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
Category: Top Stories
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.
Walker Says UW Professors Could Work, Teach More To Help Offset Cuts
Wisconsin Public Radio
Gov. Scott Walker said the University of Wisconsin could ask its faculty to teach more classes and do more work to offset funding cuts in Walker’s state budget proposal.
Scott Walker proposes big cut to University of Wisconsin System
MSNBC
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a potential 2016 GOP contender who never earned a college degree, has proposed a huge cut in funding for the University of Wisconsin system over the next two years.
Scott Walker says UW faculty should be teaching more classes and doing more work
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Faculty and staff in the University of Wisconsin System should be “teaching more classes and doing more work,” Gov. Scott Walker said during an interview Wednesday morning with a Milwaukee conservative radio talk show host.
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.
Campus, legislative leaders concerned about Scott Walker’s proposed UW cuts but welcome flexibilities
Wisconsin State Journal
Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed 13 percent, $300 million budget cut for the University of Wisconsin System would lead to layoffs across the UW-Madison campus, chancellor Rebecca Blank said Tuesday, even though she and others see a long-term benefit in another part of the plan to give the university greater autonomy. The proposed spending cut is believed to be the most severe in the System’s nearly 45-year history. It would be accompanied by another two-year tuition freeze and come in exchange for System control over its finances, including major building projects.
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 System offers few details on Scott Walker’s proposal for budget cut, more autonomy updated
Madison.com
UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank said Tuesday that she has not yet seen full details of Governor Walker’s plan, adding “I am concerned about the magnitude of the proposed budget cuts and their impact on UW-Madison. “These proposed cuts are believed to be the largest in the history of the university. In the past, large cuts have always been mitigated by additional tuition revenue from resident and non-resident students,” Blank posted in a blog.
UW System predicts layoffs, no campus closings under budget cuts
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Gov. Scott Walker’s plan to cut the University of Wisconsin System by $300 million over two years would likely lead to layoffs, but closing campuses is not on the table at this time, top school officials said Tuesday.
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.
Wisconsin’s Governor Ups the Ante for University Autonomy
Chronicle of Higher Education
The price of freedom from state regulation has gone up for the University of Wisconsin.
Wisconsin looks to cut higher ed by $300M, tries to give something in return
Inside Higher Education
Wisconsin universities now face the largest budget cuts in their history, even as colleges in other states crawl out of budget holes.
Walker Proposes $300M Cut To UW System, New Freedoms | Wisconsin Public Radio
Wisconsin Public Radio
Gov. Scott Walker is proposing a 13-percent cut in state funding for the University of Wisconsin System at the same time that he wants to give all campuses more freedom from state laws.
Walker proposes 13% cut, more freedom for UW System
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The University of Wisconsin System will be given more autonomy, while having its state funding slashed by 13% over the next two years, under the budget Gov. Scott Walker will submit to the Legislature next week, the governor told The Associated Press in an exclusive interview on Monday.
On Campus: Chinese students hit all-time high at UW-Madison, though new freshmen down
Wisconsin State Journal
Overall, there are 2,619 Chinese students at UW-Madison for the 2014-2015 school year, up 159 from last year, which had been the highest. However, the numbers of new freshmen and total undergraduates dropped a bit from last year, with applications down slightly for the coming year as well, Andre Phillips,senior associate director of recruitment and outreach, said. Enrollment of Chinese students grew 356 percent from 2003 to 2013 at UW-Madison as the world’s most populous country reaped benefits of newfound wealth. The trend mirrored national enrollment numbers for Chinese students.
Gov. Scott Walker to propose 13 percent cut, more freedom for UW System
Wisconsin State Journal
The University of Wisconsin System will be given more autonomy, while having its state funding slashed by 13 percent over the next two years, under the budget Gov. Scott Walker will submit to the Legislature next week.
Gov. Scott Walker to propose 13 percent cut, more freedom for UW System
Wisconsin State Journal
The University of Wisconsin System will be given more autonomy, while having its state funding slashed by 13 percent over the next two years, under the budget Gov. Scott Walker will submit to the Legislature next week.
Expect more students from outstate and abroad if expected state funding cuts come to UW
Wisconsin State Journal
In coming years, the evolutionary theories of Charles Darwin may become more than academic at some University of Wisconsin campuses. They may find themselves in a Darwinian struggle to remain open and relevant in the face of two more years of expected state budget cuts and a tuition freeze for state undergraduates also expected to be extended another two years.
UW-Madison quietly closes controversial cat lab
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
A University of Wisconsin-Madison cat research lab that was the focus of protests by animal-rights groups and a Hollywood actor quietly closed more than a month ago, a university spokesman said Friday.
Faculty say more state budget cuts will damage value of UW-Madison education
Capital Times
As UW System officials brace for funding cuts in Gov. Scott Walker’s new budget, an organization of UW-Madison faculty says the campus cannot absorb much more.
