At least three University of Wisconsin System schools are eliminating jobs. In addition, three campuses will end in-person instruction at the end of this school year. Private institutions are also downsizing. Concordia University Wisconsin is laying off 24 people at its Mequon campus by the end of this school year.
Category: Higher Education/System
Wisconsin universities not asking right questions dealing with financial crisis
A recent Journal Sentinel article reported how a consulting firm was paid $2.8 million to study the finances of the University of Wisconsin System (“Are UW campuses financially viable?” April 13).
Live: UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee students organize pro-Palestinian rallies Monday
As pro-Palestinian encampments pop up at colleges across the country, student groups have scheduled Monday morning rallies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and UW-Milwaukee.
Mnookin joins university leaders to advance student free expression, civic preparedness
‘College Presidents for Civic Preparedness’ work to uphold Institute for Citizens and Scholars’ three key principles on campuses across US.
As pro-Palestinian protests sweep U.S. campuses, here’s what’s happening at Wisconsin universities
Demonstrations intensified on college campuses across the country over the last week, a sign of students’ growing discontent over their schools’ responses to the war in Gaza.
PROFS panel calls for de-politicization of higher education at public forum
Panelists discuss decreasing funding for flagship universities at event Wednesday.
Tuition hike will offload university financial pressures, may strain student budgets, expert says
According to Agricultural and Applied Economics professor Steve Deller, the funding from the state that goes to support public higher education has been declining for about 30 years and the Universities of Wisconsin have been needing to make up for those financial resources.
UW-Madison Hosts Panel On Nationwide Cuts To Higher Education Funding
Across the country, state lawmakers are cutting funding to their most prominent public universities.
That dwindling support for higher education was the subject of a panel at UW-Madison earlier this evening – and the School of Education’s Dr. Taylor Odlewas one of the panelists.
UW to vacate Richland campus 1 year after college classes ended
The Universities of Wisconsin will vacate a former two-year college in Richland County this summer, despite months of discussions with local officials who once hoped to save the former two-year college. County leaders say they’re now facing a potential “economic crisis.”
Amid falling public confidence, forum speakers defend value of a college degree
While public perceptions of the value of going to college have diminished in recent years, experts argue the lifelong earning potential for someone with a bachelor’s degree is worth the investment.
That was the message Wednesday from a forum about the future of flagship universities held at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While ideological battles over diversity programs, curriculum and funding continue, universities must forcefully advocate for their value to society, the panelists said.
UW system to vacate Richland Center campus; county warns of ‘economic crisis’
Universities of Wisconsin officials announced Tuesday that UW-Platteville will vacate its Richland County campus on July 1, an unexpected move that local officials say creates a “potential economic crisis” for the county.
Former Wisconsin college chancellor fired over porn career is fighting to keep his faculty post
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse’s top official has taken the first steps toward removing a faculty member who was earlier fired from his job as chancellor over his fledgling porn career.
A conservative quest to limit diversity programs gains momentum in states
University of Wisconsin regents agreed in December to shift at least 43 diversity positions to focus on “student success” and eliminate statements supporting diversity on student applications. The actions were part of a deal with lawmakers to release funding for pay raises and campus construction projects.
UW-Madison scholarship program for education students extended
More students who commit to teaching in the state after graduation will receive free tuition at the University of Wisconsin-Madison thanks to a program extension announced this week.
Are Democrats right that Republicans are to blame for low state funding for UW System?
Outside reports released earlier this month showed warning signs for the financial viability of the University of Wisconsin System’s universities and signaled future cuts to the state’s public campuses.
A conservative quest to limit diversity programs gains momentum in states
A similar bill barring mandatory DEI statements in higher education passed Wisconsin’s Republican-led legislature but got vetoed by the Democratic governor.
Universities of Wisconsin students present their case studies
The teams from UW-Madison, UW-River Falls, and UW-Platteville presented their projects to a panel of judges.
Sauk County board directs administrator to set aside funds for UW branch campus
The Sauk County Board of Supervisors voted last week to provide a financial boost to the University of Wisconsin- Platteville Baraboo Sauk County, the smallest campus in the Universities of Wisconsin system.
Pro-Palestinian students picket outside UWM chancellor’s residence, protest citations
Amid quickly intensifying rain and ongoing citations for a previous protest, two dozen protesters, mostly University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee students, picketed outside the UWM chancellor’s residence in Shorewood on Thursday, April 18.
UW system calls tuition hike ‘reasonable.’ How did it decide rate?
When in-state undergraduates start classes this fall, they’ll pay more to attend the Universities of Wisconsin. That extra money will go toward rising health care costs and pay increases for university employees and financial aid for students, among other things.
UW President Lauds Superior Campus, And Earth Day’s Apostle Island Origins
In a speech touting the value of higher education to northwest Wisconsin delegates visiting the state Capitol for Superior Days, University of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman singled out the system’s Superior campus for particular praise. But his talk came amid a third-party analysis showing financial deficits at 10 of Wisconsin’s public universities, including the Superior campus. Rothman’s speech, along with a review of the financial report, are highlighted.
