Be Careful What You Wish For......?

[CircleAlum]

There is some fear that the Mad Man of Mad Town's next target may be the University of Wisconsin system itself:

www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-wi-uw-madisonsplit,0,5269526.story

I know dissatisfaction about UIC's status within the U of I system is abundant around here, but is this something we should hope for or dread?

As a side note, UW-Mad's research portfolio is reputed to have surpassed 1 Billion, essentially leaving the U of I's combined portfolio of ~750 mil - of which nearly 300 mil comes from UIC - in the dust.

[UICJohn]

Now I cannot say I know too much about what is going on in Wisconsin, but I do know that the idea at least of becoming our own independent away from the U of I has been something talked about before. Now, I don't think that would be to our benefit or to the benefit of the U of I. However, I don't understand some of the stance that the U of I takes regarding UIC. They are fine with one flagship university and two other 'lower' universities. Now, UIUC will always be the flagship university. They are the oldest and most accomplished. However, UIC has so many attractive qualities and it has grown temendously even though it probably hasn't been given every opportunity it could be given by the U of I. To have UIC succeed would only be to benefit the U of I. I have heard that the U of I doesn't want UIC to take student away from UIUC. However, with out of state tuition the way it is, is it not unfathomable that UIC can steal a student or two that might go out of state for school? Or with the cost of private schools, have more of them consider UIC a viable option. Many have but with the right backing I have no doubt many more will. And none of that would be at the expense of UIUC.
I want the best for UIC not only athletically but academically as well. It has so much going for it and has come such a long way even when I was an undergrad just several years ago. But I don't want to see its growth stunted especially by the ones running it.

[Big D]

What are the pros and cons of something like this? What does it mean to split? Would it make UW-Madison a private school that receives no state funds? If so, this probably means an increase in tuition for them. If there are rules imposed on them by the state, I assume those would be gone too....and so they can spend their money however they want, including more to woo and keep better faculty.

On the bright side, a split would make UW-Madison and Milwaukee competitors. In the same system, the schools are set up to offer degrees in different fields to complement one another. In different systems, Milwaukee could offer any program they want, including one that UW-Madison might specialize in.

If the split happens, I'm sure UIUC would consider it, if they haven't already. But UIC could be better off. I'd prefer to compete with them then have to get their approval for everything we want to do. We are already in prime location and have a medical school. UIUC has neither of those. Give UIC the freedom to develop programs without the blessing of UIUC, and we could be pretty competitive, I would think.

[UICJohn]

As well as the Law School that they wouldn't let us open. Chicago gas to be one of the top cities when talking about successful law firms. A law school would be perfect but I thought the idea was shot down a few years ago.