Minutes for February 12, 2024

UC members present: Bernard-Donals, Jones, Li, Tejedo-Herrero, Thibeault (chair), Zweibel
Others present: Michelle Felber, Julie Scharm, Lindsey Stoddard Cameron

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

LaVar Charleston, Chief Diversity Officer, discussed how to weave DEIB into the fabric of the institution as well as having a conversation about what risks the institution finds acceptable in this space. He also discussed the need to look at data and make sure the narrative is about what we can do rather than what we cannot. 

The University Committee further discussed the alignment of course and program approvals. The volume of approvals in the undergraduate space seems to be a major issue. They are also still unclear about what problems this would be solving. 

Provost Charles Isbell briefly shared the announcements of the sustainability goals and the RISE faculty hiring program that were made at the Board of Regents meeting. Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine and the Vice Chancellor for Research searches are nearing the finalist stage. Finalist for the Dean of the School of Education will happen in late April. The Dean of the School of Medicine and Public Health search will be conducted by the Provost office, and he will be soliciting nominees for both members and a chair. 

In regards to the alignment of course and program approvals, he is looking at two issues. One is the way professional degree programs and courses are handled. Secondly, there seems to be very little communication between the two paths of courses and program approvals. 

Bernard-Donals motioned, and it was seconded and approved, to convene in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(c) and (f) to discuss waivers and committee appointments at 2:30 pm. One tenure clock extension and one track transfer were approved. One committee appointment was recommended. 

Li motioned to reconvene in open session at 3:50 pm. It was seconded and approved. 

The minutes from February 5, 2024, were approved by automatic consent.

Thibeault adjourned the meeting at 3:58 pm.

Minutes submitted by Heather Daniels, Secretary of the Faculty