<p>There are multiple daily buses that run directly from the UW Union to Chicago and Milwaukee. While UW had some losses in faculty five years ago in the last few years they have been successfully hiring top people including some that came back after leaving for “greener” pastures a few years earlier. The new chancellor has been very active in adding income to hire top people in key areas. See:</p>
<p>[Carpe</a> diem! UW recruiters seize on others? woes to woo academic stars](<a href=“http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/education/university/article_1464031e-3c3f-11df-9a25-001cc4c002e0.html]Carpe”>http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/education/university/article_1464031e-3c3f-11df-9a25-001cc4c002e0.html)</p>
<p>The return of the stock market to pre-recession levels has also helped soften the impact of state budget cuts as UW has total endowments now approaching $5 Billion. Also the success UW has had in growing research funding to over $1 Billion annually helps cushion any cuts from the state as a significant portion of that money goes to support geenral university operations to the tume of around $300 Million.
UW is using the current budget cycle to work toward a funding model more similar to UVa’s with much greater freedom from state controls in exchange for flat state funding. </p>
<p>The weather–have not figured out a way to improve that. A good coat helps. Most people of student age don’t let that deter them much. For us older folks–I plan to retire just down the road from UVa in Lynchburg and enjoyed the 70+ weather a couple weeks ago. Not that it lasted.
But the weather toaday-madison 45 and sunny, cville 45 and rain. So event that can vary.</p>