Minutes for May 5, 2025 

UC members present: Bernard-Donals, Jones, Kendall, Li, Stein, Zweibel

Others present: Greg Bump, Michelle Felber, Becky Jacobs, Mallory Musolf, Jennifer Noyes, Julie Scharm

Chair Li called the meeting to order at 1:15 pm.

The minutes from April 21, 2025, were approved as distributed and the minutes from April 28, 2025, were approved with corrections.

Members of the University Committee reported on the meeting they attended about an upcoming survey from the Universities of Wisconsin to faculty and instructional academic staff on academic freedom and freedom of expression. There will be opportunities to give feedback on questions proposed to be asked late this summer. It was unclear to those in attendance what the purpose of the survey is.

Sue Fritts, Patrick Sheehan, and Jake Smith from the Office of Human Resources provided draft information for an ethics committee that is required by UW System Administrative Code. The committee would provide advice on issues of nepotism, personal gain from a university position, contracting and leasing and student research protection. Employees would be able to ask the committee for advice. They expect to send out a call for members with the intention of having the committee begin in the fall.

Bernard-Donals motioned, and it was seconded and approved, to convene in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(c) and (f) to discuss waivers at 1:52 pm. One dual role waiver was approved.

Bernard-Donals motioned, and it was seconded and approved, to reconvene in open session at 2:03 pm.

Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin shared significant recent actions taken by the federal government including first steps that would allow colleges/universities to change accreditors and an executive order to end funding for NPR and PBS. The NSF also issued new guidance on F&A rates that is forward looking. There was discussion on how the University Committee wants to be involved as things continue during the summer. Incoming chair Annie Jones indicated that she should be contacted as matters arise.

Li adjourned the meeting at 3:07 pm.

Minutes submitted by Heather Daniels, secretary of the faculty.