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Forum explores state-university relations under fiscal constraints

February 21, 2003

In the upcoming budget proceedings, tough decisions will be made in all sectors of the state, including higher education. But Wisconsin is not alone in this undertaking.

As state funding and per-capita contributions to public universities continue to decline across the country, many of the nation’s postsecondary education institutions are facing similar challenges. Increasing fiscal pressures, coupled with greater demand for higher education, have forced states and universities to change their relationships in order to create innovative ways for these institutions to serve their states and offer more diverse programs to students.

And as the new legislative session begins, the Wisconsin Center for the Advancement of Postsecondary Education (WISCAPE) is sponsoring a forum that will look into ways to confront these budgetary challenges.

The WISCAPE event, Moving from Fiscal Constraint to New State-University Partnerships, will be held on Feb. 26 from Noon – 1:30 p.m. in Tripp Commons of the Memorial Union on campus.

In keeping with its mission to bring together policymakers, postsecondary education leaders, and researchers to discuss the challenges facing postsecondary education, WISCAPE will welcome two nationally recognized higher education leaders and scholars, David Breneman and Terrence MacTaggart, to Madison to discuss ways other states have dealt with these complex issues. UW–Madison Chancellor John Wiley will open the forum with introductory remarks and UW–Madison professor of political science Don Kettl will moderate the discussion and help the group focus on alternatives for Wisconsin.

Breneman, dean of the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia, will discuss the economic and political trends that have led to declines in state support for postsecondary education. MacTaggart, former chancellor of the University of Maine System, the Minnesota State University System and the University of Wisconsin-Superior, will speak about ways in which states have responded to dire budgetary conditions.

The event is open to the public. More information: wiscape-info@education.wisc.edu.