News 2021

December 22, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson today announced a new incentive for UW students with nursing skills and other health backgrounds to work on the front lines of Wisconsin’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. “The new variant threatens to overwhelm our health care system,” President Thompson said. “Our students have stepped up in […]

December 10, 2021

MADISON, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents today unanimously approved a new policy to develop strong, collaborative relationships with the sovereign American Indian tribes in Wisconsin. “As the state’s public university, the UW System has an obligation to serve each American Indian Tribe in Wisconsin to its fullest capacity,” said Regent […]

December 10, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents today approved a new policy to develop strong, collaborative relationships with the sovereign American Indian tribes in Wisconsin. The Tribal Consultation policy reflects the System’s commitment to government-to-government relationships with the tribes, including regular communication related to research, agreements, initiatives, and policies that have an impact […]

December 9, 2021

MADISON, Wis. – University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson called on the UW System and the State of Wisconsin to join forces to compete for anticipated federal funding to support regional research and innovation hubs to help the United States stay competitive on the global scene. “Wisconsin needs to be in this game – […]

December 7, 2021

In recent years, Wisconsin’s two public research universities, UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee, have aggressively and strategically built a faculty roster with a wealth of expertise in some of the world’s most cutting-edge and crucial fields. From biotechnology and genomics to artificial intelligence and quantum computing to advanced manufacturing and sustainability, this broad and deep range of Badger-state expertise at UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee is working on significant […]

December 2, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—Edmund Manydeeds III, President of the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents, and Tommy Thompson, President of the UW System, today appointed a 21-member Search and Screen Committee to help identify the next UW-Madison chancellor. Current Chancellor Rebecca Blank has been serving in that position since July 2013. She is leaving UW-Madison next […]

November 29, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson announced today that Ascendium Education Group has awarded the Prison Education Initiative $150,000 in support of curriculum development based on employer needs, learning infrastructure, and needed pre- and post-release support structures utilizing data gathered from potential students and stakeholders. “Educating people in prison and reducing recidivism is […]

November 16, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson today announced that 70 students have been selected through a random drawing to receive a $7,000 scholarship under the System’s Vax Up! “70 for 70” campaign. The 70 students attend the 11 UW System universities that participated in the campaign and that also achieved a 70 percent […]

November 4, 2021

MADISON, Wis. – University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson called the System’s recently concluded Vax Up! “70 for 70” campaign a resounding success, with 11 of 12 participating universities reaching the 70% threshold for student vaccinations. Vaccinated students at those 11 universities are eligible for one of 70 $7,000 scholarships to be awarded by […]

November 4, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—The University of Wisconsin System has announced the 11 honorees of the 2021 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 the memory […]

November 4, 2021

MADISON, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin System has announced the 14 recipients of the 2021 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 […]

November 4, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System enrollment totaled 162,980 students in fall 2021, a drop of 1.1 percent compared to the previous year, according to data released today. By comparison, national estimates show enrollment dropping by 2.3 percent for fall 2021, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. New freshman enrollment at UW System campuses […]

November 4, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents President Edmund Manydeeds III today announced the members of a Special Regent Committee that will interview finalists in the search for the next UW System president. They are: Regent President Edmund Manydeeds III, Chair Regent Vice President Karen Walsh Regent Scott Beightol Regent Héctor Colón Regent Tracey […]

October 28, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—The University of Wisconsin System announced today that UW-Superior has attained a 70 percent vaccination rate among students. “I always knew the students at UW-Superior would meet our vaccination goal. They know how important it is to maintain the health of their community,” said System President Tommy Thompson. “I recently visited UW-Superior and saw […]

October 28, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—The University of Wisconsin System announced today that UW-Parkside has attained a 70 percent vaccination rate among students. “We’re nearing the close of our vaccination campaign, and I’m ecstatic that UW-Parkside students have hit the mark,” said System President Tommy Thompson. “I saw first-hand the amount of hard work that UW-Parkside put in to […]

