Universities of Wisconsin preparing for next era of growth and impact (day 1 news summary)

Whitewater, WI - Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman told the Board of Regents Thursday that the UWs currently stand at a pivotal moment, one defined by renewed investment, strategic change, and a shared commitment to serving Wisconsin's future.

He said with its 2023-28 Strategic Plan serving as a guide, the UWs have achieved several notable milestones that position the UWs for long-term success. Those milestones include:

• Financial stability: All 13 UW universities operating without structural deficits
• Historic state investment: A $256-million increase in operating funds over the next two years
• Investing in people: More than $166 million of the new money is dedicated to employee compensation, supporting recruitment and retention
• Supporting significant strategic initiatives: $54 million for market compensation adjustments for faculty in high-demand fields and $7 million for 24/7 virtual mental health services; also, several major capital projects were enumerated, including UW-Milwaukee's Health Sciences facility, UW-Madison's Engineering Building, and completion of the UW-La Crosse Prairie Springs Science Center
• Enrollment momentum: Three consecutive years of enrollment growth

"These successes are not endpoints," Rothman said. "They are launching pads for the next era of growth and impact."

Continuing to draw from the Strategic Plan and with direction from the Board, Rothman said the UWs will prioritize work in four key areas over the last several years of the plan.

First, expanding who the UWs serve. Through initiatives like Direct Admit Wisconsin, dual enrollment, and expanded systemwide online and in-person continuing education and credentialing programs, online degree programs, as well as competency-based degree completion programs, the UWs will ensure every potential student has a pathway to success, Rothman said.

Second, leading in innovation. The UWs have a long history of being at the frontier of new discoveries and today, that includes artificial intelligence. In addition to embedding AI into curricula, launching new degree programs, and applying AI to research and operations, UWs students will be equipped with skills for an AI-driven economy, Rothman told Regents.

"We will define and help our students develop those 'durable' skills - such as critical thinking, creativity, judgment, intellectual curiosity, resilience, and adaptability - that will be essential and, most importantly, transferable in an AI-enabled world," he said.

Third, enhancing collaboration. "We will deepen our partnerships with employers and our educational partners to produce the workforce Wisconsin needs," Rothman said. "We will engage with entrepreneurs and create an ecosystem where those entrepreneurs can thrive and create a more vibrant economy for our state, which will not just help Wisconsinites but also attract other talented people to our state."

Fourth, improved operational efficiency. The UWs will achieve enhanced operational efficiencies, including using AI to drive productivity gains and piloting regional centers of excellence for administrative service delivery.

"We will develop a systemwide strategy that demonstrates clear ROI for every university and frees resources for teaching, research, and innovation, so operational efficiency becomes a driver of academic vibrancy," Rothman said.

The UWs envision a future where 13 distinct universities unite as one collaborative, state-aligned, AI-enabled ecosystem, serving as Wisconsin's preeminent talent magnet and innovation engine, Rothman told Regents.

"We will meet learners where they are, expand access for all, and foster a culture of academic excellence, operational agility, and public service," he said. "By embracing diversity in its many forms, leveraging world-class research, and leading in artificial intelligence, we will ensure every student, community, and industry has the ability to thrive in Wisconsin's future."

UW-Whitewater is Warhawk Bold on AI

In the host campus presentation, UW-Whitewater Chancellor Corey King highlighted how the university is integrating virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) into teaching and learning to enhance student success, strengthen skill development, and advance career readiness.

"We are using virtual reality to help students build career-ready skills in a safe, simulated environment," King said. "From managing classroom discussions to navigating complex professional situations, it's real-life learning that meets students where they are in the world of technology. We are embracing artificial intelligence and exploring how it can enhance teaching, learning and leadership across our university."

The presentation included a simulation with avatar "DAImian" to show how students might use VR and AI to strengthen their instructional skills through guided practice and immediate feedback.

King told Regents that UWW faculty and staff are continuously reimagining the learning experience to prepare students to lead and thrive in an ever-changing world.

"What you just saw is more than technology," King said. "It is our commitment to action. Innovation, creativity, collaboration, and student-centered learning drive UW-Whitewater's success."

Regent President's Report

Regent President Amy Bogost provided the Board with brief updates on two ongoing chancellor searches.

