UC members present: Broman, Edwards, Litovsky, Meyerand (chair), Wanner, Wendt

Others present: S. Smith, O. Rain, J. O’Meara, J. Richard, H. Daniels, H. McFadden

Chair Beth Meyerand called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. New ASM shared governance chair Omer Arain introduced himself. Minutes of the meeting of May 2, 2016, approved. O’Meara indicated that PROFS is setting up a meeting with majority leader Steineke, who reached out to faculty. Details to follow by email. Discussion of media coverage on next budget cycle.

The UC approved by consensus the request to add a second University Staff member to the ad hoc committee on health benefits. The UC reviewed the agenda for the special senate meeting on May 17, 2016, and discussed the expected amendment to URC composition.

Title IX Coordinator David Blom and Director of the Office for Equity and Diversity Luis Piñero discussed the complaint and investigation process for discrimination cases at UW-Madison. As outlined on their website, campus follows a clear process consistent with state and other laws, which includes investigation, rights of appeal, and multiple levels of review. A UW System task force is preparing recommendations for President Cross on system policy, training needs, support services, and communication. Title IX processes are now under the new office of compliance, directed by Cathy Trueba, but processes remain the same. Discussion included gray areas, shifting cultures, micro-aggressions, harassment, academic freedom, and freedom of speech protections.

Interim Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Michael Lehman responded to a question about UW System funds (“windfall”) that campuses will be receiving, which resulted from fringe and utility savings. Some discussion of when and how the Union Terrace will be opened. Lehman asked the UC about the status of the shared governance budget committee. Discussion about interaction between different budget committees. 

Athletic Board chair Mark Covaleski updated the UC on several new coaches, NCAA and Big10 issues, and changes in Board membership next year. Discussion about student support, budget, and personnel changes. The UC thanked Covaleski for his years of service on the Athletic Board.

Wrap-up discussion included possibility of inviting Mark Walters in to talk about changes to pay rate and system, feedback and follow-up on the Senate’s no confidence vote, post-tenure review, and sifting and winnowing. The meeting was adjourned at 2:25 p.m.