News 2018

December 21, 2018

MADISON, Wis. – After completing a court-ordered mediation process, the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Foundation are pleased to announce that they have agreed to settle all issues relating to the disputes between the Board of Regents and the UW-Oshkosh Foundation. The parties have agreed to confirm ownership […]

December 21, 2018

MADISON, Wis. – University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross announced today that Cheryl Green has agreed to serve as UW-Whitewater’s interim Chancellor. Green, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at UW-Oshkosh, will step into the new role on Jan. 1, 2019. After consulting with leaders of the UW System Board of Regents and members of […]

December 17, 2018

MADISON, Wis. – University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross issued this statement today: “I have accepted Chancellor Beverly Kopper’s decision to resign, effective December 31, 2018. We appreciate her accomplishments during her time as Chancellor at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.”

December 11, 2018

MADISON, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin System has launched UW Extended Campus to expand access to a quality UW education to working adults throughout Wisconsin. “Expanding access to a UW education for adults and professionals is a major growth opportunity for all UW campuses across the System,” said Ray Cross, UW System President. “The […]

December 7, 2018

LA CROSSE, Wis. – A key part of the University of Wisconsin System budget request for 2019-21 is focused on capacity-building proposals. These initiatives are designed to increase student success and output, with an emphasis on addressing the state’s workforce needs. To grow capacity will require additional investments in faculty, support staff, or facilities, to […]

December 7, 2018

LA CROSSE, Wis. – University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point Chancellor Bernie Patterson and Provost Greg Summers provided a status update on its “Point Forward” proposal at the Board of Regents Education Committee on Dec. 6, 2018. The report provided a technical update on the proposal’s timeline – no action was taken by the Board. “The Board […]

December 7, 2018

LA CROSSE, Wis.  – University of Wisconsin System campuses in the western part of the state are critical to the UW System’s goals of enhancing student success, improving the state’s talent pipeline, and spurring innovation through Capacity-Building Initiatives. The UW System is seeking $25 million in the 2019-21 state budget to add hundreds of students […]

December 7, 2018

Report to the Board of Regents UW-La Crosse students are near the top nationally for paying back their student loans. UWL’s excellent job placement rates and award-winning It Make$ Cents! financial literacy program contribute to high five-year repayment rates for Pell Grant recipients. Eighty-two percent of students paid toward their loan principal five years later. […]

December 6, 2018

LA CROSSE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents took decisive action by unanimously approving a pay plan that would provide UW System employees a three percent pay plan increase for each of the two fiscal years starting July 1. Regents also backed an identical pay plan for UW-Madison. “An investment in […]

December 6, 2018

LA CROSSE, Wis. – University of Wisconsin System Regent President John Robert Behling issued this statement today: “The Board of Regents appreciates the status report UW-Stevens Point Chancellor Bernie Patterson provided today. We thank him for his leadership and he has my full confidence and support as he develops a new regional university. We look forward […]

December 6, 2018

LA CROSSE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents unanimously approved a pay plan that would provide UW System employees a three percent pay plan increase for each of the two fiscal years starting July 1. Regents also backed an identical pay plan for UW-Madison. “An investment in the University of Wisconsin […]

December 3, 2018

MADISON, Wis. – University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross will recommend the Board of Regents take decisive action to approve a pay plan that would provide UW System employees a three percent pay plan increase for each of the two fiscal years starting July 1. “As labor markets tighten, salaries rise, and inflation increases, […]

November 16, 2018

MADISON, Wis. – University of Wisconsin System spokesperson Heather LaRoi issued this statement regarding today’s Title IX announcement: “The University of Wisconsin System and our institutions are committed to policies and practices that prevent sexual violence and harassment.  We will be reviewing today’s announcement with our existing Title IX task force to take into full […]

November 12, 2018

University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross issued this statement Monday on today’s UW-Stevens Point plan: “I want to thank faculty, staff, students, Provost Greg Summers and Chancellor Bernie Patterson who collaboratively developed this new vision for UW-Stevens Point. Respecting Shared Governance, university leaders and the advisory committee listened to a broad range of campus […]

October 26, 2018

MADISON, Wis. – Four University of Wisconsin System students and three teachers are being recognized today 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 […]

