News 2017

December 13, 2017

MADISON, Wis. – Attorney General Brad Schimel and University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross are expanding access and affordability of the live-saving opiate antidote, NARCAN® Nasal Spray, through a partnership with the drug’s manufacturer, Adapt Pharma, Inc. that was announced today. “Earlier this year, DOJ partnered with Adapt Pharma to expand NARCAN® access in […]

December 7, 2017

MADISON – The University of Wisconsin System is going “full steam ahead” with plans to restructure the UW Colleges and UW-Extension, according to President Ray Cross. Presenting the first progress report on the planning and implementation process since the Board of Regents approved the restructuring proposal last month, Cross told the Regents Thursday that significant […]

December 7, 2017

Today, the UW System Board of Regents approved an outcomes-based funding model for allocating new state funds to UW institutions, as well as a faculty workload reporting plan, in accordance with statutory requirements established in the 2017-19 biennial budget. OUTCOMES-BASED METRICS The 2017-19 biennial budget included $26.25 million in new state funding specifically targeted for outcomes-based […]

December 7, 2017

Report by President Ray Cross to the Board of Regents UW-Eau Claire geography majors are learning to use sophisticated geospatial technologies. These students are in high demand for internships and jobs, thanks to the hands-on fieldwork made possible through partnerships with industry leaders. UW-Extension’s Center for Technology Commercialization helped draw a national biohealth conference to […]

December 7, 2017

Madison, WI – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and the University of Wisconsin System (UWS) today announced that Rebecca Deschane has been named talent initiatives director, a new position that will lead and coordinate statewide efforts to attract and retain talent for both organizations. Deschane, WEDC’s legislative liaison since 2011, has been an integral […]

December 7, 2017

MADISON, Wis. – Following a national search, University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross today announced the appointment of Quinn Williams as the System’s General Counsel. In his new role, Williams will serve as chief legal officer for the UW System. He will provide legal advice to the Board of Regents, the UW System President, […]

December 1, 2017

The University of Wisconsin System is one of four higher education systems nationwide to be awarded a two-year grant from the National Association of System Heads (NASH), an organization of the chief executives of 46 public colleges and university systems in the United States.  The $150,000 grant will be used to advance the UW System’s […]

November 9, 2017

MADISON – The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents approved today a proposal to restructure UW Colleges and UW-Extension, joining the 13 two-year campuses with four-year comprehensive and research institutions. UW-Extension divisions will be joined within UW-Madison and UW System Administration. “This proposal empowers us to meet the challenges we face while upholding the […]

November 9, 2017

Today, the UW System Board of Regents passed a resolution approving a proposal to restructure UW Colleges and UW-Extension.  The resolution allows UW System President Ray Cross to proceed with planning and implementation to join the 13 two-year campuses with four-year comprehensive and research institutions.  UW-Extension divisions will be joined within UW-Madison and UW System […]

November 9, 2017

Two days before Veteran’s Day, the University of Wisconsin (UW) System honored seven of its institutions at today’s Board of Regents meeting for achieving UW Veterans Education and Transition to Success (VETS) Certification.  In addition to the undergraduate and graduate tuition benefits the UW System awards to veterans under the Wisconsin G.I. Bill, this certification […]

November 9, 2017

Report by President Ray Cross to the Board of Regents WisPolitics partnered with UW-Extension to offer economic roundtables in Hudson, Richland Center, and Sheboygan. Experts from the Department of Revenue, Division for Business & Entrepreneurship, and Cooperative Extension shared data with community leaders to help drive future economic growth. UW-Marshfield/Wood County celebrated the opening of […]

October 27, 2017

Four University of Wisconsin System students and three teachers are being recognized by the UW System and Alliant Energy Foundation for their outstanding achievements. The Alliant Energy/Erroll B. Davis, Jr. Academic Achievement Award recognizes the outstanding academic and community-service efforts of students from traditionally underrepresented minority groups who are pursuing a degree in business or […]

October 18, 2017

Today, UW System officials released a comprehensive analysis of payments made from UW institutions to their affiliated foundations between July 1, 2010 and January 31, 2017.  The 134-page report provides details of the UW System’s Office of Finance (Finance) assessment of financial transactions during the seven-year time period.  Finance’s query included the word “foundation” and […]

October 11, 2017

UW System President Ray Cross announces he will propose merging UW Colleges with four-year UW institutions as part of a broader restructuring of UW Colleges and UW-Extension.  There are currently 13 two-year UW Colleges campuses located statewide.  Under his proposal, Cross will propose integrating UW Colleges campuses into UW four-year institutions, effective July 1, 2018.  Cross […]

October 6, 2017

MENOMONIE, Wis. – Today, the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents approved a new policy regarding academic freedom and freedom of expression on the System campuses. The purpose of the policy is to communicate the Board’s commitment to both issues, as well as set expectations for those who violate those freedoms.  The policy builds […]

October 6, 2017

Today, the Board of Regents approved a Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression policy for the UW System.  The purpose of the policy is to communicate the Board’s commitment to academic freedom and freedom of expression, as well as set expectations for those who violate those freedoms.  The policy builds upon the resolutions […]

October 6, 2017

Report by President Ray Cross to the Board of Regents The National Science Foundation renewed funding for UW-Stout’s LAKES research experience for undergraduates. Each summer, students from across the country participate in cutting-edge research to discover the root causes of phosphorous pollution. Fans at the Green Bay Packers home opener saw plenty of purple among […]

October 5, 2017

MENOMONIE, Wis. – University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross said that Wisconsin’s demographic trends are among the most significant challenges facing the state and university at this time. “The convergence of demographics and declining enrollments at a time when we need a more educated populace means we need to be acutely aware and focused […]

October 5, 2017

Today, the UW System Board of Regents approved a resolution to streamline the hiring process by which the UW System president, chancellors, vice chancellors, and other UW System senior leaders are hired.  Regent Vice President Drew Petersen made recommendations to the Board to revise Regent Policy 6-4, which relates to the UW System’s hiring and […]

October 2, 2017

On August 7, 2017, UW System Board of Regents President John Robert Behling announced the creation of a workgroup to explore streamlining the hiring process by which university chancellors, vice chancellors, and System presidents and vice presidents are hired. The group was asked to explore opportunities to broaden applicant pools so that potential candidates include […]

August 28, 2017

“I would like to thank Senator Darling and Representative Nygren for their support of the UW System.  They made a commitment to work with us throughout the budget process, and we greatly appreciate this investment in our institutions.  I also want to especially thank Representative Born and his staff for their leadership in the capital […]

August 17, 2017

The Board of Regents Audit Committee Chair Michael M. Grebe issued the statement below following an announcement made by the UW-Oshkosh Foundation that it was declaring bankruptcy.  The UWO Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit entity separate from the UW System. “Our foundations play a crucial role in fundraising for our universities, and we are […]

August 7, 2017

UW System Board of Regents President John Robert Behling announces the creation of a workgroup to explore streamlining the hiring process for System and institutional leadership.  The group will also consider options to increase the number of applicants from non-academic backgrounds. “We have a wonderful group of chancellors and system leaders.  As the responsibilities of […]

August 2, 2017

Today, the UW System Office of Educational Opportunity (OEO) launches Request for Proposals (RFP) for a recovery high school, as well as charter schools in Madison or Milwaukee.  The Recovery School RFP seeks applicants for a pilot substance abuse recovery high school students located anywhere in Wisconsin. “The students who choose to attend the school […]

July 26, 2017

“We are very pleased to learn that Foxconn Technology Group will be locating its new plant in Wisconsin, where it will be working alongside one of the finest public university systems in the world. The University of Wisconsin System has been engaged in these discussions from early in the process. We have appreciated the opportunity […]

July 20, 2017

College-bound students now have an easier way to find UW System campuses that best meets their needs. A new mobile app called UW Journey guides students through the college search process by comparing and contrasting the 26 UW System campuses.  It matches a student’s career goals, extracurricular interests, lifestyle and more.  Users can also sign […]

