University Committee Meeting Minutes 2016-05-02

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

Others present: S. Smith, J. O’Meara, B. Bowers, M. Felber, H. Daniels, C. Gosay, M. Laning, M. Mayrl

Chair Beth Meyerand called the meeting to order at 1:01 p.m. Secretary Smith made several housekeeping announcements and updates. Wendt indicated that the HIB ad hoc committee will have a progress report ready for the UC later in the month. The minutes of the meeting of April 25, 2016, were approved. O’Meara said that the legislature is watching what is happening at Senate. Discussion of slanted coverage. 

Edwards moved to convene in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(c) and (f) to discuss personnel matters. The motion was seconded and passed at 1:15 p.m. The UC considered and unanimously approved one tenure clock extension and one dual role waiver. The UC nominated faculty for a sabbatical fill on the Committee on Committees and nominated one of the current Lectures Committee faculty members as chair. Litovsky moved to reconvene in open session. The motion was seconded and passed at 1:33 p.m. (The UC stood in recess until the posted open session time of 1:45 p.m.) Secretary Smith drew the UC’s attention to documents from emeritus professor Lee Hanson, which had already been sent to them from other sources. Some discussion, and agreement that broader issue of when faculty prerogative should be asserted merits further, future discussion.

Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education Marsha Mailick updated the UC on the status of the URB survey. Discussion. Mailick and Brian Fox explained the “third way” approach to negotiating industry partnerships. Fox outlined long history of such partnerships and what sticking points have been. Plan is to thoroughly document policies and processes and create a resource for industry partners and also for faculty and staff. Ample discussion of firewalls, overlaps and isolation, royalties, dispute resolution, and advisory panels. Much work to be done, but ultimately there will be a report laying out principles.

Provost Sarah Mangelsdorf had some questions about the academic calendar report, which led to discussion of “J-term” classes and other items. The provost and UC discussed the upcoming Senate meeting, as well as ethnic studies requirements and courses, learning outcomes, advising, and FIGs.

Chancellor Rebecca Blank discussed crowd size and logistics for the senate meeting, as well as her meetings with community organizations and others. She places a high priority on this type of listening and feedback, but noted that there is only one of her, so the campus needs to figure out who should meet with whom and how often; more dean involvement. Blank called attention to two items that will come back to the UC eventually: review of the ethnic studies requirement and responding to the diversity and climate proposals received. Further discussion among faculty and others required, as well as system for regularizing and tracking training and other efforts. Ample discussion. Blank said a Nursing dean announcement was imminent and outlined her upcoming meetings with industry partners.

ASM chair Madison Laning introduced next year’s chair, Carmen Gosey. 

Meyerand adjourned the meeting at 2:49 p.m.