Democrats are blasting a plan to merge the University of Wisconsin System’s schools.
Democrats rip UW merger plan, call for collaboration
AP
Category: Top Stories
UW-Madison drops revamp of its full-time MBA program after backlash over proposed cutback
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
University of Wisconsin-Madison is suspending the planned revamp of its master’s of business administration program after a backlash over an imminent cutback.
Redrawing UW: With a reorganization plan in the works, faculty, staff and students have questions
Capital Times
Cathy Sandeen wasn’t given much notice that her job is about to change significantly, and might be eliminated outright.
UW-Madison drops discussions of ending MBA program
Wisconsin Radio Network
Wisconsin School of Business officials are reversing course on suspending the Master of Business Administration program for a year.
Wisconsin Backpedals On MBA Plan
Poets and Quants
Just one week after news broke that the University of Wisconsin Business School was considering suspension of its full-time MBA program — and following a swift backlash among alumni and current students — the school is backpedaling.
UW-Madison turns to Hollywood for Winter Commencement speakers
WKOW-TV 27
UW-Madison went Hollywood for Winter Commencement, getting help from the Evil Queen from ABC’s “Once Upon a Time” to announce this year’s speakers.
Efforts to recruit University of Wisconsin faculty slide back toward normal
Wisconsin State Journal
The number of attempts by other universities to recruit professors away from UW-Madison declined in the last academic year, after a spike in the previous year officials attributed to budget cuts and controversial changes to tenure policies.
Wisconsin School of Business drops plan to suspend MBA program
Wisconsin State Journal
Wisconsin School of Business leaders say they are no longer pursuing a proposal that would have suspended the school’s full-time Master of Business Administration program for a year, and could have led to the program’s closure.
Redrawing UW: With a reorganization plan in the works, faculty, staff and students have questions
Capital Times
Cathy Sandeen wasn’t given much notice that her job is about to change significantly, and might be eliminated outright.
Sauk villages partner with UW-Madison students on vision for Water Street
Sauk Prairie Eagle
Master’s students in the department will work with UW alumnus and certified planner Mark Roffers, who serves as planner for the village of Prairie du Sac and a consultant for Sauk City at times. The students work to fulfill a degree requirement and gain practical knowledge and experience in planning.
In turn the villages will receive a visioning document with guidance on the latest in planning thought and practice, with emphasis on making Sauk Prairie a better place to live and work while furthering a high quality of life.
Blood tests show no risk to health in lead contamination scare at UW-Madison, officials say
Wisconsin State Journal
A lead contamination scare on the UW-Madison campus is over.
University of Wisconsin proposal: Suspend full-time MBA during review of programs
Wisconsin State Journal
UW-Madison faculty are reviewing a proposal that calls for the Wisconsin School of Business to suspend admissions into its full-time Master of Business Administration program for one year while leaders undertake a long-term review of program offerings, officials said Monday.
Wisconsin School of Business considering closing MBA program
Wisconsin State Journal
The Wisconsin School of Business is considering shutting down its full-time Master of Business Administration program, officials say, in a move that would make UW-Madison the latest university to stop offering a traditional MBA.
Ted and Mary Kellner commit $25 million gift to UW-Madison
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
On Saturday, the Kellners added to their legacy of giving at UW-Madison, committing $25 million as part of the university’s $3.2 billion All Ways Forward comprehensive campaign.
UW-Madison receives $25 million donation on Homecoming weekend
Wisconsin State Journal
As a special Homecoming weekend gift, two UW-Madison alumni donated $25 million to the school’s fundraising campaign, the university announced Saturday.
Latest actions deepen divide between UW System leaders and many faculty, students
Wisconsin State Journal
Over the last three weeks, the University of Wisconsin System’s leaders have adopted new policies to curb disruptive protests, largely mirroring a controversial Republican bill. They have given members of the Board of Regents more power in picking campus leaders.
