The committee studying the future of the Universities of Wisconsin wants the state Legislature to explore spinning off the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
UW-Madison spin-off idea headed to Wisconsin Legislature
Wisconsin Public Radio
Category: Higher Education/System
Jordan L. Siegler named Wisconsin Public Media Interim Executive Director
PBS Wisconsin
Jordan L. Siegler has been named Interim Executive Director of Wisconsin Public Media (WPM), the division at the University of Wisconsin–Madison that oversees PBS Wisconsin and Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR). Siegler currently serves as Associate Director of WPM. The announcement follows the recent death of Executive Director Heather L. Reese.
These 4 Wisconsin universities are among the best in the U.S., according to WalletHub
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Four Wisconsin universities have been ranked among the top 300 universities in the U.S., according to a recent study by personal finance website WalletHub.
Legislative panel proposes severing UW-Madison from larger UW system
Wisconsin State Journal
The state Legislature should consider splitting UW-Madison from the rest of the Universities of Wisconsin system, according to a panel of legislators and others making a list of recommendations about the future of the UW system.
Lawmakers discuss higher ed funding, removing UW-Madison from UW System during legislative meeting
Daily Cardinal
In the final meeting of the committee, the Legislative Council Study Committee on the Future of the University of Wisconsin System evaluated recommendations that could see UW-Madison succeed from the UW System and give universities bonding authority.
Carroll University opens new wellness program to treat students’ anxiety, behavioral health
Wisconsin Public Radio
A new behavioral health program at Carroll University in Waukesha is successfully helping students treat anxiety and homesickness, according to the program’s founders.
Idea to split UW-Madison from UW System advances
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
A committee studying the future of the state’s public university system recommended the Legislature explore spinning off the University of Wisconsin-Madison from the state’s public university system.
Pursuit Unlimited: Odyssey Beyond Wars program helps veterans make the leap into higher education
Spectrum News
For many veterans, higher education can seem out of reach. However, a special program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is helping change that narrative.
UW campuses seeing higher enrollment than previously projected
Wisconsin State Journal
Universities of Wisconsin campuses have 1,177 more students this fall than previously projected, according to enrollment data released Tuesday.
New UWM center aims to confront discrimination in urban planning, policies
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s new Center for Equity Practice and Planning Justice wants to “deconstruct and mitigate” the remnants of those policies that still shape and hyper-segregate Milwaukee today.
Invest in solar and honor pioneering UW scientist, Farrington Daniels | Steve Kokette
Wisconsin State Journal
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, UW-Madison was an international leader in the first renewable energy to produce electricity for the public — hydropower. During some of those years, the Wisconsin River was known as the hardest working river in the world because it produced so much electricity.
Despite efforts, MATC employees say college has struggled to tackle discrimination on campus
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The investigation into Truss and her coworkers’ experience took over a year, records show. MATC ultimately gave Busalacchi a three-week suspension.
The college — one of Wisconsin’s most diverse — has faced years of concerns about its racial climate for employees of color.
Kamala Harris to hold Get Out the Vote rally at UW-Madison with Mumford & Sons and more celebrity musicians next week
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Vice President Kamala Harris will return to Wisconsin Wednesday for a Get Out the Vote rally at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, just days before the Nov. 5 election.
Legislature could consider spinning off UW-Madison, several other proposals to revamp UW system
Wisconsin Public Radio
The state Legislature could consider several proposals to revamp the Universities of Wisconsin system, including spinning off the University of Wisconsin-Madison and increasing tuition.
Since July, a legislative committee has been meeting to look at the future of the state’s public university system.
Committee member Robert Venable, a 1986 UW-Madison graduate and CEO of the Chicago-based company Miami Corporation Management, said disruption to the UW system is happening.
“Some of these changes, it feels disruptive, but I think we’re past that point,” Venable said. “We can wish it was the same, but we need to adapt and get in front of this stuff so the state gets the best it can out of our higher ed system and its students.”
Wisconsin college students and recent grads receiving threatening texts over voting
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Without prompt investigation and action, the sender may continue its efforts to frighten eligible young voters into not voting,” they wrote in the Oct. 15 letter.
The letter adds that the sender “targeted young voters aged 18-25,” including young staff members of the League of Women Voters and others who are part of the University of Wisconsin System. At least one Journal Sentinel reporter also received the text.
