MADISON, Wis.—Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers today directed $19 million to the University of Wisconsin System for COVID-19 pandemic-related expenses. UW System announced this week that its 13 universities will offer on-campus instruction this fall.
UW System Regent President Andrew S. Petersen:
“We appreciate the funding announced today by Governor Evers. As we have said throughout, COVID-19 has had a severely negative fiscal impact on our institutions, and we anticipate costs will increase as we work to bring students back to campus this fall. We look forward to continuing to work with the Governor and the legislature to identify the resources necessary for our institutions to successfully serve students in the coming academic year.”
UW System President Ray Cross:
“This funding is a welcome first step in helping our institutions manage costs brought on by the pandemic, but further support is needed to meet the growing and changing challenges. Our universities continue to prepare for in-person instruction this fall, and this funding will allow them to partially offset technology infrastructure, personal protective equipment, and other costs.”
The University of Wisconsin System serves approximately 170,000 students. Awarding nearly 37,000 degrees annually, the UW System is Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Nearly 90 percent of UW System graduates stay in Wisconsin five years after earning a degree. The UW System provides a 23:1 return on state investment. UW System institutions also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin’s culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy.