Minutes for February 22, 2021 

UC members expected present: Halverson, Masters, Papp, Sandgren, Tracy, Wolf (chair)

Others attending besides those listed below: Greg Bump, Michelle Felber, Lesley Fisher, Jack O’Meara, Jane Richard, Jake Smith, Bill Tishler

Chair Wolf commenced the meeting at 1:31.

The minutes of the meeting of February 15, 2021 were approved by consent.

Jack O’Meara, PROFS, updated the UC on the governor’s budget proposal. In an attempt to make up for past budget cuts and frozen tuition, the UW System budget proposal from the governor was larger than what the system itself had asked for. Other items in the proposal include changes regarding greater inclusion in marriage equity laws; economic development issues (new capital development fund); redistricting; and funding for several new campus buildings.

Professor Steph Tai (Law), co-chair of Committee for GLBTQ People in the University presented the committee’s annual report, and changes to Faculty Policies and Procedures 6.40 to rename the committee to LGBTQ+ Committee and to allow ex officio members to vote. There were questions and discussion about the current initiative to allow name changes and pronoun preferences be more visible, especially in directories and online events.

The UC reviewed the agenda for the Faculty Senate meeting on March 1. The promotion to full proposal generated more conversation.

Tracy moved and it was seconded to convene in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(c), (f) and (g) to discuss grvances, oral advice concerning strategy in litigation and committee appointments. It was approved at 2:15 pm.

Tracy moved to convene in open session which was seconded and passed at 3:55 pm. The meeting was adjourned at 4:02 by Chair Wolf.