UW-Madison has ended controversial cat experiments targeted by PETA
Capital Times
The University of Wisconsin–Madison has quietly halted controversial experiments using cats, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals reported Friday.
UW quietly closes controversial cat lab
AP
MADISON – A University of Wisconsin-Madison cat research lab that was the focus of protests by animal-rights groups and a Hollywood actor quietly closed more than a month ago, a university spokesman said Friday.
UW-Stout’s Meyer: System autonomy could ease tuition freeze
Eau Claire Leader-Telegram
Despite its record enrollment this year, the loss of instructors at UW-Stout keeps Chancellor Bob Meyer awake at night.
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.
Wisconsin’s admission standards pushed Gary Andersen to Oregon St.
CBSSports.com
Before Gary Andersen goes on, he wants to make one thing clear. A part of his surprising departure from Wisconsin had to do with admission standards.
Splitting UW System, UW-Madison from state being discussed at Capitol
Wisconsin State Journal
The universities would operate as a public authority, under an idea being discussed.
In the aftermath of Ferguson, UW-Madison to host race inclusion talk series
Capital Times
Takeaways from the “UW Voices” series will inform the implementation of the new campus diversity plan.
Scott Walker acknowledges considering more autonomy for UW System
Wisconsin State Journal
Gov. Scott Walker acknowledged Monday that his administration is considering granting more autonomy to the University of Wisconsin System.
On Campus: UW-Madison student government opposes possible split from state
Madison.com
It didn’t take long for some opponents to line up against a possible decoupling of the state’s universities from the state.
Walker keeping quiet on plans for University of Wisconsin
Wisconsin Radio Network
As he continues work on his proposed biennial budget, Governor Scott Walker says he’s still looking at possible plans for the future of the University of Wisconsin System and its flagship campus.
UW Scientists Make Breakthrough In Nanotube Technology
Wisconsin Public Radio
Scientists at University of Wisconsin-Madison are reporting a breakthrough in using very small technology to extend the battery life of some electronic devices.
Student loan debt at UW-Madison rises; still below national average
Capital Times
Undergraduates at UW-Madison who take out student loans graduated with an average of $27,711 in debt last year, up 4 percent from the year before, UW-Madison News reports. That remains below the national average of $28,400 in 2013, according to a report from the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Focus turns to Walker’s plans for budget
AP
Gov. Scott Walker is expected to paint a grim picture when he delivers his plan in a few weeks for balancing the state budget, which would stand in sharp contrast to his upbeat State of the State speech.
Microbiology: Here’s looking at you, squid
Nature
Margaret McFall-Ngai has dissected the relationship between a beautiful squid and its live-in bacteria — and found lessons for microbiome research on the way.
Student debt goes up at UW-Madison, still below national average
Madison.com
The UW-Madison Office of Student Financial Aid said in a news release on Tuesday the average student loan for students getting their undergraduate degrees in 2014 went from $26,625 the previous year to $27,711 in 2014, still below the 2013 national average of $28,400.
Cybersecurity lab to open in UW Research Park
Wisconsin State Journal
A laboratory designed to host classified cybersecurity research has been built at the University Research Park on the West Side. It comes after last year’s approval by the state Legislature of classified research at University of Wisconsin System labs.
Sunday Marks Last Day On Job For UW-Superior Workers
WPR News
For three years, Jeanette Johnson has been helping keep University of Wisconsin-Superior clean. Now, Johnson says she’s ready to make a clean break.
Where has all the funding gone? Federal cuts threaten research at UW-Madison
Isthmus
University of Wisconsin researchers are laying the groundwork to make it possible to “print” new transplant-ready organs, grown from cells cultured from a patient’s blood sample. This project, which merges research in biotechnology and nanotechnology, is under way today thanks to funding from the National Institutes of Health NIH.
UW System prez says university funding key to state’s future
WisBusiness.com
Speaking to the Madison Rotary Club yesterday, Cross acknowledged the state is facing a tough budget and the university system shouldn’t be exempt as lawmakers manage scarce resources. But he said the university should be viewed as a partner and investment, rather than an expense.
Bill would force persistently low-performing public schools to be made into charters
Wisconsin State Journal
The legislation also asks that UW-Madison’s Value-Added Research Center provide the new board a list of alternative tests “acceptable for statistical comparison” with the tests adopted by the superintendent. It also requires the research center to work with the board and DPI to review alternative tests proposed by schools, and asks that it equate the scores between the different tests. Brad Carl, associate director of the center, said while it’s possible to do that, the most accurate way to compare test takers is to have all students taking the same test on the same academic standards.
Free UW online course focuses on conservation, hunting
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
To attract interest in a class on conservation and hunting, it’s helpful to invoke the name of Aldo Leopold. To reach the largest audience, a free, online course has virtually unlimited potential. The University of Wisconsin in Madison will put those concepts to work later this month when it offers “The Land Ethic Reclaimed: Perceptive Hunting, Aldo Leopold and Conservation.”
