UC members present: Broman, Edwards, Meyerand (chair), Wanner, Wendt
UC member absent: Litovsky
Also present: Richard, McFadden, Laning, Radomski, Moscicke, Daniels, Felber, O’Meara
Chair Beth Meyerand called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. DSOF Richard informed those present that the provost was ill and would not be attending and that SOF Smith was accessible but not present, and she updated the UC on the student art show, many pieces of which are hanging in the UC conference room. Students were thrilled with the show and reception.
Felber (PROFS) reminded the UC of the self-insurance forum, distributed a flyer, and said it was likely the event would be live-streamed. Forum is open to the public and widely publicized. O’Meara indicated that the state assembly claims it is done following its marathon session. Both land sale and parking bills passed in both houses and now go to governor. College affordability bill has passed committee. Many legislators say the package is too expensive. Fetal tissue and campus carry bills are not likely to be brought up again.
The UC discussed the draft budget committee composition and charge. UC voted to accept with some modifications the changes suggested by academic staff. Ample discussion. The UC reviewed items for the March 7 Faculty Senate, including changes to FPP, election slates, apportionment, and possible changes to tenure policies.
Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education Marsha Mailick and Associate Vice Chancellor Jan Greenberg discussed the formal incorporation of the URC into FPP with the UC. The OVCRGE will work with the UC to address the functions of the Research, Safety, and Compliance Oversight Committee (FPP 6.58., currently resting). Related FPP changes will be included with Senate first reading in March. The OVCRGE representatives shared with the UC the first draft of a campuswide survey on IRBs. Detailed discussion.
Chancellor Rebecca Blank indicated she had little to report. VCUR on-campus interviews continue and she expects to move forward as soon as feedback received. VCFA committee has been charged and will begin meeting immediately. United Way report on poverty in Dane County about to be released. Discussion of possible recommendations and follow-on activities. Blank updated the UC on recent issue with anti-Semitic events. Discussion of tenure policies and possible need for changes to campus documents. Discussion of membership of VCFA search and screen committee.
Ellen Zweibel and Rafi Lazimy from the Information Technology Committee updated the UC on ongoing projects and concerns about shared governance balance. Ample discussion. Follow-up with Committee on Committees and University Committee.