Wisconsin officials thus far are not encouraging a boycott of travel to the state as others have been, ahead of the Badgers’ appearance in the Final Four on Saturday.
State considers impact of Indiana religious freedom law
Channel3000.com
Category: State news
UWGB students organize budget protest in Madison
Green Bay Press-Gazette
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay students — angered by proposed university system spending cuts — invited other UW students from throughout the state to participate in a rally Thursday in Madison.
Cuts to UW system could impact Madison College students
Madison College Clarion
Gov. Scott Walker proposed a biennial state budget in early February that called for large cuts to education. So what does that mean for Madison College and our students?
UW-Oshkosh offering early retirement
Wisconsin Radio Network
UW-Oshkosh officials hope an early retirement option will help the school deal with Governor Scott Walker’s proposed funding cuts.
Bill Lueders: Deer disease keeps worsening in Wisconsin, as predicted
Capital Times
Includes a quote from Mike Samuel, a UW-Madison associate professor of wildlife ecology who studies CWD.
2 more UW System campuses announce staff buyout offers
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Two campuses within the University of Wisconsin System announced Tuesday they are offering employees a voluntary retirement buyout with a one-time payout equal to 50% of an employees annual base salary.
4 UW schools offer buyouts to head off budget cuts
Madison.com
Four University of Wisconsin System schools (Oshkosh, Eau Claire, Superior and Green Bay) are offering employees buyouts to help absorb their shares of a $300 million system-wide cut in Gov. Scott Walker’s budget.
UW-Madison students impart fears of proposed budget to state Legislature
Daily Cardinal
In their matching gray #SaveOurUW T-shirts, members of the Associated Students of Madison traveled to the Joint Finance Committee hearing at Reedsburg High School Thursday to vocalize their concerns over Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed state budget.
Lawmakers eye end to state’s prevailing wage laws
Wisconsin State Journal
Noted: UW-Madison professor Awad Hanna, chairman of the Construction Engineering and Management Program in the College of Engineering, comments.
Board overseeing Wisconsin’s for-profit schools fights for its life
Capital Times
The proposal to eliminate the Educational Approval Board is part of Walker’s proposed 2015-17 budget. Since its unveiling in February, the board’s Executive Secretary David Dies has been trying to persuade state lawmakers to reject the idea.
Prof who got UW’s Ray Cross to put his job on the line says he meant to help him
Capital Times
English professor Richard Grusin says he never expected UW System President Ray Cross to give him such a straight answer when he asked Cross in a public forum this week whether he would resign if he doesn’t manage to ease the pain of Scott Walker’s budget on the university.
Chris Rickert: UW’s Ray Cross a scapegoat for faculty’s refusal to face reality
Madison.com
I don’t usually feel bad for highly placed, well-paid officials, but I felt bad for System President Ray Cross when a UW-Milwaukee English professor was able to extract the resignation promise during his Wednesday Q & A.
Candidates offer competing visions in Wisconsin Supreme Court debate
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Noted: Voters who put their civic responsibilities ahead of the games in the NCAA basketball tournament got the candidates different visions for the court at the 7 p.m. debate, which was held on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus and broadcast live on Wisconsin Public Television.
Thomas J. Givnish: Great universities and great communities build each other over generations
Capital Times
Column by Givnish, the Henry Allan Gleason professor of botany and environmental studies.
Stick to the mission: UW is too valuable to cut deeply
Appleton Post-Crescent
In all of the debate over the cuts to the University of Wisconsin System in Gov. Scott Walker’s budget plan, the group that has the most at stake is the most often overlooked:
Cuts to University of Wisconsin System will hurt the entire state
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
It can be statistically proven that the wealth of nations lies not with the oil and minerals in their lands, their strategic locations or the prominence of their armed forces, but rather in the level of education that their citizens have achieved. I will testify that I have found the pathway to happiness and success through education.
12,000 Pages of Support for U. of Wisconsin
Inside Higher Education
Thousands of University of Wisconsin System advocates put together 12,000 pages of petition signatures and public comments that were submitted to a legislative finance committee considering massive cuts to the system, a group of system supporters said Thursday.
