When the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents meets Thursday, its members would do well to approve a UW-L plan to expand enrollment and take control of its own tuition rates.

Thursday’s vote is the first step in a process that includes approval by the Legislature and governor.
The plan was developed by former Chancellor Doug Hastad, who was responding to two factors: $6 million dollars worth of state budget cuts during the past several years and the demand for a UW-L education.

If the campus had not been under enrollment limits, more students would have attended.

Hastad left to become president of Carroll College in Waukesha, Wis., but the plan has gone forward.

Under the proposal, in-state tuition would gradually be increased by $1,200 to $1,300 over a three-year period. Students already attending would not be affected.

In addition, nonresident tuition would be lowered in order to attract more nonresidents, who pay a much higher rate than residents. That would allow for additional revenue, and also give an opportunity for a more diverse student body.

Enrollment would go up from the current 9,000 students to about 10,000 students.

There are questions about the plan — most notably whether there would be adequate faculty and staff to handle the new students. UW-L has a plan for a new academic building, and the added tuition revenue should allow for the additional faculty and staff members needed to handle the increased students.

Other issues include the impact of the additional students on the community, in terms of parking, housing and other issues.

None of those concerns will be addressed automatically. UW-L officials will have to be proactive to address potential issues before they become problems.

But the prospect of additional revenue and enrollment offers real opportunities — both for students and for the university. It deserves a sympathetic hearing Thursday.

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