Leadership Statements
Mnookin, Isbell: Amid uncertainty, a commitment to our mission
We write to provide some updates on recent activity at the federal level and ways we, along with other UW–Madison leaders, continue to assess the implications of these actions and respond across multiple levels.
A threat to research for the public good
Update: A temporary restraining order was granted in the case of 22 states, including Wisconsin, filing suit against the NIH and its 15% funding cap on indirect costs. The court action blocks the changes. A hearing has been scheduled for Feb. 21. The following message…
UW–Madison responds to NIH announcement about indirect cost cap
The following statement is in response to the federal directive issued on February 7, 2025 to change the Facilities and Administration (F&A) rate for all existing and ongoing new National Institutes of Health (NIH) research awards to 15 percent, set to go into effect on February 10, 2025.
Campus assessing federal memo related to agency funding
In a memo issued late Monday, the Office of Management and Budget called for a temporary pause of all federal agency grant, loan and other financial assistance programs. The memo has created a great deal of understandable uncertainty for our campus, as well as for many others with whom we partner and rely.
Looking Ahead: Creating a strategic framework for UW–Madison’s future
I hope your first week of the semester has been energizing and productive. I'm writing with an important update about a process now beginning that will help us define the collective future of our great university.
Chancellor Mnookin: Welcome back!
Welcome back to Madison! I hope you’ve had a chance to relax and recharge with friends and family over the past month.
Resources for UW–Madison students and employees
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is offering resources and support to UW students and employees who may have been affected by a school shooting that took place at Abundant Life Christian School on Madison’s East side on Dec. 16, as well as condolences to all in the community affected by the tragic incident.
New institutional and public position statements policy
In recent years, and with increasing frequency, campus leaders across the country have elected to or have been asked to use our position and our university platform to make public statements about or take a position on major issues, events, and controversies.
Mnookin: Creating connections on the first day of the semester
Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin shares her welcome on the first day of the 2024-2025 academic year.
Statement by Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin on Universities of Wisconsin budget request
"The 2025-27 budget request passed by the Board of Regents is a critical step in ensuring that UW–Madison and the Universities of Wisconsin remain competitive."
UW offers support following downtown shooting
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is offering sympathy and concern for those injured, along for resources and support to UW students who may have been impacted by a Sunday, June 9 shooting downtown. None of those injured are UW–Madison students and there is no known university affiliation to the incident at this time, according to police.
Chancellor Mnookin message following agreement to resolve Library Mall tent encampment
I am pleased to share that we have reached an agreement with Students for Justice in Palestine to end its encampment on Library Mall, which is being cleared now.
Agreement reached to resolve Library Mall tent encampment
On Friday, May 10, campus leaders and student representatives from Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) reached a resolution to end the encampment on Library Mall.
May 8 update on Library Mall encampment
After numerous meetings over the past week between campus leaders and student protest organizers and their faculty liaisons connected to the illegal encampment, discussions broke down when students and their faculty liaisons walked out of today’s meeting. Campus leaders are disappointed by this decision, especially as they have engaged in a good faith effort to find a resolution to this situation.
Chancellor Mnookin’s Faculty Senate remarks on Library Mall encampment
Today, Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin presented before a meeting of the Faculty Senate, where media and protestors were also present. Her remarks can be found here.
Statement from Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman
Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman issued this statement today regarding the enforcement action at UW–Madison.
Chancellor Mnookin update on Library Mall tent encampment
This morning around 7 a.m., the University of Wisconsin Police Department (UWPD), in concert with partner law enforcement agencies and with my authorization, cleared the unlawful tent encampment on Library Mall.
Wednesday UWPD update on Library Mall encampment
An encampment of protestors on Library Mall was dispersed after 7 a.m. Wednesday by officers from UWPD, assisted by state and local law enforcement. At least 12 people were arrested, including several who resisted arrest. It is not yet clear how many are affiliated with UW–Madison. Multiple tents were taken down and disassembled to remove the encampment. There were no immediate reports of injuries.
Update on Monday Library Mall protest
UW–Madison is committed to protecting the right to free expression, including protest, within the boundaries of state law and campus policies. Within the time, place and manner restrictions defined by law, students and other members of our community may assemble, carry signs, chant, march, and make speeches to give voice to issues they deem important. Peaceful protest is a hallmark of UW–Madison history.
Campus protests: Rights and responsibilities
In recent days, we have seen headlines about protests on campuses across the country. On our campus, we are committed to protect those who wish to exercise their rights to free expression, including protest. We are equally committed by both law and our mission to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of our community; to follow state laws and regulations; to ensure the free expression of one group does not interfere with the free expression rights of others; and to prevent disruption of university functions.