Approved 02-08-24

ASEC Minutes

2:00 – 4:30 p.m. Thursday, February 1, 2024

53 Bascom Hall

https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/93223941305

Members Present: Donna Cole; Stephanie Elkins; Alissa Ewer; Stephanie Jones; Albert Muniz, chair; Terry Paape; Lindsey Stoddard Cameron; Nola Walker

Guests: Mark Guthier, Charles Isbell, Julie Scharm, Scott Wildman, John Zumbrunnen

The meeting was called to order at 2:02 p.m.

The minutes of January 25 were approved.

General Reports

Albert Muniz, ASEC Chair, reported that the university is examining a new budget approach. There are task forces looking at specific issues, such as overhead and undergraduate tuition, and they will report their finds to a coordinating committee, of which Albert is a member. The coordinating committee will synthesize information from the task forces and make recommendations to the executive sponsors. The coordinating committee will begin meeting later this month. Lesley and Albert attended the recent School, College Instructional Leaders (SCIL) meeting to discuss forming a working group to review academic staff professorial title guidelines and usage.

Lesley Fisher, Acting Secretary of the Academic Staff, reported that there are dates for shared governance sessions with finalists for dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM). ASEC approved sending one ASEC member and one SVM CASI member as its representatives to these sessions. Lesley will send a call for nominations for the Ad Hoc Committee on Age in the Workplace next week. Dean Golden announced he will be stepping down as dean of the School of Medicine and Public Heath once a replacement is hired. Transportation Services launched a new online help center.

Liaison Reports

Nola Walker reported that the Communications Committee is preparing for their next publication and has a new member. Nola also reported that the International Studies CASI discussed ideas for supporting and engaging staff in the division.

Stephanie Elkins reported that the Librarians’ Assembly steering committee is reviewing their bylaws and working on the agenda for their first Assembly meeting in over a year.

Guests: Charles Isbell, Provost; John Zumbrunnen, Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Vice Provost for Teaching & Learning

John and the provost are supportive of ASEC forming a working group to review academic staff professorial title policies and usage. Discussion surrounding these titles has also occurred at SCIL meetings and Deans Council meetings. It is a good time to conduct a review since it has been 4 years since the titles were implemented.

Provost Isbell has been looking into options for restructuring his office to reduce his number of direct reports. He is considering hiring a new vice provost that would oversee areas of public engagement.

The faculty strategic hiring initiative is moving forward, and an announcement will be coming soon.

Business

• Professorial Titles Review Discussion

A small group of ASEC members will draft a charge for a working group that will review academic staff professorial titles.

• February Assembly Agenda – for vote

Motion to approve the February Assembly agenda (Stoddard Cameron). Seconded. Approved.

Recessed at 3:19pm.

Reconvened at 3:25pm.

Guest: Mark Guthier, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Union

Mark reported that there are lasting effects from the pandemic on their operations. The increase in staff working from home has affected sales, particularly at their locations outside of Memorial Union and Union South.

Peet’s Coffee is currently being renovated at Memorial Union. Upon reopening, they will offer mobile ordering. The Wisconsin Union is also piloting mobile ordering at Harvest Grains at Union South.

University Housing and the Wisconsin Union are working together on a comprehensive dining program for the campus. They plan to conduct a market analysis survey of all students, faculty, and staff this calendar year.

The Wisconsin Union is developing a meal plan for non-residential students. They will also soon launch a new website for conferences and events that will incorporate all locations that they manage.

Business

• Topics for Guests

OHR: updates on benefits; how often do we get new market salary data and when will next salary range refresh occur; update on implementation of recommendations from Ad Hoc Committee on Academic and University Staff DEI; information about HR committee in SMPH that reviews raises for staff

Meeting adjourned at 4:01 p.m.

Minutes submitted by Lesley Fisher, Interim Secretary of the Academic Staff