As this Self-Study is going to press, the campus-wide Strategic Research Development Program, with $1 million in seed funding from the UW System, is moving toward implementation. Proposals have been solicited from the schools and colleges, and a selection committee consisting of distinguished professors and governance leadership will be involved in evaluating proposals for funding. The purpose of the program is to develop world-class research teams that build programs across UWM’s schools and colleges, regional academic institutions and industrial partners.

UWM has also just launched the Biomedical Technology Alliance (BTA). This alliance, which includes the Medical College of Wisconsin, Marquette University, UW-Parkside, the Milwaukee School of Engineering and UWM, has been endorsed by the leadership of the city and the business community. The purpose of the BTA is to expand biomedical research in southeastern Wisconsin and promote economic development.

Preparations are underway for the University’s capital campaign. The campaign’s themes, Capital Improvements and Equipment ($50 million), Building the Faculty Base for the 21st Century ($25 million) and Providing Access and Opportunity for Students ($25 million) will support the campus research agenda by creating more endowed faculty positions, strengthening facilities for research, and providing additional postdoctoral support. The “Providing Access and Opportunity for Students” part of the campaign addresses the University’s need to attract high-achieving students. An infusion of scholarship funds will enable UWM to be competitive with other universities, as demonstrated by a recent scholarship award that attracted a high-achieving student (4.0 GPA and 1500 SAT) with a four-year tuition scholarship.

These actions are part of a concerted movement to advance UWM’s scholarly productivity. Chancellor Santiago’s September Plenary address presents a vision for the future that emphasizes UWM’s distinctive mission as a research university.