Minutes for September 8, 2025

UC members present: Bernard-Donals, Chui, de Leon, Kendall, Mathieu

Others present: Michelle Felber, Sabine Martin, Joseph Panzer, Julie Scharm, Landis Varughese

Chair Pro Tem Bernard-Donals called the meeting to order at 1:00 pm.

In regards to the ASM request regarding the Provost Search and Screen, Secretary Daniels is going to suggest an informal meeting to Annie.

The University Committee (UC) discussed the possible move of the Graduate School from Bascom to WARF. Generally the UC felt there were numerous issues they would like more information on.

The minutes from August 25, 2025, were approved with one correction.

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Lori Reesor, spent time discussing how they are approaching student anxiety regarding federal issues. They are holding face to face conversations. It can be hard to identify how much of the anxiety is anticipatory. There was one reporting line change announced with residence life now reporting to student affairs. Attendance at welcome events has been great.

Bigger projects this year for student affairs includes a new office for first generation and limited income students that will open in January; sending staff to Interfaith America program in Chicago; and being intentional about professional development opportunities for staff in regards to first gen, interfaith, etc.

Mark Rickenbach, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Compliance, and Stephanie Leroy, Compliance Manager, discussed changes that need to be made in the misconduct policy to align with federal changes. The changes are minor and in the areas of definitions, adjustment to timelines, and records retention. Changes will need to go the Faculty Senate.

Associate Vice Chancellor Rickenbach also provided an update on the strategic planning process for the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research. They have hired Urban Impact Advisors to help move this process forward. They have conducted 60 interviews and will soon provide preliminary recommendations for feedback. Implementation of the plan will begin in the new calendar year. The University Committee requested periodic updates.

The proposed Academic Freedom Committee was tabled by consent while the UC waits for follow up from ASM.

Julie will work with UC members to contact Chapter 6 chairs about suggested committee charges.

The University Committee discussed the ad hoc committee that would need to be created if there was a failed remediation plan following an unsuccessful post-tenure reivew, and there was no mutual agreement on a path forward. Due to the newness of this section of FPP, this hasn’t happened yet but could in the not too distant future. The UC agreed that a committee of 3-5 would be optimal. One faculty member from the school/college; one former CFRR member (not a chair); one former UC member (not a chair) and up to 2 unidentified faculty.

Mathieu motioned, and it was seconded and approved, to convene in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(c) (e) and (f) to discuss committee appointments, waivers and for competitive or bargaining reasons at 2:15 pm. One dual-role waiver was approved.

De Leon motioned, and it was seconded and approved, to reconvene in open session at 3:06 pm.

Bernard-Donals adjourned the meeting at 3:55 pm.

Minutes submitted by Heather Daniels, secretary of the faculty.