MADISON, Wis. – Regent President Kyle Weatherly told Board members that he is optimistic about the Universities of Wisconsin’s 2027-29 biennial budget request, unanimously approved by the Board last month and now submitted to the Governor and Department of Administration for consideration.
In his report to Regents at a virtual Board meeting Thursday, he indicated that the gubernatorial candidates and other candidates across the state would be supportive of initiatives focused on affordability, workforce development, and expanding health care access and advancing life-saving discoveries.
“Everything they are advocating for, everything they are promising, tracks exactly to what we are purposing,” Weatherly said.
Echoing the three promises of the UWs’ budget, Weatherly reiterated, “We all want opportunity and education to be more affordable and more attainable to every Wisconsinite. We all want healthcare to be more accessible in every corner of the state. And we all want the Wisconsin economy to be robust, dynamic, and growing.
“That is why I am so optimistic and excited not only about the prospect of this budget but also the change we can effect if successful,” Weatherly said.
Regent Vice President Ashok Rai, who has joined Weatherly in engaging with media outlets recently to discuss the UWs’ budget request, noted that the ask represents a shift in perspective to focus on meeting the state’s needs, rather than more narrowly on the UW needs.
“We want to leverage the Universities of Wisconsin as an asset to meet the state’s most pressing needs. And we know – as with any asset – if you don’t invest in it, it diminishes, along with its potential to provide benefit,” Rai said. “We all need thriving UWs, and this budget is focused on producing that.”
Discussions between numerous UWs representatives and legislators and other interested parties will continue in the coming months.
Regents consider revisions to Freshman Admissions Policy
In the Education Committee, Regents held a first reading of Regent Policy Document (RPD) 7-3 to consider proposals for several revisions to a system-wide Freshman Admissions Policy that was last updated in 2007. Proposals include making permanent the temporary suspension of provisions requiring first-year student applicants to submit standardized test scores (ACT/SAT) with the admission application.
Other proposed changes include describing the three admission pathways currently available to first-year students who are Wisconsin residents: Direct Admit Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Guarantee, and the traditional admission pathway. Proposed revisions also could include refining terminology such as replacing the term “freshman” with “first-year student” and updating the existing guaranteed transfer admission option for transfer students who earn an AA or AS associate degree from any Wisconsin institute of higher education.
Regent Manydeeds raised questions about the three admissions pathways outlined in the policy not currently applying to all UW universities. Direct Admit Wisconsin, for example, is currently applicable at 10 of the 13 universities. UW-Eau Claire will be the 11th to join the program for fall 2027.
“A comprehensive admissions policy has to be comprehensive,” said Regent Joan Prince, chair of the Education Committee. Further discussion will be necessary, she said.
Regent Amy Bogost asked about national trends related to SAT/ACT test scores being used for first-year admissions. Associate Vice President for Enrollment & Student Success Julie Amon noted that more than 2,000 institutions nationally – including many of the UWs’ peers – have made such test scores either optional or not required. She added that it is primarily Ivy League and other selective universities that continue to require the test scores.
The proposed policy revisions would create a comprehensive undergraduate admission policy that addresses both first-year and transfer students. As such, the policy would be renamed to “University of Wisconsin System Undergraduate Admission Policy”. A second reading and vote will occur at a future meeting.
Board President’s Report
In addition to updating Regents on budget progress, President Weatherly also addressed other top priorities in his report to the Board. One of the top priorities is selecting the next leaders for the Universities of Wisconsin and UW-Madison.
Regent Rai, chair of the UWs presidential search committee, said its members are currently reviewing applications from dozens of candidates. The committee expects to host separate public listening sessions with finalists on Oct. 26 at UW-Parkside and Oct. 27 at UW-Madison.
Regent Bogost, chair of the UW-Madison chancellor search committee, said feedback from a recent listening session on the Madison campus, has been shared with the committee. In the coming weeks, a list of candidates will be identified for a first round of interviews. By November 9, finalist interviews are expected with the next chancellor potentially named before Thanksgiving.
Another priority is for the Board to model continuous learning, experimentation, and improvement, Weatherly said. Among the modifications being considered are board committee structures, meeting frequency, and meeting format.
Finally, Weatherly announced the launch of a new scholarship campaign, “Why UW?” It encourages students to make a video – 60 seconds or less – highlighting what makes their campus experience special. It’s all about hearing from students in their own words and on the social media platforms they use, Weatherly said.
The fall’s opening round of the campaign features four universities: UW-Parkside, UW-Stevens Point, UW-Superior, and UW-Whitewater.
UWs President’s Report
UWs President Renée Wachter called Regents’ attention to the UWs’ recently announced first-day enrollment numbers for fall 2026. She said that after three years of consecutive growth, the first-day numbers show a slight decrease of 1% — largely due to declines in the number of international students. Overall, first-day enrollment stands at about 163,260 students.
