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

Others: Greg Bump, Lesley Fisher, Julie Scharm, Jake Smith, Jen Young

Chair Papp called the meeting to order at 12:50 pm.

The minutes for the meeting of March 13, 2023, were approved.

Kurt McMillen, Research Administration Strategy Lead, for ATP project talked about the implementation of RAMP, which will replace WISPER and Cayuse in June 2023. It will facilitate the pre-award processes. The System has three modules: grants, agreements and export control, and it used by many peers in the Big Ten.

Rob Cramer, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, reported that the Division of Business Services and the Department of Chemistry are meeting this week to look into the purchasing issues that Chemistry has been experiencing.

He reported the Board of Regents will be looking to approve tuition proposals, the first since 2013. UW-Madison is bringing forward three tuition differentials. Nursing is asking for $1000 for each of the next two years; Business is asking for $1000 for each of the next two years (on top of the current $1000 differential); and Engineering is asking $600 for each of the next three years (on top of the current $1400 differential). Differentials require consultations with students.

Rania Huntington and Carol Hulland reported on the Retirement Issues Committee. They had been focusing on conducting a survey, but realized that the cost and time needed to do so would be prohibitive. They are instead looking at how they can assist with getting people the information they need about retirement, not just financial preparation, but also mental and emotional preparation. They recently worked on a handout about the committee that includes links to resources.

Michelle Felber and Jack O’Meara from PROFS provided an overview of the bills in the legislature. There is a joint resolution honoring Chancellor Blank, a bill to fund spinal cord research and another to fund MIA research activities. There is also a bill that would prohibit activities related to abortion and public employees that would cause issues for medical training. PROFS is planning to host a budget forum the first week of May.

Bill Karpus, Dean of the Graduate School, discussed stipend levels including concerns from faculty about students in the same lab being paid vastly different amounts. The UC also asked about the counter offer program that has ended. Dean Karpus indicated that they may revisit their decision to end the program.

Ann Sheehy, chair of the Athletic Board, brought forward a proposal to amend language in FPP regarding Faculty Athletic Representatives (FARs). The amendment would allow faculty to continue serving as FARs following their 8 year service on the board without having to be a member of the board. She also indicated that they are looking at the board structure as a whole and orientation of new board members.

Jennifer Mnookin, Chancellor, indicated the search for a Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications is underway. The position is posted and applications are due at the end of April. There are a number of universities searching for this position right now.

The Provost search continues with semi-finalist interviews happening soon. Finalists will visit the first week of April. Depending on when Provost Scholz departs, there may need to be a short interim Provost. She also discussed the tuition increases.

In regards to Tik Tok, UW-Madison owned devices had to uninstall the program by early March. No exemption requests were made at UW-Madison. She is not anticipating any further guidance from UW System at this time.

Karl Scholz, Provost, talked about the credit by exam policy that has existed for a long time. There have been discussions about the policy in relation to students who complete a badge in EdX and wish to move to a degree program. He also discussed the tuition proposal. UW-Madison has the lowest percent increase for tuition and fees and the second lowest for room and board.

Papp motioned, and it was seconded, to convene in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(c) and (f) to discuss a committee appointment at 3:44. One tenure clock extension was approved.

Tejedo-Herrero motioned to reconvene in open session at 4:06. It was seconded and approved.

Bernard-Donals adjourned the meeting at 4:09.