University Committee Meeting Minutes 2026-08-31

Minutes for August 31, 2026

UC members present: Chui, de Leon, Haynes, Johnson, Kendall, Mathieu

Others present: Greg Bump, Alyssa Ewer, Michelle Felber, Lesley Fisher, Becky Jacobs, Sabine Martin, Mallory Musolf, Jennifer Noyes, Julie Scharm

Chair Kendall called the meeting to order at 1:00 pm.

The minutes for August 17, 2026, were approved by consent with one addition.

Marina Moskowitz and Grant Nelsestuen, co-chairs of the OVCR Task Force on Arts, Humanities and the Interpretative Social Science Research indicated that their committee has met twice. They had an initial charge meeting and then met a second time to discuss the charge. They are meeting again in September to determine their plans for listening sessions. The University Committee requested the addition of a UC rep as well as the consideration of adding other faculty, who do not have administrative duties.

Will Erikson and Andrea Hicks attended the meeting to discuss the sustainability course designation.

De Leon motioned, and it was seconded and approved, to convene in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(c) and (f) to discuss waivers, committee appointments, and grievances at 2:01 pm. One temporary assignment, two leaves of absence, 4 dual-roles and one tenure clock extension were approved.

Haynes motioned, and it was seconded and approved, to reconvene in open session at 2:30 pm.

Interim Chancellor Eric Wilcots asked for thoughts from the University Committee regarding the leadership summit. In regard to the August 3 National Call to Action to University Governing Boards from the Secretary of Education, there have been conversations about whether and how to respond both inside the institution and in conversation with other institutions.

Mark Rickenbach, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Policy and Integrity, and Fran Vavrus, Dean, International Division, discussed a proposed policy for international agreements. It creates an advisory committee of faculty and academic staff to provide a review of agreements that are flagged for involving risk.

Sara McKinnon, co-chair, Ad Hoc Undergraduate Education Committee, discussed a proposed new committee on undergraduate education. The University Committee provided feedback on the structure and duties of the committee.

Kendall adjourned the meeting at 4:36 pm.

Minutes submitted by Heather Daniels, secretary of the faculty.