Universities of Wisconsin have plan for the future (news summary)

The Universities of Wisconsin (UWs) presented the Board of Regents on Thursday with a comprehensive update on the implementation of the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan to date.

UWs President Jay Rothman reminded Regents of the tripartite mission of the Universities of Wisconsin that underpins the plan adopted by the Board in December 2022:

• To provide exceptional educational opportunities for students to address Wisconsin's workforce needs and support society more generally;
• To conduct world-class research; and
• To serve the public.

Rothman said the plan, which is approaching the halfway mark, is moving the UWs forward toward these goals while also positioning the UWs to address a number of challenges, including declining enrollments, demographic changes, reductions in state funding, and changing public perceptions of higher education's value.

The plan identifies nine key strategies that, at the UWs Administration (UWSA) level, are being advanced through 47 tactical actions. The three UWs Vice Presidents - Johannes Britz (Academic & Student Affairs), Julie Gordon (Finance & Administration), and Chris Patton (University Relations) - as well as Associate Vice President Ben Passmore (Policy Analysis & Research) and Associate Vice President Jack Jablonski (Public Affairs, Communications, and Branding) each presented high-level status updates for select tactics assigned to their respective units.

"Our universities provide an exceptional education experience which changes the trajectory of students' lives every day," Rothman said. "While much has been done, much more work awaits us, including taking a hard look at how the plan needs to evolve, given the changes over the last two-and-a-half years since its adoption."

"I think some of your accomplishments, you're understating," said Regent Ashok Rai. "They're pretty significant, especially on the financial side. It's been great to see a plan and be able to see the follow-up."

"What I'm most encouraged about is that I think we're working as a team," Rothman said. "It's the folks at UWSA but it's really working hand-in-hand with the universities, because that's what is going to help us."

Regent President Amy Bogost said the changes she has witnessed during her five years on the board are notable. "(Back then), the ability to bring stakeholders on board and having business partnerships was barely mentioned, and I think the system has done such a great job of honing that - but I know there's more to come. There's so much to build upon."

UWs and the First Amendment

Echoing statements from previous Board meetings, UWs President Rothman reiterated the foundational importance of the First Amendment to American democracy and the UWs.

"The right to speak, to protest, to challenge authority without governmental interference - those are not just legal protections; they are the bedrock of our civic life," he said. "On our campuses, these rights are not only respected, but they are also essential. Universities must be places where ideas are tested, where disagreement is welcomed, and where students learn to engage with complexity, not retreat from it."

He noted that while peaceful protest is protected speech and a vital part of democratic tradition, boundaries also must be recognized. "When expression crosses the line into vandalism, disruption, intimidation, or violence, it ceases to be protected. It undermines the very freedoms it claims to defend."

"Higher education must model civil discourse," Rothman said. "We must resist the impulse to silence opposing views, to demonize those with whom we disagree, or to use disruption as a substitute for dialogue. And we must always, always reject political violence."

Tribal college presidents tell their stories

Dr. Chris Caldwell, President of College of Menominee Nation, and Karen Breit, Interim President of the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University, provided the Board with an overview of their institutions and their own experiences with higher education.

President Caldwell told Regents the focus at College of Menominee Nation is to "make sure our people were educated according to the Menominee way of learning, which is learning by doing, connecting classroom concepts, theory, and understanding with practical applications and experiences."

"Tribal colleges and how they were created are meant to help to build up our people, maintaining their family and cultural connections as they pursue their academic journeys," said Caldwell, who also has multiple degrees from UW-Green Bay and UW-Madison.

President Breit said her connection with the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University goes back to her childhood, when her father served as a regent and also drove a van to give students rides to their classes.

She explained that the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University's mission is to provide post-secondary education while also advancing the language, culture and history of the Ojibwe.

"We educate and train people to enter the workforce but … the other side of our mission is more about our past and our future. We hold space for people who, often through no fault of their own, have become separated from who they are as Ojibwe people, either not knowing their history or their language or their culture," Breit said. "We hold a place for them to come back, learn, and reconnect with that."

