Flagship publics

Research university group votes to discontinue U. of Nebraska's membership, and Syracuse plans to leave; officials at both universities say group's rankings define research excellence too narrowly.

In tough budget times, departures of top faculty set off debates over how to retain and lure away the best -- especially at flagships that appear targets for raids.

For much of 2011, Wisconsin has been a leading actor in politically tinged dramas about higher education. In February, the battle over collective bargaining rights of public employees erupted (it remains unresolved), with those who work in higher education among the affected.