OSHKOSH, WI – (WISS) – External audits of UW-Oshkosh show the financial hardship facing the school. The UW system requested third-party audits by Deliotte to eliminate structural deficits at the schools by 2028.

UW-Oshkosh Chancellor Andrew Leavitt is grateful for the audit and is encouraged by the findings. He said they validate the actions that the university has already taken.

“We consider the audit to have been a very positive experience for us and affirming and validating of the many actions we’ve taken; supportive of actions we have yet to take,” said Leavitt. “And we’re doing all of this in service of our current and future students.” 

UW-Oshkosh has already eliminated 250 positions at the university, bringing an $18 million deficit down to $3 million. Without the staffing changes, the audit pegged UW-Oshkosh to be $84.3 million in the hole for its tuition fund balance, or reserves, in the financial year 2028. With the staffing changes, a $12.3 million deficit is projected for ‘28.

UW-Oshkosh is considering implementing one of two proposed models to restructure the 60 academic departments or programs at the university into three colleges with six schools or three colleges with eight schools. Leavitt says the academic restructuring will save money as the number of administrators will be reduced. It will also create a greater attraction for future students.

“We’re creating career clusters that are going to be very recognizable to students,” said Leavitt. “So when they come to the institution they’ll be able to look at the wide array of academic offerings that are grouped together in ways which are going to help them develop themselves, and, as well, develop their ability to have a very fruitful career.” 

The UW-Oshkosh faculty voted in a referendum this week on the two proposed restructuring models. When the votes are counted, Leavitt and the provosts will meet to determine the university’s future.

“Without additional cost savings, currently planned in the form of Academic Restructuring, UW-Oshkosh continues to face a deficit which will deplete reserves by FY25. Underlying revenue assumptions based on stabilized enrollment and retention must be realized.” The UW-Oshkosh audit says.

UW President Jay Rothman said that increased support from the state and the legislature would be hugely beneficial to the system.

“While we will do our part on the expense side of the ledger, ultimately it is up to the state to decide whether it wants and can afford a weakened Universities of Wisconsin,” said Rothman. “The adage is that you get what you pay for. State and tuition funding at 42nd out of 50 states will eventually get you a 42nd-ranked university system. Wisconsin deserves better than that.”

See the response from UW-Oshkosh below: