Frederica Freyberg:

The UW Board of Regents this week approved nonresident tuition hikes for nine of the 13 four-year campuses, this move as in-state tuition remains frozen and the system looks at $350 million in cuts. As System president, Ray Cross presented to the board about flexibilities the University is seeking, Regent David Walsh wanted to bring the discussion back to those cuts.

David Walsh:

We ought to be talking about what that damage is, and we ought to be talking to the people of the state of Wisconsin to ask them if that’s what they want. Now, I appreciate all the meetings you’re having and going up to the Capitol, but if you don’t engage the public, we’re never going to get the support. Look at what happened when they challenged the Wisconsin Idea. They challenged the Wisconsin Idea, and suddenly it was a typo within a week. That’s the kind of support you get when the public listens to you. And so, keep it in context that this is a devastating cut to our budget. And don’t play victory if you get it down to $200 million.

Frederica Freyberg:

Regent Gerald Whitburn responded that the Legislature has a lot of competing state needs to fund.

Gerald Whitburn:

There is no money tree. Discretionary opportunities for the Legislature are limited. So, our challenge is is to advocate for fair share, understanding the realities.

Frederica Freyberg:

System President Ray Cross says savings from flexibility sought from the state would be about $20 million a year. The cut, newly designated at $350 million over two years, includes cuts to programs and payments not previously enumerated.