UW System President Cross, Regent leaders respond to Walker budget proposal

UW System President Ray Cross said in a statement that the cuts proposed by Gov. Scott Walker are “substantial” and “will impact every one of our institutions.” But he said the proposal also offers the system and opportunity to enter into a new relationship with state government. (Read the full statement.)

“The UW System and its institutions will gain the ability to manage procurement, human resources and some building projects – important flexibilities that we have long sought,” Cross said. “These flexibilities will allow us to manage pricing in a way that reflects the market and actual costs. The flexibilities also ensure our continued commitment to affordability, accessibility and quality educational experiences for our students and Wisconsin families.”

UW Board of Regents President Michael Falbo said the public authority proposal “maintains the strong relationship between this outstanding public university and the people of this state. It also provides the university with the opportunity to be more responsive, more efficient, and even more closely committed to the Wisconsin Idea that defines it.”

Walker’s proposal would also shift shared governance and tenure from state statute to Board of Regents policy. UW Board of Regents Vice President Regina Milner said, ” While the Governor’s proposal will have implications on tenure and shared governance, the Board of Regents is committed to ensuring that both remain hallmarks of the UW System and its institutions.”