“The Legislature’s Conference Committee has completed its budget cuts, which will reduce the UW System budget by approximately $44 million for the coming academic year and beyond.
“We appreciate the Governor’s and legislators’ special consideration for the role the university plays in economic development and the need to protect this mission even in tight budget times to the extent possible.
“Within our means, the UW System will continue to look for ways to strengthen the state’s economic future through producing skilled graduates, educated citizens and cutting-edge research.
“As the Board of Regents has made clear earlier, we are committed to maintaining a quality education for all UW students and will manage budget reductions in this context.”