Minutes for October 17, 2016

UC members present: Amasino, Bowers, Broman (chair), Litovsky, Wanner, Wendt

Others present: S. Smith, O. Arain, J. Skubish, M. Felber, H. Daniels, B. Vaughan, D. Farrar-Edwards, M. Bernard-Donals, L. Stoddard Cameron

Acting Chair Tom Broman called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. and then called attention to the implementation memo on new minimal instructor qualifications policy. The UC discussed a draft letter from ASEC to the SMPH dean which encourages shared governance and generally broader representation on searches, with the example of the recent search for a director of the State Hygiene Lab. By consensus, the UC endorses the letter and would like to be added as a signatory. Minutes of the meeting of October 10, 2016, approved. Michelle Felber (PROFS) indicated that Jack O’Meara and Don Moynihan were interviewed for a story in the Daily Cardinal on performance-based funding. (Amasino arrived 1:25 p.m.; Litovsky departed 3:33 p.m.)

Associated Students of Madison chair Carmen Goséy asked if the University Committee thought any formalized faculty response was appropriate for the upcoming visit of the Westboro Baptist Church. Following ample discussion, the UC decided that a message to all faculty encouraging support for LGBT members of our community in ways other than drawing attention to the protesters was the most appropriate reaction. Goséy also asked the UC and the faculty more broadly for support of an ASM resolution on indigenous peoples. Among the items in the resolution are recognition of the 2nd Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, inclusion of that day and months recognizing the heritage of marginalized communities in official UW calendars, formalized recognition of indigenous lands before university events, and posted information on Lincoln’s role in suppression of indigenous peoples. After ample discussion, the UC agreed to work with ASM, the administration, and others to develop a meaningful response to the concerns.

Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Hostile and Intimidating Behavior Amy Wendt presented the committee’s final report. Primary findings include: HIB is an ongoing problem on our campus; procedures and definitions are not well known or easy to find; resources often accessed only when problems have escalated; resistance to using formal procedure; good campus resources exist, but coverage does not reach everyone; perception that support for some employees is lacking, especially US; due process for accused is imperative; and clear lines of authority are lacking on some parts of campus. The committee’s recommendations are: (1) creation of a system of HIB resource representatives, modeled on the DDR system; (2) identification of place that both victims and bystanders can get advice; (3) support for those accused; (4) training and support for leadership and help to establish procedures in units; (5) educational efforts, including year-long campaign of campus conversations modeled on getting word out on sexual harassment policy; (6) broad dissemination of information through campus media; (7) promotion of work-life integration, stress reduction, methods to preempt HIB; and (8) centralized website. Report accepted by consensus. UC will talk to provost and VCFA among others to move recommendations forward.

Litovsky 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 1:44 p.m. Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education Marsha Mailick and the UC discussed membership of the Research Technology Advisory Group (RTAG) and the IT governance structure more broadly. Mailick also presented a draft, not-yet-public Research Policy Compliance Responsibility Matrix, indicating shifts in responsibilities within the OVCRGE. Wendt moved to reconvene in open session. The motion was seconded and passed at 2:01 p.m.

Provost Sarah Mangelsdorf presented Regent Policy Document 14-8, a draft new policy on consensual relationships. Everyone in favor of such a policy, but some concern that System/Regents are rolling it out without consulting campuses. Draft generally in line with existing policy, but some notable differences, including a shift in tone from management to prohibition. Ample discussion, which revealed several problematic areas. UC will review and discuss with Mangelsdorf at future meeting. Similarly, UC will continue discussion broached today of college/school-like bodies (e.g., Arts Institute, Nelson, etc.). Mangelsdorf informed the UC that the UAPC will be talking about a possible review of the Honors program. The idea arose out of data and recruiting questions and whether the Honors program is effectively leveraged as marketing and recruitment tool. UC will revisit this topic with the provost after UAPC discussion.

In preparation for the November Senate meeting, the UC discussed post-tenure review policy with the provost, updating her on upcoming meeting with President Ray Cross and other developments. The UC discussed the “business necessity” language in the policy, a requirement of the Regent policy. Ample discussion about other feedback on the Senate first reading. Suggestion was made to clarify what triggers discipline and what aspects are still protected by appeal rights. Need to add “or equivalent” to references to department chairs throughout the document. Chancellor Rebecca Blank and Chief Legal Officer Ray Taffora joined the discussion on how to present post-tenure review policy to Board/System and to prepare for UC representatives meeting with President Cross. Goal of latter is to get System to advocate for Madison’s position. Conversation centered primarily on how to present “second peer review.” Taffora reminded everyone that the main reactions from System legal are: (1) definitions, (2) second review, and (3) process after remediation. The first and third have been addressed and a strong case can be made for the second. Ample discussion, including emphasis that RPD is minimum standard, not limitation; other campus’s policies; optimism that Regents do not want to get into heavy editing this time; suggestion of meeting with Whitburn after Cross meeting. 

Blank provided an update on the meningitis cases. Both patients have recovered and been discharged. After significant research and consultation with state health, CDC, etc., strong recommendation is to start vaccination for all undergraduates. State will support and information will be disseminated widely. Discussion.

Chair of the Committee on Women in the University Bret Larget and committee staffer Lindsey Stoddard Cameron presented the CWU annual report that will go to the Senate in November. Three areas highlighted where most effort was spent: (1) early childhood care and education, (2) children in the workplace, and (3) data dives. For future, CWU will canvas topics, but general sense that diversity and inclusion, parental leave, lactation spaces will be important. Ample discussion.

Charles Snowden and Rosa Garner from the Ombuds Office updated the UC on their annual report and caseload [EAO Annual report]. The office has seen a steady increase in visitors; about 50% of cases deal with supervisory relationships; about 1/6 of cases relate to HIB. Ombuds now has process to identify HIB cases and discuss quarterly. Issues related to graduate students increasing, while Ombuds remit is employees. Service gap and constituents not being served raised with provost office. Possible solutions include separate grad student ombuds or extension of existing office. Concerns with either solution as to confidentiality, impartiality, independence, informality, and advocacy. Ample discussion, including emerging issues, problem of disinterested/unskilled supervisors in large enterprises, training, communication, different usage by employee category, and persistent tension between imminent crisis and improved impact if issues are identified early on.

Amasino 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 3:37 p.m. The UC considered and denied one dual role waiver request, and considered and unanimously approved one leave of absence extension request and one tenure clock extension request. The University Committee nominated a new chair for the University Lectures Committee and a new member of the University Bookstore Board of Trustees. Wanner moved to reconvene in open session. The motion was seconded and passed at 4:00 p.m., at which time Broman adjourned the meeting.