UW-Madison students impart fears of proposed budget to state Legislature
Daily Cardinal
In their matching gray #SaveOurUW T-shirts, members of the Associated Students of Madison traveled to the Joint Finance Committee hearing Thursday to vocalize their concerns over Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed state budget.
UW education expert urges caution regarding recent remedial courses bill
Badger Herald
The state Assembly on Tuesday passed a bill that would order the UW System Board of Regents to require all Wisconsin students taking a UW System placement test in English or mathematics to disclose their high school. The bill is waiting for approval from the state Senate. … But James Wollack, director of UW-Madison’s Office of Testing and Evaluation Services, said problems with remedial courses might not exist.
Terese Berceau to UW professors: Time to start getting involved in lobbying Legislature
Madison.com
Like it or not, professors have been thrown into the “deep end of the pool” of politics, state Rep. Terese Berceau told a group of academics at UW-Madison Wednesday.
Robin Vos says Walker cut to UW budget is similar to Doyle’s, but Democrats didn’t protest then
Politifact
When Gov. Scott Walker proposed a $300 million cut to the state’s university system over two years, Democrats called it a “massive” and “destructive” blow.
Ambassador Tom Loftus: Evangelist behind the Wisconsin Idea would question public authority for UW
Capital Times
Former Regent and Ambassador Loftus letter to the editor: Speaker Robin Vos and other legislators are right to question handing over control of the University of Wisconsin System to a quasi-public authority as called for in the proposed state budget. The danger is all too real that such a move would undermine the Wisconsin Idea by reducing public input into the university and the number of Wisconsin students who could attend. And that would fly in the face of the university’s underpinnings as developed by UW’s fifth president, John Bascom, the true founder of the Wisconsin Idea.
Daniel S. Greenspan: Public authority status a great opportunity for UW
Capital Times
Letter to the editor from faculty member Daniel Greenspan: I strongly believe that the possible granting of public authority status to the University of Wisconsin System is an important opportunity.
UW System chief says he’d resign if cuts aren’t reduced, tenure protected
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Ray Cross pledged Wednesday to resign as president of the University of Wisconsin System if he fails to secure a substantial reduction in proposed state budget cuts and is unable to protect tenure, shared governance and academic freedom for UW campuses.
State workers should pay more for health care, consultant says
Wisconsin State Journal
State employees should pay more of their health care costs, but shifting from a competitive HMO model to self-insurance isn’t feasible next year, according to a consultant hired by the state.
Ray Cross says he’ll resign if UW budget cuts, loss of shared governance maintained by Legislature
Madison.com
Cross, facing withering criticism, told a UW-Milwaukee gathering of employees and students that he’d resign if he can’t substantially reduce the $300 million cut and preserve cherished employee protections including shared governance, tenure and academic freedom. He stood by his answer later, saying in an interview that “I don’t believe any higher education leader wants to be any part of an institution that doesn’t have tenure or shared governance.”
On Campus: UW-Superior to offer buyouts to older employees
Wisconsin State Journal
The smallest four-year campus among 13 in the University of Wisconsin System has offered buyouts to older employees, becoming the second university to do so in the face of Gov. Scott Walker’s proposal to cut funding to the universities by $300 million the next two years, the steepest drop in history
Despite loss of middle class families, Walker administration says state ‘heading in the right direction’
UW-Madison economist Laura Dresser said income growth in the state for decades has been concentrated among the top 1 percent. She said that would explain the decline in the percentage of families considered “middle class” by federal standards, even if incomes have risen recently.
Letter: Proposed cuts threaten UW System
Racine Journal Times
As a University of Wisconsin-Madison freshman, I would like to take the opportunity to voice my opinion about the proposed $300 million budget cut to the UW System for the 2015-17 biennial budgets. The affordability of UW-Madison relative to other highly regarded institutions is what makes this school attractive to so many students. I personally foresee an issue with these cuts, specifically for freshman and future attendees of UW System schools. I was drawn to UW-Madison because of the innovation and dedication to students at a fair price. I fear that those accepted into other highly regarded universities across the country will begin to choose elsewhere if tuition is raised, ultimately lowering the quality of students in attendance.
UW-Superior Will Offer Buyouts To Staff In Anticipation Of Cuts
Wisconsin Public Radio
The University of Wisconsin-Superior will join UW-Eau Claire in offering buyouts to staff who voluntarily leave the university.
