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Regents say state remains supportive

PLATTEVILLE — The president of the University of Wisconsin System and the UW Board of Regents said Friday that people across the state of Wisconsin are voicing their support for higher education in the state.

UW Board of Regents President David Walsh said people have been passionate about the work the UW System is doing.

"Nothing could be clearer than the fact that the people of Wisconsin care about the University of Wisconsin System," Walsh said, adding people are most concerned with affordability, accessibility and admissions policies.

Walsh also criticized political campaigns that use "30-second sound bytes" to explain UW admissions standards.

Echoing Walsh's tone that people are enthusiastic about higher education in the state, UW System President Kevin Reilly said he and other UW representatives have been traveling the state promoting the Growth Agenda of Wisconsin.

"I can talk about the Growth Agenda in five minutes or five hours," Reilly said at the meeting, adding that faculty representatives and student governments from throughout the system support the agenda.

Reilly also credited various chambers of commerce and newspapers from across the state, as well as Republican state legislators Ron Brown, Dave Zien, Robin Kreibich and Terry Moulton for their support of the Growth Agenda.

In addition, Reilly said the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the primary union representing state employees working for the UW System, has passed a resolution applauding the agenda.

The UW System, Reilly added, is assisting with the "get out the vote" efforts of United Council of University of Wisconsin students, a group that has openly criticized the Board of Regents for continually increasing tuition.

A number of UW schools are hosting candidate debates in anticipation of this November's elections, and Reilly said these debates are a great opportunity for citizens and candidates to discuss the UW System.

"It's another forum where we hope our Growth Agenda will be a key point in discussion," he added.

Regent Jesus Salas praised Reilly for his efforts in promoting higher education in the state.

"I'm very happy to see he's providing this leadership," Salas said.

Milwaukee residents complain about student behavior

Salas said he and other regents have received e-mails from various community groups in Milwaukee expressing discontent over the conduct of UW-M students in the area and the university's potential plan to convert a hospital complex for educational facilities.

Various state and local officials, Salas said, have proposed changes to Chapter 17, which includes state statutes that deal with student expulsion.

"Chapter 17 … gives chancellors the opportunity to expel students for on-campus academic reasons," Salas said. "[State and local officials] want to alter Chapter 17 to expel students for off-campus infractions — rowdy behavior and misconduct."

Walsh agreed to create a regent committee to work with local neighborhood groups and students to examine community concerns.

Regent Notebook

-The board allowed the University of Wisconsin-Madison to accept a gift that would expand its Arboretum by 31 acres in northern Wisconsin. The gift, valued at $80,000, will expand the part of the UW Arboretum's Finnerud Forest near Minocqua.

-Chancellor David Markee and other representatives from UW-Platteville spoke to the board about the expanding university.

-Colton Janes, UW-P's Student Senate president, said students have taken part in various initiatives, including a 15-hour university telethon that has raised over $750,000 for students to attend Wisconsin Badger Camp.

-In addition, UW-P is an important economic addition to the region, as Charles Runde, president of Platteville's First National Bank said it's the largest employer in Grant County in extreme Southwest Wisconsin.

-The Board of Regents praised the university for its effort to connect with its community.

-Reilly said the National Science Foundation has granted UW-Eau Claire $500,000 for a scholarship program. The "Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics" program will provide scholarships for about 20 students.