UW system paid $135k for investigation of former chancellor
Wisconsin State Journal
Documents obtained by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression show the Universities of Wisconsin paid law firm Husch Blackwell $135,000 to investigate Joe Gow’s conduct while serving as UW-La Crosse’s chancellor.
To prevent problematic employees moving from UW campus to campus, hiring policy update coming
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
After a nearly yearlong delay, the University of Wisconsin System is inching closer to an updated hiring policy that will minimize the chance of employees who engage in misconduct at one campus from being hired by another.
UWM sells Purin Hall for $2.15 million–one week after selling its former chancellor’s mansion
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has sold it oldest, smallest residence hall as a cost-saving measure.
The 17-unit Purin Hall, 2600 E. Kenwood Blvd., was sold for $2.15 million to three Milwaukee investment groups: 2600 S LLC, 2600 S 1 LLC and 2600 H LLC, according to a deed posted online by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
Video gives a glimpse of what happened behind closed doors at Kamala Harris’ UWM stop
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Vice President Kamala Harris met with University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee students Thursday during a campaign event at the university that, at the last minute, was closed to the news media.
UW-Milwaukee sells former chancellor’s Lake Drive house for $1 million
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The former home of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee chancellor recently sold for $1 million, according to state property records.
Madison College scraps monthslong search for new leader, restarts
The Capital Times
More than a year after the school’s current president announced his retirement, Madison College is starting over in a search for its next leader.
Wisconsin ends 2024 fiscal year with $4.6B surplus, down from $7B record but above projections
Wisconsin Public Radio
At the same time, the Universities of Wisconsin system is calling for an $855 million state funding increase in the next two-year budget. And some expect Republicans in the Legislature will push for tax cuts.
UW-Oshkosh chancellor to step down in June 2025
Wisconsin Public Radio
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Chancellor Andrew Leavitt announced Wednesday that he will step down next year, becoming the 4th chancellor in the Universities of Wisconsin system to either announce plans to resign or be fired since December 2023.
After layoffs, financial woes and no-confidence vote, UW-Oshkosh chancellor to step down
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Chancellor Andrew Leavitt is stepping down at the end of the school year to return to teaching after a decade at the helm of the Fox Valley institution.
VP Kamala Harris to campaign at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Thursday
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris will be at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Thursday for a “meet and greet,” according to student media.
‘Malicious’ texts sent to Wisconsin youths to discourage them from voting
The Guardian
In their letter to the attorney general, Merrick Garland, the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin and the non-profit organization Free Speech for People claimed that the text message had “targeted young voters aged 18-25” and “reached many voters who are part of the University of Wisconsin system”. Now, the letter alleges, “many students and other young voters are fearful that they will face criminal prosecution if they register and exercise their right to vote – because of a malicious, inaccurate text sent by an anonymous party.”
Why Political Text Blasts Targeting College Students Are Drawing Outrage
The Chronicle of Higher Education
Meanwhile, college students in Wisconsin, another swing state, allegedly received mass texts last week that advocates say could dissuade them from voting. The claim came in a Tuesday letter from a free-speech-advocacy group writing on behalf of Wisconsin’s chapter of the League of Women Voters, which supports expanding voting access but does not endorse specific candidates.
UW-Oshkosh Chancellor Andrew Leavitt to step down at end of school year
Wisconsin State Journal
UW-Oshkosh Chancellor Andrew Leavitt will step down at the end of the school year and return to the faculty after a turbulent 12 months during which 20% of employees were eliminated, two branch campuses were slated for closure and faculty rebuked his leadership.
Former UW-Superior chancellor says diversity of experience is key for successful college presidents
Wisconsin Public Radio
he average tenure of university presidents is on the decline.
Nine of the 13 Universities of Wisconsin chancellors assumed their post over the past four years. That tracks with data from The American Council on Education, showing the average tenure of college presidents is roughly six years, down from 8.5 years in 2022.
A new book by a former UW-Superior chancellor digs into why college leaders are vacating these powerful positions. The book profiles seven presidents who stayed at their institutions and brought them through difficult times.
UW-Madison program supports college transition for rural students
Daily Cardinal
In a survey sent out last spring, the College for Rural Wisconsin found that 82% of rural-identifying UW-Madison students felt somewhat or unprepared for college, director Jennifer Blazek said.
