Minutes for March 9, 2020
 

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

Also present besides those mentioned below: Michelle Felber, Amol Goyal, Yvonne Kim, 
Jane Richard, Jake Smith, Bill Tishler

Chair Warfield called the meeting to order at 1:30.

Wolf moved to approve the minutes of March 2. The motion was seconded and approved.

Peter Miller, Chair of the Athletic Board, discussed a criticism regarding Toradol injections at UW-Madison (https://madison.com/wsj/sports/college/football/chris-borland-criticizes-wisconsin-badgers-nfl-in-aaron-hernandez-netflix/article_60eeee94-b9d7-5aa6-a7a4-0ef6ce03260b.html). An external doctor was brought into investigate. Toradol is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for 5 days or less to treat moderate to severe pain. It’s considered very safe and has been administered orally since the 2010s. UW-Madison’s use of this medication is at the low end for peers. All members of the football team were contacted to air concerns with its use and no one came forward. There is discussion about how coronavirus/COVID-19 will affect the NCAA tournament. The Athletic Department held a soul food night at the Kohl Center to celebrate diversity and inclusion.

Bill Karpus, Dean of the Graduate School, reported that COVID-19 has shut down some ETS testing centers in China, Italy and South Korea. ETS administered the GRE test, which could affect next year’s admissions.

The Graduate School is ramping up efforts around the external support of graduate students including fellowships and training grants. Plans include identifying federal opportunities and applying to those where UW-Madison has the relevant expertise. They also want to institute programmatic efforts to increase external funding in graduate programs across campus.

Dean Karpus and Provost Karl Scholz provided an update on graduate student climate. They asked schools and colleges to report on their efforts; these initiatives include anonymous reporting, student councils, and training around appropriate behavior.

Provost Scholz present the three big issues to consider in UW’s reaction to COVID-19: travel restrictions, limiting large gatherings, and providing continuity of instruction. A guide is forthcoming for faculty and instructional staff on conducting classes online.

Ann Hoyt from the Ombuds Office reported that their goal is to empower those with problems in the workplace. The major concerns include evaluative relationships and peer/colleague relationships. They spend a lot of time listening, but it can be difficult to tell their impact. Statistically, there are currently 5 ombuds with over 150 years of experience on campus, seeing 200-250 visitors per year. Faculty are on the second largest group.

The University Committee discussed the new “Teaching Faculty” title and are fine with it. They also did not have any further comments on the Teaching Professor title.

Sandgren moved to convene in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(c) and (f) to discuss a tenure clock extension. The motion was seconded and passed at 3:17. The UC approved one tenure clock extension.

Sandgren moved to convene in open session which was seconded at 3:36 when Chair Warfield adjourned the meeting.