University Committee Meeting Minutes 2026-05-18

Minutes for May 18, 2026

UC members present: Bernard-Donals, Chui, de Leon, Jones, Kendall Others present: Emily Beach, Greg Bump, Heather Daniels, Michelle Felber, Lesley Fisher, April Haynes, Becky Jacobs, Derek Johnson, Sabine Martine, Jack O’Meara, Julie Scharm

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

Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Rob Cramer discussed the development of plans for sharing budget approach updates with the Budget Committee and the University Committee.

LinkUW phase one started in November 2025; about 10% of employees are in phase one units. LinkUW has processed approximately 6,000 HR/finance transactions since its inception, with 97% of transactions resolved in the expected amount of time. LinkUW phase two will go live in September 2026. Phase two units include more faculty; faculty support will be a new component.

Michelle Felber and Jack O’Meara from PROFS shared that they will be compiling information on the loss of federal funds to share with state legislators. PROFS held a forum on May 6, 2026 titled, “What is the Path Forward for Public Higher Education?” with three panelists with different perspectives to share. The Wisconsin Legislature held a special session on May 13, 2026 to vote on a bipartisan tax cut and school funding deal; it was approved by the state assembly but denied by the state senate.

Dean of the Graduate School Bill Karpus shared perspectives on the impact of the budget model on the Graduate School, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research reorganization, and the pending updates to the duration of status rule which affects international students on visas. The University Committee shared concerns about the Graduate School’s five-year funding guarantee and the challenges it creates with flexibility and the ability for academic units to make the best decisions locally.

The minutes for May 11, 2026, were approved by consent.

The University Committee discussed their concerns about the proposed reorganization of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and finalized their statement, which will be shared with the chancellor, provost and all faculty.

Chui motioned, and it was seconded and approved, to convene in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(a)(c) and (f) to discuss waivers and a grievance at 2:40 pm. Two leaves of absence were approved.

Bernard-Donals motioned, and it was seconded and approved, to reconvene in open session at 3:11 pm.

Jones adjourned the meeting at 3:27 pm.

Minutes submitted by Julie Scharm, deputy secretary of the faculty.