Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System

The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System is a governing board responsible for overseeing the University of Wisconsin System (UW System). The board consists of 18 members, with 16 appointed by the Governor of Wisconsin and confirmed by the Senate. These 16 members serve staggered seven-year terms, ensuring continuity and stability in governance. Two student regents are appointed for two-year terms, with one of these positions reserved for a non-traditional student. 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.

Responsibilities

The Board of Regents plays a crucial role in the governance of the UW System by:

• Establishing Policies: Setting policies and rules that govern the operation of all units within the system.
• Planning and Budgeting: Engaging in strategic planning to meet future higher education needs in Wisconsin and reviewing and approving university budgets.
• Admission Standards: Setting admission standards and policies for the universities.
• Appointments: Appointing the President of the UW System and the chancellors of its universities. The Board also grants tenure to faculty members.
• Regulatory Framework: Establishing a regulatory framework that allows individual units to operate with significant autonomy.

Administration and Governance

The Board elects a President and a Vice President each year in June. It also appoints an Executive Director and Corporate Secretary. The Board President has the authority to designate membership on various committees and other appointments. The Board meets regularly eight times a year, with special meetings called as needed.

Historical and Current Actions

Historically, the Board of Regents has been involved in numerous initiatives, including defending academic freedom, as notably highlighted by the Sifting and Winnowing resolution in 1894. Recently, the Board has focused on tuition adjustments, economic development through university research, and expanding online educational programs to meet evolving student needs.

Composition and Service

All appointed Regents serve without pay. This volunteer nature of their roles underscores their commitment to public service and the advancement of higher education in Wisconsin.

[1] https://www.wisconsin.edu/regents/ [2] https://uwm.edu/union/event-services/policies-and-procedures/uw-system-board-of-regents/ [3] https://www.wisconsin.edu/executive-leadership/ [4] https://editorial-styleguide.strategiccommunication.wisc.edu/term/uw-system-board-of-regents/ [5] https://news.wisc.edu/tag/board-of-regents/