“These holding steady numbers are encouraging evidence that our UW universities remain one of the state’s most important assets,” Wachter said. “We have worked hard to expand access, align our programs with student and workforce needs, prioritize student success, and maintain our position as the Midwest leaders in affordability. These preliminary numbers are a positive sign of the value that Wisconsinites find in a UW degree.”
Final enrollment counts come later this fall.
Acknowledging the critical role of faculty and staff in the UWs’ success, Wachter also announced the launch of the fourth round of the UWs’ “Shout-outs” campaign, which gives students the opportunity to offer a shout-out to a faculty or staff member who has made a real difference to them in their college experience. “It’s a candid and authentic expression of impact,” she said.
Across various platforms, the shout-outs historically have garnered significant positive traction with last spring’s campaign alone generating more than a million hits. Video crews will be visiting campuses all fall to collect shout-outs, with the results expected to hit social media in early spring.
Finally, Wachter told the story of the new Grazier’s Daughter cheese company as a real-life example of how the UWs help Wisconsin businesses. The father and daughter partnership of Joe Tomandl and Abby Brandner, both UW-River Falls graduates, actively engaged with the UWs’ Food Finance Institute (FFI) to support the product development and launch, financial planning, and address a myriad of logistical challenges to successfully bring a new cheese product to market.
“The “Grazier’s Daughter launch shows how FFI – how the Universities of Wisconsin – can help Wisconsin agricultural entrepreneurs move from an idea for a value-added product to a business with finished products in the marketplace,” Wachter said.
Supporting Wisconsin businesses is a key platform of the UWs’ biennial budget request.
In other business, the Regents:
- In the Education Committee, had a first reading on a proposal to amend and renumber RPD 7-1, “Transfer and Award of Credit for Extra-Institutional Learning;”
- Approved an amendment to the Integration Agreement between the UW Hospital and Clinics Authority and UW Medical Foundation. The proposal follows a review launched in 2024 by the leadership of UW-Madison and its academic health system partner, which identified opportunities to strengthen the alignment of the collective enterprise and streamline the financial model supporting the School of Medicine and Public Health. The amendment will enable modifications to be made to the financial model that align incentives and support strategic decision-making to elevate the School of Medicine and Public Health and uphold UW Health’s tripartite mission of healthcare delivery, education, and research;
- Approved construction of the 2025-27 Classroom Renovation/Instructional Technology Improvement Program Locations impacted include:
- UW-Milwaukee Physics Instructional Lab relocations;
- UW-Green Bay Studio Arts C-Wing Lab renovations;
- UW-La Crosse Mitchell Hall and Morris Hall Lab renovations;
- UW-Madison Van Vleck Lecture Hall renovations;
- UW-Parkside Greenquist Hall Science Lab renovation;
- Approved authority to construct 14 All Agency Maintenance and Repair projects:
- At UW-Green Bay, the Laboratory Sciences Fume Hood Controls Replacement project for $1.33 million replaces original fume hood controls throughout the Laboratory Sciences Building. It is a targeted investment that modernizes critical laboratory infrastructure and improves reliability for science instruction and research;
- At UW-Parkside, the Heating & Chilling Plant Building Piping Repairs for $1.96 million project repairs and replaces deteriorated sanitary sewer piping beneath the campus Heating & Chilling Plant. The project addresses underground infrastructure that supports core campus operations and preserves the long-term functionality of this essential utility facility;
- At UW-River Falls, the Stadium Grandstand & Bleacher Code Compliance Renovations for $1.41 million project renovates stadium seating to improve accessibility, code compliance, and the overall spectator experience;
- At UW-Stout Polytechnic Bowman Hall Roof Replacement for $2.26 million project replaces the existing roof on historic Bowman Hall with a historically accurate copper standing-seam metal roofing system. Built in 1897 and listed on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places, Bowman Hall is one of UW-Stout Polytechnic’s most significant buildings;
- At UW-Eau Claire, the Heating Plant Boiler Renovations project for $5.0 million project restores capacity and reliability at the central heating plant by replacing burners and associated boiler equipment. The work ensures the plant can continue meeting campus heating demands and maintain dependable service during peak winter conditions;
- At UW-Eau Claire, the McPhee Physical Education Exterior Wooden Stairs Replacement project for $3.52 million replaces the heavily used stair system connecting UW-Eau Claire’s upper and lower campus. As one of the primary pathways on campus, the project improves accessibility, reliability, and the daily experience of students, faculty, and visitors;
- At UW-La Crosse, the Central Chilled Water Main Renovation project for $4.97 million replaces approximately 1,400 feet of chilled water main and increases pipe capacity from 18 inches to 24 inches. By improving system performance, the project helps position the university to meet future cooling demands;
- At UW-Milwaukee, the Golda Meir Library Concrete Plaza and Tunnel Membrane Repairs project for $2.71 million repairs and replaces deteriorated concrete plazas, stairs, and walkways surrounding the Golda Meir Library while also replacing a failed waterproof membrane above the tunnel connecting the library’s east and west wings. The improvements protect critical infrastructure, improve ADA accessibility, and extend the useful life of one of the campus’s most heavily used facilities;
