Minutes for April 6, 2020

UC members present: Campagnola, Halverson, Sandgren, Ventura, Warfield (chair), Wolf

Also present, besides those mentioned below: Greg Bump, Michelle Felber, Amol Goyal, Kevin Jacobson, Matt Mayrl, Jack O’Meara, Kelly Meyerhofer, Matthew Mitnick, Jane Richard, Cole Roecker, Jake Smith, Bill Tishler, Beth Warner

Chair Warfield called the meeting to order at 1:30.

Wolf moved to approve the University Committee minutes for March 30, 2020. Seconded. Approved.  

Heather Daniels reported on a Board of Regents policy on student evaluation of instruction that is being revised. She also reported on items for the April Senate Agenda. Erica Halverson encouraged being proactive about fall semester operating decisions.

Jack O’Meara with PROFS reported that the governor has ordered the election be rescheduled for June 9, which is likely to face a court challenge. Both houses of the legislature may meet this week.

Scott Owczarek, Registrar, Jocelyn Milner, Vice Provost of Academic Affairs, and Steve Cramer, Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning, reported on the COVID-19 pass/fall option for spring semester grading. The committee formed to discuss the many issues was ultimately satisfied that they had developed a policy friendly to students and in line with peers. There are still questions from students, and a couple of use cases and professional schools unable to use the policy.

The University Committee reviewed draft changes to the end of semester grading policy going to the Faculty Senate as a first reading in April and a vote in May. The changes would require grades to be submitted 72 hours after the last day of the exam period. Instructors with exams during the last three exam days could request an extension of an additional 72 hours.

Sandgren moved to hold the Faculty Senate meeting on April 20, 2020 as a videoconference. Seconded. Approved.

Campagnola nominated Wolf to serve as the University Committee chair for 2020-2021. Seconded. Approved.

Heather Daniels shared the orientation process for Academic Staff Assembly representatives. The University Committee agreed to go forward with something parallel for faculty senators in the fall. Eric Sandgren and Terry Warfield will assist.

Chancellor Rebecca Blank shared updates on COVID-19. Support for all employees is extended through May 1. Some support for student employees will continue through the end of April. Summer courses will be held online. A dorm is open to house UW Health employees who need rest but do not need to isolate. Another dorm will open for medical personnel to isolate but can’t or shouldn’t be at home. There are many faculty and staff involved in addressing the pandemic from research to manufacturing face shields.

Derek Kindle, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management, reported to the chancellor that UW-Madison is on target for acceptances and deposits for the fall. The national discussion on how the pandemic will affect student enrollment revolves around when it will be resolved. International students may need to decline acceptance due to visa issues.

The executive team had a good discussion on long-term issues for higher education resulting from the pandemic including admissions, more online courses, and more telecommuting. The chancellor will be looking at how to move various topics forward; some may involve a broad participatory committee.

Campagnola moved to convene in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(c) and (f) to discuss a committee appointment and personnel matters. Seconded. Passed at 2:50.

Wolf moved to convene in open session which was seconded at 3:35 when Chair Warfield adjourned the meeting.