As Gov. Scott Walker’s state budget proposal nears its unveiling, the Legislative Affairs Committee of the Associated Students of Madison met to discuss the upcoming biennial budget.
University of Wisconsin Chancellor Rebecca Blank announced her plan Friday to promise free tuition to some first-generation transfer students. The plan would also raise the minimum GPA requirement for guaranteed admission to UW universities from some two-year programs in the state from a 2.8 to a 3.2.
While some students in the committee expressed their admiration for the plan, they also held reservations that while the plan be well-intentioned, the GPA requirement boost may limit the number of students who will truly benefit from it.
Chancellor Blank lays out plan to give first generation transfer students free tuition
While Rep. Tom Summerwill said he believes this plan will only target about 500 students maximum, he added it is still too early to suggest that since the university has not released any estimates yet.
Rep. Jason Klein said the chancellor has revealed the plan will occur only if Gov. Scott Walker agrees to it.
The governor will unveil his tuition plan that may include investments in the UW on Tuesday. He will publicly roll out his entire budget proposal at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Earlier this year, Walker announced his intentions to decrease tuition for all UW undergraduates, which some have speculated will increase tuition for out-of-state students. Many members who are out-of-state students, as well as an international student, expressed concern this action could potentially decrease the diversity of the university.
Walker announces plan to lower in-state tuition at all UW System campuses
On Feb. 16, nearly a week after the governor’s scheduled budget address, UW System Representatives — a group consisting of students across the UW System — will lobby state legislators on behalf of the system. All members of the committee will also reach out and meet with legislators to discuss the budget.
“We want to tell [the legislators] our thoughts on the governor’s proposal and see what they want out of it,” Klein said. “We are strong advocates for the state investing in the UW System.”