At UW-Eau Claire, she said an 11-member Search and Screen committee was appointed in mid-October. Regent Karen Walsh will chair that committee with Arthur Grothe, a Professor of Theatre Arts, serving as vice chair. Along with representatives from UW-Eau Claire and the local community, other committee members include Regents Ed Manydeeds, Timothy Nixon, Tom Palzewicz, and Amy Traynor.

At UW-Stevens Point, the Search and Screen committee, led by Regent Jack Salzwedel as chair and Professor Kristi Roth as vice chair, is currently in the process of identifying and reviewing candidates. The application deadline for full consideration is December 8. The committee is expected to interview semifinalists early in 2026 and a Special Regents Committee will then identify finalists to be invited to visit the campus, likely sometime in February.

Turning to Regents Business Partnership Awards, Bogost introduced a video recap of the collaborations recognized over the past three years since the award was established.

"Collaborating with our partners in the business world and our communities is an ongoing and continued priority of the UWs," Bogost said. "These awards are part of recognizing the shared interests we have in building a strong Wisconsin."

UWs President's Report

In addition to his update on the Strategic Plan, Rothman presented Regents with a brief "shout-out" video that highlights the vital role faculty and staff play in the college experience and student success.

This year's 130 individual shout-out videos, filmed at all 13 UWs, feature students talking about the faculty and staff who've made a difference in their UW experience. Since August 2025, this third round of shout-outs have garnered about 1.5 million views across Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn platforms.

"I thank all of our faculty and staff across the Universities of Wisconsin for their enduring commitment to our students and student success," Rothman said.

Regents approve annual Program Revenue Balances Report

The Regents approved the UW Program Revenue Balances Report for fiscal year 2025. The report, which was presented to the Business & Finance Committee, notes that total unrestricted program revenue balances increased by $59.5 million, of which 78% is obligated or designated for a specific purpose. Tuition balances increased $46.3 million, which is a 47% reduction since the inception of balance reporting in FY 2013, and which represents 34 days of operating expenses.

The balances reflect the conservative fiscal management practiced by the universities in light of uncertainty in the level of both federal and state funding at the end of the fiscal year.

The report offers details on the program revenue balances by category for each university. Those universities with balances exceeding 12% of expenditures in any category have provided details on the projects and initiatives for which those funds are obligated or planned.

The UWs' revised financial forecasts for FY26 were also reviewed. These revisions, relative to the preliminary operating budget approved by the Board in July, incorporate the provisions of the pay plan as approved in the state biennial budget, and reflect updates based on this fall's 10^th-day student enrollment figures. These updates result in increases of about 2.5% in both GPR/tuition revenues and expenses, as well as increases of under 1% in auxiliary revenues and expenses. The report provides the revised forecasts for GPR/tuition and auxiliaries, respectively, by university, as well as a description of the factors driving those revisions.

In other business, the Regents:

