found that states enforcing the laws have lower standards of living in comparison to Wisconsin.
Freezing the Biological Clock: UW Generations talks about the trends and risks of egg freezing
WKOW-TV 27
Like never before, egg freezing is being boasted in the headlines as the latest cure for declining fertility.
Madison’s ‘arts entrepreneurs’ make the city cool: ACE Madison and UW Arts Institute host a lively discussion
Isthmus
Artists tend to be masters at multitasking and “can’t afford to be ivory tower,” according to flute professor Stephanie Jutt, the moderator of “Arts in Madison: An Economic Engine,” co-sponsored by the Advocacy Consortium for Entrepreneurs and the Arts Institute. Also quoted: Ben Reiser, coordinator of the Wisconsin Film Festival; Paula Panczenko, director of Tandem Press; Kurt Squire, professor of education and vice president of research at the UW Learning Games Network; Christopher Taylor, professor of piano.
Bringing back the Schubert ‘house party’
Wisconsin State Journal
Pianists Martha Fischer (professor of collaborative piano) and Bill Lutes want to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere at Friday’s “Schubertiade,” a “house party” celebrating music by the 19th-century Austrian composer Franz Schubert.
School of Veterinary Medicine expands animal shelter medicine program
Badger Herald
In an effort to further research in veterinary medicine, the University of Wisconsin is looking to expand a newly created animal shelter medicine program with a newly acquired $1.3 million in funds.
Movement for racial justice at UW keeps momentum
Badger Herald
The expression of racial frustration in University of Wisconsin’s black students was at its peak at the Black Lives Matter die-in demonstration during finals week in December. As a new semester starts, students and university officials seek to keep momentum going in the movement to change race relations on campus.
After DNA test matches convicted rapist, Racine man seeks new trial in 1995 attempted rape conviction
Madison.com (from Racine Journal Times)
Daniel Scheidell’s defense is led by UW-Madison law professor Carrie Sperling, co-director of the Wisconsin Innocence Project.
Badgers football: Waunakee star Troy Laufenberg accepts walk-on offer from UW
Wisconsin State Journal
One of the area’s top prep players has accepted a preferred walk-on offer from the University of Wisconsin.
Badgers men’s hockey: UW in big rush to solve slow starts
Wisconsin State Journal
The Badgers are the only team in the nation that hasn’t led an opponent after the first period at least once this season.
Badgers football: UW sends recruit letter with mistake on Paul Chryst’s resume
Wisconsin State Journal
The letter says Chryst coached at Penn State from 2012 to ’14, when he actually served that time as Pittsburgh’s head coach.
Badgers football: Rob Havenstein improving draft stock at Senior Bowl
Wisconsin State Journal
Havenstein, the only UW player at the Senior Bowl, has taken advantage of his early chance to impress NFL scouts.
With exhibit, Design Gallery rolls out the carpet for hope
Wisconsin State Journal
“Woven Gardens of Hope” will showcase the work of Afghan rug makers — and the nonprofit that has empowered them.
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos supports more flexibility for UW System
Wisconsin State Journal
Sen. Scott Fitzgerald is awaiting more details from Gov. Scott Walker, but says flexibility will be a consideration.
Tom Oates: UW admission standards shouldn’t change for anyone, including Gary Andersen
Wisconsin State Journal
Andersen finally stated what most Badgers fans already knew: he left because of UW’s high academic standards.
Classified Staff assemble, plan meeting with chancellor
Daily Cardinal
The Classified Staff Executive Committee discussed the possible effects of the upcoming state budget Thursday.
Achievement Connections program links UW-Madison students with high schoolers
Daily Cardinal
Last semester, the Morgridge Center for Public Service, along with United Way of Dane County, AmeriCorps and area school districts, revamped its Achievement Connections program to reach more underperforming high school students in the Madison area.
Chancellor Rebecca Blank awarded Moynihan Prize
Badger Herald
Recognizing her accomplishments in both policy and academics, University of Wisconsin Chancellor Rebecca Blank was awarded The Daniel Patrick Moynihan Prize earlier this week.
UW MOOC to take on ‘local focus’ this year
Badger Herald
While the University of Wisconsin’s Massive Online Open Courses had high worldwide enrollment numbers last year, they will have a more local focus this year, including a hands-on aspect at the end of the semester.
UW System could see changes after next state budget
WISC-TV 3
Changes could be on the way for the UW System in the next state budget.
UW-Madison will ask students to fill out sex assault survey
WISC-TV 3
University of Wisconsin-Madison officials plan to ask students to fill out a sexual assault survey this spring.
Andersen says he left Wis. because of admissions standards
WISC-TV 3
Admissions standards were probably the reason Gary Andersen left his head coaching job at Wisconsin last month, according to a report from CBS Sports.
Badgers football: Prep receiver Brandyn Lee de-commits from UW
Madison.com
Lee, from West Hills (Calif.) Chaminade, says “with the new coaches and their philosophy, (UW) was not a good fit for me.”
UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank wins Moynihan Prize
Wisconsin State Journal
UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank is in pretty heady company today, winning the prestigious Daniel Patrick Moynihan Prize.
Wisconsin lawmakers from both parties say UW autonomy plan must not hike tuition
Capital Times
UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank says there is no proposal under discussion that would give her campus independence beyond that of the university system.
Badgers football: Melvin Gordon sends farewell message to ‘Badger Nation’
Wisconsin State Journal
Heading to the NFL after one of the greatest statistical years in college football history, the running back shared some kind words about his time with the Badgers on the way out.
Badgers women’s basketball: Guard Tessa Cichy brings ‘a swagger’ to starting lineup
Wisconsin State Journal
The former walk-on has provided a major boost since becoming a starter.