A top Department of Justice official decides to retire two weeks after being put on leave
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Kaul also asked two University of Wisconsin System attorneys to look into allegations Virgil raised against three top administrators. The report did find some problems in the agency but concluded the three officials did not contribute to a hostile workplace environment.
Opinion: UW-Milwaukee won’t retain top status with more cuts. Wisconsin could fall behind.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
A modern, thriving Wisconsin requires universities rated in the top tier of research institutions, ones that produce productivity enhancing innovations making modern life possible, while also imparting knowledge enabling citizens to create and think. Thus armed with these capacities, graduates of these Research One, or R1, universities find success in the arts, professions, sciences and as entrepreneurs.
Landlords’ lobbyist tried to delay UW-Madison’s new dorm, letter shows
Wisconsin State Journal
Alobbyist organization for Madison-area landlords and property owners hoped to stall UW-Madison’s push to build a new residence hall, according to a letter to the UW Board of Regents shown to the Wisconsin State Journal last week.
International students can get hands-on training and experience in their chosen field with CPT.
U.S. News & World Report
“There are consistent general eligibility requirements, such as maintenance of valid F-1 status and practical training directly related to the degree program. However, federal regulations on CPT are quite vague, so it is up to each institution to develop its own CPT policy and procedure that match institutional policies and procedures,” says Samantha McCabe, international student services director at the University of Wisconsin—Madison.
University of Wisconsin continues to expand Wisconet network
Spectrum News
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is continuing to grow its Wisconet system, which is a statewide network of weather and soil monitoring stations.
The university’s weather network, called Wisconet, is expected to be a game changer for farmers, climate researchers and many other industries in Wisconsin — especially those in remote areas.
Former Wisconsin governors urge residents to vote in new public service announcements
Wisconsin Public Radio
The announcements feature former Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle and former Republican Gov. Scott McCallum, as well as Wisconsin Elections Commission administrator Meagan Wolfe and former leaders of the Universities of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Technical College System.
Jessica Calarco: How wealthy university donors have changed our society for the worse
Chicago Tribune
Wealthy donors have turned us into a DIY Society, where people are supposed to take care of themselves rather than be helped by government.
Is the divvying of state money between UW universities fair? Reallocation talks spark fear, hope
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
There’s a lot of public discussion about how much state taxpayer money the University of Wisconsin System should receive.
There’s next to none about how that money is divvied up between the universities.
Decreased enrollment, deficits bring woe to smaller UW System campuses
Daily Cardinal
A Sept. 26 legislative committee meeting highlighted the problems smaller University of Wisconsin System campuses face as a new budget season looms.
Madison College sees student enrollment increase again this fall
The Capital Times
A little over 11,900 students are attending classes, an increase from about 11,300 at the same time last year and roughly 10,700 students in fall 2022, said Tim Casper, executive vice president of student affairs.
Basic Research Matters: Meet the winners of 2024’s Golden Goose Awards
Forbes
Christian Che-Castaldo, Heather Joan Lynch, Mathew Schwaller, for their use of satellite imagery to discover 1.5 million previously undocumented Adélie penguins in the Antarctic. Che-Castaldo is a quantitative ecologist affiliated with the U.S. Geological Survey, Wisconsin Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, and the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
How does UW chancellor and technical college president pay compare? The answer may surprise you
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
University of Wisconsin chancellors are likely to earn bonuses this school year under a new system that could add more than $40,000 to most of their compensation packages.
Students, faculty say being Black at UW-Madison isn’t easy
Wisconsin Public Radio
Black student enrollment at the state’s flagship university has never surpassed 3 percent of the student body, according to data from the Universities of Wisconsin. In 2023, 1,327 students out of 50,335 identified as Black, about 2.6 percent.
This year, the percentage of underrepresented students of color in the freshman class dropped by 3.7 percentage points from last year to 14.3 percent, according to UW-Madison data.
At Milwaukee event, young voters say candidates aren’t speaking about issues important to them. Here’s what they mean.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The University of Wisconsin System recently enacted a viewpoint neutrality policy, which Bean said hinders academic freedom for professors, department chairs and faculties. The policy changes came amid pro-Palestinian encampments that sprung up on college campuses nationwide, including in Wisconsin, protesting the Israel-Hamas war.
