University Committee

Minutes for June 1, 2020

UC members present: Campagnola, Halverson, Masters, Papp, Sandgren, Wolf (chair)

Also present, besides those mentioned below: Michaela Aust, Greg Bump, Laura Downer, Michelle Felber, Amol Goyal, Ron Harris, Yvonne Kim, Matt Mayrl, Kelly Meyerhofer, Jennifer Noyes, Jack O’Meara, Noel Radomski, Jane Richard, Jake Smith, Bill Tishler, Amanda Todd 

Chair Wolf called the meeting to order at 1:18 pm

Recessed for 1 minute for PROFS business.

Sandgren moved to approve the University Committee minutes for May 18, 2020. Seconded. Approved. 

The University Committee made preliminary committee assignments for the upcoming year.

Casey Nagy, Interim Vice Provost for Extension and Public Media, reported on his project looking at visa and immigration services across campus. He started with the findings of a recent study which was conducted as an external review, along with interviews he conducted across campus as well as staff comments, to compile a comprehensive list of institutional priorities. A steering committee of staff representatives and others around campus is meeting biweekly to address the list with the goal to improve communications between the administration and the offices in charge of immigration and visas. As with so many projects, COVID-19 and an uncertain budget landscape has complicated the work.

Karl Scholz, Provost, provided an update on instructional continuity. The administration is working on the mode of instruction, any changes to the academic calendar, social distancing criteria for campus, availability of PPE for students and staff, and the responsibilities of teaching for faculty and staff at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 (among other factors). Faculty should contact their department chairs to access their offices. In an effort to minimize density on campus, some buildings remain closed to general use.

Chancellor Rebecca Blank shared that there was some damage to the UW-Madison campus from an evening protest in response to the death of George Floyd, which turned confrontational. She asked the UC to provide her with ideas addressing issues around equity and inclusion.

Up to 45-50% of research labs may be part of the Phase 1 of the campus Research Reboot . The next step will be to look at reopening some public spaces and a few non-research units. There will be campus guidelines and units would devise their own reopening plans.

Sandgren moved to convene in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(c) and (f) to discuss appointments. Seconded. Passed at 2:52 pm. 

Sandgren moved to convene in open session which was seconded at 3:40 when Chair Wolf adjourned the meeting. 

Submitted by Heather Daniels, Secretary of the Faculty