Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System

The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System is an 18-member governing body responsible for overseeing the University of Wisconsin System (UW System), which comprises multiple educational institutions across Wisconsin, including two Research I universities and 11 comprehensive universities. The board was established under Chapter 36 of the Wisconsin State Statutes as a successor to the merger of education systems in 1971.

Membership

The Board of Regents consists of 18 members:

• 14 Citizen Members: These are appointed by the Governor of Wisconsin and confirmed by the Senate. They serve staggered seven-year terms.
• 2 Student Members: One traditional and one non-traditional student are also appointed by the Governor for two-year terms.
• 2 Ex Officio Members: The State Superintendent of Public Instruction and a representative from the Wisconsin Technical College System Board serve in this capacity[1][2][4].

Responsibilities

The Board of Regents plays a crucial role in the governance of the UW System, with responsibilities including:

• Establishing policies and rules for the system.
• Planning to meet future state needs for collegiate education.
• Setting admission standards and policies.
• Reviewing and approving university budgets.
• Appointing the President of the UW System and the chancellors of the universities.
• Granting tenure to faculty members[1][2][3].

Meetings and Governance

Regular meetings are typically held eight times a year, with special meetings scheduled as needed. The board's president, vice president, and other officers are elected annually. Members serve voluntarily without pay[1][4].

Administrative Structure

The UW System Administration supports the Board by assisting in policy development and implementing Board decisions. The President and chancellors are responsible for administrative tasks and ensuring that the regents' policies are implemented effectively across the institutions[4].

[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/