Walker Proposes Removing 'Wisconsin Idea' From UW Mission
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker is proposing eliminating the public service mission of the University of Wisconsin, known as the "Wisconsin Idea," replacing it with the charge to meet the state's workforce needs.
The wording change was included in Walker's budget released Tuesday. He's also calling for cutting $300 million from UW while also giving it more autonomy and freedom from state laws and oversight.
Walker proposes that the university's mission be "to meet the state's workforce needs." He wants to remove language saying UW's mission be to "extend knowledge and its application beyond the boundaries of its campus" and to "serve and stimulate society."
The Wisconsin Idea has been a guiding principle of the university for more than a century, extending to teaching, research, outreach and public service.
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