Approved 02-12-24

 

ACADEMIC STAFF ASSEMBLY MEETING MINUTES

272 Bascom Hall

Monday, December 11, 2023

3:30 to 5:00 p.m.

 

Provost Charles Isbell called the meeting to order at 3:32 p.m.

Guest: Patrick Kass, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Transportation Services

Assistant Vice Chancellor Kass shared results of an analysis that his team conducted to look at salary-based parking models. We have 9,000 spaces on campus for permit parking, which is very limited given our overall size. There was a 10% increase in demand for parking this year, and a big drop in Madison Metro ridership for employees. Historically, we have had a low drive-alone rate, which has helped manage demand.

Currently, we have a two-tiered parking program, as well as a reduced cost program. Most permit holders make between $40,000-$80,000 per year, and the average annual permit price is just under $1,200. The reduced cost program is available to anyone making less than $39,000 per year and is subsidized by campus administration and University Hospital.

The analysis included several models: a salary band model with equal bands; a salary band model with defined top and bottom bands; a flat percentage of salary model; and a nonsubsidized reduced cost model. Utilizing one of these models would benefit between 12-30% of employees, and 31-49% of employees would pay more. Limitations of using a salary-based parking model include increased permit demand, higher administration costs, and permit price variability.

Assistant Vice Chancellor Kass is currently sharing the results of the analysis with governance groups on campus and gathering feedback.

Guest: Paul Seitz, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Office of Finance and Administration (West Campus District Plan)

The West Campus District Plan (WCDP) is a plan to redevelop the area bounded on the east by Willow Creek, on the west by University Bay Drive, on the south by Campus Drive, and on the north by the Lakeshore Nature Preserve and University Bay Fields. Paul acknowledged that it is important for us to think about our shared future with the Ho-Chunk people as we redevelop this land.

The project team has engaged in over 150 stakeholder meetings over the last 18 months to inform their work. Sustainability is particularly important to stakeholders, with a main goal of creating a mixed-use neighborhood that will enable a live-work-play concept.

The 30-year plan includes the addition of several lab/office buildings, housing, and a hotel. Before new development occurs, existing use will be addressed. Parking and mobility into and out of the district is a major challenge for development.

The project team will continue to engage with stakeholders and will present an update to the Board of Regents at a future meeting. Staff can learn more on the WCDP website.

Automatic Consent Business

The Academic Staff Assembly minutes of Monday, November 13, 2023, were approved.

Reports

ASEC Chair Albert Muniz presented the ASEC report. Albert reminded attendees to complete or update the Committee Interest Survey to be considered for shared governance opportunities. Nominations for the Academic Staff Excellence Awards are being accepted until January 29, 2024.

ASPRO Board President Jenny Dahlberg presented the ASPRO report. Jenny discussed the legislative agreement that the Board of Regents voted down over the weekend. ASPRO has been tracking several other pieces of legislation as well and has discussed Governor Evers’ lawsuit.

Standing Committees of the Assembly presented their annual reports. Sarina Lotlikar reported that the Communications Committee recently launched Cornerstone, a new academic staff newsletter that will be sent quarterly. Dagna Sheerar presented the Compensation and Economic Benefits Committee report. Their work included review of the salary conversion policy, staff climate survey data, and a job security document. Rebecca Beebe reported that the Districting and Representation Committee spent most of the year redistricting staff based on TTC titles. Kelly Krein presented the Nominating Committee report. Over 80 candidates were forwarded to serve on committees, and they revamped the Committee Interest Survey recruitment email. Vanessa Taulbee reported on the Mentoring Committee’s work on the Mentor Match Program. They hosted 4 events including a new social event, improved program guides, and connected with other mentorship groups on campus. Diane Farsetta reported that the Personnel Policies and Procedures Committee reviewed policies concerning academic staff, discussed academic staff teaching loads, and worked on one-page documents that explain policies in plain language. Bill Tishler reported that the Professional Development and Recognition Committee awarded professional development and executive education grants and launched the new WISCIENCE Lillian Tong Teaching Award.

Committee Vice Chair Zach Smith presented the annual report of the Budget Committee for 2022-2023. The committee invited various guests to their meetings to learn more about budget processes and better understand how money flows at the university. They’ll soon begin work related to the new budget model.

ASPP Change Chapter 14 (ASA #822)

Dagna Sheerar, Assembly District #303 Representative, moved approval of ASA Document #822, which is a change to the membership of the Compensation and Economic Benefits Committee in Academic Staff Policies and Procedures 14.12.B.2.b. Motion seconded. Approved.

Provost Report

Provost Isbell reported that commencement is coming up on Sunday, December 17. Over 1,200 students will take part, including 900 undergraduates.

The Faculty Senate approved a language change in Faculty Policies and Procedures regarding the dean of the Graduate School reporting line. The dean of the Graduate School now reports to the provost, and the vice chancellor for research and graduate education is now the vice chancellor for research.

Meeting adjourned at 5:10 pm.

Minutes submitted by Lesley Fisher, Interim Secretary of the Academic Staff