Minutes for October 4, 2021

UC members present: Halverson, Masters, Papp, Sandgren (chair), Tejedo-Herrero, Thibeault

Others present besides those listed below: Greg Bump, Michelle Felber, Lesley Fisher, Matt Mayrl, Jane Richard

Chair Sandgren called the meeting to order at 1:02.

The minutes of the meeting of September 27, 2021 was approved by consent.

Sandgren moved to convene in closed session; it was seconded and approved at 1:03. Three tenure clock extensions were approved.

Sandgren moved to reconvene in open session; it was seconded and approved at 1:33.

LaVar Charleston, Chief Diversity Officer, introduced himself to the University Committee. He hopes to create a culture of belonging throughout the institution with a recognition that the institution was created to serve white men. There are four pillars that support his work: Asset-based approaches, research informed practices, organizational excellence and campus and community engagement.

Steve Ackerman, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education, reported on funding opportunities for the fall including Fall Research Competition, Library Collections Enhancement Initiative, Research Core Revitalization Program, and Pandemic-Affected Research Continuation Initiative.

In regards to disruptions caused by the chemistry building, the Graduate School is being flexible with progress to degree and other policies. His office is working with the College of Letters & Science to determine the impact of the disruption.

Chancellor Rebecca Blank reported that the Board of Regents will consider an unusual amount of business for UW-Madison at their meeting this week. UW-Madison received the Green Ribbon award for sustainability from the US Department of Education (the first Big Ten school to receive it), and she received the Star award from the Posse Foundation. UW-Madison has the largest Posse program in the country.

Two listening sessions for the UW System presidential search and screen committee generated good conversation, but were sparsely attended. Listening sessions are at all UW System schools. Chancellor Blank has been talking to legislators about allowing UW-Madison to invest cash reserves short-term with the State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB). This would generate an extra $7-8 million a year. A hearing on this bill has been scheduled in the Senate.

Chair Sandgren adjourned the meeting at 2:52.