UW regents to consider raising nonresident cap

MADISON — The regents of the University of Wisconsin System will be considering a proposal to admit a higher percentage of out-of-state students.

The plan would raise the cap on nonresident undergraduate enrollment from 25 percent to 30 percent. A Board of Regents committee is scheduled to take up the issue Thursday, and the full board is set to vote on it Friday.

One Republican lawmaker isn’t happy about the plan. State Rep. Steve Nass asked the regents Wednesday to delay action on changing the cap. He says he’s concerned the move would give Wisconsin residents a smaller chance of gaining admission to UW-Madison. He also says UW officials failed to consult with the legislature in sufficient detail.

UW System officials say the change would increase diversity and improve flexibility.