- At UW-Madison, the Hospital and Clinical Science Center Electrical Utility Renovation project for $4.75 million replaces electrical feeders serving the Hospital and Clinical Science Center complex and improves the resiliency of the electrical distribution system by establishing more independent routes. The work strengthens reliability for facilities that support teaching, research, and healthcare operations while modernizing critical utility infrastructure;
- At UW-Madison, the Steam Pit 26-11 Reconstruction project for $2.72 million reconstructs a central utility steam pit that has reached the end of its useful life. The new structure will better protect steam infrastructure from water infiltration and roadway runoff while supporting reliable utility service to connected campus facilities;
- At UW-River Falls, the Ramer Field Exterior Track and Infield Turf Replacement project for $4.59 million replaces the outdoor track and synthetic turf field at Ramer Field. The new track will meet current NCAA standards and restores a key athletics venue, improves safety and performance, and allows the university to once again host track competitions;
- At UW-River Falls, the Wyman Education Building Chilled Water Utility Connection project for $732,000 connects the Wyman Education Building to the campus chilled water system and removes aging standalone cooling equipment. The project replaces a system that has become increasingly difficult and costly to maintain while creating a more efficient and reliable long-term cooling solution;
- At UW-Madison, the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation Fire Pump and Electrical Infrastructure Renovation project for $2.52 million installs a new fire pump and upgrades electrical infrastructure in a 14-story research facility. These upgrades support continued safe operation of a major research facility;
- At UW-River Falls, the Multi-Building Energy Conservation project for $3.16 million upgrades lighting, lighting controls, and building envelope systems across multiple campus facilities. The project advances campus sustainability goals while lowering long-term operating costs;
- Approved requests for authority to construct $23.4 million for three Minor Facilities Renewal projects at UW-Green Bay, UW-La Crosse, and UW-Whitewater.
- At UW-Green Bay, the $7.3 million Multi-Building Roof Replacements project replaces roofing systems on Rose Hall, Studio Arts, and Wood Hall. Several of these roof sections are more than 30 years old and well beyond their warranty period;
- At UW-La Crosse, the $8.74 million Heating Plant Boiler Burner Replacements project installs new gas and oil burners and updates supporting equipment at the campus heating plant. The project helps restore plant capacity and ensures the university can continue meeting campus heating demands during peak winter conditions;
- At UW-Whitewater, the $7.4 million Williams Center Roof Replacement project replaces approximately 106,000 square feet of aging roofing on the Williams Center. The existing roof has been patched repeatedly for leaks and has reached the end of its useful life;
- Approved UW-La Crosse’s request for authority to construct the Residence Halls Elevator Tower Additions Project for $9.642 million. The project adds new elevators to Sanford and White Halls, modernizes the elevator in Wentz Hall, and improves accessibility and reliability across these residence halls;
- Approved UW-Madison’s request for authority to demolish the Extension Building at UW-Madison for $4.77 million. The building has been vacant since 2025, and the project will clear and restore the site for future campus development;
- Approved UW-Madison’s request for authority to increase the budget for the Health Sciences Renovation Project at UW-Milwaukee by $11.1 million, bringing the total project cost to $200.4 million. The project will transform former hospital space into a centralized home for Health Sciences programs and help meet growing workforce and instructional needs in healthcare;
- In the Capital Planning & Budget Committee, heard a from Associate Vice President Deej Lundgren regarding the pending sale of the Pigeon Lake Field Station and a construction update on Sentry Hall at UW-Stevens Point;
- In the Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee, held a first reading to review RPD 20-19, “UW System Criminal Background Check Policy.” The proposed revisions are designed to expand the definition of Vulnerable Population under Positions of Trust to include incarcerated students participating in the Prison-Eligible Pell program and standardize the criminal background check process by clarifying the required databases and adding a required global sanctions check for all applicants for employment, current employees, and volunteers;
- In the Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee, held a first reading to review RPD 20-22, “Code of Ethics.” The proposed revisions are designed to align the definition of “immediate family member” for university staff with the same definition used within Wisconsin Administrative Code UWS 8.02(9) and make consistent the standards for a conflict of interest for university staff with the description in Wisconsin Administrative Code UWS 8.03(1)(a) for faculty, academic staff, and limited employees who are not State Public Officials. Proposals also extend access to consultation and advice from the institutional ethics committee established under Wisconsin Administrative Code UWS 8.035 to university staff.
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The next meeting of the Board of Regents for the Universities of Wisconsin will be October 8-9, 2026, at UW-Superior