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). The Board consists of 14 citizen members appointed by the Governor of Wisconsin and confirmed by the Senate, who serve seven-year staggered terms. Additionally, two student members are appointed to two-year terms, with one representing non-traditional students. The State Superintendent of Public Instruction and the President of the Wisconsin Technical College System Board (or a designee) serve as ex officio members.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Board is mandated to establish policies and rules for governing the UW System, plan for future state needs in collegiate education, set admission standards and policies, review and approve university budgets, and establish the regulatory framework for the individual units to operate with maximum autonomy within system-wide policies. The Board is also responsible for appointing the President of the UW System and the chancellors of the 13 universities. All appointees serve at the pleasure of the Board, which also grants tenure appointments to qualified faculty members.

Meetings and Governance

The Board holds eight regular meetings annually, with special meetings scheduled as needed. The Board President, Vice President, and other corporate officers are elected each June for one-year terms. The President designates membership of various committees, which include education, business and finance, audit, capital planning and budget, research, economic development, and innovation, among others.

History and Structure

The UW System was formed in 1971 through the merger of two systems under a single Board of Regents. The current system includes two Research I universities (Madison and Milwaukee), 11 comprehensive universities, and a statewide extension network with offices in every county. In 2018, a restructuring aligned the 13 two-year UW Colleges with seven of the comprehensive universities.

Notable Features

The UW System focuses on academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. The Board's decisions are guided by the need to maintain a balance between state needs and the autonomy of individual institutions.

Legal Framework

The Board operates under Chapter 36 of the Wisconsin State Statutes, which grants it all powers necessary for the operation of the system, subject to specified limitations. The Board has authority over degree-granting, admission policies, budgeting, property management, and more.

EIN and Status

The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System operates as a non-profit entity, with an Employer Identification Number (EIN) of 371767074. It is a vital component of the state's higher education framework, serving both traditional and non-traditional students across Wisconsin.

[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/