July 7, 2017

MADISON – The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents on Friday unanimously approved a resolution reaffirming its commitment to honoring freedom of speech and expression on campus. Regent President John Robert Behling, in his first report as the Board’s new leader, called for UW System President Ray Cross and his team to review current […]

July 7, 2017

Report by President Ray Cross to the Board of Regents Students in the UW-Superior Black Student Union honored Superior Police Chief Nicholas Alexander. They presented him with a traditional African sash to show their appreciation for the police department’s support of the African American community. UW-Stout received a $425,000 grant from the Charles Koch Foundation […]

July 6, 2017

MADISON – The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents voted to approve a $6.2 billion annual operating budget for 2017-18 at its meeting Thursday in Madison. In introducing the budget, UW System President Ray Cross reiterated the need to consider the value students derive from a high-quality college experience, and whether the UW’s colleges […]

June 27, 2017

The Board of Regents Audit Committee Chair Michael M. Grebe confirmed today the Regents do not intend to use state dollars to meet the obligations of the UW-Oshkosh Foundation’s inappropriately made real estate related financial commitments. Grebe noted, “to do so would be inappropriate.” “University officials will continue to work with the Foundation’s leadership as […]

June 22, 2017

“The UW System and Board of Regents strongly believe in the freedom of expression, and we want to do more to ensure every voice is heard.  It is critical to our mission and the Wisconsin Idea that different viewpoints are shared and examined. “The Board of Regents has a responsibility to develop policies that will […]

June 19, 2017

More than 200 people were in attendance at the UW System Wisconsin Idea Dairy Summit today in Madison. Top researchers, industry leaders, and policy makers met to identify challenges and opportunities for the dairy industry moving forward. The dairy industry and farmers are vitally important to Wisconsin’s economy with farms producing 30 billion pounds of […]

June 15, 2017

“We thank the Joint Finance Committee for the compensation plan it approved today.  Our faculty and staff work incredibly hard, and this increase recognizes that our institutions compete for talent at a national and international level.  This pay plan represents the largest investment the State has made in UW employees in more than a decade.”

June 13, 2017

Today, the UW System Board of Regents elected a new Board president: John Robert Behling. Each June, the Board elects a President and Vice President. Regent Behling has served as the Vice President for the Board since 2015, and will begin his term as President immediately following today’s meeting. Behling is the first Board President […]

June 9, 2017

MILWAUKEE – The UW System Board of Regents today honored two individuals and one program as this year’s recipients of the Academic Staff Awards for Excellence, the System’s highest recognition for members of its academic staff. See the June 5 UW System news release “We are honored to help recognize the individuals and programs that […]

June 9, 2017

University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross announces the new UW System Diversity Council, which is an advisory body to the President on critical issues of diversity and inclusion affecting educational achievement, workforce development, and the future of Wisconsin’s economy.  The Council includes business and community leaders from across the state. “The Council’s connections to […]

June 9, 2017

Report by President Ray Cross to the Board of Regents A fire in UW-Milwaukee’s theater building in April could have been devastating, but the community rallied around students and faculty. Shorewood High School offered space to rebuild the set, and the Milwaukee Repertory Theater offered its stage. And the show went on. Members of the […]

June 8, 2017

MILWAUKEE – A clear understanding of each other’s needs is key to successful partnerships between educators and the business community, Blake Moret, CEO of Rockwell Automation, told the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents. “We and our peer companies want to get involved but it takes more than just donations of hardware. We all […]

June 5, 2017

The UW System Board of Regents will honor this year’s recipients of the Academic Staff Awards for Excellence at its June 9 meeting in Milwaukee. These awards recognize exceptional service to the university and are the UW System’s highest recognition bestowed on members of its academic staff. “This year’s award recipients represent the high caliber […]

June 1, 2017

  Today, UW System and UW-Oshkosh officials announced a new, innovative pilot program to increase the number of Information Technology (IT) professionals in Wisconsin. Governor Walker was on hand to announce this new initiative: students can complete their first year of college while in high school to earn a bachelor’s degree more quickly. This helps […]

May 25, 2017

“I would like to thank the members of the Joint Finance Committee for their support of the UW System. In particular, I want to thank Speaker Vos, Majority Leader Fitzgerald, Finance Co-Chairs Darling and Nygren, as well as Senator Harsdorf and Representative Born, for their leadership in bringing forward the UW System budget motion and […]

May 16, 2017

Today, President Ray Cross announced that the University of Wisconsin System will host a Dairy Summit. The Summit will be held at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison on June 19 to bring industry leaders together with world-renowned UW researchers.  Collectively, they will help identify key priorities for Wisconsin’s dairy industry moving forward. “The dairy industry […]

April 12, 2017

State legislators joined UW System and institutional leaders in welcoming 125 students and more than 50 faculty mentors to the State Capitol for the UW System’s 14th Annual Research in the Rotunda event. “UW System institutions help develop the innovators, entrepreneurs, and researchers of tomorrow. It is an honor to watch the students’ intellectual and […]

April 7, 2017

PLATTEVILLE – The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents honored the 25th annual winners of its Teaching Excellence Awards Friday. The awards, which celebrate outstanding achievements in teaching, are the UW System’s highest recognition for members of its faculty and academic staff. The awards are “a welcome reminder of what a treasure we have […]

April 7, 2017

Report by President Ray Cross to the Board of Regents UW-Platteville students are collaborating on a cutting-edge cancer research project. They are investigating a new way to target and kill cancer cells by inducing a pH change in the individual cell. The students will present their work at Research in the Rotunda on April 12. […]

April 6, 2017

PLATTEVILLE – The University of Wisconsin System is developing a new report card to measure progress toward meeting the goals in its 2020FWD strategic plan and initiatives. “The UW System is committed to accountability and transparency. While we have more than 55 different pieces of data we currently illustrate on our Accountability Dashboard, we want […]

April 6, 2017

Today, at the Board of Regents meeting at UW-Platteville, the Regents and UW System President Ray Cross discussed accountability as part of an overall discussion about the System’s 2017-19 biennial budget request. “The UW System is committed to accountability and transparency.  While we have more than 55 different pieces of data we currently illustrate on […]

April 3, 2017

The UW System Board of Regents will honor the 25th annual winners of its Teaching Excellence Awards on April 7 in Platteville at the next Regents meeting. These awards recognize outstanding achievements in teaching. They are the UW System’s highest recognition for members of its faculty and academic staff. The monetary value of the award […]

March 9, 2017

MADISON – The University of Wisconsin System will pursue several key issues as part of its federal agenda for the upcoming congressional session, the Board of Regents heard Thursday. Top priorities for 2017 will include federal financial aid for students, relief from burdensome regulations, and sustained funding for research and development. “Federal support helps all […]

March 9, 2017

At the Board of Regents meeting today, the UW System outlined several areas it will focus on in the upcoming congressional legislative session.  The System’s key priorities for 2017 include federal financial aid for students, relief from burdensome regulations, and sustained funding for research and development. “Federal support helps all campuses attract and retain promising […]

March 9, 2017

University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross announces the members of the new UW System Business Council.  This Council includes key industry leaders from around the state with varied backgrounds, experience, and business perspectives.  This group will meet several times a year to discuss long-term strategic issues and advise the UW System about how the […]

March 9, 2017

Report by President Ray Cross to the Board of Regents UW-Whitewater student Brandon Fong is now a published author. His book on college success is receiving rave reviews from famous CEO’s including Kevin Harrington from ABC’s hit show, ‘Shark Tank.’ This January, six high school students from UW-Superior’s Upward Bound program took part in a […]

March 2, 2017

Today, UW System President Ray Cross and Director of the Office of Educational Opportunity Gary Bennett testified before the Assembly Committee on Education in support of Special Session Assembly Bill 6. The bill would authorize a pilot recovery school that would serve up to 15 students diagnosed with drug abuse and addiction. “Faculty and staff […]

