The biennial state budget process began last week with the release of Gov. Walker’s proposed budget. The proposal is now in the hands of the Wisconsin Legislature, where members will debate and consider budget legislation throughout the spring. Legislative leaders hope to pass a new budget no later than June.

Once the Legislature approves a budget, UW System and the Board of Regents make budget allocations to chancellors at individual campuses. Chancellor Blank will then provide budget targets to each UW-Madison dean.

As this process continues, there are a number of ways for you to stay up-to-date on policy discussions related to the university in the state budget:

• Chancellor Blank addressed the Board of Regents last week, expressing her concerns over the $300 million proposed cuts to the UW budget.
• The UW-Madison’s budget.wisc.edu webpage contains useful information about the state budget and details on upcoming campus forums to discuss the budget.
• Governance groups are actively involved in budget discussions. Connecting with your governance representative (Faculty Senate, Academic Staff Assembly or Classified Staff Congress) is another way to remain informed.
• CALS fact sheets contain background information on our programs and student enrollments.
  • CALS Highlights
  • CALS Student Snapshot

In the short-term, Dean VandenBosch has announced that any CALS searches for faculty or staff positions supported by fund 101 will require additional review and approval before they can move forward.

As budget discussions continue, eCALS will provide information relevant to the CALS community.