Banner night for Bonner
Madison Magazine
The admiring crowd swirling around the guest of honor last Thursday night at the Pyle Center’s Alumni Lounge was so thick that I could only get within a few feet of her as she stood near the entrance and surveyed the room.
Ted and Mary Kellner commit $25 million gift to UW-Madison
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
She was the daughter of a New York cement salesman. He was the son of a legendary Wisconsin track star and Milwaukee-area businessman.
University of Wisconsin-Madison considers MBA program changes
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
University of Wisconsin-Madison is considering changes to its master’s of business administration program that could include a greater focus on older, part-time students.
Is a dangerous bird flu on the horizon?
HealthDay
Public health officials have been worried about H7N9’s potential to eventually trigger a pandemic, or global outbreak.A new study could add to those concerns. Researchers at UW–Madison found that samples of H7N9 were easily transmitted among ferrets — an animal “model” that is considered the best proxy for human flu infection. And those infections were often lethal.
New group aims to make UW-Madison safer and more inclusive to all
WKOW-TV 27
It’s the vandalism we’ve seen all too often around Madison. Spray painted swastikas on a memorial next to a Jewish synagogue in September. Then, this month swastikas were scratched into the hoods of several new vehicles in an east side dealership. Not to mention, there have been multiple instances of swastikas and other hateful messages that have popped up on the UW-Madison campus over the past few years.
New H7N9 bird flu strain in China has pandemic potential: study
Reuters
In a study published in Cell Host & Microbe, flu expert Yoshihiro Kawaoka of the University of Wisconsin and colleagues tested a version of the new H7N9 strain taken from a person who died from the infection last spring.They found that the virus replicated efficiently in mice, ferrets and non-human primates, and that it caused even more severe disease in mice and ferrets than a low pathogenic version of the same virus that does not cause illness in birds.
Will H7N9 flu go pandemic? There’s good news and bad news
Atlantic Monthly
In one year, H7N9 influenza’s highly pathogenic (“high-path”) strains have caused as many human infections as the previous four epidemics put together. As of September 20, there have been 1,589 laboratory-confirmed cases, and 39 percent of those people have died. “It was a matter of time,” says the flu expert Yoshihiro Kawaoka, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “It wasn’t surprising to see this change.”
WARF gives $80 million to UW-Madison, Morgridge Institute for Research
Wisconsin State Journal
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation has awarded over $80 million to UW-Madison and the Morgridge Institute for Research for the 2017-2018 school year, so researchers can continue to “dream big.”
Report: $5.4 million in questionable UW transactions
AP
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — University of Wisconsin System schools conducted about $5.4 million in questionable transactions with their private foundations between 2010 and 2017, according to a system report released Wednesday. None of the transactions were apparently illegal but they didn’t always follow best practices, the report said.
$184,000 for UW-L stadium among payments identified in UW System audit
LaCrosse Tribune
A nearly $184,000 payment the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse provided its foundation is among $5.4 million questioned in a UW System audit of transactions between campuses and their private foundations since 2010.
UW Report Questions $5.3M In Transactions Between Campuses, Foundations
Wisconsin Public Radio
University of Wisconsin officials released a report Wednesday that shows about $5.3 million in questionable transactions between campuses and their private foundations.
UW System completes review of campus foundation transactions
Wisconsin Radio Network
University of Wisconsin System officials say a review of transactions between campuses and their private foundations has found no other cases of illegal guarantees or loans being made.
UW Medical School Warns Against Bill Limiting Abortion Training
WPR
Opponents to the plan say the UW School of Medicine and Public Health’s OB-GYN training program would lose its accreditation if it were approved.
At a public hearing on the bill, Joseph Lalli, a medical school student, said he wouldn’t feel prepared to perform life-saving procedures for expectant mothers if he can’t get training on how to perform abortions.
Bill would bar UW employees from working at Planned Parenthood
Wisconsin State Journal
Anti-abortion advocates, and a Republican U.S. Senate candidate, clashed with University of Wisconsin medical school leaders Tuesday over a proposal that would end an arrangement allowing UW doctors to perform abortions and train students at Planned Parenthood.
