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 operations of the University of Wisconsin System. The board consists of 16 members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, with 14 serving seven-year terms and two students serving two-year terms. Additionally, there are 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][4].

Composition

• Appointed Members: Fourteen citizens are appointed by the Governor to serve staggered seven-year terms. Two students, one of whom must be a non-traditional student (over the age of 24), are appointed to two-year terms[1][2][4].
• Ex officio Members: The state superintendent of public instruction and the president or a designee of the Wisconsin Technical College System Board hold the two ex-officio positions[1][2].

Responsibilities

The Board of Regents is responsible for:

• Policy Establishment: Setting policies and rules that govern the UW System, ensuring alignment with future state educational needs[1][4].
• Academic Standards: Establishing admission standards and academic policies for the universities[3][4].
• Budget Approval: Reviewing and approving budgets for the universities within the system[1][2].
• Tenure Grants: Granting tenure to qualified faculty members[1].
• Administrative Appointments: Appointing the UW System president, chancellors of the 13 universities, and other key positions within the system[3][4].

Meetings and Governance

• Regular Meetings: The Board holds eight regular meetings annually, with special meetings scheduled as needed[1][2].
• Leadership Election: The Board President and Vice President are elected annually during the Board's regular meeting in June[2].
• Committee Assignments: The Board President assigns members to various committees focused on different aspects of governance and policy[2].

System Overview

The University of Wisconsin System encompasses two Research I universities (UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee), 11 comprehensive universities, and a network of branch campuses and extension services[2]. The system's administration supports the Board in its governance role[4].