United Council of UW Students, Inc. - 5

33 campus area Legislators Co-sign Letter to UW System President Reilly

Madison, WI—Thirty-three members of the Wisconsin State Legislature released a letter to UW System President Kevin Reilly today announcing their opposition to recently proposed restrictions on UW segregated fees. With the best interest of students in mind, these legislators have expressed concerns related to proposed policy changes, noting negative impacts on the out-of-classroom experiences provided by student organizations via segregated fee funding.

“Student organizations offer access to internships, educational opportunities, and a diversity of life experiences. These are all things employers look for in our ever changing economy,” the letter states. “Therefore, we do not believe it is in the best interest of the students, the university, or the state to limit the many enhancements of our university for which these student organizations are responsible. Rather, we believe that the university should celebrate and assist these groups to continue to make a positive impact on our student educational experiences.”

On Thursday, the Board of Regents will hear recommendations from a UWSA committee charged with generating the student fee policy changes. President Reilly is expected to make a decision on the recommendations.

UW-Baraboo freshman Vee Gonzalez is encouraged by the letter. "I know that United Council students have been fighting this battle for a long time. It's great that our legislators have joined us."

United Council students statewide have worked in opposition to the policy for over a year, arguing how negatively it would impact student organizations and the ability to embrace out-of-classroom educational experiences in today’s knowledge-based society.

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