University Committee Meeting Minutes 2022-03-21

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

Others: Greg Bump, Michelle Felber, Lesley Fisher, John Horn, Matt Mayrl, Jake Smith

Sandgren call the meeting to order at 1:00. 

Rob Cramer, Interim Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, reported that they will select a firm to engage with campus about real estate options on the west end of campus. They are also interested in increasing campus housing, expecting to forward a plan to the Board of Regents in June.

Planning for the Administrative Transformation Program (ATP) is picking up speed. The human resources and finance phase will end next month and then the architect phase will begin. The budget office will launch the grants forecasting component at the end of May, with a mid-2023 goal for full implementation of the product.

Sandgren moved to convene in closed session; it was seconded and approved at 1:19. 

Sandgren moved to reconvene in open session; it was seconded and approved at 1:45.

The minutes of the meeting of March 7, 2022 were approved by consent.

The University Committee discussed composition of the committee for the next year and request the appointment of a returning member for one year, rather than have 3 newly elected members. 

Bill Karpus, Dean of the Graduate School, discussed the idea of a campus-wide graduate student research day that was requested by graduate students. The UC was very enthusiastic.

There are 5 graduate students from Ukraine and 30 from Russia. The Graduate School is watching for how the students and their research will be affected by the war in Ukraine.

The UC discussed the charge of a potential ad hoc sustainability/divestment committee and asked that Chair Sandgren and Secretary Daniels meet with the UW Foundation and Alumni Association before the UC forms a committee.

The UC reviewed the proposal for replacing “emeritus/a” with “emerit” in FPP. Individuals can select their preferred term.

Rebecca Blank, Chancellor, continues to track COVID infection numbers. The order for unvaccinated individuals to test weekly will expire in April and is likely to be removed.

She received a report on sustainability efforts on campus; interest and commitment continue to grow.  

Chancellor Blank mentioned the series of articles about faculty “bullying” in the Wisconsin State Journal. Addressing these issues is a continual process. UW-Madison is one of the few institutions with a policy in place, with good results. 

Steve Ackerman, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education, reported that the postdoctoral leave recommendations are moving forward. State statute prevents them from having sick leave or vacation so they will get absences with pay (4.4 weeks), which will be implemented in the new fiscal year.

Three of the main helium plants in the world are not operating, causing a crisis in supply. Medical needs continue to be filled, but for research, UW-Madison has 45% of what is usually received. Helium recycling stands at 45% and could be increased to 75-80%. 

Sandgren adjourned the meeting at 3:17.