October 26, 2018

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Testifying yesterday before the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Dale Gallenberg, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at University of Wisconsin–River Falls, called for continued investment in dairy programs at non-land-grant institutions. “NIFA investments, such as the Non-Land-Grant Colleges of Agriculture (NLGCA) Capacity Building Grants […]

October 22, 2018

MADISON, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin System has announced the 15 recipients of the 2018 Outstanding Women of Color in Education Award, an annual honor given to faculty, staff, students, or community members to recognize their achievements in advancing equity and inclusion for people of color within the UW System as well as communities […]

October 22, 2018

MADISON, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin System has announced the 14 honorees of the 2018 Dr. P.B. Poorman Award for Outstanding Achievement on Behalf of LGBTQ+ People, an annual honor given to LGBTQ+ people or their allies who have helped to create a safer and more inclusive climate for LGBTQ+ people. The award celebrates […]

October 5, 2018

SOMERS, Wis. – University of Wisconsin System institutions are making “really significant progress” in increasing the number of people holding the most in-demand degrees, according to Ben Passmore, UW System’s Associate Vice President for Policy Analysis and Research. Passmore provided the Board of Regents with the second annual progress report on 2020FWD, the UW System’s […]

October 5, 2018

Madison, Wis. – The Fund for Wisconsin Scholars has awarded need-based grants to more than 900 UW System students, including approximately 580 new four-year University of Wisconsin System students and 324 transfer students. It is the second year in a row that all eligible transfer students were funded. The Fund for Wisconsin Scholars (FFWS) provides […]

October 5, 2018

Report by President Ray Cross to the Board of Regents UW-Parkside is making its mark in professional sports. Student Andrea Wagner completed an internship with Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions, and UW-Parkside alumnus Duane McLean leads business operations for the Detroit Tigers. The school has earned a top five ranking by schools.com for […]

October 4, 2018

SOMERS, Wis. – Four University of Wisconsin System Chancellors told the System’s Board of Regents at its meeting Thursday at UW-Parkside that the $25-million funding request for Capacity-Building Initiatives would expand the state’s talent pipeline by increasing the number of graduates in high-demand fields like healthcare, science, technology, engineering and mathematics; and enhance student success […]

October 1, 2018

MADISON – The $25-million Capacity-Building Initiatives proposed by University of Wisconsin System institutions would expand access to high-demand fields, increase internship opportunities, and enhance undergraduate research. UW System Board of Regents President John Robert Behling sees the initiatives as a way to address demographic trends. “To position Wisconsin for long-term academic and economic success, we […]

September 21, 2018

MADISON – Gov. Tommy G. Thompson has been appointed to lead the statewide business council formed by University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross. The UW System Business Council, comprised of more than two dozen business and industry leaders from across Wisconsin, is designed to foster increased dialogue with corporate leaders and to better align […]

September 13, 2018

MADISON – The University of Wisconsin System on Thursday urged the U.S. Department of Education (DoEd) to rewrite regulations governing the federal student financial aid programs to ensure students participating in its innovative UW Flexible Option program have access to federal financial aid. Laura Kite, assistant dean for student services for UW System’s Continuing Education, […]

August 24, 2018

MADISON – The University of Wisconsin System presented the Board of Regents with a proposal to require all UW institutions to document in personnel files instances of sexual violence and sexual harassment perpetrated by employees and to share that information with other employers, including System institutions and other State of Wisconsin agencies, during the hiring […]

August 24, 2018

MADISON – The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents approved name changes today for several of the former two-year UW Colleges campuses which now operate as branch campuses of comprehensive and research institutions under the UW System’s restructuring initiative that took effect July 1. UW-Barron County’s new name was approved at the June Board meeting. […]

August 24, 2018

Report by President Ray Cross to the Board of Regents This summer at UW-La Crosse Assistant Professor Niti Mishra and senior Jackson Radenz used drones to generate 3D maps of a local rock quarry. The images and analysis they produced are superior to traditional ground surveys and help companies more effectively manage their assets. UW-Green Bay and […]

August 23, 2018

MADISON – The Board of Regents voted today to approve a biennial budget proposal presented by the University of Wisconsin System that targets affordability, talent development, and return on investment for the people of Wisconsin. The UW System request calls for an investment of $107.5 million in state funds, including $82.5 million in outcomes-based funding […]

