A state commission might recommend a huge incentive for University of Wisconsin students to stay in the state after they graduate: four years of free tuition at any UW System school.
The proposal, written by Mark O'Connell, executive director of the Wisconsin Counties Association, would give students full tuition if they agree to live and work in the state for at least 10 years after they graduate from a UW school.
According to UW System spokesperson David Giroux, the commission was formed last year by David Wilson, chancellor of UW Colleges and UW-Extension. The goal, Giroux said, was to evaluate the system's two-year college campuses.
"This is an advisory commission appointed by David Wilson to work on the mission of the two-year campuses," Giroux said. "Within the context, something was floated, and beyond that, this is one of several ideas being discussed by this group."
O'Connell's idea will be discussed today when the commission meets in Madison. When complete, the full report of the board will be presented to Wilson, Giroux said, and then made public.
Matt Canter, spokesperson for Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle, said the governor is open to any idea that makes higher education more accessible for Wisconsin students.
"Anyone who knows the governor knows education is his No. 1 priority," Canter said. "He wants to make it clear that in Wisconsin, you should be able to go as far your talent will take you."
Canter added the goals of this proposal are similar to those of the Wisconsin Covenant, which allows state eighth graders to sign a contract pledging to maintain good grades and citizenship in exchange for a guaranteed spot in the UW System.
"These kinds of proposals are critical because it's a win-win situation for the state," he added. "They ensure long-term growth for the state."
However, Canter said the governor has not taken a specific stance on the particular idea O'Connell has proposed.
State legislators from both sides of the aisle were skeptical about the proposal Monday as Republicans and Democrats said there are questions that need to be answered.
Rep. Steve Nass, R-Whitewater, who was appointed to head the Assembly Colleges and Universities Committee Monday, said while he does not have great details on the matter, he does not think it will go very far.
"I think that would be very problematic, quite frankly," Nass said. "You get into all kinds of concerns if you do that."
Nass said those concerns include funding and — if someone does end up leaving Wisconsin — how that person would compensate the state for tuition.
Assembly Colleges and Universities Committee member Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, praised the efforts to try and make UW schools more accessible but also expressed potential concerns.
"I give them credit for coming up with a big idea," Black said. "But the obvious question is, how much is it going to cost?"