Badgers football: Stage set for new era at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin State Journal
From his office above the seating bowl, Barry Alvarez can point to the areas where the second century of progress in Camp Randall Stadium are likely to be shaped.
Needed In Wisconsin: At Least 27,000 Nurses
WXPR-FM
The need for registered nurses continues to grow in Wisconsin. That’s prompted the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing to launch a program that allows people who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a different subject to get a nursing degree with one additional, full year of intense instruction. The needs of Wisconsin’s aging population and the changing demands of the health care system are driving the new program, according to Nursing School Dean Linda Scott.
Bill Would Bar U. of Wisconsin Employees From Working at Planned Parenthood
Chronicle of Higher Education
A new bill in the Wisconsin Legislature proposes barring a partnership that allows University of Wisconsin employees to work at Planned Parenthood, the Associated Press reports.
UW medical school head warns against abortion training restrictions
Wisconsin Radio Network
The head of the University of Wisconsin’s medical school is speaking out against a bill that would ban UW employees from using private clinics to train medical residents or from performing abortions at non-hospital facilities.
Four UW-Madison students to receive Fulbright awards
Wisconsin State Journal
The students were selected to receive the federally funded Fulbright-Hays-Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Award that will allow them to do research on three different continents for a year. The funds are provided from the U.S. Department of Education.
Student leaders want say in University of Wisconsin merger
AP
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (AP) — Student leaders at the University of Wisconsin’s 26 campuses are pressing regents to include their input on plans to merge two-year schools with four-year campuses.
UW System merger proposal spurs questions about how plan was hatched
Capital Times
The University of Wisconsin System has not yet crunched the numbers on its plan to reorganize state college campuses, according to spokeswoman Stephanie Marquis.
With an Ambitious Merger Proposal, Wisconsin Charts Its Own Course for Change
Chronicle of Higher Education
The list of pressures facing public higher education in Wisconsin would be familiar to policy makers in many states: an aging population, declining enrollment, scarce public dollars, and growing demands from employers and lawmakers to meet work-force needs.
Wisconsin merger plan stokes controversy, but some see upside
Inside Higher Education
Plans to restructure the University of Wisconsin System and merge many of its institutions are generating controversy, with the system’s president saying they are necessary, faculty members worrying they are being rushed and one expert likening the proposal to rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic.
UW System Announces Proposed Restructuring
Wisconsin Public Radio
University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross has proposed merging UW Colleges with four-year U-W institutions as part of a broader restructuring of UW Colleges and UW-Extension.
UW-Stout Chancellor Worries System Reorganization Could Cut Off Transfer Students
Wisconsin Public Radio
A “historical link” between the University of Wisconsin Stout and the two-year UW-Barron County campus could be in jeopardy under a planned reorganization of the state’s UW-System schools.
County Officials Blindsided By Plan To Restructure UW-College System
Wisconsin Public Radio
County leaders say they didn’t know about plans at the University of Wisconsin-System to merge the state’s two-year colleges with its four-year universities.
UW-Madison to absorb UW Cooperative Extension under system reorganization
Capital Times
The University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension is a natural fit with University of Wisconsin-Madison, Chancellor Rebecca Blank said Wednesday about news that the agency would be absorbed by her campus as part of a sweeping reorganization of the UW System.
Jobs likely to be lost in planned merger of University of Wisconsin 2-year Colleges with 4-year campuses. officials say
Wisconsin State Journal
The wide-ranging restructuring plan System President Ray Cross announced Wednesday would also bring UW Extension programs under new administration.
Proposed merger would keep two-year colleges afloat in UW System
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
A downward spiral in enrollment at the University of Wisconsin System’s two-year campuses spurred the announcement Wednesday of a proposal to keep them afloat by merging them with nearby four-year UW institutions.
