The UW-Madison Faculty Senate approved a resolution Monday to help support need-based financial-aid fundraising.
In recent years, access to the university by fully qualified students from average-income families has continued to decrease while equally qualified students of low economic means rarely attempt to gain entry.
In response to the decreased funding, the UW-Madison Faculty Senate proposed a resolution advocating for faculty contributions toward need-based scholarships to ensure accessible education at UW-Madison for qualified students.
Faculty members voted almost unanimously in favor of the resolution, and many further praised it as a rewarding opportunity. English professor Richard Knowles was one of a few who voted against the resolution, specifically questioning the language and how it would benefit faculty.
Robert Mathieu, chair of the University Committee, the executive body of the faculty, discussed two primary goals for the resolution.
First, it would enable students to come to UW-Madison who otherwise would not be able to attend the university. Second, Mathieu emphasized the leverage that will come from our inspiration and leadership,"" such as other contributions from alumni and the state, which in the end would increase the amount of scholarships available to students.
""What it's really all about is laying out the case,"" Chancellor John Wiley said. ""Our faculty are in the best position to explain what's going on in our students' lives and what they see in the classroom.""
In addition, the University of Wisconsin Foundation will match all faculty contributions dollar for dollar. The money will then create unrestricted need-based scholarships for freshmen and sophomores.
When asked how many scholarships will be created or about the sustainability of the faculty donations, Mathieu said many details have not been finalized and it all depends on the percentage of faculty participation.
Although an official name, specific length of time or start date has not yet been chosen for the scholarship committee, Mathieu said ""substantially more than two students but not enough for everyone who needs it"" will receive aid.
""This is an opportunity for us to make a statement,"" said University Committee member Ann Hoyt. ""We want that opportunity to be open for all students who are qualified to be here and study here [so] they would not be restricted economically.