New state technical college system president talks enrollment, artificial intelligence
Wisconsin Public Radio
Earlier this month, Layla Merrifield formally began her role as the new president of the Wisconsin Technical College System. She replaces Morna Foy, who retired after 12 years on the job. We speak with the new president about her priorities and how the state can improve its technical colleges.
Podcast: Building a campus culture of mentorship
Inside Higher Ed
There’s a wonderful new book by a scholar at the University of Wisconsin [at Madison], Xueli Wang, called Delivering Promise, and she says, “We need to be students first and educators first.”
Wisconsin technical colleges plan to hand out 200 more dental credentials each year
Wisconsin Public Radio
Wisconsin’s technical colleges are expecting to hand out 200 more dental credentials every year thanks to new state funding and a recent donation from the Delta Dental of Wisconsin Foundation, the new leader of the state’s tech college system said recently.
Tom Still: UW’s Jay Rothman takes budget push on the road; path eventually leads to Capitol
Wisconsin State Journal
At the Coachman’s Inn just north of Edgerton, Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman stood in a private dining room to make his case for why public financial support for the UW system must rise beyond its current ranking of 43rd among the 50 states.
Legislative Council debates UW’s potential separation from Universities of Wisconsin
Badger Herald
‘It is really important to recognize the ways that we differ, but that we can do that within the system,’ Chancellor Mnookin says
US News and World Report releases list of best Wisconsin colleges and universities for 2025
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
U.S. News and World Report recently released its much-anticipated college rankings for 2025, and 10 Wisconsin colleges and universities made the national lists.
UW Regents fire Joe Gow and revoke his tenure, ending porn-making former chancellor’s plan to teach
Milwaukee Journal Semtinel
The UW Board of Regents fired former University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow a second time, ending a drawn-out faculty disciplinary process focused on his controversial pornographic videos.
Ex UW-La Crosse chancellor stripped of tenured position
Wisconsin Public Radio
Former University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow was fired Friday from his tenured teaching position in a unanimous Board of Regents vote.
New UW admissions programs in action
Door County Plus
The University of Wisconsin (UW) system has instituted two new admissions programs meant to make this process easier and encourage more Wisconsin students to attend their institutions: The Wisconsin Guarantee and Direct Admit Wisconsin.
University of Wisconsin fires former porn-making chancellor who wanted stay on as a professor
Associated Press
The University of Wisconsin Board of Regents voted unanimously Friday to fire a communications professor who was seeking to retain tenure after his dismissal as chancellor of one of the system’s campuses for making pornographic films.
UW-Madison sees ‘disappointing’ enrollment drop for students of color
Cap Times
UW-Madison released fall enrollment numbers this week, based on a student census conducted on the tenth day of classes.
The percentage of underrepresented students of color enrolled in the first-year class decreased from 18% last year to 14.3% this fall. These figures include students who identify as Black, Hispanic, South Asian, Native American or other underrepresented races and ethnicities. The percentages don’t include demographics of international students.
Admissions rates also dropped. Roughly 42% of underrepresented students of color who applied were accepted by the university this fall, compared to nearly 80% in 2023, when looking at first-year students.
Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin called the declines “disappointing.”
UW System president defends recent campus free speech policies in address to conservative groups
Daily Cardinal
UW System President Jay Rothman addressed freedom of expression leaders about the UW System’s plans to promote a marketplace of ideas.
UW-Madison freshman class has fewer students of color
Wisconsin Public Radio
This year’s freshman class at the University of Wisconsin-Madison — the first since the U.S. Supreme Court banned race-based admission — has fewer Black and Hispanic students.
At UW-Madison, Black and Hispanic enrollment declines after affirmative action ends
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s incoming freshman class saw a decline in the percentage of students of color, diminishing the university’s recent progress in diversifying its student body, according to data released Monday.
UW-Madison’s new freshman class is less diverse than previous classes, new data shows
Wisconsin State Journal
The percentage of Black, Latino and Indigenous students in UW-Madison’s Class of 2028 has dropped, despite a record number of applications, following last year’s Supreme Court ruling that barred consideration of race in college applications.
UW-Madison slips slightly in annual Best Colleges ranking
Wisconsin State Journal
UW-Madison dropped slightly in the latest edition of the U.S. News & World Report’s rankings for 2025, going down one place to tie for 13th in the national public colleges category.