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Student budget forum draws questions, concerns

February 24, 2015 By Susannah Brooks

About 100 undergraduate students and allies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison turned out to Varsity Hall on Monday, Feb. 23, to ask questions of Chancellor Rebecca Blank and learn more about how the proposed cuts to the state budget might affect their education.

Charles Hoslet, associate vice chancellor for government and corporate affairs, joined Blank to respond. Other panelists included Sarah Mangelsdorf, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs; and Darrell Bazzell, vice chancellor for finance and administration. Dean of Students Lori Berquam moderated with Associate Dean Argyle Wade.

“We’re having some very promising conversations with legislators from both parties, and the governor’s office, who all understand the impact the current proposal would likely have on campus,” said Hoslet. “[They] have a genuine interest in seeing how we can work together to mitigate the impact of some of those cuts.”

Multiple attendees thanked the chancellor for her transparency. In addition to student speakers, several attendees identified themselves as alumni as well as allies, including two staff members from the United Council of UW Students, representing the 180,000 students of the UW System.

Nneka Akubeze, executive director of the council, voiced the concern of many attendees when she brought up the potential effect of raised tuition on out-of-state students — particularly students of color and working class students who might have come to UW–Madison because of its affordability.

Her comments followed those of an international student from Malaysia who shared that he and his family hadn’t budgeted for a potential increase in tuition. He, and others, worried that they might have to leave the university.

“If we weren’t looking at a $95 million cut, I would not be looking at an increase in out-of-state tuition,” replied Blank, who estimated that the increase would be about $3,000. “We are putting some of these dollars aside to increase financial aid, because I don’t want students to leave here who are already engaged in the community and committed to Wisconsin.”

Blank noted that an increase would not affect students from Minnesota, as they are considered in-state students due to reciprocity.

Sophomore John Paetsch, originally from Milwaukee, attended with two friends. As a member of the Associated Students of Madison (ASM), he has been involved with these issues for several months.

“It’s good to see people that we’ve never seen in this room before coming out . . . like these two guys,” said Paetsch, gesturing towards his friends with a grin. “The questions asked were very insightful; people did their research. Students really want to know about what’s going on.”

Other questions involved the continued ability of students to take part in shared governance under a public authority model — answered in a somewhat impromptu manner by Tom Gierok of ASM, who was in the audience — and the potential of cuts to programs supporting students of color.

According to Blank, Mangelsdorf and Chief Diversity Officer Patrick Sims, also in attendance, diversity programs would receive fewer cuts because they are designated as a high priority for the university.

In all cases, the panelists agreed that more specific information will become available in the months to come. The Joint Finance Committee will continue making changes to the budget proposal through the end of May.

This forum followed sessions geared toward graduate students and staff members. Updates on the ongoing budget negotiations, including media reactions, official messages from campus leaders and answers to frequently asked questions, are available at budget.wisc.edu.

Tags: student life