University statement on graduate student protest

This afternoon, university administrators invited graduate student leaders to Bascom Hall for a discussion about graduate student compensation and policies.

At approximately 2:20 p.m., the meeting was disrupted by a group of approximately 20 students who charged the door, pushed their way past the Dean of the Graduate School, and refused to leave his office. The students sat in his office until the end of building hours at 6 p.m. and were escorted out by UWPD without incident.

UW-Madison is disappointed by the student actions, as the university has engaged in good faith discussions over graduate student compensation and policy concerns.

The university deeply values the contributions of graduate student employees.­­ Without their dedication and hard work, UW–Madison would not be the world-class institution it is today.

The university continues to take steps to improve compensation and address policy concerns, as part of an ongoing review process.

The university recently announced a 9% increase in the minimum TA stipend for fiscal year 2020. Minimum TA stipends at UW–Madison have risen 41.9% over an eight-year period, a percentage well above other employment groups.

UW-Madison remains prepared to engage in constructive dialogue with our graduate students.