UW-Madison faculty lobbying group to host public forum on Walker budget
Capital Times
PROFS, a lobbying organization for UW-Madison faculty, will zero in on Scott Walker’s game-changing budget plans for the UW System at a free public forum Wednesday.
UW education analyst: Will UW officials’ lack of transparency cost them?
Capital Times
Why hasn’t there been more transparency by University of Wisconsin officials in the planning of a proposed public authority model? asks Noel Radomski, an education policy analyst at UW-Madison.
Cheese, then Aaron Rodgers most popular things in Wisconsin
Channel3000.com
Bo Ryan and Barry Alvarez are almost universally beloved, with their favorability being 76 percent and 71 percent respectively, according to the poll.
UW System president crosses state for budget talks
Daily Cardinal
For UW System President Ray Cross, March will be filled not only with basketball, but visits to various state colleges and universities for conversations about Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed state budget.
Does average UW-Madison faculty member bring in “close to a quarter million” a year in grant money?
A leading Democrat predicts devastation if Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed $300 million cut over two years to the University of Wisconsin System is adopted.
UW System won’t cover full tuition for Course Options next school year
Madison.com
Cash-strapped Wisconsin school districts next year will have to cover costs of high school courses that earn students college credit after the University of Wisconsin System decided it could not continue to pay for them.
Conley: This Is What Wisconsin’s 2.5% Budget Cut Looks Like
Chronicle of Higher Education
I recently learned that when the semester ends in May, nearly half of my immediate co-workers, maybe more, will be out of a job. Of course, adjuncts like me are often “out of a job,” since our contracts go only from semester to semester. But because I’m an adjunct in the University of Wisconsin system — the one that’s made headlines thanks to Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed $300-million budget cuts over the next two years — this time it feels different.
UW-Madison Professor Calls On Lawmakers To Keep University’s Shared Governance Model
Wisconsin Public Radio
As the state Legislature debates Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed funding cuts and structural changes to the University of Wisconsin System, a UW-Madison professor is asking lawmakers not to do away with the shared governance model currently in place.
Does average UW-Madison faculty member bring in “close to a quarter million” a year in grant money?
Politifact Wisconsin
A leading Democrat predicts devastation if Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed $300 million cut over two years to the University of Wisconsin System is adopted. Mostly true.
GOP lawmakers’ new budget plan for UW System would scrap public authority proposal
Badger Herald
The plan from Rep. John Nygren, the Joint Finance Committee co-chair, and Rep. Dean Knudson, R-Hudson, would still grant more autonomy to the system — and it would seek to reduce the proposed $300 million in cuts.
New grievance process gives authority to UW
Badger Herald
One of the most significant changes is the new four-person panel put in place to further review any unresolved disputes between employees and HR, said Patrick Sheehan, director of Workforce Relations for the Office of Human Resources. This panel will consist of two representatives from UW staff and two administration representatives, he said.
Classified Staff set to receive new HR policy, change of title
Daily Cardinal
Employees recognized as Classified Staff will be known as University Staff starting July 1 partly because human resource policies will soon be handled solely by UW-Madison, according to a UW-Madison release.
Letter: Budget cuts will leave scars on UW campuses
Green Bay Press-Gazette
The Retirees Association of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, a 200-plus-member organization of retired faculty and staff, has grave concerns about the devastating cuts in Gov. Walker’s proposed budget for the UW System. Collectively, we have experienced much smaller cuts in the past and are aware of the negative impacts cuts have on student educational experiences and opportunities.
UW worked early, long and hard to craft a public authority proposal
Capital Times
University of Wisconsin System officials aren’t saying much now as Republican legislative leaders signal that they don’t want the public authority for UW that Gov. Scott Walker’s budget proposes. But in the months leading up to the budget’s release, UW administrators worked early, long and diligently to craft a legal restructuring that would bring them more autonomy and less bureaucracy.
Bar Exam, the Standard to Become a Lawyer, Comes Under Fire
New York Times
Noted: All states but one, Wisconsin, require passing the bar exam to become a licensed lawyer, but bar associations in states including Arizona and Iowa have been exploring alternatives. The Iowa State Bar Association proposed an in-state “diploma privilege,” similar to neighboring Wisconsin’s, that would allow graduates of local law schools to skip the bar exam and begin practicing immediately.