Andy Baggot: NCAA’s introduction of stipends likely to create some issues
Wisconsin State Journal
Schools in the “Power Five“ leagues have pledged to make the extra money available to all their student-athletes who are on scholarship.
Gregory L. Schmidt: Our developed brains allow us to make love, not war
Capital Times
Noted: Schmidt is a retired UW-Madison professor of psychiatry. “Conflicts persist because of universal aspects of the developmental physiology of each human brain, but our brains have also evolved to include a capacity for reason and empathy. Let’s use that capacity to move from conflict to cooperation.”
After run to title game, Badgers volleyball sees huge growth in fans at Field House
Capital Times
The average number of tickets scanned as fans entered home matches in 2014 was up 83 percent over the previous season.
UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank wins Moynihan Prize
Wisconsin State Journal
UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank is in pretty heady company today, winning the prestigious Daniel Patrick Moynihan Prize.
UW’s online course on land ethics/hunting offers off-line lessons, too
Wisconsin State Journal
The season’s first MOOC brings together the DNR, UW-Madison, the Aldo Leopold Foundation and thousands of students via the Internet. The end of class get-together features venison stew. “What an opportunity to sort of marry this digital free content to face-to-face engagement around the state,” said EI spokeswoman Lika Balenovich.
Chancellor Rebecca Blank tells UW-Madison to brace for budget cuts
Wisconsin State Journal
The chancellor responds to a State Journal report that Gov. Walker is considering giving the UW System more flexibility.
Know Your Madisonian: Dr. Jonathan Temte
Wisconsin State Journal
Dr. Jonathan Temte, professor of family medicine, helps make vaccine recommendations that affect nearly all Americans.
Badgers football: Gary Andersen tells CBS Sports high admission standards were a reason for leaving UW
Wisconsin State Journal
“It’s been well (documented) there were some kids I couldn’t get in school,” Andersen told CBS Sports. “That was highly frustrating to me.”
Badgers men’s basketball: Iowa’s Adam Woodbury says eye-poking incidents were ‘inadvertent, and I apologize’
Wisconsin State Journal
ESPN announcer Dan Dakich called for the Big Ten to discipline the junior center during Tuesday’s telecast.
Scott Walker slams Obama, Hillary Clinton in post-State of the Union comments
Wisconsin State Journal
Quoted: Those moves are Walker’s efforts to build up his credentials on international affairs, “the most gaping limitation in his experience,” said UW-Madison political science professor Barry Burden.
Chris Rickert: Is a more autonomous UW System a less affordable one?
Wisconsin State Journal
… once public universities or public university systems get the authority to increase tuition, “you get the tendency to increase tuition.”
Chancellor Blank named winner of Daniel Patrick Moynihan Prize
Daily Cardinal
The American Academy of Political and Social Science awarded UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank with the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Prize, according to a Wednesday UW-Madison release.
Phone app helps UW-Madison students navigate campus
Daily Cardinal
In addition to hunting down overwhelming loads of required textbooks and materials, students face the challenge of locating all their classes with the start of each semester. This semester, more than 100 UW-Madison students are utilizing the recently launched iPhone app Campus Maps to make finding spring classes fast and easy.
Blank believes budget cut coming
WKOW-TV 27
University of Wisconsin-Madison chancellor Rebecca Blank expects the university will face a cut in the next state budget.
Melvin Gordon thanks Badger fans
WISC-TV 3
Former Wisconsin Badger running back Melvin Gordon has written an open letter to fans for their support during his three-years with the Badgers.
UW-Madison and MIT collaborate on robotics research
Daily Cardinal
Researchers at UW-Madison and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology recently developed a collaborative project to develop new ways of integrating robots into human workforces, according to a university press release.
SVM raises $1.3 million for Shelter Medicine Program
Daily Cardinal
The UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine raised $1.3 million in grants, gifts and pledges to help fund a Shelter Medicine Program, according to a university press release.
Students react to diversity and inclusion discussion with student-run forum
Daily Cardinal
Last December, hundreds of students packed Helen C. White Library chanting “hands up, don’t shoot” in response to racial discrimination in Madison. Tuesday, members of the UW-Madison community filled Varsity Hall in Union South to engage in a campus-wide dialogue on diversity and inclusion.
Decision makers have yet to respond to rumors of UW-Madison, System split
Daily Cardinal
Days after The Wisconsin State Journal reported Gov. Scott Walker was considering splitting UW-Madison from the rest of the UW System in his budget proposal, neither state Republicans nor System officials have confirmed or denied the allegation.
UW grad combines love of research with writing career
Badger Herald
University of Wisconsin graduate Kersti Niebruegge translated her passion for learning into a profession by becoming a footage researcher for popular television stations and shows, such as Late Night with Seth Meyers.
UW grad makes Forbes ’30 under 30? list
Badger Herald
A University of Wisconsin graduate and Madison local landed on this years’ Forbes 30 under 30 under the Enterprise Technology category.
Smoking elevator equipment sets off fire alarms in Humanities
Badger Herald
The first day of spring semester classes was interrupted when the Madison Fire Department was called to the Humanities building at 11:09 am.
UW awards more merit payments than any other state agency
Badger Herald
University of Wisconsin rewarded exceptional staff performances with more than 1,637 merit payments in 2014, the most awarded by any state agency.
UPDATE: Coach Ryan suits up with sneakers
NBC-15
Tuesday has been a big night at the Kohl Center, as the Badgers played host to the Hawkeyes. But eyes werent just on the players, they were also on Coach Ryans footwear. Thats because sneakers were not just on the court, they were on the sidelines as well.