Bill Wainwright asked in what way those emphases might differ. Dean Goodman had stated that the issue of TA stipends was not popular with the legislature. Dean Meadows indicated that this point of view might be changing, particularly within the past two months. At the November economic summit, one felt an overwhelming sense of how important the UW System is to the economic health of the State. Many people worry that WI is in danger of becoming a high tech backwater, and the university must play a major role in preventing this.
Some people see universities becoming wellsprings of new economic ventures.
Thus, we might find more legislative support now. Dean Meadows agreed with Dean Goodman that we might be able to raise more money for stipends through the Foundation. Concerning recruitment of graduate students, Dean Meadows said that our recruitment and publications office will work with the units to develop more effective recruiting materials. Allen Bell asked if, at the economic summit, UWM was viewed as the poor relation to Madison. There is much more legislative and regent support for UWM now.