August 23, 2018

MADISON – The Board of Regents voted today to approve a biennial budget proposal presented by the University of Wisconsin System that targets affordability, talent development, and return on investment for the people of Wisconsin. “An investment in the University of Wisconsin System is an excellent investment,” said UW System President Ray Cross, in presenting […]

August 21, 2018

MADISON – The University of Wisconsin System plans to require all UW institutions to document in personnel files instances of sexual violence and sexual harassment perpetrated by employees and to share that information with other employers, including System institutions and other State of Wisconsin agencies, during the hiring process. The System will also require the […]

August 20, 2018

MADISON – President Ray Cross will present a biennial budget proposal Thursday for the University of Wisconsin System that targets affordability, talent development, and return on investment for the people of Wisconsin. “Investing in the UW System is an investment in Wisconsin,” President Cross said. “At a time when growing the number of highly educated […]

August 15, 2018

MADISON – The University of Wisconsin System contributes $24 billion to the state’s economy each year, which is a 23-fold return on Wisconsin’s investment in the university, according to a new study. “We are grateful for the significant, long-term investment in the UW System made by the State of Wisconsin, helping to make it one […]

July 30, 2018

As emerging technologies broaden and increase access to information, more than 600 cities and regions around the world are projected to invest over $400 billion in the next two years becoming “smart.” The UW System Wisconsin Idea Smart Future Summit at the University of Wisconsin–Parkside, Tuesday, Aug. 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., includes […]

June 29, 2018

MADISON – The University of Wisconsin System’s plan to restructure UW Colleges and UW-Extension has been officially approved by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Effective July 1, the 13 two-year campuses formerly known as UW Colleges will be joined as branch campuses with seven of the UW System’s four-year comprehensive or research institutions. UW-Madison will […]

June 21, 2018

“Data analytics is a rapidly emerging field that brings opportunities to drive economic growth and address societal challenges. This initiative recognizes the tremendous educational and research assets of UW-Milwaukee, and the pivotal role they and their collaborating institutions play in positioning the Milwaukee region as a world-class center for data science expertise, talent development, and […]

June 21, 2018

President Ray Cross and Regent Michael M. Grebe addressed the Joint Audit Committee today to discuss Audit Report 18-4: Relationships Between the University of Wisconsin and Certain Affiliated Organizations. President Ray Cross, UW System: “We have taken decisive, transparent, and accountable steps to protect our universities, taxpayers, and students in the wake of the Oshkosh […]

June 8, 2018

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – With college affordability a top priority, the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents approved a UW System proposal recommending increased state funding for financial aid at its meeting Friday at UW-Milwaukee. The UW System is requesting an increase of $3.25 million in 2018-19 for the Wisconsin Grant-University of Wisconsin (UW) program, […]

June 8, 2018

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – By unanimous vote, Regent John Robert Behling of Eau Caire was today re-elected President of the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents, and Regent Drew Petersen of Middleton was re-elected to serve as Vice President of the Board. Both positions have a one-year term. Behling has served on the Board since […]

June 8, 2018

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – With college affordability a top priority, the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents approved a UW System proposal recommending increased state funding for financial aid at its meeting today at UW-Milwaukee. The UW System is requesting an increase of $3.25 million in 2018-19 for the Wisconsin Grant-University of Wisconsin (UW) program, […]

June 8, 2018

Report by President Ray Cross to the Board of Regents   UW-Milwaukee senior Kirill Shmilovich works with assistant professor of physics Ionel Popa to study how protein hydrogels respond to force. This work could help develop better artificial tissues and smart drug delivery systems. Kirill was one of 60 undergraduates from across the country invited to speak […]

June 7, 2018

MILWAUKEE – The University of Wisconsin System will be waiving application fees for all students applying to any of the 13 two-year UW Colleges campuses for the Fall 2018 term, effective today and running through Sept. 7, 2018. “During the transitional period of restructuring, we want to reassure prospective students that all campuses remain open […]

June 7, 2018

MILWAUKEE – The Board of Regents unanimously approved a resolution today calling for University of Wisconsin System to develop or modify certain human resources policies to ensure more robust hiring and reference check processes related to sexual harassment be implemented at all UW System institutions. “The board has a paramount responsibility to ensure the safety […]

June 7, 2018

University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross announced today that application fees will be waived, effective immediately and through Sept. 7, for students applying to any of the 13 two-year UW Colleges campuses for the upcoming fall 2018 term. This is when the largest volume of applications to the UW Colleges are usually submitted. “Waiving […]

