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 affairs of the University of Wisconsin System. The system comprises two Research I universities, 11 comprehensive universities, and a network of branch campuses and extension offices.

Composition

The Board of Regents consists of 18 members:

• Appointed Members: 14 citizen members appointed by the Governor of Wisconsin to staggered, seven-year terms. The Governor is required to appoint at least one Regent from each of the state's congressional districts[4].
• Student Members: Two student members are appointed for two-year terms. One of these students must be a non-traditional student[1][2][4].
• 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[1][2][4].

Responsibilities

The Board has numerous responsibilities critical to the operation and governance of the University of Wisconsin System:

• Policy Establishment: Establishes policies and rules for governing the system, including admission standards and regulatory frameworks for individual institutions[1][2].
• Budget Approval: Reviews and approves university budgets[1][2].
• Appointments: Appoints the President of the University System, chancellors of the universities, and grants tenure to qualified faculty members[1][3].
• Governing Framework: Establishes the educational programs offered by each institution and manages state-owned property[4].

Governance Structure

Members of the Board serve without pay and have significant influence over the direction of the University System. The Board President, Vice President, and other corporate officers are elected annually during the Board’s annual meeting in June[1][2]. The Board meets regularly eight times per year, with additional meetings held as needed[1][2].

History

The University of Wisconsin System was formed by a 1971 merger law, uniting various higher education institutions under a single governing body[2]. The Board of Regents plays a crucial role in aligning educational policies with state needs and overseeing the system's expansion and restructuring efforts, such as the integration of branch campuses with comprehensive universities[2][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/