As I See It
How will Wisconsin respond to changes in higher education?
Change has come quickly to higher education in the U.S. That is certainly true in Wisconsin. Enrollment at our public universities has dropped, and some campuses are closing. Four UW campuses are set to close, with two more possibly on the chopping block next year. The pandemic certainly accelerated that process, but this seems part of a larger change. How will the UW System respond? Predictably, by arguing for more money. System President Jay Rothman points out that Wisconsin currently ranks 43rd out of 50 states in public funding provided to its four-year universities. But if we have fewer students, and fewer universities, then why is more taxpayer money needed? One former member of the UW Board of Regents argues, wisely, that before we decide to close campuses, or how much to fund them, we should take a comprehensive look at the future of higher education in the state. In fact, a new state committee has been formed to do just that. Doesn’t it make sense then, before the state makes any decisions on funding higher education, and where to best invest taxpayer funds for the best result, that we let this committee do its work, and see what they recommend for the best use of our tax dollars?
walden
August 12, 2024 at 10:38 am
U.S. News ranks WI #6 in higher education.
Therefore, if we are ranked #6 in outcomes but 43rd in spending, we must already be doing something right.
The legislature needs to continue its course of questioning everything Evers wants.
Mike Hockhertz
August 12, 2024 at 11:15 am
Well well Mr Shaw, it is about time we realize the educational system is not providing sound fiscal guidance.
When sales (enrollment) decline, people are laid off and buildings are shuttered. We need to look at the lack of value being provided in the educational system. Look at the staffing that get huge paychecks, tenure, and sabatical leaves.
Businesses from Kwik trip, Taco bell, Woodmans, etc. have had to enlist new methods of self checkout and reduce their costs basis.
The UW System should take note and follow suite.
Kevin
August 13, 2024 at 6:20 am
I think a measure of success would be the ability of the systems students to pay back the money they borrowed. The ability to pay it back would be based on a few particulars: quality of the degree obtained, quality of the education obtained, cost of the education, and finally applicability of the degree/education to job market.
If the students can’t pay back their loans, which per the democrat party, they cannot, then one or more of those measures must not be as advertised. Seems then there is some false advertising in play.
I would not offer the UW System one more drop of money until there was an audit to the ability of our secondary education system and why it appears to be failing.