Minutes for March 18, 2024

UC members present: Bernard-Donals, Jones, Li, Tejedo-Herrero, Thibeault, Zweibel
Others present: John Horn, Michelle Felber, Kevin Jacobson, Jack O’Meara, Julie Scharm

Chair Thibeault called the meeting to order at 1:01 pm. 

Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Rob Cramer provided an update on the new budget approach. The current budget model will be used in FY25, along with a shadow system of the new budget approach. The new budget approach will be implemented in FY26. Starting in the fall of 2024, there will be meetings with school/college finance leads and engagement with shared governance groups to discuss the differences between the models. There will be a national search for the UW-Madison Police Department chief position, likely in the fall of 2024. The Engineering Building is under design, with sustainability ideas in mind and with an anticipated opening date of fall 2027.

Michelle Felber and Jack O’Meara from PROFS indicated that they are following the processes regarding faculty layoffs for the Waukesha campus and making sure due process is given. PROFS plans to ask the governor to veto the loyalty pledges bill. They will be sending a legislative wrap up and save the date for the forum on flagships. 

Bill Karpus, Dean of the Graduate School, shared that the 2026-28 minimum stipend estimations have been shared with departments. There will be some bridge funding available for students supported by grants that are unable to fund an increase. The process for this has not been decided. The minimum stipend rates are likely to be above the rates set by NIH. 

Patrick Sheehan, Chief Human Resources Officer, shared that they are working to operationalize the position cap as well as working with DDEEA to reimagine the two dozen or so positions required by the deal with the legislature. 

The details of the central compensation fund have been shared to address market, equity and performance needs for both faculty and staff. 

OHR is continuing to look at benefits improvements including paid parental leave benefits. They have been working with Universities of Wisconsin for a program that would cover both employees and graduate students. There are a number of complex legal and regulatory issues to consider and take into account. More news is expected later in the spring. 

The minutes from March 11, 2024, were approved by automatic consent.

The University Committee reviewed the Faculty Senate agenda, which will be sent out early due to spring break. 

Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin shared that the Vice Chancellor for Research search is underway and encouraged feedback. The Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine search is in its final stages and the Dean of the School of Education application period closes today. Two searches will begin soon including the Vice Chancellor for University Relations and the Dean of the School of Medicine and Public Health. 

The compensation strategy includes $24 million in funding for base adjustments and bonuses. 

John Mackay, co-chair of the Immigration and International Issues Committee, presented the committee’s annual report. They have been discussing several issues over the last year including understanding STEM-OPT visas and their link to e-verify, which must be used for all hires if the institution wants to use STEM-OPT visas, as well as how difficult it can be for international students to be hired in the United States following graduation. They also have an ongoing concern about services for undocumented students following the end of grant funding for the Center for DREAMers. 

Bernard-Donals motioned, and it was seconded and approved, to convene in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(c) and (f) to discuss waivers and committee appointments at 3:16 pm. One tenure clock extension was approved.

Bernard-Donals motioned to reconvene in open session at 3:27 pm. It was seconded and approved. 

Thibeault adjourned the meeting at 3:32 pm.