October 27, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—Four University of Wisconsin System students and three educators are being recognized today by the UW System and Alliant Energy Foundation for their outstanding achievements. The Alliant Energy Erroll B. Davis, Jr. Achievement Awards recognize the outstanding academic and community-service efforts of students from traditionally underrepresented minority groups who are pursuing a degree in […]

October 21, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—The University of Wisconsin System announced today that UW-Stevens Point and UW-Green Bay have attained a 70 percent vaccination rate among students. “I’m thrilled the students of UW-Stevens Point and UW-Green Bay are getting vaccinated,” said System President Tommy Thompson. “It’s quite an accomplishment, and a credit to all those on campus who helped […]

October 18, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson issued this statement today on the death of General Colin Powell: “General Colin Powell was an exemplary leader who I had the privilege of serving with as a member of President George W. Bush’s cabinet. To know General Powell was to respect him and his intellect, experience, and […]

October 14, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—The University of Wisconsin System announced today that UW-River Falls has attained a 70 percent vaccination rate among students. “This is quite an accomplishment for the students of UW-River Falls and a sign of the hard work and commitment of the university’s staff and administration,” said System President Tommy Thompson. “Our vaccination campaign is […]

October 12, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—The University of Wisconsin System celebrates its 50th anniversary today. On Oct. 12, 1971, legislation signed days earlier by Gov. Patrick J. Lucey took effect that merged the state’s two systems of public four-year higher education. The legislation created the University of Wisconsin System under a single Board of Regents. “For 50 years, the […]

October 11, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank announced today that she will be leaving the university to assume the leadership of Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. UW System Regent President Edmund Manydeeds III and UW System President Tommy Thompson issued these statements today: UW System Regent President Edmund Manydeeds III: “Chancellor Blank is an extraordinary leader whose […]

October 8, 2021

OSHKOSH, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents today honored the recipients of the inaugural University Staff Excellence Awards. These awards recognize exceptional service to the university and are the UW System’s highest recognition bestowed on members of its university staff. “The Board of Regents is proud to recognize the first recipients […]

October 7, 2021

OSHKOSH, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin System is turning 50. Fifty years ago, on Oct. 8, 1971, Gov. Patrick J. Lucey signed the bill formalizing the merger of Wisconsin’s two systems of public higher education into the University of Wisconsin System under a single Board of Regents. That bill was published on Oct. 11 […]

October 4, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents today announced the recipients of the inaugural University Staff Excellence Awards. These awards recognize exceptional service to the university and are the UW System’s highest recognition bestowed on members of its university staff. The 2021 recipients will be honored at the next Regents meeting, October 8. […]

September 29, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—The University of Wisconsin System announced today that UW-Stout has attained a 70 percent vaccination rate among students. “Momentum continues to build across the UW System for student vaccination,” said System President Tommy Thompson. “I thank the students and employees at UW-Stout for their commitment to health and safety. This is a great accomplishment.” […]

September 27, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—More than 80 percent of University of Wisconsin System students who sought mental health counseling at their universities during the last academic year reported improvements in their well-being, and four of five who considered dropping out over the last eight years said counseling helped them stay enrolled. The latest Counseling Impact Assessment Report for […]

September 24, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—The UW System announced today that two additional universities have now attained a 70 percent vaccination rate among students: UW Oshkosh and UW-Whitewater. “Thanks to the students and all the university employees at UW Oshkosh and UW-Whitewater for helping us reach this goal,” said UW System President Tommy Thompson.  “Like me, they want to […]

September 22, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—The University of Wisconsin System and the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) have signed a historic agreement that makes it easier for students to transfer from among up to 72 credits between the two higher education systems. The agreement, effective Sept. 1, meets a statutory requirement that the two systems identify at least 72 […]

September 22, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—The University of Wisconsin System today released an initial fall 2021 enrollment estimate of 163,708 students, an estimated 1 percent decrease compared to fall 2020 based on initial first-day figures. UW System typically discloses only final fall enrollment figures, and typically later in the semester, but is again announcing initial estimates based on first-day […]

