Minutes for September 19, 2022

UC members present: Babcock, Bernard-Donals, Li, Papp (chair), Tejedo-Herrero

Others: Greg Bump, Michelle Felber, Lesley Fisher, John Horn, Jennifer Noyes, Julie Scharm,
Jake Smith

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

The minutes for the meeting of September 12, 2022, were approved with corrections.   

Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Rob Cramer noted that the Board of Regents approved their state budget request in August, both operating and capital. The operating budget includes a 4% increase in state funding, tuition promise for the remainder of UW System ($35.5 million) and a pay plan of 4% for each year with 100% state funding. There is also a request to the Higher Education Grants Board to increase the maximum amount of the grant as well as providing additional funds.

In regards to the capital budget, there are 56 projects requested across all UW instititions. For UW-Madison, these projects include the Engineering replacement building (which has increased in price by $55 million over the past two years), Camp Randall Shell replacement, new facility for the arts as well as utility, maintenance and repair. For construction projects, 70% of the funding is coming from private donations.

In regards to the Title and Total Compensation Project, they are working to build a compensation strategy and career lattice in addition to working on benefits.

Michael Bernard-Donals moved approval of the FPP changes on Emerit for Faculty Senate. Seconded. Approved. The University Committee discussed a change to the grievance procedure.

Papp motioned, and it was seconded, to convene in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(c) and (f) to discuss waivers at 1:52. Two tenure clock extensions and two dual roles were approved.

Papp motioned to reconvene in open session at 2:10. It was seconded and approved.

Jennifer Mnookin, Chancellor, discussed the chalking incident on the first day of classes. She discussed the tensions between free speech and inclusion issues and importance of naming that tension. The Ho-Chunk flag flew in front of Bascom Hall for the second time. It will fly about 6 weeks this fall. She met with President White Eagle.

Themes coming from the recently held Leadership Summit include particulars like the need for paid family leave, consistency of hybrid work arrangements and the lack of tuition coverage. DEI issues were mentioned quite a bit as well as operations and streamlining. She asked for suggestions of places she or others could go to engage with the community on these questions. She also asked the University Committee to provide suggestions on what she should talk about with the Faculty Senate.

Papp adjourned the meeting at 3:14.