U of Wisconsin head wants to merge 4-year, 2-year campuses
AP
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The University of Wisconsin System’s two-year schools would merge with its four-year campuses under a plan system President Ray Cross announced Wednesday in hopes of boosting flagging enrollment.
UW president wants to merge four-year, two-year campuses
AP
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross is proposing merging the state’s two-year schools with its four-year campuses in effort to boost enrollment.
Sweeping proposal could change structure of UW System campuses
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross is expected to announce this week a sweeping proposal to restructure two- and four-year campuses in an effort to cut costs, increase college access, reduce barriers to transferring credits, raise graduation rates, and address declining enrollments, according to sources.
Man arrested for campus assault, attempted abduction, police say
WISC-TV 3
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department has a person of interest in custody in connection to the Oct. 2 assault and attempted abduction on campus, according to UWPD.
Couple, 98 and 100, Who Died in Fire ‘Just Couldn’t Be Without Each Other’
New York Times
Sara and Charles Rippey first locked eyes at their elementary school in tiny Hartford, Wis., close to 90 years ago. “They’ve basically been together ever since,” said one of their sons, Mike Rippey. The couple, who were 98 and 100 years old, died together on Sunday in Napa, Calif., when a fast-moving wildfire whipped into their house and they were unable to escape. Both were UW alums.
University of Wisconsin students could be expelled for disrupting campus speeches under new policy
Wisconsin State Journal
The Board of Regents adopted the language on a voice vote during a meeting at UW-Stout in Menomonie.
Alumni and students gather at Alumni Park grand opening and Bucky statue unveiling
Wisconsin State Journal
After an hour of celebration and exploration of UW-Madison’s Alumni Park, visitors at Friday’s grand opening gathered for the unveiling of the new Bucky Badger statue.
UW Regents approve campus free speech resolution
Wisconsin Radio Network
The University of Wisconsin Board of Regents has adopted a policy that would create penalties for students who repeatedly disrupt on-campus speakers.
UW Board Of Regents Vote On Hiring Leadership Guidelines, Campus Free Speech Provision
Wisconsin Public Radio
The University of Wisconsin Board of Regents voted on several issues this week including a controversial provision that would allow schools to punish students if they protest or disrupt speakers on campus. We speak with WPR Reporter Rich Kremer about the meeting and what people on both sides of the issue had to say.
UW Board of Regents to vote on controversial “Freedom of Expression” resolution
WKOW-TV 27
The UW Board of Regents plans to vote on a rule that would expel students who continuously disrupt speakers on UW campuses across the state.
UW regents set to vote on protest punishment policy
AP
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — University of Wisconsin System regents are set to vote on a policy that calls for suspending and expelling students who disrupt campus speeches and presentations.
UW regents OK changes for hiring leaders
AP
University of Wisconsin System regents adopted sweeping hiring policy changes Thursday that clear the way for non-academics to lead the state’s colleges.
Alumni Park to light up the night starting Friday
Wisconsin State Journal
Alumni Park is full of unique pieces including exhibits focused on themes of the Wisconsin Idea including service, discovery and tradition. Faces of iconic alumni, lit sculptures cast words against the ground for visitors to read at night and even a sculpture of the first issue of “The Onion” await park visitors.
For tech recruiters, UW-Madison is a hotbed for computer science talent
Capital Times
Over a thousand students and recruiters jostled about the Varsity Hall conference room in Union South on Tuesday afternoon. Lines of varying sizes snaked throughout the space, some even winding outside of it, as students — many wearing formal wear, almost all clutching resumes — waited to chat with potential employers from almost 50 different startups, tech firms and government institutions. Local institutions like Epic Systems and American Family Insurance had booths side by side with global brands like Facebook and Bloomberg.
UW Regents take tighter control of hiring to get chancellors from outside higher ed
Capital Times
University of Wisconsin System Regent Tony Evers cast the sole vote Thursday against a policy change that gives regents a larger role in selecting chancellors for system campuses.