UW-Madison soils lab to consolidate with Marshfield lab
Madison.com
For over 100 years, UW-Madison researchers have conducted dirt, plant and agricultural tests for Wisconsin farmers at a laboratory on Mineral Point Road to further agricultural research in the state. But later this year, the Soil and Plant Analysis Laboratory will be consolidated with a second lab in Marshfield.
Madison gaming companies show how UW-Madison helps build local tech economy
Capital Times
Up and coming gaming companies with ties to UW-Madison are one way the university indirectly helps grow the local tech economy, UW-Madison News reports.
Gordon, Gaglianone lead Badgers to overtime victory in Outback Bowl
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Barry Alvarez, Wisconsins full-time athletic director and two-time interim head coach, passed the baton to new head coach Paul Chryst in style Thursday.
Starting Next Season, Badgers Football Will Be More Closely Monitored For Concussions
Wisconsin Public Radio
When the Wisconsin Badgers return to the gridiron next season following their Outback Bowl appearance, an extra set of eyes will be watching out for their safety.
The Year In Plagues: Ebola, The Invasive Species Of Florida, And More
Popular Science
As 2014 comes to an end, let’s take a look at the year’s biggest outbreaks, pathogens, and technofix dramas.
Horlick student takes programming skills to Madison
Racine Journal-Times
RACINE — When Charles Ricchio II went on a field trip to a mechanical engineering lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in November 2013, the work he saw going on there was already familiar to him.
Wisconsin legislative preview: UW-Madison looks for flexibility, ‘reasonable’ state support
Capital Times
For the University of Wisconsin-Madison, all focus for the upcoming legislative session is on the state budget. The university doesn’t traditionally promote or oppose specific bills in the Legislature, said Charles Hoslet, associate vice chancellor of government and corporate affairs. “Ninety percent of what we’re interested in happens in the state budget,” Hoslet said.
Will UW-Madison be exempt from Ray Cross’ proposed system reforms?
Capital Times
Controversial reforms proposed by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Burlington, for the University of Wisconsin — like monitoring professors’ workload and rethinking tenure — may not even be applicable at UW-Madison, says faculty advocacy group PROFS.
Vandenbosch: Cultivating curiosity, and embracing a sense of wonder
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
During this season of reflection, I am thankful for curious people of all ages. I am fortunate to be surrounded by students and scientists who are driven to uncover how things work in the natural world. There is no doubt that as we set out to explore the inner workings of microbes, plants and animals, we gain knowledge that we can apply in ways that will continue to change the world. But long before we get to the point where we apply knowledge, we have to wonder. I celebrate that sense of wonder.
Joint venture seeks new tests, treatments for Alzheimer’s
Wisconsin State Journal
A joint venture announced Tuesday by UW School of Medicine and Public Health and Swoop Search, an information technology in Madison, seeks to identify better tests and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.
UW grad students Amy DeJong and Maya Warren talk about their ‘Amazing’ million-dollar win
Capital Times
The pair — Warren’s voice hoarse from doing so many interviews in the past few days — talked with the Cap Times about how they won, how they were portrayed on the show and how they hope their win inspires young women everywhere interested in math and science.
UW-Madison graduate students trump 3 teams, win ‘Amazing Race’
Wisconsin State Journal
In Friday’s final episode of “The Amazing Race,” the team of “Sweet Scientists” from UW-Madison was first to the finish line, becoming the second team of Badgers to win the show’s $1 million prize.
‘Tissue chips’ could replace animal studies, UW-Madison researchers say
Madison.com
(Jamie) Thomson, who first grew human embryonic stem cells in a lab in 1998 and co-discovered a way to reprogram mature cells to their embryonic state in 2007, is working with researchers across campus on … creating “tissue chips” — clusters of interacting cells that mimic specific organs, such as a model of a developing brain. Using stem cells, miniature scaffolds and sophisticated computer programs, they’re crafting prototypes that could someday replace animal testing for drugs and serve as screening tools for environmental toxins.
Around Town: Coca-Cola exec tells UW graduates to ‘represent’
Madison.com
When he got the invitation to be the keynote speaker at UW-Madison’s winter commencement ceremony, Ben Deutsch said he initially thought it was one of his college friends pranking him.
UW-Madison food scientists win this season’s Amazing Race
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
“The Sweet Scientists” from the University of Wisconsin-Madison claimed a cool million dollars in the final of “The Amazing Race,” which aired Friday night on CBS-TV.
Wisconsin Institute for Discovery chief David Krakauer is leaving UW-Madison for Santa Fe : Ct
Madison.com
David Krakauer, an evolutionary theorist who was named by UK Wired Magazine as one of 50 people who will change the world, is leaving his post as director of the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery at UW-Madison.
UW-Madison one of the best values in college, again
Madison.com
Students going to UW-Madison are getting their money’s worth.