The Associated Students of Madison Student Council met Wednesday to discuss possible effects of the upcoming 2015-'17 Wisconsin budget and speculative changes to shared governance on campus.
Chair Genevieve Carter spoke on the similar messages ASM received from both the UW-Madison and UW System administrations and Legislature, mentioning that they were looking for “flexibilities” within the university.
Carter voiced concern that while there are few known specifics about these flexibilities, it has been rumored that a large portion of them could impact shared governance and students’ capacity to make important decisions for other students on campus.
Legislative Affairs Chair Tom Gierok informed Council the state is expecting a major shortfall that would be made up by reductions in the forthcoming budget. Gierok added that with the current political climate, higher education is not expected to fare well in the process.
“They are offering flexibilities because they are not offering money,” Gierok said. “And those flexibilities are likely to impact students a lot.”
UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank also released an update on the budget discussion Wednesday.
In the update, Blank said it would not be useful to speculate on what the governor’s budget might include because there will be greater clarity once the budget is formally released.
Carter urged the Council to brainstorm ideas to inform the UW-Madison community on the importance of students’ input in shared governance.
“I want to hear some suggestions from you all about ways we can educate and sort of change the misunderstanding that student power hinders success,” Carter said. “I really believe, and I know all of you believe too, that it helps facilitate success.”
Several Council members voiced the need for students to be aware of and engaged in shared governance as they await the budget release.
Council will meet again Feb. 4 to continue conversation on the biennial budget.
