Telfer says state budget is biggest obstacle for UW-W
(Published Tuesday, August 28, 2007 12:14:34 PM CST)
A d v e r t i s e m e n t
By Carla McCann cmccann@gazetteextra.com
WHITEWATER-The biggest obstacle affecting UW-Whitewater's ability to reach its goals may be the undone state budget still being debated in Madison.
"Although the fiscal year began on July 1, there still has not been progress on reconciling the budgets passed by the state Senate and Assembly," said Interim Chancellor Richard Telfer at a State of the University Address on Monday.
Of particular concern to UW-Whitewater is funding of the university system, Telfer said.
The Senate and Assembly versions differ by $120 million.
The Senate budget provides $150 million in new funding for the university system. The Assembly version, however, allows only $30 million in new funding for continuing operations, failing to recognize the increased costs, Telfer said.
Richard Telfer
UW-Whitewater also could face another challenge from the state's capital budget. The Senate budget includes money for new residence halls, but the Assembly budget does not, Telfer said.
"With Sayles (Hall) having been taken down to make room for the new business and economics building, and Hyland Hall and White Hall taken off line to house faculty and staff from the College of Letters and Sciences, we are not able to accom modate all our freshmen and sophomores," Telfer said.
While the university is waiting for the budget to be settled, it also is a university in transition.
The past year has been filled with activity and accomplishments, Telfer said.
During the past year:
-- The original part of the Connor University Center was demolished for construction of an addition and renovation of the existing building.
-- An expanded and remodeled Upham Hall opened.
-- The registrar's office and admissions moved to remodeled offices in the Roseman Building.
-- Sayles and Baker halls were demolished.
-- Letters and sciences departments formerly housed in Baker and Salisbury halls moved to McCutchan and White halls.
-- Construction on Hyland Hall began and will continue over the next two years.
-- Construction is well under way on phase one of the multisport complex, involving a new track and soccer facility.
"Whitewater is striving to be the region's leading, well-rounded, comprehensive institution of higher education," Telfer said.
The university's guide to achieving these goals is the strategic plan that calls for regional leadership, national presence and a global vision, Telfer said.
The increasing success of the local university will be tied to its ability to serve the needs of the region and the state, Telfer said.
"We will need to develop programs to address educational needs in new ways," Telfer said.
Also, the university and the city must improve their relationship, he said.
"The city manager and I meet each month to discuss topics of mutual interest," Telfer said. "We have established a campus/community liaison committee to work on projects of interest to both the campus and community."
Among the university's goals expanding its commitment to diversity.
Not because it's a mandate but because it will bring a richer educational experience for students, Telfer said.
"After 140 years, UW-Whitewater is stronger than ever," Telfer said. "And it is poised to make greater contributions in the many years ahead."
After listening to Telfer tell of the university's accomplishments, hopes and concerns, Professor Robert Mertens, chairman of the art department, said UW-Whitewater faces exciting and critical times.
The campus is at an important junction. It also offers much potential for the region and state, Mertens said.
Nick Santilli, president of the student government, said he was impressed with the university's proactive role as a regional leader.
"Now, we'll wait and see how the year unfolds," Santilli said.
