January 4, 2017

[rescheduled from January 2, a university holiday]

UC members present: Amasino, Bowers (left: 1:41), Broman (arrived: 12:20), Litovsky, Wanner, Wendt (chair)

Others present: S. Smith, J. Smith, M. Felber, M. Moscicke, D. Moynihan, G. Bump, C. Springer, J. Brown, J. O’Meara, J. Richard, M. Mayrl

Chair Amy Wendt called the meeting to order at 11:30 a.m. The minutes of the meeting of December 19, 2016, were approved. PROFS Secretary Michelle Felber summarized opening statements on legislative goals made by legislative leaders to mark the convening of the state legislature earlier in the week. Some discussion followed.

The UC discussed post-tenure review (for part of the time with the provost and for a separate part of the time with the chancellor). Wendt summarized recommendations of the ad hoc working group, which converged well on a plan for how to revise our campus policy to be in compliance with Board of Regent policy. Mangelsdorf supportive of provost role when dean and department disagree. Substantial support for developing this option to be considered for submission to the Faculty Senate. Much discussion of communication, both to faculty and outside messaging. Talking points on tenure would be helpful moving forward.

The UC (for part of the time with the provost and for a separate part of the time with the chancellor) discussed recent publicity around course on whiteness and whether a formal faculty statement is appropriate. Several articles and statements have already been released.  UC decided that the university’s response has been sufficient and that the issue is not currently at a point that merits an additional faculty response. Some discussion of appropriate group to make statements on behalf of the faculty in general and on what parts of the campus community should respond to various issues. Consensus: Depends on the issue. 

The UC stood in recess from 12:39 p.m. to 12:59 p.m. Chancellor Rebecca Blank provided an update on meetings around the state and with legislators and upcoming executive team retreat to think strategically about moving beyond reactive mode. Chief of Staff Matt Mayrl summarized planning for possible reactions to whiteness course.

Ruth 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 1:30 p.m. The University Committee considered and unanimously approved one dual role waiver request and one tenure clock extension. Two other dual role waiver requests were approved with contingencies. The University Committee considered a new grievance, starting with whether one member who has worked with the griever should be recused. Unanimous agreement that this did not constitute a conflict of interest. Following ample discussion, UC resolved to ask griever’s department for additional documentation. Litovsky moved to reconvene in open session. The motion was seconded and passed at 2:13 p.m., at which point Wendt immediately adjourned the meeting.