Minutes for February 24, 2025

UC members present: Bernard-Donals, Jones, Kendall, Li, Stein, Zweibel

Others present: Leslie Bartlett, Michelle Felber, Lesley Fisher, Mallory Musolf, Julie Scharm, Dom Zappia

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

Eric Hoyt discussed the work of the Information Technology Committee in policy as well as opportunities and challenges for IT on campus. They continue to monitor improvements in data storage and preservation on campus. Digital accessibility is of increased importance. New set of ADA guidelines will go into effect in about a year that requires certain levels of digital accessibility.

Carey McAndrews presented the Campus Transportation Committee report for the past two years. Demand is back to pre-Covid levels. The Campus Transportation Committee encourages Transportation Services to utilize what they have before building more parking and putting into practice the most advanced progressive strategies. The Campus Transportation Committee considered a reduced cost parking program. Central campus has been paying the subsidy for this program that started during the pandemic. A study examined how Transportation Services could pay for the subsidy if campus was no longer able to cover it.

April Haynes from the Department of History presented two resolutions to be included on the Faculty Senate agenda. One is regarding the need to consult with the Faculty Senate on future changes to political speech or expressive activity policy. The other adds language to the Faculty Legislation for Protected and Unprotected Expression in a Work-Related Setting clarifying debasement and derogation.

Keith Woodward from the Department of Geography discussed his resolution regarding the May 1 police action at the encampment. He asked for the resolution to be on the March Faculty Senate agenda. The University Committee expressed concerns regarding the second therefore clause regarding removing student conduct findings.

The minutes from the February 17, 2025, meeting was approved by automatic consent.

The University Committee asked Secretary Daniels to ask Dean Karpus about the possibility of copying faculty on messages like the one the Graduate School recently sent to graduate students.

Jones made a motion to reconsider sponsoring the resolution regarding police violence. It was seconded and passed.

Kendall made a motion to reconsider sponsoring the resolution brought forward by Jim Stein to the University Committee. It was seconded and failed.

The University Committee reviewed the March Senate agenda.

The University discussed what they should do in regards to the ongoing concerns regarding federal government changes. They discussed whether they should write statements, be a conduit for concerns, bring forward something for the Faculty Senate to pass, review existing policies in key areas like academic freedom or do something else. They discussed asking the opinions of the faculty who attend the town hall meeting in March.

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 at 3:06 pm. Two tenure clock extensions and two leave of absences were approved.

Bernard-Donals motioned, and it was seconded and approved, to reconvene in open session at 3:34 pm.

Li adjourned the meeting at 3:46 pm.

Minutes submitted by Heather Daniels, secretary of the faculty.