University Committee Meeting Minutes 2025-11-10
Minutes for November 10, 2025
UC members present: Bernard-Donals, de Leon, Jones, Kendall, Mathieu
Others present: Michelle Felber, Genevieve Lambert, Julie Scharm
Chair Jones called the meeting to order at 1:00 pm.
The minutes from the November 3, 2025, meeting was approved with one correction.
The BTAA conference starts on Thursday evening. A summary of the themes of the questions asked as part of the town hall registration is available.
Lori Reesor, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, shared that a working group is looking at the survey results regarding basic needs. More information on the survey will be released in January. They are currently promoting the need to address food insecurity and did a jump start page for fundraising through WFAA.
In regards to 333 E Campus Mall, student affairs is looking at redesigning the 3rd and 4th floors to provide more space for Registered Student Organizations. No design has been determined at this time as they are gathering feedback from stakeholders. The SAC governing board oversees this space. There are currently no funds available to do the renovation. They would need to be raised through gifts.
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 appointment at 1:39 pm. One tenure clock extension and one leave of absence were approved.
Bernard-Donals motioned, and it was seconded and approved, to reconvene in open session at 2:24 pm.
The University Committee discussed the upcoming December Senate meeting. The agenda will be released early due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Hank Webber, Urban Impact Advisors, and Mark Rickenbach, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Policy and Integrity, engaged with the University Committee about strategic planning for the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research. Urban Impact Advisors were awarded the contract through a competitive bid process. They have talked to over 100 members of the UW-Madison community so far. They have done extensive benchmarking and have also done a data analysis to look at strengths and weaknesses compared to peers.
Jones adjourned the meeting at 3:21 pm.
Minutes submitted by Heather Daniels, secretary of the faculty.