MADISON, Wis.-Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman announced today the public release of the financial assessment of the Universities of Wisconsin Administration (UWSA). It is the final review performed by a third-party reviewer.

"These reviews have helped us refine steps to eliminate structural deficits at a number of our universities and embark on a path of long-term financial stability," Rothman said. "We will continue to make necessary changes across our universities to ensure faithful stewardship of resources and to better serve students and parents, employers, and communities across Wisconsin."

In response to the most recent review, Rothman announced that UWSA will:

• Take a more active role in supporting universities in enrollment management, including enrollment forecasting.
• Charge a work group with representation from the universities to develop recommendations and metrics for low-enrollment program evaluation. The intent is to provide the Board of Regents with a process for review of low-enrolled programs that increases oversight and aligns with the rigor of the new program approval process.
• Enhance financial accountability standards, including the implementation of university realignment plans focused on eliminating structural deficits and the commencement of formal mid-year financial reviews of the universities.
• Provide more effective, customer-focused shared services and expand use of those services by the universities.
• Continue to leverage technologies and improve administrative processes to facilitate increased data-informed decision-making.

"The independent third-party review that has now concluded complements our strategic plan, adopted by the Board of Regents two years ago," Rothman said. "It provides us insight on how better to provide unparalleled educational opportunities for Wisconsin students, improve Wisconsin communities, and help Wisconsin win the War for Talent."

The review and all previously released reviews of 12 UWs not including UW-Madison can be found here: wisconsin.edu/president/strategic-plan/.

To assist the 12 universities in addressing their financial challenges, UWSA engaged a third-party consultant to conduct individual financial assessments and identify opportunities for the universities.

The Universities of Wisconsin serve approximately 164,400 students. Awarding nearly 37,000 degrees annually, these 13 public universities are Wisconsin's talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Nearly 90 percent of in-state Universities of Wisconsin graduates stay in the state five years after earning a degree. The universities provide a 23:1 return on state investment. The Universities of Wisconsin also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin's culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy. Learn more at wisconsin.edu .