UW–Madison Day at the State Capitol

MADISON, Wis. --- UW–Madison chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin rallied university supporters during the annual UW–Madison Day at the State Capitol. During the event, sponsored by the Wisconsin Alumni Association, Mnookin painted a picture of an institution thriving in many areas while facing significant challenges at both the state and federal levels.

Speaking at the Concourse Hotel, in a room filled with 275 alumni, students, and advocates of the university preparing to meet with legislators at the state capitol, Mnookin encouraged attendees to share personal stories about their connection to the university while advocating for increased investment.

“I do believe that education is a fundamental public good and that strong universities build strong communities and strong democracies,” Mnookin told the crowd, prior to their legislative meetings. “Talk about why our priorities matter by telling the story that only you can tell.”

Mnookin highlighted several recent accomplishments, including UW–Madison’s School of Education maintaining its number one national ranking, and the computer science program jumping six spots to number nine among public universities. She also noted that Washington Monthly ranked UW–Madison as the top public university in the country.

The university received more than 70,000 undergraduate applications in 2025, representing a double-digit increase from the previous year. Mnookin emphasized that two-thirds of UW–Madison undergraduates now graduate with zero student debt, challenging national narratives about excessive college costs.

“Some of that broad-brush narrative is about what’s broken in higher education. It’s so expensive, and people aren’t even graduating, and it takes too long. Those [arguments] really don’t apply to UW–Madison,” Mnookin said.

Several major construction projects are underway on campus, including the Phillip A. Levy Engineering Center, which will allow the engineering school to expand by approximately 1,000 students. Morgridge Hall, the new home for the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences, will open this summer with classrooms ready for fall semester.

Despite these successes, Mnookin warned of significant threats to university operations. Proposed federal cuts to research funding could cost the institution $65 million annually from the National Institutes of Health alone.

“This would have a devastating impact on our medical research,” Mnookin said, noting ongoing work in areas like Alzheimer’s, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and macular degeneration.

She also mentioned recent disruptions for international students, whose visas were temporarily terminated without explanation, causing anxiety among the university’s global community. Though resolved, Mnookin expressed concern about potential impacts on future recruitment.

The advocacy day came at a critical time in the state’s budget process. The governor’s budget proposal, which includes $855 million in additional investment for the Universities of Wisconsin, is currently under review by the Joint Finance Committee.

“We anticipate that in the next month or so there will be more action on this,” explained Crystal Potts, senior director of state relations for UW–Madison. “Right now they’re working through discussions of what they want to prioritize for this budget.”

Republican legislative leaders have indicated they do not intend to approve the full $855 million investment proposed by the governor.

As Wisconsin moves through its budget process, Mnookin outlined critical infrastructure priorities: demolishing the aging Humanities Building and constructing a new residence hall.

“None of these investments are about luxury,” Mnookin emphasized. “They’re about ensuring that our students can succeed and thrive on our campus.”

A panel discussion, moderated by the Wisconsin Alumni Association’s Jessica Arp, addressed “the big squeeze” in campus housing. The city is on track to have the lowest apartment vacancy rate in the entire country by midyear, trailing only New York City and Providence, Rhode Island, according to Jason Ilstrup, president of Downtown Madison, Inc.

“I’m going to tell you folks, that’s just not enough,” said Ilstrup, referring to the approximately 9,000–10,000 apartment units currently in development downtown.  

Kurt Paulsen, a professor of urban planning at UW–Madison, explained that Madison has grown jobs significantly faster than housing units over the past 40 years. This growth, combined with geographical constraints like the lakes and the capitol height limit, has created intense pressure on the housing market.

“When you add more people faster than you’re adding housing units, you squeeze the housing market, and that’s why prices have gone up everywhere,” Paulsen said.

The rental vacancy rate in downtown Madison is below 5 percent, causing rent prices to accelerate. New units near campus typically rent for $1,400–$1,500 per bed, while older units run closer to $1,000 per bed — far more than the $425 Paulsen recalled paying as a student.

The university is feeling the pressure as well. Cindy Torstveit, associate vice chancellor for facilities planning and management, said UW–Madison is housing 8,500 students in facilities designed for 7,700.

“Those central study halls that we have on each floor, those rooms are now converted into triples and quads,” Torstveit explained. “Those spaces aren’t available, and those spaces are really important. Those are the spaces that our students use to build community.”

The university is seeking approval to add between 1,500 and 2,000 beds through new dorm construction and renovation, fully funded through program revenue from student fees, not taxpayer dollars. 

“We want to make sure that every single kid from Wisconsin has the ability to go to school, and housing is a huge part of that,” Ilstrup concluded. “These students are the ones that are going to lead the entire state. They’re going to be the economic drivers, create the economic strength for years to come.”

The event included an “Advocacy 101” training session led by Potts, who provided attendees with guidance on effectively communicating with legislators.

“I am grateful for each and every one of you for taking time out of your busy lives to be here today in support of the university,” Potts told the crowd. “These legislators hear from me all the time, so it’s really important that they hear from folks like you who care deeply about the university.”

Potts emphasized the importance of personal stories when meeting with legislators.

“They want to hear your personal story. What has brought you to Madison today to advocate on behalf of the university?” she advised. “A story is worth a million dollars. Telling your personal story about how UW–Madison has changed your life — they want to hear about those things.”

She also encouraged advocates to research legislators before meetings, stay focused on key messaging points, and treat legislative staff with the same respect as elected officials.

“Given the fact that higher education is facing some headwinds right now politically,” Potts suggested, “ask them questions. What’s important to them? What would they like the university to do better in their communities?"

UW alumna Nancy Schanke has been participating in the UW–Madison Day events for years. “My representatives and I don’t always see eye to eye, but for that short amount of time when I meet with them I get to share how valuable the UW is to all of Wisconsin,” said Schanke. “That makes it all worth it.”

Mnookin acknowledged the challenges surrounding housing in Madison and the broader funding issues facing the university.

“We might see the world in different ways. We might not agree on everything. That’s okay. That’s part of what a great university should be about,” Mnookin said. “We can share the belief that our extraordinary university has been going strong for more than 175 years, and we’re going to do everything in our power to ensure it continues going strong for the next 175.”

University supporters spent the remainder of the day meeting with legislators and attending presentations highlighting faculty and student research accomplishments, hoping to secure crucial funding as budget negotiations continue at the capitol in the coming weeks.