Regent Ed Manydeeds said it's important the UWs learn from the tribal colleges as well. "Meeting with each other and learning more about you and your students and how we can help them succeed, graduate, and be successful for the community … It's very, very important, and I pray that it continues."

Report of the Regent President

Regent President Amy Bogost updated the Board on two upcoming chancellor searches. First, she said the members of a search and screen committee for the UW-Stevens Point search are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. The search for a new UW-Eau Claire chancellor is anticipated to be launched later this fall.

Bogost also shared her experience at a recent visit to UW-Eau Claire, where she participated in the "Topping Off" ceremony for the long-awaited new Health Science Building. That building is now scheduled to be completed by 2027.

"It was really a great opportunity to see the excitement that is surrounding all of this on the campus," she said.

Report of the UWs President

In his regular report to the Board, UWs President Rothman offered several legislative updates. Starting on the state side, he noted that since the 2025-27 biennial just was signed in July as Wisconsin Act 15, the UWs have focused on developing the credit transfer, faculty workload, and market pay policies as required by statute. He said working groups have been established with leadership and other internal stakeholders from across all 13 UWs to develop policies that will be presented for the Board's approval and then forwarded to the Joint Committee on Employment Relations later this year.

Rothman said the UWs also are working with legislators to expand dual enrollment opportunities for high school students. Increasing dual enrollment is a priority for the UWs, he said, as it helps students earn college credit while still in high school, further encouraging them to pursue a degree in Wisconsin.

Turning to federal updates, Rothman said the UWs continue to be engaged actively with Wisconsin's Congressional delegation and national associations on the importance of not only funding the government but ensuring funding of the UWs' priorities.

"Indiscriminate cuts, whether to research, financial aid, or programs that provide student support are ultimately shortsighted and will negatively impact the next generation of Wisconsin's workforce," he said.

Rothman said the UWs are closely following two issues in particular: a Presidential Memorandum dealing with transparency in higher education admissions (and more specifically the use of race-based preferencing) and a new Department of Homeland Security rule related to "duration of status" for international students.

Turning to enrollment, Rothman told Regents the UWs' preliminary enrollment estimates based on first-day student counts show that enrollment at eight UWs increased while overall enrollment held basically steady.

New freshman numbers are up three percent - or nearly 900 students - with eight universities showing new freshman enrollment increases of 5 percent or more. However, significant declines in international students are likely a reason for overall enrollment not increasing. He added that early indications are that Direct Admit Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Tuition Promise are having a favorable impact.

In other good news, Rothman congratulated the UWs' Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin for its recently announced commitment to invest more than $4.2 million over the next two years to support water education and water research programs. The funding is part of a statewide initiative backed by the Wisconsin State Legislature and Gov. Tony Evers.

UWs are backing AI efforts

"The UW Strategic Plan affirms our commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, and the rapid advancement of AI (artificial intelligence) presents both an opportunity - and an imperative - to embrace this transformational technology," President Rothman said.

Rothman said AI is being integrated throughout the UWs enterprise in new academic programs and multidisciplinary curriculum, in research and scholarship, in faculty and staff development, in administrative operations, and in student support services.

"In a rapidly changing world, our goal cannot be merely to keep pace, but to be at the forefront of higher education with respect to AI," Rothman said.

Rothman told Regents that as public universities, focus is required in several key areas. First, the UWs need to provide students with "durable" skills such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and learning how to build interpersonal connections. "These human capabilities are what AI will never be able to fully replicate," he said.

Second, the UWs must invest in interdisciplinary learning, AI literacy, and applied experiences. "From internships to high-impact practices, we can help ensure students graduate with both knowledge and adaptability," Rothman said.

Finally, he said the UWs must continue to evaluate real-time labor market trends to update curricula and credentials, aligning education with emerging industry needs.

Rothman highlights outreach initiatives

President Rothman directed Regents' attention to two outreach initiatives the UWs are continuing to promote.

The "Mascots on Main" campaign highlights the relationship between each individual UW and the local business community in videos co-branded with the UWs. The latest in the series features UW-Superior and UW-River Falls.

