For Immediate Release:
Monday, May 18, 2020
This week begins a series of campus listening sessions for UW System shared governance representatives on the topic of outgoing UW System President Ray Cross’s proposal to shrink the UW System, consolidating and eliminating programs and positions across campuses.
“On every campus across the state our members have been pushing back against this ill-advised attempt to use the pandemic as an excuse to cut back on students’ opportunities. We’re glad to see the Regents now involving shared governance representatives in the discussion,” said AFT-Wisconsin President Kim Kohlhaas.
“But let’s be clear: this should be just the beginning of a broader discussion. The Regents shouldn’t vote on such a vast and potentially historic proposal as this at their June meeting. Instead, we urge the Regents to seek input from all stakeholders across the System, and to advocate for a Wisconsin Idea that serves our students equally, no matter which UW campus they choose to attend. Regents can and should strengthen the UW System by calling for greater state and federal funding, as well as resisting attempts to diminish the educational experience of our students.”
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