Minutes for April 13, 2020

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

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

Chair Warfield called the meeting to order at 1:31 pm.

Wolf moved to approve the University Committee minutes for April 6, 2020 with one correction. Seconded. Approved.  

Pete Miller, chair of the Athletic Board, reported that Athletics is offering mental health and tutoring services for student athletes, and ensuring that they have food and can travel home if needed during the pandemic.

The decision of the NCAA to allow schools to decide whether student athletes in spring sports will have another year of eligibility was a surprise. All 56 student athletes at UW-Madison who are seniors this year are on track to receive their degrees either this spring or next fall.  If UW-Madison were to offer additional eligibility, those graduating this spring would have to enroll in a graduate program for the fall, which is difficult at this late date. In addition, the university may not be able to promise a spring sports season next year.

Bill Karpus, Dean of the Graduate School, reported that with a likely poor job market for graduating seniors, some professional master’s programs could see an uptick in fall applications.

A number of graduate students are counting on summer funding that will no longer be available. The Graduate School is assessing funding continuity for the summer so not to duplicate resources being leveraged elsewhere.

Dean Karpus and Vice Chancellor Ackerman have a working group addressing graduate education delivery this fall. They expect the group to meet for about 5 weeks.

The University Committee reviewed the senate agenda for Monday and feedback regarding the controversial requirement for letters in the new legislation for promotion to full professor. After much discussion, all members of the UC expressed support for the requirement.

The UC discussed expectations for students in their own classes this semester.

Mark Walters, Chief Human Resources Officer, shared that telecommuting and online teaching seems to be going well. On April 1, the campus implemented the next phase of COVID-19 policy that allows an unlimited amount of leave through May 1. Job postings for non-essential positions are being held, although positions that were previously posted are being filled. Some pay adjustments are being held but faculty promotions and post tenure reviews are going through.

There is at least a three month delay in the TTC project while adjustments are made. The biggest piece left is the manager/employee conversations, which are on hold for some until the university returns to regular operations.

Sandgren moved to convene in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(c) and (f) to discuss a rule waiver and personnel matters. Seconded. Passed at 2:59. The UC approved two leaves of absences and one tenure clock extension.

Sandgren moved to convene in open session which was seconded at 3:09 when Chair Warfield adjourned the meeting.