The UWs are also continuing the popular "Faculty and Staff Shout-Out" initiative, now entering its third year. UW videographers have visited all 13 universities and invited students to give a shout-out to a faculty or staff members who made a real difference in their lives or university experience. Over the first two years, the shout-out videos were viewed more than 600,000 times.

Board recognizes former colleague

The Regents presented a resolution of appreciation to Regent Emeritus Cris Peterson who served seven years on the board, starting in 2018.

Regent Ashok Rai, who presented the resolution, said Peterson "poured her heart and soul into this role."

As a lifelong dairy farmer, Peterson said she initially felt insecure about her qualifications to be on the board - but went on to reflect on the many significant issues that were addressed and close friendships that developed over her term.

"Despite our political differences, it is with mutual respect, communication, and maybe a little humor, all of us can work for the greater good," she said.

Education Committee gets update on Act 15

On July 3, 2025, the Wisconsin State Legislature approved 2025 Wisconsin Act 15. The Education Committee heard a report led by Johannes Britz, Senior Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs, focused on two areas of the bill: the Instructional Employee Teaching Workload and General Education transfer policies.

The Instructional Employee Teaching Workload workgroup, which includes representatives from faculty and academic staff governance, provosts, in-house attorneys, and UW Administration leadership, has been advancing efforts to revise Regent Policy Document 20-25, "Teaching Workload Policy" in response the 2025 Wisconsin Act 15. A dedicated website provides an overview of the workgroup's phased approach and related updates.

Key dates include Board of Regents review on November 19, 2025, submission to the Joint Committee on Employment Relations (JCOER) by December 1, 2025, anticipated JCOER approval by January 31, 2026, and implementation of revised workload policies across the UWs by September 1, 2026.

The Transfer Policy Work Group - now expanded to include provosts, registrars, faculty, and UW Administration staff - has begun developing policy to implement Act 15's requirement that Core General Education Requirements be transferable across UW universities. Research into other states' models and current UW practices showed broad alignment in six key areas but variation in credit hours. To comply with Act 15, a new Regent Policy Document will be drafted and distributed to university stakeholder groups through the normal Regent Policy Document review process in September.

Key milestones include Board of Regents review on November 19, 2025, submission to JCOER by December 31, 2025, and full transferability of CGER across UW institutions by September 1, 2026.

In other business, the Regents:

