OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Gov. Tony Evers took a tour around UW-Oshkosh Thursday, surveying the areas of campus where he plans to spend $78 million of the state biennial budget.
Earlier this week, Evers proposed spending $3.8 billion on building projects across the state, with nearly half directed toward work across the University of Wisconsin System.
At UWO, Evers is specifically looking to renovate the Webster and Donner residence halls, which were built in 1957 and 1962, respectively.
“It’s not all about labs and classrooms,” explained the governor. “It’s also about housing and how students live on campus and how important it is to have a good experience.”
Beyond just ensuring students enjoy their time at school, Evers says there are also safety and privacy issues currently.
“If you’re well within your non-school time, you’re gonna be a better student too. And so having a better place to live, respecting privacy at the same time, great study areas, areas where you can mingle,” said Evers. “Being a student is 24 hours a day — it’s not just a handful of hours during the school day that their learning something for their majors. ”
The residence hall renovations would account for $57.6 million of the $78 million Evers is proposing for UWO. The remaining $20.4 million is earmarked for upgrades to the Gruenhagen Conference Center on campus.
UW-Oshkosh Chancellor Andrew Leavitt had hoped renovations to the campus’ Polk Library would be included in the state budget as well. However, that project was not included in Evers’ plans.
Leavitt said the college will keep working through the library project to either renovate or replace it.
After his visit in Oshkosh, Evers went to UW-Eau Claire, where he is proposing $231 million for campus projects, and UW-Lacrosse, where he plans to spend $182.5 million.