February 21, 2017

“We appreciate the funding the Governor provided in his budget which will allow us to make general repairs across the UW System, as well as update the technology our students are using in the classroom. “We carefully developed a reasonable capital budget plan to perform a limited amount of work each year at a steady […]

February 9, 2017

“We are feeling very positive about the Governor’s proposed budget.  It is a reinvestment in the UW System as we requested, and is certainly a wonderful first step for higher education.  It demonstrates the appreciation for the value and economic impact the UW System brings to Wisconsin. “I look forward to working with the Governor […]

February 7, 2017

“Our 2020FWD strategic framework, which serves as the basis of our budget request, aligns UW System resources with Wisconsin’s greatest needs.  The initiatives outlined in 2020FWD will help keep college affordable for students and families, develop the workforce the state needs now and in the future, reinvigorate the state’s economy, and enhance the lives of our citizens. “The UW […]

February 7, 2017

“We appreciate the Governor’s investment in the UW System.  As Regents, we have a strong responsibility to keep the UW System affordable and accessible for Wisconsin families while protecting the quality and excellence for which we are known the world over.  Our graduates contribute to thriving communities, a robust workforce, and globally competitive businesses.  Wisconsin […]

February 7, 2017

“UW System campuses are in an ideal position to drive a stronger Wisconsin economy.  Our biennial budget request – which supports 2020FWD strategic priorities – keeps a UW System education affordable, high quality, and relevant for Wisconsin graduates and employers.  The UW System gives Wisconsin its best return on taxpayers’ investment, and we appreciate the […]

February 3, 2017

  MADISON – The University of Wisconsin Board of Regents honored the ninth annual winners of its Regents Diversity Awards Friday. The awards were established by the Board to recognize and support individuals and programs in the UW System that foster access and success in university life for historically underrepresented populations. Regent Mark Tyler, chair […]

February 3, 2017

University of Wisconsin System today launches a new website that quickly connects users with the services and resources located at each UW System institution to address sexual violence and harassment. “This new website provides ready access to a range of support services, reports, and other resources both at our institutions and at the System level […]

February 3, 2017

Report by President Ray Cross to the Board of Regents  UW-Madison’s Badgerloop team is heading “back to the future” in an international competition featuring futuristic high-speed transportation. The team’s 200-mph pod levitates its passengers through an above-ground vacuum tube. A team from MIT and another from the Netherlands were the only ones to score higher […]

February 2, 2017

MADISON – The University of Wisconsin System’s array of academic programs is well aligned to meet the workforce needs of the state, now and into the future, according to a report presented Thursday to the Board of Regents. “Our institutions produce well-rounded individuals who contribute to our society and economy – they are informed, engaged […]

February 2, 2017

Today, at the Board of Regents meeting, the UW System presented new programs it has added during the past year, highlighting those in the STEM, healthcare and entrepreneurship fields.  UW System graduates are an ongoing source of support for Wisconsin’s economy, and these additions in the academic program array are closely tied to Wisconsin’s workforce […]

January 27, 2017

The UW System Board of Regents will honor the ninth annual winners of its Regents’ Diversity Awards on February 3 in Madison at the next Regents meeting. These awards recognize individuals and programs that foster access and success for students who are members of historically underrepresented populations. Each winner will receive $5,000 to support professional […]

January 26, 2017

University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross announces that Sean P. Nelson has been named UW System’s next Vice President for Finance.  Nelson will begin in his new post on April 17. “At a time when higher education in this country is changing rapidly, Sean brings a unique combination of leadership skills and expertise to […]

January 18, 2017

The Board of Regents and UW System have asked the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) to pursue civil legal action against former UW-Oshkosh Chancellor Richard Wells and former Vice-Chancellor of Administrative Services and Chief Business Officer (CBO) Thomas Sonnleitner.  Wells and Sonnleitner are being sued­ for improper financial transactions that occurred under the former administration from […]

January 13, 2017

University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross announces that Robert G. Cramer has been named UW System’s next Vice President for Administration. Cramer will begin in his new post on January 28th. “Robert is highly regarded at UW-Platteville and around the state,” says President Cross. “His background and experiences prepare him well for this opportunity to […]