University Committee Meeting Minutes 2018-10-22

UC members present: Amasino (chair) (arr. 1:15), Campagnola, Ventura, Warfield, Wolf

UC member absent: Bowers

Others present: S. Smith, J. Richard, H. Daniels, J. Smith, A. Ewer, and those indicated below

Terry Warfield called the meeting to order at 1:12 p.m. Vice Provost for Faculty and Staff Michael Bernard-Donals updated the UC on progress on a website with information for faculty, staff, and leadership about resources for addressing misconduct issues. Bernard-Donals also reported on plans to review HIB policies and develop guidance and best practices, as well as changes to the policies if they should prove necessary. And he reported on the new enhanced Target of Opportunity program and pay tools. There was discussion throughout, concluding with the topic of the CFCEB charge. The UC decided that a specific charge was not needed this year, but that of course the committee could convene on its own. 

Interim Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education Norman Drinkwater updated the UC on recent leadership transitions and briefly discussed the search for a permanent VCRGE. Drinkwater reported that the 5th UW2020 round is underway and the results of the first 2 rounds are being analyzed. Early indications are that UW2020 grants result in increases in extramural income greater than the amount distributed by UW2020. Certain issues are being specifically targeted, including community-based initiatives to address social problems. Drinkwater discussed two tracks growing out of the recent data sciences report to parallel the academic unit discussions in L&S: (1) A planning committee to determine what would be required for a new research center around data science; it will determine the broad questions that will lead to a formal proposal. (2) RTAG and OVCRGE working on proposed strategy with CIO to provide infrastructure (storage, computing, etc.) and data science tools to foment big data research. Ample discussion.

The UC reviewed and approved the final draft of a memo to the chancellor about shared governance issues and the Extension merger. The minutes of the meeting of October 15, 2018, were approved with one nit picked. The UC reviewed materials for the upcoming Senate meeting. VCSA Lori Reesor discussed the upcoming Dean of Students search, which will benefit from lessons learned while reconstituting the UHS director search. This search will also benefit from already-started conversations and consulting around the best role and structure for the DoS within the OVCSA, which is different than when it was part of the Division of Student Life. UC concurred with Reesor (with some dissent) on plan to create student and faculty co-chairs and fully endorsed a committee that is heavy on students and academic staff. 

TAA members Chance McMahon and Rob Timberlake discussed mandatory fees and graduate student support, particularly in light of the May 2018 Faculty Senate resolution. The UC plans to bring a new resolution on the topic to the Senate next month. Discussion began with an analogous ASM resolution. The May Senate resolution was partly about timing of seg fee payments; this is no longer an issue. The TAA asks the faculty to endorse a waiver of segregated and international student fees. Very ample discussion. Steve Ventura moved to convene in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(c) and (f) to discuss personnel matters. The motion was seconded and passed at 2:43 p.m. The UC took up a grievance with Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning Mike Bernard-Donals. Following ample discussion and due deliberation, the UC finds that there was no improper action or injury created in this case and now considers the matter closed. The UC considered and unanimously approved a one-year clinical-initial clock extension. Warfield moved to reconvene in open session. The motion was seconded and passed at 3:19 p.m. and, before the clock could turn over to 3:20, Amasino adjourned the meeting.