September 21, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson announced today that the System has returned to pre-pandemic levels of in-person undergraduate instruction for Fall 2021 while prioritizing the health and safety of the campus community. Systemwide, 85 percent of undergraduate courses are being delivered in person, he said. That exceeds the goal of 75 percent […]

September 16, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—Comedian Charlie Berens has joined the University of Wisconsin System’s Vax Up! “70 for 70” campaign to encourage students to become vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. Berens famously squared off against UW System President Tommy Thompson during the 2020-21 academic year to smash stuff on video as part of the System’s “Smash COVID” campaign. […]

August 31, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System nursing and pharmacy students will have another opportunity to receive a $500 tuition credit for providing COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots, UW System President Tommy Thompson announced today. Funding from the state Department of Health Services makes this additional opportunity available for vaccines and boosters administered from September 1 to […]

August 24, 2021

The University of Wisconsin System owns a critical responsibility to open our classrooms this September to deliver the in-person education students deserve and parents expect. And we are planning to do just that. Unfortunately, some want us to ignore our unambiguous authority and duty under Wisconsin law to protect the “health, safety, and welfare of […]

August 23, 2021

When I had an opportunity to become vaccinated against COVID-19 last spring, I didn’t hesitate. The vaccine clearly was the best way for me to protect myself and the people I care about from death or hospitalization due to COVID. I was also eager to do my part to help our society beat back this […]

July 29, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson issued this statement today regarding a proposed resolution by the state’s Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules: “From day one when I started as President of the UW System, the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff during a global pandemic has been our […]

July 25, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson today announced a new incentive program that provides an opportunity for UW students vaccinated against COVID-19 to win a $7,000 scholarship. Under the “70 for 70” campaign, vaccinated students who attend universities that achieve at least 70 percent vaccination rates will be eligible for one of 70 […]

July 22, 2021

Employers across Wisconsin have one thing on their mind as we emerge from the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic: Employees. They can’t get enough. Yet, from Superior to Kenosha, Platteville to Green Bay, Barron County to Rock County, and everywhere in between, the solution is right in front of us: the University of Wisconsin. Each […]

July 9, 2021

MADISON – The University of Wisconsin System is working to collaborate more closely with Wisconsin’s Tribal Nations to help more Native Americans access and succeed in higher education. The Board of Regents welcomed leaders of several Tribal Nations Friday to discuss development of a formal consultation policy between the UW System and its institutions and […]

July 9, 2021

Revised September 13, 2021, to reflect the addition of a committee member.  MADISON, Wis.—Edmund Manydeeds III, President of the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents, today appointed a 21-member Search and Screen Committee to help identify the next UW System President. Current President Tommy Thompson has been serving in an interim role since July […]

July 8, 2021

MADISON – The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents unanimously voted Thursday to approve a $6.564 billion annual operating budget for 2021-22. Key takeaways of the annual budget presented by Sean Nelson, Vice President of Finance, include: State operational funding (GPR) increased $42.3 million or 4.4% Includes Pay Plan increase for employees Tuition-setting authority returned […]

July 8, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson and Regent President Edmund Manydeeds III issued this statement today: “The University of Wisconsin is the state’s greatest asset next to its people. We thank Gov. Evers and the legislature for their leadership in providing significant investments in the university’s mission, especially critical improvements in our infrastructure […]

July 7, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson announced today that 267 UW System students will share $1 million in scholarships under the new Wisconsin Regents Opportunity Scholarship program. The program provides scholarships to underrepresented and deserving students in one of three phases of their higher education pursuit: prior to enrollment, while continuing studies, and […]

July 6, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson announced today that he has named Jeff Buhrandt as Interim Vice President for University Relations, replacing Scott Neitzel who is resigning his position after helping guide UW System during the coronavirus pandemic. “Scott’s budget and management experience was key to helping me navigate the many challenges presented […]

