Faculty Senate Minutes 2021-05-03
Chancellor Rebecca Blank
called the online meeting to order at 3:32 p.m. with 155 voting members present
(113 needed for quorum.) Memorial resolutions were offered for Professor
Emerita Chère Gibson (Faculty
Document 2948), Professor Emeritus Earl Shrago (Faculty
Document 2949), and Professor Emeritus John Suttie (Faculty
Document 2950)
Chancellor Rebecca Blank reflected on the difficulties of
the last academic year. On a brighter note, the campus COVID-19 infection rate
was successfully controlled in spring semester. Fully vaccinated employees and
students are exempt from campus testing requirements. UHS is collecting information
on vaccinations for those who were vaccinated off campus.
Looking ahead to COVID-19 measures, effective Monday, May
10, access to campus buildings and facilities will no longer be limited to
those with a green Badger Badge. However, employees and students are expected
to maintain a green status, and units and classes may require it. Watch for
frequent updates on safety measures for fall.
Faculty salaries for full professors in a 12-member peer
group rose from last place to 5th place; associate and assistant
professors also moved up in the rankings. This is thanks to UW-Madison funding
(especially in fall 2019) and consistent state pay plans.
University Committee Chair Kirsten Wolf reminded everyone
that the 1st day of fall 2021 instruction is on the 2nd
day of Rosh Hashanah. Faculty are strongly encouraged to offer alternatives for
students if they are unable to attend class on that day. The new biweekly
payroll cycle will begin in July. Faculty should check how this will affect
their monthly income and visit the single payroll website for more information.
Interim Chief Diversity Officer Cheryl Gittens reported
that 32 new faculty have been hired on the TOP program as of this spring. Her
office has held over 70 affinity group gatherings for faculty and staff this
year. The Raimey-Noland campaign has been launched to raise money to support
DEI initiatives. A campus-wide committee sponsored by both Cheryl Gittens and
Beth Meyerand, Vice Provost for Faculty and Staff, will coordinate efforts to
build diversity, equity, and inclusion learning activities for faculty and
staff.
There were several questions about the new Conflict of
Commitment policy, see the FAQ and quick summary.
The minutes of the April 4, 2021 meeting were approved by consent. Professor
Paola Hernandez (Spanish & Portuguese) presented the Kemper Knapp Committee
annual report (Faculty Document 2951), Professor
Dante Fratta (Civil & Environmental Engineering) presented the Committee on
Undergraduate Recruitment, Admissions and Financial Aid annual report (Faculty
Document 2952), Professor Carey McAndrews
(Planning & Landscape Architecture) presented the Campus Transportation
Committee annual report (Faculty
Document 2953) and UC Chair Kirsten Wolf
presented the elections report (Faculty
Document 2954). There were no questions on these reports.
The Faculty Senate continued discussion on the item Promotion from Associate Professor to Professor (Addition of Faculty Policies and Procedures 7.16) (Faculty Document 2879 Rev 2) that was deferred from the March Faculty Senate meeting. The new section was approved with one amendment.
University Committee member Eric Sandgren moved approval of a revision of Faculty Document 1971, which covers accommodations for students with disabilities (Faculty Document 1071 Rev). The revision was approved.
University Committee chair Kirsten Wolf presented moved approval of a new policy on Election Day class absences (Faculty Document 2947). The policy was approved with one amendment.
The
meeting adjourned at 4:54 pm.
Heather
Daniels
Secretary
of the Faculty