The University of Wisconsin system will vacate the Richland County campus this summer, after all classes there ended in July 2023. The buildings have been vacant since then. Locals are not happy with the decision, citing a longstanding agreement with the University.
Here’s Five Fast Facts About UW Richland Closing:
- 🔒 School’s Out - UW decided to close the two-year college after enrollment had dropped to around 60 students. At the time, officials did not say the campus would be vacated but have since changed course.
- 📃 I Disagree - Part of the problem comes from a 75-year agreement that requires the county-owned campus buildings and property to be maintained in exchange for UW to provide adequate staff. That lease expires in 2042.
- 💰 Lunch Money - Richland County officials are demanding UW reimburse the county for maintenance costs and a financial loss of anywhere from $1.5M to tens of millions of dollars.
- 💵 Subtraction - For its part, the State says the $2M it offered in grants as a result of the closure is its only and final offer.
- 🏫 No Thanks - Officials in other counties with campuses are spooked. They’ve opted not to approve multi-million dollar upgrades for buildings until they can get assurances that those campuses won’t close next.
🔥Bottom line: The high cost of education is now taking its toll on the locals. There is no perfect solution in this case. If the campus stays open, the university would lose money. Closing it hurts the county. Hopefully something can be worked out with others before things get worse.
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