June 23, 2021

“Having launched a vaccination site at a few campuses, the System did save the state, and I want to say that publicly. The System saved the state, in its responsibility and its actions.” Those are the words of one of our newest members of the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents, Dr. Ashok Rai, President […]

June 21, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—New fall freshman applications for University of Wisconsin System universities are up by about 30 percent over each of the last two years. Moreover, applications by Wisconsin residents, first-generation students, and underrepresented minorities are also up. The increases are the result of several actions the UW System took over the last 15 months to […]

June 18, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson issued this statement today: “Celebrating the historic legislation that makes Juneteenth a federal holiday provides us the ability to acknowledge the devastating toll that the institution of slavery has had on people of African descent. “This holiday celebrates the ideals of freedom we share and acknowledges the […]

June 17, 2021

MADISON, Wis.— UW System President Tommy Thompson issued this statement today: “The UW System’s faculty and staff are the best in the country and that has never been clearer than it has been during this pandemic. They worked to ensure our students had a safe and productive academic experience, while at the same time taking […]

June 17, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson announced today that UW-Whitewater Chancellor Dwight Watson has resigned, citing health concerns. Thompson appointed former UW System Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Jim Henderson as interim chancellor. “I am deeply saddened to learn of Dwight’s personal health challenges, and I thank him for his service […]

June 16, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—UW Extended Campus, in partnership with University of Wisconsin System campuses, will offer five new online certificates aligned with industry needs and high-growth occupations in September 2021. The new programs include graduate-level, semester-based certificates in Applied Bioinformatics, Data Science, Senior Living and Services Leadership, and Sustainability and Well-being; and an undergraduate-level certificate in Health […]

June 8, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson issued this statement today: “We appreciate the committee’s investment in maintenance and repair funding for our current facilities, and in moving forward critical projects throughout the UW System. These are much needed investments that will ensure our students have the important educational opportunities they need to graduate […]

June 8, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson issued this statement today: “When Governor Evers announced the lapses, I understood his desire to be fiscally responsible during the pandemic, and we worked closely with him to create a workable plan for UW System’s share. “Now that Wisconsin is coming out of those difficult times, I […]

June 4, 2021

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents today honored the recipients of the Academic Staff Excellence Awards for both 2021 and 2020. These awards acknowledge exceptional service to the university and are the UW System’s highest recognition bestowed on members of its academic staff. Award recipients are selected for superior performance […]

June 4, 2021

MILWAUKEE, Wis.—The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents on Friday elected Regent Edmund Manydeeds III to a one-year term as president. Manydeeds, a graduate of UW-Superior and UW-Madison, succeeds Andrew S. Petersen, who has served as president since June 2019. The Regents also elected Regent Karen Walsh as vice president. “Regent President Manydeeds and […]

June 3, 2021

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Returning to pre-pandemic campus life in Fall 2021 is a top priority around the University of Wisconsin System, and three chancellors spoke up today about how they’re planning to make it happen. Addressing the Board of Regents, UW-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow said an email from the parent of a UWL freshman […]

June 1, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents today announced this year’s recipients of the Academic Staff Excellence Awards. These awards recognize exceptional service to the university and are the UW System’s highest recognition bestowed on members of its academic staff. The 2021 recipients will be honored at the next Regents meeting, June 4 […]

May 28, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—More than 1,000 nursing and pharmacy students across the University of Wisconsin System have provided COVID-19 vaccinations and earned a $500 tuition credit while also receiving valuable work experience, UW System President Tommy Thompson announced today. Thompson also reiterated that the UW System is offering a second vaccination credit opportunity throughout the summer, from […]

May 27, 2021

MADISON, Wis. – University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson issued this statement today: “By not extending the $45 million annual budget reduction and by not further mandating a tuition freeze, the budget committee offers the UW System flexibility to develop talent, generate life-changing research and deliver the education students expect and families deserve.  Besides […]

