Renovation Can Wait
Recognizing that a time of belt-tightening is on the horizon, Chancellor John Wiley MS'65, PhD'68 has adjusted recommendations from a campus building committee and put off construction projects that were set to begin in the next two years.
In February, Wiley filed a biennial capital budget request with the UW System that suggested delaying a $30 million renovation of Sterling Hall, which the planning committee recommended get under way during 2003-05. He also nixed money the committee sought to begin planning renovation and repair of Bascom Hall.
Although Wiley says it is unusual for him to go against the committee's recommendations, Wisconsin's impending budget shortfall weighed in his decision. "I realize that the 2003-05 biennium will be a financially difficult one for the state," he says. The planning committee made its recommendations in the fall, prior to the national economic slowdown that has pressured the state and university budgets.
In February, Wiley filed a biennial capital budget request with the UW System that suggested delaying a $30 million renovation of Sterling Hall, which the planning committee recommended get under way during 2003-05. He also nixed money the committee sought to begin planning renovation and repair of Bascom Hall.
Although Wiley says it is unusual for him to go against the committee's recommendations, Wisconsin's impending budget shortfall weighed in his decision. "I realize that the 2003-05 biennium will be a financially difficult one for the state," he says. The planning committee made its recommendations in the fall, prior to the national economic slowdown that has pressured the state and university budgets.
Economic vicissitudes are also being blamed for delaying renovations to Camp Randall Stadium. The $99.7 million project was slated to be approved by the Board of Regents this spring, but lagging funding has forced the university to call a hold. Private donations haven't met fundraising goals, and unanticipated costs - such as increased security costs after September 11 - have left the athletic department budget tighter than anticipated.
Wiley says the university is committed to completing the renovation and expansion of the stadium, but he adds that "all options - including the possibility of reducing the number of suites and increasing club-seat capacity - will be studied."
One project that will proceed is the construction of a yet-to-be-located new building for University Health Services and a student activities center. "This project is vital to filling two long-standing needs on campus," Wiley says. "It will continue on schedule."
Wiley says the university is committed to completing the renovation and expansion of the stadium, but he adds that "all options - including the possibility of reducing the number of suites and increasing club-seat capacity - will be studied."
One project that will proceed is the construction of a yet-to-be-located new building for University Health Services and a student activities center. "This project is vital to filling two long-standing needs on campus," Wiley says. "It will continue on schedule."
