In anticipation of state budget cuts, University of Wisconsin Chancellor Rebecca Blank says the flagship campus will have to eliminate approximately 400 positions and end some programs and restructure others. She specifically cites the fields of information technology, agriculture and the arts.
Gov. Walker cuts state funding for the UW System by $300 million in his two-year budget proposal. Republican leaders say they hope to reduce the cuts, particularly if state revenue increases by the end of the current fiscal year.
Blank says, on her blog, that the Madison campus may have to enlarge class sizes and reduce support services for students, starting on July 1 - the start of the new fiscal year.
The chancellor anticipates that UW's deficit may approach $96 million because of the proposed state budget cuts along with the additional two-year freeze Walker wants to place on in-state tuition at all UW System campuses. Several intend to increase tuition for out-of-state students.
According to Blank, the proposed cutbacks in course and service offerings "cannot and will not stop with this year’s budget. We will continue a thorough review of university operations,to invest in our strengths and reduce or eliminate underperforming programs."