May 11, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—Dr. Maria Gallo, President of Delaware Valley University in Doylestown, Pa., has been named the 20th Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–River Falls. The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents today unanimously approved Gallo’s appointment, following a recommendation made by a selection committee. Gallo will assume the leadership post on July 15, 2021. […]

May 6, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System universities are preparing for the return of precollege and youth programs to campuses this summer with safety protocols in place and in consultation with local and state health authorities. After widespread cancellations of such programs in summer 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wisconsin’s public universities are re-introducing the programs […]

May 4, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—The University of Wisconsin System is seeking investment in campus infrastructure that would modernize classroom and lab space; lead to an increase in science, engineering, technology, mathematics (STEM) and health graduates; and accelerate business growth in local communities. Over the last 10 years, the number of UW System graduates in STEM and health programs […]

April 28, 2021

You’ve probably heard about what happened at Van Hise Hall at UW-Madison this month: two concrete slabs broke off the façade and crashed to the ground in front of the main entrance. Thankfully, no one was injured or killed. Unfortunately, it is an example that illustrates the need for more investment to upgrade the aging […]

April 22, 2021

MADISON, Wis.— The U.S. Department of Education has named UW-Madison a 2021 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Postsecondary Sustainability Awardee, University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson announced today. The federal education department cited the university’s “deep legacy of environmental stewardship” and said it remains “a leader in environment- and sustainability-related research, education, […]

April 20, 2021

MADISON, Wis.— University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson issued this statement today: “The University of Wisconsin System offers a world-class education across our 13 universities, and our students, faculty and staff operate in an environment characterized by respect, civility, and an appreciation for our differences. The past year has been challenging in many ways. […]

April 19, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson today announced five finalists for the position of chancellor at University of Wisconsin–River Falls, a university with approximately 6,000 students and more than 70 areas of study in four distinct colleges. An 11-member Search and Screen Committee, led by Regent Scott Beightol, chair, and Professor of Dairy […]

April 9, 2021

MADISON – The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents presented its annual Teaching Excellence Awards Thursday, honoring award recipients for both 2020 and 2021. The awards recognize outstanding teaching and are the UW System’s highest recognition for members of its faculty and instructional academic staff. Last year’s awards ceremony was postponed due to COVID-19. […]

April 9, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—Facing intense competition in online education, the University of Wisconsin System is planning more focused coordination of new and existing resources to capture more of the online education market. The effort will involve intensive research on program opportunities with the goal of accelerating the development of new online programs while enhancing marketing toward adult […]

April 8, 2021

MADISON – The University of Wisconsin System will not mandate that students are vaccinated against COVID-19 to enroll next fall, but students – and all members of the university community – will be “strongly encouraged” to do so. That was the clear message from UW System President Tommy Thompson Thursday as he provided the Board […]

April 8, 2021

Report to the Board of Regents

April 6, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—The University of Wisconsin System today announced three recipients of the 2021 Regent Scholar Awards. They will be honored at the next Board of Regents meeting April 8 via videoconference. The awards recognize UW System faculty for their extraordinary efforts in support of undergraduate research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. “This annual program provides prestigious, one-time […]

April 5, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—The UW System Board of Regents today announced the recipients of its 29th annual Teaching Excellence Awards. They will be honored at the next Regents meeting, April 9 via videoconference, along with the 28th annual recipients. Last year’s award ceremony was postponed due to COVID-19. The awards recognize outstanding teaching and are the UW […]

April 1, 2021

Senate Committee on Universities & Technical Colleges Green Bay Hearing March 31, 2021 Watch testimony Good morning. I would like to thank Sen. Roth and the members of the Senate Committee on Universities and Technical Colleges for this opportunity to present the State of the University of Wisconsin System. Before I begin, I would like […]

March 31, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson today announced that the $500 tuition credit for eligible UW System nursing and pharmacy students working at COVID-19 vaccination sites is extended to May 22. The credit had been set to expire on March 31. President Thompson also announced students will be eligible for a new summer $500 tuition […]

