Rumors of UW System split loom over release of February budget - NINA KRAVINSKY, Badger Herald

“We don’t know whether it would mean really separating UW from the system or whether it would just mean a new set of rules or requirements for Madison versus the other campuses,” Burden said. Burden said one possibility is UW would become a public authority model, much like what happened with the UW-Hospital in 2011. Prior to 2011, the hospital was much like any other government agency. Changing to a public authority model meant the hospital gained non-profit status but still receives some public funds. This gives it more freedom in things like hiring and retirement, Burden said. Other states have given this kind of status to their flagship universities, including Virginia, Michigan and Texas. http://badgerherald.com/news/2015/01/26/prospect-of-uw-system-split-looms-over-release-of-february-budget/