University Committee

Minutes for February 08, 2021

Approved February 14, 2021 

UC members present: Halverson, Sandgren, Masters, Papp, Wolf, Tracy

Others present besides those listed below: Greg Bump, Eric Davis, Michelle Felber, Lesley Fisher, Yvonne Kim, Kelly Meyerhofer, Jane Richard, Jake Smith, Bill Tishler 

Chair Wolf called the meeting to order at 1:30

The minutes of the meeting of February 1, 2021 were approved by consent.

Jack O’Meara reported that PROFS registered in opposition to the Republican’s proposal to repeal the statewide mask mandate. Governor Evers’ 2021-2023 state budget will be released next week and includes more extension agents.

Bill Karpus, Dean of the Graduate School reported that after meeting with the Graduate Faculty Executive Committee (GFEC) members, the term length for the committee should stay at 4 years. In coordination with a national exit survey for new Ph.D. graduates, UW-Madison added questions related to institutional support and instruction (barriers, climate, expectations, mentoring, career planning) for the past 5 years. They are going to make the data available to deans and will include the information as part of the 10- year program review. The Graduate School will also regularly analyze the data to identify red flags in programs and departments and discuss with the department. The University Libraries have taken the results from the graduate student experience survey and reviewing how they can meet needs better.

Karl Scholz, Provost, Beth Meyerand, Vice Chancellor for Faculty and Staff, and Brian Fox, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Policy and Integrity, came prepared to answer the UC’s questions about the new conflict of commitment policy. A conflict of commitment is a type of conflict of interest that may occur when outside activities interfere with a university employee’s ability to fulfill university expectations, obligations, and responsibilities. There is some concern about the potential burden on departments, and concern that approvals might be arbitrary.

Peter Miller, chair of the Athletic Board, commented on an already busy semester, in part because many more student athletes are active now than in fall: up from 1 sport to 22. Besides addressing academic challenges, travel is a problem even with so many online classes because the risk posed by COVID-19. The Athletic Board is using data to look at student athlete outcomes. On the national level changes continue to happen. Chancellor Blank recently met with the Athletic Board and reiterated her position that she is in favor of allowing students to profit of their likeness and name, but not in favor of paying compensation to student athletes.

Sangren moved to convene in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(c) and (f) to discuss grievances. Seconded. Passed at 2:47 pm.

Sandgren moved to convene in open session. Seconded. Passed at 3:49 pm. Chair Wolf adjourned the meeting at 3:57 pm.

Submitted by Heather Daniels, Secretary of the Faculty