Regents approve biennial budget proposal

The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents today approved the 2015-17 biennial budget proposal at a meeting at UW–Oshkosh.

UW System President Ray Cross laid out a three-part “Talent Development Initiative” that would advance his vision of a “talent-based economy.”

Under the proposal, $42.3 million in UW funds would be used to leverage a proposed $95.2 million in new state funds. Along with UW’s internal cuts and reallocations, the combined resources would enable UW to streamline transfer options; address math remediation needs involving working age and traditional-age college students; and expand the number and availability of dual-enrollment courses that high school students may take for both high school and college credit.

“I fully support the biennial budget request approved today by the Board of Regents. In particular I applaud the request for additional state resources that will allow us to expand the training of students in areas where labor shortages exist in Wisconsin,” UW–Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank says. “I am also pleased that the budget request seeks to address the unfunded costs related to the tuition freeze.  While we have utilized tuition balances to cover those costs so far, we do not have the ability to do so on a continuing basis.”

The UW Board approved Cross’ biennial budget proposal Thursday afternoon and sent it on to Gov. Scott Walker for consideration as part of the biennial budget package his office will begin preparing this fall.