• Approved UW-La Crosse's request for a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Criminology. The program represents an elevation of the existing Criminal Justice minor. It addresses regional employer demand for professionals who understand the context of crime and possess strong skills in data collection, analysis, and application. The program will prepare students for careers both within the criminal justice system and in other sectors such as health, human services, human resources, education, and business;
• Heard a report in the Education Committee on two Hessen (Germany) Wisconsin Partnership Incentive Grants, awarded by the Division of Academic & Student Affairs. The grants are designed to incentivize the development of collaborative relationships with colleagues in Wisconsin's sister state of Hessen and enhance international knowledge, cultural competencies; and linguistic skills;
• Heard an overview and panel discussion in the Education Committee on the UWs Fostering Success Programs at 11 participating UWs, funded by ongoing state appropriation. The purpose of the programs is to provide individualized support, guidance, and resources for independent university students with lived experience with foster care, unaccompanied homelessness, whose parents were incarcerated, and/or those who were orphaned or wards of the court;
• Heard, in the Business & Finance Committee, an informational presentation on UW Shared Services, in both administrative and IT functions. The report provided an update on progress made in response to the recommendations and observations found in the Deloitte assessment of UW Administration. Areas of focus include governance, metrics, and customer service;
• Approved a new UW-Madison master clinical trial agreement with Janssen Research & Development, a pharmaceutical, medical device, and healthcare company that is a long-time collaborator with the university. The agreement will provide new opportunities for research and funding that may exceed $10 million over its five-year term;
• In the Business & Finance Committee, heard a series of items related to the UW Office of Trust Funds:
  • The Q2 investment report showed that as of June 30, assets in the Long-Term Fund and Income Cash Fund totaled a combined $664.5 million, with a return of 6.25% in the Long Term Fund. Assets in the Intermediate Term Fund totaled nearly $764 million after gains of 3.4% for that quarter. All funds performed in line with their benchmarks.
  • Heard a presentation from Marquette Associates, the investment consultant for the Intermediate Term Fund. At the request of the fund's investment committee, Marquette conducted an asset allocation study which found that the current allocation is more efficient than several other models that were tested. The investment committee concurred with the recommendation to maintain the existing allocation, and no further action is required of Regents.
• Approved revisions to the Trust Funds Investment Policy Statement. The changes primarily affect provisions governing a fund managed by students in the Applied Security Analysis Program at the UW-Madison School of Business. The modifications allow for investments in Rule 144A bonds, and update and clarify the benchmark indexes and weights. Additional technical revisions are made to align references to Regent bylaws and policies with current language
• Approved UW-Green Bay's request for authority to lease vacant land and allow third-party construction of a cell tower. The tower will replace multiple antennae on the roof of the existing Cofrin Center library, which is scheduled to be demolished and replaced by a new Cofrin Technology & Education Center;
• Approved construction of various All Agency maintenance and repair projects:
  • UW-Green Bay: Weidner Center stage lift equipment replacement;
  • UW-Green Bay: Walter Way reconstruction;
  • UW-Madison: Multiple parking ramp waterproofing and repairs;
  • UW-Madison: Parking ramp 75 HVAC equipment renovation;
  • UW-Madison: Multiple surface lot repairs and replacements;
  • UW-Oshkosh: Steam and condensate utility replacement;
  • UW-Platteville: Art building roof replacement;
  • UW-River Falls: Crabtree-Parker Halls electrical and telecommunications renovation;
  • UW-Stevens Point: Multiple building elevator replacements;
  • UW-Stevens Point: Coleman Field track replacement;
• Approved UW System construction of minor facilities projects:
  • UW-Madison: Water Residence Hall exterior envelope renovation;
  • UW-Parkside: Heating and chilling plant curtain wall repairs and replacement;
  • UW-Stevens Point: Multi Activity Center and Quandt Gymnasium areas roof replacement;
  • UW-Whitewater: Center of the Arts music classroom, laboratory, and studio renovations;
• Approved UW-La Crosse's request for authority to construct the Prairie Springs Science Center completion project. The project completes the two-phase Prairie Springs Science Center initiative by demolishing Cowley Hall and constructing an addition to integrate with the 2018 laboratory facility;
• Approved UW-Milwaukee's request for authority to construct the Health Sciences Renovation project. The project will consolidate Health Sciences programs currently scattered across multiple building in outdated and inadequate spaces. It will fully renovate and convert former hospital space in Northwest Quadrant buildings to Health Sciences academic space, and relocate University Technology Services in Building D;
• Approved UW-Stout's request for authority to construct the Recreation Complex addition and renovation project, renovating and expanding the original 1963 Sports and Fitness Center by constructing an addition and renovating existing space. Major building systems including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, data/telecom, life safety, and fire alarm to meet current codes and accommodate growing student demand;
• Approved UW-Stevens Point's request for authority to construct the Sentry Hall (formerly the Communication Arts Center) addition and renovation project, expanding the 1963 Sentry Hall to meet modern academic, technological, and accessibility standards. It includes a full renovation and addition to the Collins Classroom Center, transforming it into the new home for the Sentry School of Business & Economics;
• Approved UW-Madison's authority to increase the budget of the Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research (WIMR) East Wedge Cyclotron and expansion. The project will construction an addition to the WIMR East Wedge building to provide space for the cyclotron, laboratory space, mechanical space, and space for the support staff of the School of Medicine and Public Health;
• Heard, in the Audit, Risk, and Compliance Committee, the Fiscal Year 2026 Audit Plan Progress Report for the Office of Internal Audit, as well as a report on recently issued reports;
• Heard, in the Audit, Risk, and Compliance Committee, a progress report on the Student Safety and Emergency Preparedness Audit; and
• Heard, in the Audit, Risk, and Compliance Committee, a progress report on the UW System Administrative Policy 625 Youth Protection Audit.

The next meeting (virtual) of the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents is October 19, 2025.