Approved Minutes for April 22, 2019          Approved May 6, 2019

UC members present: Amasino (chair), Bowers, Campagnola, Warfield, Wolf

UC member absent: Ventura

Others present (and those below): S. Smith, J. Richard, J. Smith, M. Felber, H. Daniels, A. Kindschy

Chair Rick Amasino called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. Secretary of the Faculty Steve Smith discussed upcoming (May and Summer) UC schedule, as well as who will be attending campus finalist visits. UC new member orientation will be held May 20. Final review of May Faculty Senate agenda.  University Committee Meeting Minutes 2019-04-15, were approved. PROFS lobbyist Jack OMeara reported that JFC will start taking votes in early May on the state budget. OMeara also reported that he and Terry Warfield met with Luther Olson. The UC discussed and approved the Faculty Senate agenda.

Dean of Continuing Education Jeff Russell and Assistant Dean Marty Gustafson discussed the EdX learning platform at length with the committee. Russell explained the differences between various learning platforms and our history in this area [link]. After weighing pros and cons and benchmarking with other campuses, the recommendation is to take advantage of EdX, which is tailored for non-profit academics. After ample discussion, the UC endorsed this effort.

Interim Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education Norman Drinkwater reported on the new Data Science Institute, which has been approved by the URC and UAPC. American Family provided a gift for sponsored research; Brian Yandell will be interim director, likely through eventual appointment of permanent VCRGE. Drinkwater also reported on cluster faculty recruitment (next round to be announced in next week or so), named awards (announcement out in early May), the Contemporary Social Problems Strategic Initiative (also to be announced in early May), and round five of UW2020 reviews (final funding decisions to be made in early May). Discussion followed, including about issues related to security and foreign interference. 

Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Steve Hahn reported on enrollment trends and statistics, noting that interest in UW remains very strong. We have improved systems and processes greatly over last several years. Much discussion, including about underrepresented categories, partnerships with schools and colleges, recruitment and more. Hahn also discussed recent national admissions scandal, which in no way involves us; our admissions standards and procedures make this kind of situation virtually impossible here. ALL admissions at UW begin and end with Admissions office. 

Vice Chancellor for University Relations Charlie Hoslet walked the UC through a comparison of the governor's budget proposal and the Regent's request [link], noting similarities and differences. Hoslet went into specific detail on the capital request and UW's budget priorities (capacity building, accessibility, pay plan, and inflationary costs). Hoslet also shared the UW-Madison Day at the State Capitol agenda to give a sense of the event.

Chancellor Becky Blank reported that it is award season, including teaching awards, academic staff awards, Hilldale, Vilas, and a number of student award ceremonies all upcoming. Blank also reported on the event announcing the new Data Science Institute, the impending visits of finalist candidates for provost, AAU meetings where there was much discussion about national security issues, alumni events, and an upcoming conference held by NCAA and DoD on concussions. Blank concluded with discussion of Extension merger process. 

Terry Warfield moved to convene in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(c) and (f) to discuss personnel matters. The motion was seconded and passed at 2:40 p.m. The UC and Chancellor Blank discussed possible provost and VCRGE interim possibilities. The UC considered and unanimously approved four separate one-year clock extensions. Warfield moved to reconvene in open session. The motion was seconded and passed at 3:10 p.m., and adjourned by Amasino at the same time.