• Heard a resolution of appreciation for UW-Whitewater's hosting of the December 2025 Board of Regents meeting;
• Heard UW-Green Bay's NCAA Division I Athletics 2023-24 Report;
• In accordance with Regent Policy Document 4-21, "Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression," received the 2024-25 annual report describing implementation of the policy, including a description of efforts to support academic freedom and freedom of expression and a report of policy violations;
• Approved UW-Madison's request for a Master of Science in Applied and Computational Mathematics. The new degree program will complement the existing M.A. in Mathematics program, specifically its Foundations of Advanced Studies subplan, and is designed for students who have earned an undergraduate degree in mathematics or another quantitative discipline;
• Approved UW-Milwaukee's request for a Doctorate of Social Work to address critical workforce needs at the local, state, and national levels. This advanced doctorate will fill a significant gaps in the UWs, where no D.S.W. programs currently exist, while responding to growing demand for leadership, teaching, and practice-focused roles in social work;
• Approved UW-Stevens Point's request for a Bachelor of Science in Sport Business. The program emphasizes business literacy, sport analytics, sport marketing, and sport management, and extends existing business curriculum to meet strong market and student demand for sport business skills. It also opens a new area of growth for the UW-Stevens Point;
• Approved UW-Superior's request for a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. The program elevates the long-standing Exercise Science concentration within the B.S. in Physical Education program, which has the highest enrollment within the Department of Health and Human Performance, thus responding to strong student interest and market demand;
• Approved UW-Superior's request for a Bachelor of Science in Sport and Recreation Management. The program is driven by the success of the existing Sports Management minor offered by the Department of Health and Human Performance, and responds to both strong student demand, external market demand, and UW-Superior's commitment to applied learning and workforce development;
• Approved UW-Whitewater's request for a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence. This interdisciplinary program builds on UWW's strengths in computer science and collaboration with departments in mathematics, psychology, and philosophy to offer a comprehensive curriculum that integrates technical foundations, ethical considerations, and hands-on applications of AI;
• Approved proposed revisions to UW-Stout's Post-Tenure Review policy and procedures in UW-Stout's Faculty, Academic Staff, and Limited Appointees Handbook. The changes are intended to align policy with practice, ensure UW-Stout's policy and practice are in alignment with current Regent policy, and communicate clear processes to the faculty;
• Approved UW-Madison's request to restructure its existing School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) into the College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence. The realignment will build on the success of CDIS and position the university as a national leader, fostering cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary collaborations, and workforce development;
• In the Education Committee, received the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health's Wisconsin Partnership Program (WPP) Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Report. The report highlighted the progress and achievements of the WPP and its many grant partners over the past year;
• In the Education Committee, heard an overview of the process and recommendations of the Program Elimination Taskforce. The taskforce outlined five recommendations: (1) a new metric for flagging low enrolled undergraduate programs; (2) inclusion of standardized components to university-based low enrollment policies; (3) increased reporting to the Board of Regents on program enrollment trends; (4) standard academic term start dates across the system for fall and spring; and (5) an accelerated investigation into better ways for UWs to share courses and/or programs. Revisions to SYS 102 are anticipated to incorporate the first three recommendations; two new taskforces will be formed to address the fourth and fifth recommendations;
• In the Education Committee, heard a host campus report, "UW-Whitewater: Deepening a Culture of Collaboration to Fuel Student Success;"
• In the Education Committee, heard an update by Senor Vice President Johannes Britz on teaching workload and core general education credit transfer policies and next steps;
• In the Business & Finance Committee, received the Q3 report from the UW Office of Trust Funds. As of September 30, assets in the SWIB-managed portfolios totaled $691 million. For the quarter, the Long Term Fund increased in value 5.28%, performing in line with its benchmark. In the Intermediate Term Fund, assets totaled $783 million after gains of 2.7% for that quarter, also performing comparably to its benchmark;
• Approved an amendment to the agreement with Sodexo for dining services operations at UW-Eau Claire. This one-year extension includes a reduction in the cost per boarder per day, achieving an estimated savings of $30,000, and will allow for the development of an updated strategic dining services approach;
• In the Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee, heard the Office of Internal Audit's Fiscal Year 2026 Audit Plan Progress Report as well as the Results of Reports Recently Issued;
• In the Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee, heard the Office of Compliance and Risk Management's Progress Report on UW System Administrative Policy (SYS) 625 Youth Protection and Compliance Audit;
• In the Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee, heard a report from Edward Murphy, Associate Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer, on Cybersecurity and Privacy Risks Related to the Use of Generative AI;
• Approved UW System's request for authority to construct various maintenance and repair projects, including:
  • Multi-parking ramp structural repairs at UW-Madison;
  • Utility tunnel floor repairs at UW-Parkside;
  • Kress Event Center lighting renovation at UW-Green Bay;
• Approved UW System's request for various minor facilities renewal projects, including exterior envelope maintenance and repair at UW-Milwaukee's Chapman Hall and roof/plaza deck waterproofing and replacement at UW-Green Bay's Instruction Services;
• Approved UW-Stevens Point's request for a one-time, annual segregated fee increase of $34.40 applied from 2027 through 2047, authorizing the construction of the Dreyfus University Center roof replacement;
• In the Capital Planning & Budget Committee, heard a status report on Real Estate Transactions June 1, 2025, through November 30, 2025;
• In the Capital Planning & Budget Committee, heard a status report on UW Solely Managed Capital Projects, July 1, 2025, through December 1, 2025. The report noted there are 54 active projects valued at $735 million; and 19 projects, $34 million, are completed and working on close-out activities; and
• In the Capital Planning & Budget Committee, heard a host campus presentation, "UW-Whitewater: Winther/Heide Capital Project and Student Success."

The next meeting of the Board of Regents for the Universities of Wisconsin is January 15, 2026 (videoconference).