Regents support Madison Initiative
Chancellor David Ward issued a statement Aug. 21 praising the UW System’s budget proposal for its continuing support of Madison Initiative.
The four-year investment plan would enable UW–Madison to continue to provide students an outstanding education and help Wisconsin maintain its competitiveness in the global economy.
The university is two years into the four-year plan. The overall plan calls for an investment of $57 million in new funds from the state and students, to be matched by $40 million in private support, for a total investment of $97 million.
Here is what the chancellor said Monday:
“In its 2001-03 budget request, the Board of Regents has restated its strong support of UW–Madison and the Madison Initiative.
“The proposed UW System budget would fund the remaining $28 million for the Madison Initiative, with $18.2 million in state funding and $9.8 million in tuition revenue. In addition, private funding previously committed to the Madison Initiative by the UW Foundation and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation will total $20 million over the next two years, and will continue at $10 million per year thereafter.
“I am gratified that the Board of Regents continues to demonstrate its advocacy for the Madison Initiative, which is a wise investment already yielding high results for our students and the state of Wisconsin.
“I am also pleased that the Board of Regents has endorsed Governor Thompson’s BioStar initiative and included funding for a new master’s degree in biotechnology. These two initiatives suggested by the governor will build on UW–Madison’s and Wisconsin’s leadership role in the burgeoning field of biotechnology.
“Finally, I am thankful the budget request proposes additional funding for several areas that are vital to success of our students, including libraries, advising, information technology, and diversity.”
The second phase of the Madison Initiative — with the additional funding proposed in the 2001-03 state budget and increased private giving — seeks to:
- Broaden student learning opportunities.
- Enhance Wisconsin’s economic development.
- Maintain affordability for students through increased financial aid.
- Continue strategic hiring of faculty.