UW-Madison to use alternate short-term SEVIS funding sources

The university will delay the permanent implementation of an international student fee to explore alternative sources for funding the federally mandated Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) program.

For the 2003-2004 academic year, the $330,000 cost of implementation and operation of the system will be paid for using one-time gift funds, university officials announced.

Beginning this year, UW–Madison, along with colleges and universities across the country, were required to comply with SEVIS regulations. The system is a record-keeping database designed to ensure international students and visiting faculty and staff remain in compliance with the conditions of their visas.

The UW Foundation will set up an International Student Fund to accept donations from members of the public and campus community who have expressed interest in helping to offset the cost of the system. In addition, up to half of the total costs have already been guaranteed by an anonymous donor in the event that the newly established fund is unable to reach a goal of $330,000 by July 1.

In accordance with UW–Madison’s shared-governance tradition, a permanent solution to the SEVIS funding issue will be determined after the recommendations of an advisory committee made up of students, staff, faculty and administrators, chaired by Dean of Students Luoluo Hong. While the committee will explore every alternative, the possibility of a future fee for international students has not been ruled out.

“Student voices matter on this campus,” says Hong, who recommended the funding alternative in consultation with Chancellor John Wiley, Provost Peter Spear, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Paul Barrows and Vice Chancellor for Administration Darrell Bazzell. “We’ve listened to some very passionate students and determined that this temporary solution is the right thing to do.”

“Our large and engaged international student community is what sets us apart from the vast majority of universities around the country,” she adds. “We truly value the contributions that international students make to the quality and diversity of our university. The entire university benefits from their presence and participation.”

Last week, Wiley announced the creation of the advisory committee. Since then, Hong and Barrows have worked to identify funding alternatives for 2003-2004. The advisory committee met today (Wednesday, May 7) for the first time, discussing its composition and options for the future.

The use of gift funds was the only one-time source of funding that did not use state or tuition funds, and that could be identified on short notice, Hong says. UW–Madison is also reacting to state budget cuts that have severely trimmed administrative costs and class offerings.