UW System Clipsheet

November 4, 2008

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UW System

"Aging University of Wisconsin faculty causing gray hairs," Green Bay Press-Gazette, Nov. 4.

State and local university officials say an increasing number of older faculty members could have an impact on recruitment and the future work force as they retire...One out of three UW System faculty and academic staff members is 55 or older, compared with one out of five 10 years ago, according to System data.With similar trends expected at colleges and universities nationwide, officials say there could be increased competition for attracting quality faculty...

On Campus

"Chancellor says UW-Madison an economic driver," WisBusiness.com, Nov. 3.

UW-Madison Chancellor Carolyn “Biddy” Martin declared Monday that the university was a statewide economic driver that could do even more to foster small and big businesses alike during tough times. Martin called the financial stress facing the state “unprecedented” but said that cutting the UW too much in the next budget would diminish the university’s stature and harm economic development in the long term...

"Martin asks public, lawmakers to preserve 'gem' in troubled economy," WisPolitics.com, Nov. 3.

UW-Madison Chancellor Carolyn “Biddy” Martin acknowledged today that the UW will have to shoulder some of the burden in a difficult state budget next year, but she also made the case that deep cuts into funds supporting the school's research strength will result in "long-term ... hardship on the state"...

"Martin talks economy with local business leaders," Badger Herald, Nov. 4.

Chancellor Biddy Martin spoke to Madison business leaders at a luncheon Monday to candidly address issues of affordability and funding facing the University of Wisconsin in the coming years...Many of the questions from attendees focused on concerns about UW’s future due to the economic crisis. Martin acknowledged UW will not receive all the funding from the state it needs, adding that it will be “very difficult to maintain and enhance” the university’s standing...

"Students benefit from major scholarship grant," Journal Times, Nov. 3.

Dozens of low-income students at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, including a number from the Racine area, recently received good financial aid news thanks to a major grant received by the UW System. Dozens more also have the potential to benefit from a separate part of the $175 million Fund for Wisconsin Scholars created by a grant from John and Tashia Morgridge...

"Mexican professors study science, culture," Wausau Daily Herald, Nov. 4.

Zuami Villagran, a professor at the University of Guadalajara, couldn't foresee wearing a cheese hat...Villagran and Leticia Orozco, another professor at the University of Guadalajara's Centro Universitario de los Altos campus, spent seven weeks at the Marshfield Clinic, training in a microbiology program to improve their teachings and labs. The exchange is part of the University of Wisconsin Center for Global Health in collaboration with the Clinic...

"UW receives $8.6 million for cancer research," Badger Herald, Nov. 4.

A five-year, $8.6 million grant has been awarded to the University of Wisconsin by the National Institutes of Health to help continue efforts in solving problems associated with transmitting reliable cancer information to patients...

State

"Aldermen propose free college tuition for all high school graduates from Racine," Journal Times, Nov. 3.

All students who live in Racine and graduate from high school should receive free college tuition, two Racine aldermen have proposed...The proposed program could help promote Racine and bring new residents to the city, but it is far from finalized and a funding source has not yet been identified, (12th District Alderman Aron) Wisneski said. The program, which Wisneski and 11th District Alderman Greg Helding are studying, is known as “Racine Promise” and is based on a similar program in Kalamazoo, Mich., known as the “Kalamazoo Promise.” There, students who graduate from Kalamazoo Public Schools receive four years of paid tuition and fees to any public college or university in Michigan...

National

"Seeking shelter in business schools," Washington Post, Nov. 3.

Wall Street's collapse is creating divergent effects for business school students and applicants: MBA students are thankful to ride out the downturn in the sanctuary of academia, while those applying to master's degree programs in business administration are jittery about a surge in competition...

"College too pricey? Don't blame faculty pay," Chronicle of Higher Education, Nov. 4.

..."People hear of a few very high salaries because that's very newsworthy," says Cary Nelson, president of the American Association of University Professors. "There aren't so many of those well-off professors as people think." Still, the association is well aware that the public — and some legislators — believe there is a direct correlation between faculty salaries and rising college tuition...In a 2004 report called "Don't Blame Faculty for High Tuition," the association said that on average, tuition and fees at public colleges increased by more than double the rate of faculty-salary increases between 1990 and 2003. Tuition rose 6.6 percent per year, on average, while faculty pay rose by only 3.2 percent per year... (paid subscription required)