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University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Chancellor Andrew J. Leavitt issued the following statement regarding Gov. Scott Walker’s budget proposal:

“Today, Governor Scott Walker announced his 2015-17 budget will include a plan that designates UW System as a public authority. This new public authority keeps UW System as a state entity while providing us the ability to manage procurement, human resources and some building projects outside of current state processes. This new relationship with the state will also allow the UW System and our campus to better manage our resources to ensure affordability, accessibility, and continued excellence for our students, faculty and staff. I applaud the efforts of Governor Walker to propose UW System receive this critical flexibility and believe this model is what is necessary to run efficiently and keep the cost of education affordable. Please note the statements from both UW System President Ray Cross and Governor Walker, which include more detail on the proposed plan.

“This news comes in the midst of broader discussions regarding the overall state fiscal challenges and an anticipated large-scale funding cut tied to the 2015-17 budget. UW System expects a $300 million cut in addition to a continued tuition freeze. At this stage of the budget process, I do not know the direct impact this will have for UW Oshkosh but please know I will keep you informed as details become available. This will be a challenging time for all of us. As I have learned from my relatively brief tenure as your Chancellor, our institution has continued to make forward progress in the face of difficult fiscal challenges and operational conditions. There will be the need for creativity, innovation and resolve to continue our focus on excellence in teaching, research and service.

“In the weeks and months ahead, we will work through these challenges together. I am confident that we will not only endure but make UW Oshkosh even stronger. I thank you in advance for your patience, participation, ideas and advice as we move our University forward.”