March 10, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—The University of Wisconsin System will provide summer learning assistance to 1,400 additional incoming freshmen this year, more than doubling the number of admitted students receiving help through campus-based summer bridge programs. Summer bridge programs are critical to ensuring that high school graduates make a successful transition to university. While program details and offerings […]

March 4, 2021

MADISON, Wis. – The biggest challenge facing Wisconsin’s businesses is a shortage of talent and the University of Wisconsin System can play a significant role in addressing the issue by building closer relationships with businesses and communities. That was the message brought to the UW System Board of Regents today by four chambers of commerce […]

February 18, 2021

In a traditional university setting, students learn and grow through their interactions with peers and faculty. This sort of engagement – in and out of the classroom – builds sharper thinking, contributes to social development, and enriches communities. As University of Wisconsin System campuses plan for the fall semester, we will be seeking to maximize […]

February 16, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson issued this statement today on Gov. Tony Evers’ budget proposal: “Governor Evers’ budget for the UW System will allow us to tackle some of Wisconsin’s most pressing challenges: expanding online education to meet market demands, tackling prison recidivism to save taxpayer money, leveraging our freshwater resources for […]

February 5, 2021

MADISON, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents today honored the recipients of the 13th annual Regents’ Diversity Awards. These awards recognize individuals and programs that foster access and success for students who are members of historically underrepresented populations. Regent Olivia Woodmansee, chair of the Diversity Awards selection committee, said the award […]

February 5, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents today discussed two potential solutions for meeting Wisconsin’s workforce demand for teachers and school leaders: paid stipends and expanding student loan forgiveness. These two solutions were included in UW System President Tommy Thompson’s 2021-23 biennial budget recommendations, which the Board approved last fall. “Employers across Wisconsin […]

February 4, 2021

MADISON, Wis. – University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson told the Board of Regents today that the UW System has played a key role in helping to reduce the number of daily COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin by making rapid testing more broadly available to the public. Thompson told Regents that with the support of […]

February 4, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—A new policy taking effect this fall will make it easier for University of Wisconsin System students to suspend their coursework without academic or financial penalty under certain medical circumstances. System President Tommy Thompson approved the Medical Withdrawal Policy in January in recognition of the extraordinary circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic along with […]

February 3, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—The University of Wisconsin System is launching a new precollege pipeline initiative to help guide high school students in preparing for, applying to, and enrolling in one of its 13 universities. The initiative involves placing student coaches and recruiters in a select number of regional high schools. The initial investment of $1 million will […]

February 1, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents will honor the recipients of the 13th annual Regents’ Diversity Awards on February 5 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 is awarded $7,500 […]

January 29, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson today announced that a $500 tuition credit for eligible UW System nursing and pharmacy students is extended to students working at COVID-19 vaccination sites. The credit builds upon the existing incentives for UW System nursing and health care students to work in hospitals and other health care […]

January 25, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson and Regent President Andrew S. Petersen issued this statement today: “It is with great sadness that we learned our friend and colleague José Delgado passed away yesterday. Regent Delgado was a Wisconsin leader, creating the American Transmission Company and serving as its initial President and Chief Executive […]

January 25, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson today announced an extension of community COVID-19 surge testing sites at UW System campuses. After conducting more than 220,000 free tests through last week, most of the 22 surge testing sites were scheduled to close. However, in partnership with the UW System, the U.S. Department of Health […]

January 14, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson today told farm owners, agriculture and dairy officials, and researchers that the System’s effort to add agriculture extension agents is another illustration of the renewed Wisconsin Idea. Thompson spoke to the 2021 Wisconsin Agribusiness Classic on the final day of its annual conference. It is Wisconsin’s largest […]

January 5, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson and Wisconsin comedian Charlie Berens of The Manitowoc Minute are urging state residents to obtain a free COVID-19 test at one of the state’s rapid-results “surge testing” sites. Thompson challenged Berens to a smash-off in his latest “Smash COVID” video aimed at reminding UW System students and […]