Minutes for September 30, 2019
approved October 07, 2019

UC members present: Campagnola, Halverson, Sandgren, Ventura, Warfield (chair), Wolf

Others: Heather Daniels, Jake Smith, Bill Tishler, Jane Richard, and those in the text below

Chair Terry Warfield called the meeting to order at 1:15 p.m. The UC meeting of September 23, 2019 were approved as corrected.

The Faculty Senate draft agenda was hashed out, with a discussion on how to encourage involvement in land recognition observances or other ways to enshrine into senate meetings, for instance break down the Our Shared Future plaque sentence (7 sentences and 7 meetings), and/or review land recognition language options and comment on them, and/or a minute of silent reflection. The group discussed potential UC chair comment, including communicating shared governance values and how to find new senator resources.

Kreg Gruben and Michelle Young presented the University Curriculum Committee (UCC) annual report. There were fewer course proposals than usual, perhaps because of a new online system or related to the ebb and flow of projects. A new policy helps in applying course attributes (what criteria does the class meet related to degree, e.g., breadth, language, etc.). The discussion moved on to the flexibility of course structure process—there are strict rules on graduate credits and length of the coursework, for instance. Young pointed out that some limits are closely tied to financial aid or other regulations. Several examples of workarounds and snags were shared.

Vice Chancellor for University Relations, Charlie Hoslet gave an overview of the structure (see the organizational chart handout) and functions of University Relations: communications, government/community relations, tribal relations, business engagement, and marketing. Hoslet updated the UC on state relations and impending legislative bills. University Relations works closely with PROFS, and both are closely watching many bills that would affect Madison and system: tuition plans, the collection and distribution of segregated fees, what credits that can be transferred from technical colleges, standardized course numbers, consolidation of mandatory reports from colleges, and that graduate health sciences classes can be allowed to start before September 1. Some are contrary to existing Board of Regent policies, which is troubling.

Chancellor Rebecca Blank updated the UC on events, and continued the discussion on rescinding an honorary degree. Dietram Scheufele, chair of the Committee of Honorary Degrees joined the conversation. Next, Chancellor Blank will meet with the President of System, the System Chair, and System’s Education Committee chair, and if and only if all are interested in pursuing, then it will go back to the concerned department to make a more formal detailed request. UC is somewhat opposed to only documenting this case and not creating a policy. Also covered was the freshmen class in the press, and developing a policy a plan for extension faculty that were paid with county resources but are being cut loose.

Wolf 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 3:38 p.m. The UC discussed outside activity reports and implications with Brian Fox, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Policy and Integrity.