Sauk County approves $390K for each of next 2 years for UW Baraboo campus
The Sauk County Board has approved $390,000 in funding for UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County in each of the next two years in an effort to keep the campus open amid the closings of several other branch campuses in the Universities of Wisconsin system.
UW-Alumni ask lawmakers to prioritize higher education amidst a tuition bump
A recent financial study shows several schools within the Universities of Wisconsin are in financial trouble.”For a long time, the legislature has underfunded public higher education, and that has led to the Universities of Wisconsin to have a financial strain,” said Sen. Kelda Roys (D).
A case before the Wisconsin Supreme Court could reshape state government. Here’s what to know
Evers sued GOP lawmakers in October over decisions to withhold pay raises for University of Wisconsin System employees and to block conservation projects, arguing such actions made by legislative committees rather than the full Legislature violate the state Constitution’s separation of powers requirements.
Tracking higher ed’s dismantling of DEI
The Chronicle is tracking higher ed’s dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. As colleges make changes in response to anti-DEI legislation and mounting political pressure, an inconsistent and confusing landscape has emerged. This resource aims to document the changes and help readers better understand how the campaign against DEI has actually reshaped campuses.
Wisconsin public universities face challenging financial futures, according to reports
University of Wisconsin schools are facing challenging financial futures without major changes, according to recent campus financial reports.
Several factors have led to campuses’ financial difficulties including declining state support on an inflation-adjusted basis over the last decade, the impacts of the decade-long tuition freeze that ended in 2022, declining enrollment and inflation.
‘UW System is the economic engine of our state’: Gov. Evers requests lawmakers to fund Universities of Wisconsin
Gov. Tony Evers announced a push Friday calling on the Legislature to approve more funding for the Universities of Wisconsin.
Evers called it the largest increase in state support for the university system in more than two decades.
These are the best graduate school programs in Wisconsin, according to U.S. News & World
Top graduate schools in Wisconsin landed on the latest U.S. News & World Report list ranking more than 2,000 programs across the country. U.S. News & World Report published its 2024-’25 report in April, ranking graduate programs in business, education, law and nursing, among other fields.
University of Wisconsin-Madison’s the School of Education tied for first overall with Teacher’s College, Columbia University, according the report. That’s up from third overall and second among public universities last year.
Gov. Tony Evers urges increased funding for UW system after audits show fiscal strains
Gov. Tony Evers is calling on the GOP-led Legislature to increase funding for the Universities of Wisconsin after the system’s leaders released a slate of third-party financial audits that showed half of its schools are in financial trouble.
Sauk County to consider covering UW-Baraboo deficit, explores sole ownership of campus
In a dramatic bid to keep the campus open and preserve a key driver of the local economy, the Sauk County Board plans to vote next week on a proposal to cover maintenance costs at UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County.
‘Ideological bias’ training mandate, other provisions were taken out of UW System deal
A Music Hall restoration, a mandate to have UW System employees complete a module to address “ideological bias” in unconscious bias training and more were taken out of the Dec. 13 deal.
External review raises alarms about financial future at multiple UW campuses
A newly released third-party analysis raises concerns about the financial future of multiple state universities.
The future of some UW campuses are at risk without major changes, new financial reports show
Newly released reports raise questions about the financial viability of Wisconsin’s public universities and signal additional cuts coming to some campuses in future years.
Madison College to provide training funds for unemployed workers
Madison Area Technical College will collaborate with employers of in-demand industries to provide training, associate degrees and pay boosts for workers with Wisconsin Fast Forward Grants.
The cost of college is increasing. How does a bachelor’s degree hold up?
Amid rising college costs, University of Wisconsin-Madison economists see lifelong value in a bachelor’s degree.
President Joe Biden unveils student debt forgiveness plan in trip to Madison. Here is what to know
An analysis by the University of Wisconsin’s Student Success Through Applied Research Lab found in 2020 that the largest group of borrowers — 23% of those with student debt — owed between $20,000 and $40,000, and 21% owed between $10,000 and $20,000.
UW-Madison, other UW campuses to offer six weeks of paid parental leave
The University of Wisconsin System is becoming more family friendly.
Employees will receive six weeks of paid parental leave after the birth or adoption of a child under a new policy bringing UW campuses in line with many other universities across the country. The policy takes effect July 1.
UW system chancellors, president get raises. Here’s what they’ll make.
The Board of Regents has increased the base salaries for the Universities of Wisconsin president and chancellors.
President Joe Biden unveils latest student loan forgiveness plan in Madison
Biden formally announced the plans in Madison, home to the flagship campus of the Universities of Wisconsin, as well as Madison Area Technical College and Edgewood College. The trip is Biden’s third to the state this year and sixth since February 2023 as he campaigns for a second term.
WATCH: Biden visits Wisconsin to announce student debt relief for more than 30 million
Biden will make the announcement on Monday in Madison, the state’s liberal capital and home of the University of Wisconsin’s flagship campus. The president is scheduled to speak at a nearby technical college.