June 5, 2018

The UW System Board of Regents will honor the 26th annual winners of its Teaching Excellence Awards on June 8 in Milwaukee 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 […]

May 30, 2018

MADISON – At Governor Walker’s request, University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross, in consultation with Board of Regents leadership and campus stakeholders, is calling for more robust hiring and reference check processes related to sexual harassment to be implemented at all UW System institutions. “The UW System has zero tolerance for sexual harassment. There […]

April 27, 2018

“I liked initially that the internship was at the Dunn County Community Services building with human services. I’ve been able to shadow a lot of the departments, including Veterans Service and behavioral health. I just shadowed crisis management and learned the process they must go through. I am interested in mental health a lot.” -Sydney […]

April 27, 2018

“This position has been extremely valuable to me not only to refine my PR skills, but to learn more about the different PR industries. I want to work in the entertainment industry, and working with the Herd has shown me how much of an impact a sports team can have on its community and how […]

April 27, 2018

“I grew up here. I like the community. I really want a career here. The university was a great fit. I was conscious of spending money, and I could live at home. I love to fish and hunt, and UW-Stevens Point made that accessible.” -Mason Czaikowski, UW Stevens Point student interning at Skyward Young professionals […]

April 27, 2018

“Being able to shadow officers during their daily meetings and tasks helped me better understand how an embassy functions. I was able to get advice from current professionals and build my network of contacts.” -Ruth Lied, UW-Madison Student Young professionals are a vital component of Wisconsin’s workforce and economy. The UW System continually works to […]

April 27, 2018

“In this job the answer is not given to us, we have to figure it out on our own. These hands-on experiences helped greatly in learning to apply myself.” -Kelsey Kotecki, UW La Crosse alumna working for Superior Fresh Young professionals are a vital component of Wisconsin’s workforce and economy. The UW System continually works […]

April 27, 2018

“This experience is valuable from so many perspectives including professional experience, medical field experience, patient contact and the chance to use top-of-the-line technology that is not present in most clinics.” -David Propson, UW Green Bay Junior Young professionals are a vital component of Wisconsin’s workforce and economy. The UW System continually works to ensure that […]

April 26, 2018

Today, the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) filed criminal charges against former UW-Oshkosh Chancellor Richard Wells and former Vice-Chancellor of Administrative Services and Chief Business Officer Thomas Sonnleitner.  Wells and Sonnleitner are being charged in relation to improper financial transactions that occurred under their former administration from 2010-2014 related to five real estate projects. In January […]

April 23, 2018

James P. Henderson, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs for the University of Wisconsin System, has announced that he will retire effective June 1, 2018. UW System President Ray Cross announced today that Karen R. Schmitt will serve as interim Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs. She begins her new post on June […]

April 20, 2018

The UW System will receive $4 million to support health care education delivery through broadband and telecommunications services on all 26 campuses.  The UW System applied for the funding, which will be distributed over three years from the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).  UW campuses will use the funding to support the telecommunications systems that deliver […]

April 11, 2018

Today, nearly 130 students and their faculty mentors from every UW campus across the state traveled to the State Capitol in Madison to showcase their important and innovative research at the UW System’s 15th Annual Research in the Rotunda event. Students presented their work to the public, state legislators, UW alumni, and other supporters while […]

April 6, 2018

MADISON – The UW System Board of Regents today honored two individuals and one program as this year’s recipients of its Academic Staff Excellence Awards, the System’s highest recognition for members of its academic staff. See the UW System news release announcing the 2018 Academic Staff Excellence Awards “This year’s award recipients represent the stellar […]

April 6, 2018

Today, the UW System Board of Regents honored this year’s recipients of the Academic Staff Excellence Awards at its meeting in Madison. 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 stellar quality of our academic […]

April 6, 2018

Report by President Ray Cross to the Board of Regents UW-Green Bay environmental science undergraduates mimic the mechanics of volcano magma using gelatin and wax. This student capstone experience models how magmas are transported through the Earth’s crust, including economically important ore deposits. UW-Eau Claire’s student and faculty researchers conducted a history harvest to gather […]

April 5, 2018

MADISON – University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh Chancellor Andrew Leavitt told the Board of Regents that the joining of UW Colleges campuses with four-year UW institutions as of July 1 is “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help transform lives.” “The new university we are creating together can be a force that helps further transform our rising region” by […]

