University Committee
Minutes for May 18, 2020
Approved June 01, 2020

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

Also present, besides those mentioned below: Michaela Aust, Greg Bump, Tim Dalby, Laura Downer, Michelle Felber, Ron Harris, Charles Hoslet, Yvonne Kim, Rich Kremer, Matt Mayrl, Jack O’Meara, Lauren Papp, Noel Radomski, Jane Richard, Elise Romas, Jake Smith, Bill Tishler, Amanda Todd, Kelly Tyrrell, WKOW, WMTV

Chair Warfield called the meeting to order at 1:32 pm.

Wolf moved to approve the University Committee minutes for May 11, 2020, with one correction. Seconded. Approved.

Jeff Russell, Dean of Continuing Studies, and Keri Johnson, Assistant Dean for Summer Term, provided an update. Jeff thanked everyone for their contributions to summer term by providing robust and high quality courses. There are over 10,000 undergraduates enrolled this summer. Over 2700 students are receiving a partial stipend or scholarship. He is expecting summer session to generate more tuition than last year. More students are taking summer courses due to cancellations of other activities like study abroad and internships. The University Committee complimented him and his team on their outstanding efforts.

Laurent Heller, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, provided COVID-19 updates in the areas he oversees. They are working on figuring out what a phased reopening of campus would look like, especially the many safety factors to consider, such as masks, other PPE, cleaning, flushing pipes, and changes to physical layout of offices. On the human resources side of the house, issues like accommodations, sick leave, and telecommuting are being discussed.

On a similar topic, Chancellor Rebecca Blank reported on her blog post addressing the Phase 1 reopening for summer and fall. This will mainly involve some research activities that are low transmission risk and high modification. They expect to have some groups on campus in early June. After monitoring for several weeks, they’ll decide on how to proceed with Phase 2.

In regards to public spaces, campus police have the authority to write citations. There is concern about crowding on the Terrace. The eastern entrance to the Arboretum has been closed to cars to allow more pedestrian and bike traffic.

Sandgren moved to approve the University Committee Statement to UW System on “Blueprint for the University of Wisconsin System Beyond COVID-19.” Seconded. Approved.

Sandgren moved to convene in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(c) and (f) to discuss appointments. Seconded. Passed at 2:50.

Sandgren moved to convene in open session which was seconded at 3:27 when Chair Warfield adjourned the meeting.