Kevin P. Reilly, the University of Wisconsin System president, jokingly said his new position is "a little like drinking out of a fire hose" during a Friday teleconference with student journalists from around the UW System.
But optimism and forward thinking have so far characterized his presidency, he said. Reilly hosted the teleconference to outline major priorities of the Board of Regents and the UW System, including teaching and research. Reilly said his most important priority is assuring students of a quality undergraduate education.
Reilly said he feels comfortable in Madison, and his former position as the chancellor of the UW-Extension has kept him aware of the concerns of the many branches of the UW System.
He described himself as a "heart with 15 chambers" and added he intends to build on each branch and its individual strengths.
Reilly said one of his major concerns is the unexpected cost of energy. Efforts to cut back on these costs may take place, he said.
"If energy costs keep rising we will act," Reilly said. "We really do have a problem there."
Reilly urged students to do whatever they can to help cut the use of energy on campuses around the system.
Tuition was a main issue Reilly discussed during the teleconference.
The cost of tuition can rise for several reasons, the most dominant being state budget cuts, he said. Reilly's goal is to keep tuition as affordable as possible while maintaining broad access for students, he added.
Reilly said he has been speaking with political figures to help reduce the number of budget cuts. However, he added "students and families also need to make the case" to their political leaders.
Many families are alarmed by the "sticker shock" effect of Wisconsin tuition, Reilly said, but the UW System is still a bargain compared to other universities.
The governor has the right to change, veto and partially veto any parts of a budget proposal. Reilly said what the governor puts in is essentially what comes out.
The governor's budget plan for the 2005-07 biennium will coincide with the plan the Board of Regents recently proposed, he added.
Reilly also referred to a concept he proposed during his address to the Board of Regents Sept. 9, when he called his idea one of "Wisconsin success."
The more baccalaureate degree holders there are in Wisconsin, the more per capita income the state gains, Reilly said, adding, "You don't have to raise taxes … it's a win-win situation."
Reilly also discussed the importance of extending degree options to the current work force. He said if the economy is in a poor state, the number of students rises. The UW System, he said, must prepare for this and provide for second and third career choices.
As Reilly fights for affordable education for Wisconsin students, he said he remains optimistic.
It has been a real "morale booster" receiving cards and letters from students and families and he has been enjoying his position as president, Reilly said.