Minutes for June 5, 2023

UC members present: Bernard-Donals, Jones, Li, Tejedo-Herrero, Thibeault (chair), Zweibel

Others present: Michelle Felber, Lesley Fisher, Bill Karpus, Julie Scharm, Monica Welke, Jen Young

Chair Thibeault called the meeting to order at 1:00pm.

The University Committee continued an ongoing discussion regarding graduate student segregated fees and reviewed a report by Department of Astronomy graduate students that found UW-Madison’s fees are high and a high percentage of the stipend, compared to peer universities. Ellen Zweibel is interested in bringing forth a proposal that would exempt graduate assistants with group health from paying for University Health Services. 

The University Committee will finalize a briefing document for the new provost at their next meeting.

The minutes from May 22, 2023, were approved by automatic consent.

Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin shared that despite the Joint Committee on Finance not approving the engineering building, the university is still engaged with the legislature about other paths to move the building forward. Chancellor Mnookin discussed the change in UW System policy in regards to mandated diversity statements as part of the hiring process. President Rothman has confirmed he recognizes the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive campus environment.

Chancellor Mnookin indicated she had a constructive meeting with members of the Blk Pwr Coalition, and they are looking at a variety of next steps. She would like them to take a leadership role in planning next steps and has encouraged them to look at other opportunities beyond their document of ways to make UW-Madison more diverse and inclusive. 

Rob Cramer, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, shared information about the gender inclusive restroom workgroup, which has held a couple meetings so far. They are looking at restroom changes that have been made since the last report and then will prioritize what still needs to be done.

RAMP, the new research administration tool, will launch on June 26. There is currently a lot of training happening, and the plan is to provide extra support after it is live.

Steve Ackerman, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education, provided further information about the RAMP system including that there is a backup plan to get proposals out the door if there is some failure that happens with the new system.

Research and Sponsored Programs (RSP) staff is larger than it was at this time last year including a number of consultants to help with the transition. A review of RSP with an external consultant is planned and an additional five positions will be allocated to RSP once areas of need are identified. RSP is working on industry templates that can be used for agreements. These will be going to the Associate Deans for Research for review with a plan to start using them in the near future.

Thibeault motioned, and it was seconded and approved, to convene in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(c) and (f) to discuss committee appointments and waivers at 2:52 pm.

Thibeault motioned to reconvene in open session at 3:08pm. It was seconded and approved.

Thibeault adjourned the meeting at 3:12 pm.