University Committee Meeting Minutes 2026-04-20

Minutes for April 20, 2026

UC members present: Bernard-Donals, de Leon, Jones, Mathieu

Others present: Emily Beach, Greg Bump, Michelle Felber, Todd Milewski

Chair Pro Tem Bob Mathieu called the meeting to order at 1:01 pm.

Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Rob Cramer indicated that the coordinating committee that has been meeting about the budget approach has finished with the Budget Committee picking up this item. DAPIR will provide the data to be used in allocating the budget for fiscal year 2027. The University Committee discussed the possibility of identifying five issues that they are concerned about regarding the budget approach.

De Leon motioned, and it was seconded and approved, to convene in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(a)(c) and (f) to discuss waivers and a grievance at 2:38 pm. One dual role and one tenure clock extension were approved.

De Leon motioned, and it was seconded and approved, to reconvene in open session at 2:54 pm.

Dean Bill Karpus shared application and admissions statistics for graduate programs. Ph.D. and traditional master’s programs domestic applications were up. Master’s programs international applications fell by more than 40% from last year. All admitted numbers are down with PhD admissions down 23% for all applicants and admitted international students down over 20% for master’s degrees. Dean Karpus indicated these were unusual swings and that data for graduate programs has been stable for PhD degrees and rising for service based master’s programs.

The minutes for April 6 and April 13, 2026 were approved by consent.

Doug McLeod, chair of the Athletic Board, discussed major changes happening in college athletics. Money for NIL as well as direct payments to athletes are putting pressure on athletic department budgets including UW-Madison. The Athletics department has implemented strategies to increase revenue. The Athletic Board is paying to attention to issues that could affect the student athlete such as staff cuts that provide services to athletes, effects on non-revenue generating sports; transfer portal causing stress to advisors and admissions. Student athletes at UW-Madison continue to perform well in the classroom.

Mathieu adjourned the meeting at 2:57 pm.

Minutes submitted by Heather Daniels, secretary of the faculty.