Looking For Evidence-Based Accountability At UW-Madison
Wisconsin Public Radio
If we want to ensure UW is efficient and cost-effective for students, any potential changes need to mind the importance of tenure and shared governance. That’s according to our guest’s recent opinion piece weighing in on the governor’s proposed budget cuts to the UW-Madison.
UW budget cuts could decrease, but proposed authority threatened
Milwaukee Business Journal
A proposed $300 million, two-year cut to the University of Wisconsin System may get drawn down, but autonomy pitched to offset those losses could be axed.
Wisconsin budget committee begins public hearings
Wisconsin Radio Network
Members of the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee are holding the first of four public hearings on the state budget today.
GOP lawmakers will change Walker’s plans for UW System
Wisconsin Radio Network
Two key Wisconsin lawmakers are proposing changes to Governor Scott Walker’s plans for the University of Wisconsin System. Joint Finance Committee co-chair, Representative John Nygren R-Marinette and committee member Representative Dean Knudson R-Hudson announced plans on Wednesday that include a smaller, more manageable cut, instead of the $300 million cut proposed in the governor’s budget.
Budget Committee Chairman Says He’s Working On Eliminating UW Autonomy Plan
Wisconsin Public Radio
The Republican co-chair of the Legislature’s budget committee says he’s working on a plan to remove the proposed public authority from Gov. Scott Walker’s University of Wisconsin budget.
2 GOP leaders favor smaller UW cut with no public authority
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
A new legal entity to give the University of Wisconsin System autonomy from cumbersome state rules is appearing less likely by the day, and two more key lawmakers went on record Wednesday as supporting a smaller budget cut than the $300 million over two years proposed by Gov. Scott Walker.
No surprise: Walker picks Wisconsin to win tournament
Madison.com
In what could be the safest political move of his career, Gov. Scott Walker is picking the Wisconsin Badgers to win it all in the NCAA basketball tournament.
Republican budget committee members announce new UW plan
Madison.com
The co-chair and another Republican member of the Legislature’s powerful budget committee panel said Wednesday that they don’t support giving the University of Wisconsin more independence from state oversight, in another sign of dwindling support for Gov. Scott Walker’s proposal to do just that.
Celebrate National Ag Day
WKOW TV
Wednesday is National Ag Day, and members of the UW Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences stopped by Wake Up Wisconsin to talk about the importance of agriculture to Wisconsin’s economy. Video features two students and Bruce Jones, professor of agricultural and applied economics.
Arena funding, UW cuts likely topics for budget hearing in Milwaukee
Milwaukee Business Journal
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s proposals to cut the University of Wisconsin system budget and to issue bonds for an arena in Milwaukee are among topics likely to be discussed during a state budget hearing Friday in Milwaukee hosted by the state Legislature’s influential Joint Committee on Finance.
UWO developing strategy to handle potential $7.5 million in cuts
The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh’s top administrator says more flexibility in planning for the future will help weather the storm of proposed budget cuts in the long term.
Assembly OKs bill to track UW students in remedial classes
Madison.com
The state Assembly has passed a Republican bill that would require the University of Wisconsin System to complete a report tracking the origin high schools of students taking remedial courses.
Republicans say UW autonomy plan on ‘life support’
AP
Gov. Scott Walker’s plan to grant the University of Wisconsin System autonomy from state oversight and laws appears to be on “life support,” although his proposed $300 million cut is unlikely to change, key Republican lawmakers said Tuesday.
Plain Talk: GOP should stop playing numbers game with UW cut
Capital Times
When does a 13 percent cut in the University of Wisconsin System’s budget become a “modest” 2.5 percent? When this cabal of truth-challenged Republicans running Wisconsin government says it is.
Wisconsin Republican lawmakers: Scott Walker plan for UW autonomy on ‘life support’
Capital Times
Other Republicans — and some Democrats — joined Joint Finance Committee co-chair Rep. John Nygren in saying that Walker’s plan is in serious jeopardy as faculty, staff and students at UW-Madison, for example, are opposing the reorganization of the UW System as a public authority.