UW-River Falls will host the UW System Board of Regents October 5-6. Regents and other UW System officials will learn about UWRF students and programming as well as conduct meetings during their visit. South Hall/UWRF file photo. 

 

UW-River Falls to host UW System Board of Regents Oct. 5-6

Visit offers opportunity to showcase university programs, explain needs

Sept. 20, 2023 - The University of Wisconsin-River Falls will host the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents (BOR) Oct0ber 5-6, offering the regents and other UW System officials the opportunity to learn about the high-quality programs and education UW-River Falls students receive. 

The 18 members of the Board of Regents, UW System campus chancellors and other system officials will attend a series of meetings and other events at UW-River Falls during their visit. UWRF last hosted a BOR meeting in 2014. 

Visitors will hear about UWRF’s commitment to providing cutting-edge learning in agriculture and other science programs as well as its other signature programs such as business, education and the arts. UW-River Falls officials will showcase unique programs like the Montessori doctoral program, the Wuethrich Family/Grassland Dairy Center of Excellence and the Science and Technology Innovation Center (SciTech) on which construction has started with a projected opening date in 2026. 

UWRF officials will also discuss such topics as how nearly four of every 10 students are the first in their family to attend a four-year university and the extra attention UWRF puts toward those students to help them succeed. 

“Having the Board of Regents meet on the UWRF campus provides a significant opportunity to highlight the impactful work our faculty, staff and students do, as well as gives the regents first-hand knowledge of our programs and facilities to help them make informed decisions which affect the future of the university,” Chancellor Maria Gallo said.

Gallo will make a presentation to the BOR that will highlight innovative programs at UWRF. It will include UWRF faculty explaining those programs and how they help students succeed and play a role in strengthening the regional and state economy. 

The BOR are responsible for the policies that govern the UW System, helping with systemwide planning and budgeting and setting the standards to ensure that UW campuses can pursue their educational mission. The BOR typically meets eight times a year, with approximately half of the meetings hosted by one of the 13 UW System campuses in an effort to learn more about the programs they provide to students and the challenges they face. During their time at UWRF, the regents will conduct their regular standing committee and full board business meetings and will also be invited to participate in planned social events showcasing UWRF programs and students.

“We are excited to host the Board of Regents here at UWRF,” Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration David Ruhland said. “The board plays an absolutely critical role in the success of our students, campus, community and the entire state. We look forward to sharing our unique strengths with this esteemed group of leaders.”

The meetings are open for people to attend to learn what is happening within the UW System, and how it impacts UW-River Falls. Meals and receptions are by invitation only. Agendas for each meeting will be available at https://www.wisconsin.edu/regents/meetingmaterials/ prior to Ocober 4.