Minutes for February 17, 2025

UC members present: Bernard-Donals, Jones, Kendall, Li, Stein, Zweibel

Others present: Mallory Musolf, Jen Oasen, Julie Scharm, Jenny Skibba

Chair Li called the meeting to order at 1:01 pm.

Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Rob Cramer shared that there will be opportunities for a deeper engagement with the shadow budget in April.

He discussed the ARTS in the College of Letters and Science. Part of the reason for this was to create a separation of duties in smaller units. They are also looking to improve service to faculty.

The Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration has been working with schools and colleges to provide some central services, for example expense auditing in the School of Medicine and Public Health.

In regards to the federal government, the campus would lose $65 million if the NIH indirect cost rate was cut to 15%. This amount would double if the indirect cost was lowered for all federal agencies.

The Lakeshore path study was released with three options outlined.

Jack O’Meara and Michelle Felber from PROFS indicated that PROFS was working on a statement regarding the executive orders. They are planning to invite legislators to give a briefing on campus with both sides of the aisle represented about next steps for recommendations in the Legislative Council report on UW System. They are also planning a Budget Forum.

Bill Karpus, Dean of the Graduate School, discussed the possibility of changing GFEC from an elected committee to an appointed committee. The main reason would be to increase diversity of the schools and colleges represented.

He also discussed possible impacts on admissions in light of the federal government’s executive orders. He knows of some places cutting back nationally, but hasn’t heard this happening at UW-Madison. The Graduate School did send out a message to graduate students in the last week.

Jones 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 appointments at 2:01 pm.

Stein motioned, and it was seconded and approved, to reconvene in open session at 2:26 pm.

The minutes from the February 10, 2025, meeting was approved by automatic consent.

The University Committee reviewed the Faculty Senate agenda. UC chair Li agreed to contact Keith Woodward about his request for his resolution and the March Senate meeting. Secretary Daniels will contact Karl Broman about the continued delay of the bereavement resolution.

The University Committee spent time discussing a town hall and the agenda for the event. Secretary Daniels will bring back a draft agenda for the group.

They also heard that UW-Madison doesn’t allow childcare expenses on grants where such expenses are allowable.

Li adjourned the meeting at 3:50 pm.

Minutes submitted by Heather Daniels, secretary of the faculty.