March 22, 2018

Wisconsin’s agriculture industry is vital to Wisconsin’s economy. This week, campuses across the University of Wisconsin System are celebrating National Agriculture Week (March 18-24) by highlighting their strong partnerships with Wisconsin’s agriculture industry, as well as UW research innovations that have helped boost agriculture across our state. “Growing up on a farm, I learned valuable […]

March 5, 2018

Join a UW Journey college fair at any of UW Colleges’ 13 campuses across the state. These recruitment events are open to students looking to transfer from a two-year campus into a four-year institution, as well as new students looking to start their UW journey. Talk to representatives from all the UW campuses to help […]

March 2, 2018

Today, the Legislative Audit Bureau (LAB) released a report detailing its evaluation of the relationships between University of Wisconsin System (UWS) institutions and affiliated foundations.  LAB reviewed a ten-year time period, and found the financial transactions between UW institutions and foundations to be appropriate, consistent with the UW System’s review issued in October 2017.  The […]

February 26, 2018

“Our thoughts are with Chancellor Emeritus Sorensen’s family, friends, and our UW-Stout campus.  Chuck served the UW System proudly for more than two decades, and his passing will certainly be felt in the community.  I am proud to have called Chuck a friend and colleague, and he will be missed.” President Ray Cross UW System

February 20, 2018

Today, the UW System Board of Regents’ Executive Committee approved a resolution to return UW-Extension’s public media services – Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) and Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) – to its historic home, UW-Madison. WPR and WPT are located on the UW-Madison campus.  The resolution is part of the ongoing restructuring of UW Colleges and […]

February 15, 2018

On February 14, 2018, the legislature’s Joint Committee on Employment Relations (JCOER) unanimously approved a pay plan increase for UW System employees. UW System President Ray Cross “We thank the Joint Committee on Employment Relations for unanimously approving the largest compensation increase UW employees have seen in nearly a decade.  These increases will be important […]

February 9, 2018

MADISON – The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents honored the 10th annual recipients of its Regents’ Diversity Awards Friday. The awards recognize individuals and programs that foster access and success for students who are members of historically underrepresented populations. Regent Mark Tyler, chair of the selection committee, said the award recipients show “a […]

February 9, 2018

Report by President Ray Cross to the Board of Regents UW-Madison researchers partnered with UCLA to confirm a 3½ billion-year-old piece of rock contained the oldest fossils ever found. Geoscience Professor John Valley led the study of the Western Australia fossil – and the results confirmed this is the earliest direct evidence of life on Earth. […]

February 8, 2018

MADISON – Rob Cramer, Vice President for Administration, updated the University of Wisconsin System’s Board of Regents on current and future implementation and planning for the UW Colleges and UW-Extension restructuring project at its meeting Thursday. “The primary objectives of the restructuring are access, affordability, and opportunity,” Cramer said. “It is important to keep these […]

February 5, 2018

The UW System Board of Regents will honor the tenth annual recipients of its Regents’ Diversity Awards on February 9 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 recipient will receive $5,000 to support professional […]

February 2, 2018

The University of Wisconsin System has received a $2.3 million grant from Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation & Affiliates in support of its ongoing Math Initiative, a coordinated, systemwide effort. The Math Initiative is designed to help students complete—in their first year of college—relevant introductory mathematics education that aligns to their program of study and […]

January 30, 2018

President Cross accepted Jessica Tormey’s resignation effective January 29. Ms. Tormey has served the UW System since 2007, and most recently served as Chief of Staff and Vice President of University Relations. Ms. Tormey made a personal choice to leave the organization based upon a personal mistake and how media coverage of those decisions potentially reflected […]

January 3, 2018

Today, the Assembly Committee on State Affairs passed the provisions included in AB 675, legislation that will streamline the building project approval process at the Wisconsin Department of Administration.  The legislation reflects language supported by the UW System Board of Regents that was originally included in Governor Walker’s proposed 2017-19 biennial budget.  The bill was […]

January 3, 2018

Today, the UW System Board of Regents’ Executive Committee approved a resolution that will allow all UW comprehensive and research institutions to offer the UW Colleges’ Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) degree in the online format as part of the restructuring initiative.  The resolution also allows UW-Milwaukee to offer the AAS in the Flexible […]