Biden to preview proposed student loan forgiveness program in Wisconsin
That was Midelfort last month, while standing in line to attend a fundraiser in Madison featuring Vice President Kamala Harris. Now the president is heading to Madison, a college town home to the University of Wisconsin. Political columnist John Nichols says the campaign visits are a big change from 20 years ago.
Biden pitches up to $20,000 of interest relief in sweeping student debt relief plan
It’s no coincidence Biden chose Madison to deliver his remarks on student loan debt relief. Not only is it the county seat of Dane County, one of the bluest enclaves of the state, it is also the state capital and home of the University of Wisconsin with its student body population of 50,600 students.
New UW-Parkside Chancellor Lynn Akey says her leadership style is ‘engaged’
Walking outside the Callahan Family Student Success and Learning Commons, new University of Wisconsin-Parkside Chancellor Lynn Akey waved to students as they passed.
UW-Oshkosh faculty rebuke chancellor with a vote of no confidence
The UW-Oshkosh Faculty Senate released results of the no-confidence vote Friday, which had an 81% participation rate. Out of all 281 faculty members, 58%, or 164 faculty members, indicated they had no confidence in Leavitt’s leadership. Approximately 23% of faculty, or 65 people, voted in favor of Leavitt’s leadership. The remaining 18.5% did not vote.
Northland College falls far short of its fundraising goal, but delays decision on closure
Northland College’s last-minute bid to stay open by raising $12 million in less than a month didn’t work: The board of trustees announced late Thursday that the school had raised just $1.5 million.
Universities of Wisconsin overhauls website as it tries to reverse declining enrollment
“(With the old website) you find out about the Board of Regents, you may find out a little bit about me, but you don’t find out how you apply to a school or what schools are available to you,” UW system President Jay Rothman said. “The best analogy I’ve figured out is that … when you go to a bank’s website, you don’t find out about the board of directors, you find out how to open a checking account. And that’s the same kind of consumer-friendly focus that we want to have for our students.”
UW-Oshkosh faculty vote no confidence in chancellor amid layoffs, budget challenges
Nearly three-quarters of the faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh do not approve of Chancellor Andrew Leavitt’s job performance.
Amid layoffs and budget problems, UW Oshkosh faculty vote no confidence in Chancellor Andrew Leavitt
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh faculty voted no-confidence in their chancellor, sending a symbolic message of disapproval during a difficult budget year.
UW Board of Regents approve tuition increase for second year in a row
UW System President Jay Rothman first announced the increase proposal in a March 28 press release.“Our universities are facing challenging economic realities, and students and parents should know that we plan to be good financial stewards,” Rothman said. “Maintaining our affordability advantage, especially compared to our peers, is a priority.”
State Bar of Wisconsin agrees to change diversity definition in lawsuit settlement
On its website, the bar association says the program is for University of Wisconsin and Marquette University law school students “with backgrounds that have been historically excluded from the legal field.” But the lawsuit alleged that is a new focus and that the program has historically been touted as a way to increase racial diversity among attorneys at law firms, private companies and in government.
UW system undergrad tuition to increase for second straight year
UW system President Jay Rothman proposed the 3.75% increase last week, and the Board of Regents unanimously approved the hike Thursday at a meeting at UW-Platteville. No one spoke in opposition to the increase during the meeting.
UW system Board of Regents approves tuition hike; paid parental leave is coming
The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents on Thursday approved tuition increases that average 3.75% for the system’s 13 universities, about $387 more per year. With annual tuition and segregated fees factored in, the increase amounts to 4.4% for 2024-25, the university said.
UW Board of Regents vote to raise tuition system-wide
The base tuition rate for resident undergraduates will increase by 3.75 percent. This is the second increase in two years since a tuition freeze was lifted. Tuition increased by an average of 5 percent for this school year.
UW Regents give chancellors 6% pay raises, boosting salaries by as much as $46,000
The UW Board of Regents on Thursday handed out raises to all University of Wisconsin chancellors, bringing leaders in line with 6% salary increases taking effect for all UW employees.
Test-optional admissions extended at UW-Madison, other UW campuses
Freshman applicants to University of Wisconsin System schools can forgo standardized tests for another two years under a policy extension expected to be approved by the UW Board of Regents on Friday.
UW Board of Regents to consider paid parental leave, among other proposals
University of Wisconsin’s Board of Regents will meet Thursday at UW-Platteville, and through Zoom. On the table are a number of controversial topics including a four percent tuition increase, paid parental leave, and whether University land can be sold.
UW employees to be offered paid parental leave
Current policy lacks parental leave, new proposal offers six weeks.
UW System employees to receive six weeks of paid family leave
Most UW System employees will receive six weeks of paid family leave beginning in July following an advocacy campaign from campus unions and department chairs.
UW-Madison Professor Taylor Odle talks FAFSA delays
This year, the U.S. Department of Education revised their Free Application for Federal Student Aid – or FAFSA. They say that the new application is more user friendly and could broaden eligibility for federal aid by more than 600,000 students.
Concordia University to lay off 24 employees amid fiscal challenges
Concordia University Wisconsin will lay off 24 employees at its Mequon campus, according to a federal WARN Notice filed with the state Department of Workforce Development.