Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System

The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System is the governing body responsible for overseeing the operations and policies of the University of Wisconsin System, which comprises 13 universities and various branch campuses. Established under Chapter 36 of the Wisconsin State Statutes, the Board consists of 18 members, including 16 appointed by the Governor of Wisconsin, who must confirm these appointments in the state Senate. Among these, 14 members serve staggered seven-year terms, while two student regents are appointed for two-year terms, with at least one being a non-traditional student. The Board also includes two ex officio members: the state superintendent of public instruction and the president or a designee of the Wisconsin Technical College System Board[1][2].

Responsibilities

The Board of Regents has a broad range of responsibilities, which include:

• Establishing policies and regulations for the governance of the University of Wisconsin System.
• Setting standards for admissions and overseeing university budgets.
• Appointing the President of the University System and the chancellors of its individual universities.
• Granting tenure appointments to faculty members[2][3].

The Board meets regularly throughout the year, typically holding eight regular meetings along with additional special meetings as required. Regents serve without pay and are tasked with ensuring that the governance of the system aligns with the needs of the state and its educational goals[1][4].

Structure and Elections

The leadership of the Board includes a President, a Vice President, and a full-time Executive Director and Corporate Secretary, all of whom are elected during the Board's annual meeting each June. The Board President has the authority to designate committee memberships and appointments to various internal committees, which handle matters related to education, finance, and personnel, among others[1][2].

Context

The University of Wisconsin System underwent significant restructuring in 2018, which aligned several two-year colleges with comprehensive universities to enhance educational access and efficiency in the system[2]. This restructuring reflects the Board's ongoing commitment to adapt to the changing demands of higher education in Wisconsin.

In summary, the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System plays a crucial role in shaping the direction and governance of higher education in Wisconsin, ensuring that the system not only meets current educational demands but is also prepared for future challenges.

[1] https://www.wisconsin.edu/regents/ [2] https://www.wisconsin.edu/about/ [3] https://uwm.edu/union/event-services/policies-and-procedures/uw-system-board-of-regents/ [4] https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/misc/lfb/informational_papers/january_2023/0036_university_of_wisconsin_system_overview_informational_paper_36.pdf [5] https://editorial-styleguide.strategiccommunication.wisc.edu/term/uw-system-board-of-regents/