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 University of Wisconsin System, which comprises two Research I universities, eleven comprehensive universities, thirteen branch campuses, and a statewide extension network. The Board ensures that each institution operates within a framework that balances autonomy with systemwide policies and priorities.

Structure

The Board consists of 18 members:

• Appointed Members: 16 members are appointed by the Governor of Wisconsin, subject to confirmation by the Senate. Of these, 14 serve staggered seven-year terms.
• Student Members: Two University of Wisconsin System students are appointed for two-year terms, with one being a non-traditional student.
• Ex Officio Members: The State Superintendent of Public Instruction and the President of the Wisconsin Technical College System Board (or their designee) serve as ex officio members.

Responsibilities

The Board of Regents is vested with significant authority to manage and govern the University of Wisconsin System. Key responsibilities include:

• Policy Establishment: The Board establishes policies and rules to govern the system.
• Educational Planning: It plans to meet future state needs for collegiate education.
• Admission Standards: The Board sets admission standards and policies.
• Budgetary Oversight: It reviews and approves university budgets.
• Regulatory Framework: Establishes the regulatory framework allowing individual units to operate with autonomy.
• Leadership Appointments: The Board appoints the President of the UW System, the chancellors of the thirteen universities, and grants tenure to qualified faculty members.

Meetings and Governance

The Board holds eight regular meetings annually and may convene special meetings as needed. Its leadership includes a President and Vice President, elected annually in June, along with an Executive Director who serves as Corporate Secretary. The President of the Board is responsible for appointing members to various committees.

Role in Governance

The Board works closely with the UW System administration, located in Madison, to implement policies and ensure the programmatic, financial, and physical development of the system. The chancellors of each university are responsible for the administration of their respective institutions, subject to Board policies. Faculty and academic staff play critical roles in advising on academic activities and policy development.

Historical Context

The Board of Regents was established following the 1971 merger law, which unified the governance of the University of Wisconsin under a single Board. This structure has allowed for coordinated planning and resource allocation across the system. In 2018, a restructuring aligned the thirteen two-year UW Colleges with seven comprehensive universities, further integrating branch campuses into the system.