Faculty Senate
February 25, 2016 – 3:30 p.m.
Robert C. Voight Faculty Senate Chambers – 325 GMH
Vol. 50, No. 10
I. Roll Call.
A. Present: J. Anderson, B. Bennie, G. Cravins, T. Docan-Morgan, S. Foley, R. Fowler, A. Galbraith, T.
Gendreau, D. Hart, K. Hunt, H. Jones, S. Kelly, T King-Heiden, J. Kirsch, K. Kortenkamp, A. Loh, W.
Maas, M. Moeller, M. Rott, B. Seebach, K. Terpstra
B. Excused: J. Longhurst, J. Nunley, T. Seddon
II. Approval of minutes.
A. Minutes from 2-11-16 meeting were approved as distributed.
III. Reports (Note: not presented in order of discussion)
A. Chancellor (Joe Gow):
1. Racist acts on campus: the recent incidents have prompted dialogue across campus. Staff is
evaluating ways of informing campus of incidents in a more sensitive manner.
2. Upcoming tenure decisions by BOR: Chancellor Gow continues to speak out publicly and with the
BOR, particularly with respect to the need for clarification of policies surrounding program
discontinuance and the effects on morale.
3. Discussions continue with BOR regarding tuition policies and GPR allocation with the goal of
convincing the BOR to lobby for increased base support.
4. Concerns regarding facilities funds: typically has been $500 million is likely to be reduced to $100
million at most, with potential to be reduced to $0
B. CFO (Bob Hetzel):
1. Tuition freeze: at the recent Chief Business meeting, it was announced that the tuition freeze will
continue for a 5th and 6th year. Funds are likely to be allocated away from UW-La Crosse, UWOshkosh, and UW-Madison.
2. Potential for a pay plan increase from the state (1% per year for two years).
3. Changes to capital project timelines: likely to move to a 6-year window (6 years from architect to
open doors).
a) Intends to discuss contract for Wittich with President Cross at next meeting.
C. iProvost (Betsy Morgan):
1. There is a $1.4 million shortfall in instructional lines. Some positions will be frozen, and several
contracts are likely to not be renewed across campus. The number of positions per college have
been allocated to Deans, with the hope that as few as possible positions will need to be eliminated.
2. Barb Bennie and James Longhurst are the new Faculty Fellows associated with Grants & Research.
3. Recent conversations with other state employees (HR at Department of Corrections): we all are
feeling the difficulties with morale, but are in this together.
4. Peace Corp: UWL is in the top 20 universities with volunteers! 25% accepted and our students are
well prepared.
D. Faculty Representative (George Cravins)
1. Georges was a member of an internal expert group selected by President Cross to make some
overall recommendations for system.
a) Recommendations:
(1) Encourage system to ensure policies across various institutions align with the goals of
campuses, particularly with respect to new program developments.
(2) BOR need to aid communication with General public – assist with outreach.
(3) Improve weak communication with shared governance groups and BOR.
(4) Continue to provide affordable access to education for WI residents through Pell grants and
financially feasible mechanisms to matriculate to increase retention & graduation rates.
b) Discussions/concerns
(1) We discussed our concerns regarding #1 above with respect to BOR making program
decisions; we asked Georges to convey these concerns to the group.
2. Recent campus discussion with visiting Regents went very well.
E. Student Senate Liaison (Brad on behalf Rep Lauren Mason)
1. Will be holding voter registration Mon-Thurs 11-2 in Cartwright
2. Students are concerned about the costs of internship credits: some programs require internships and
enrollment in course. Given costs of tuition and that most internships are volunteer positions,
asking to consider this in curricular decisions.
3. Passed resolution: Amnesty in underage drinking granted in case of sexual assault.
F. Faculty Senate Chair (Brad Seebach)
1. Along with Georges, proposed “statement of request” with changes to lay off and termination policy
being evaluated by Education Committee of BOR. Suggested changes include: (1) deemphasize
monitory reasons and ensure that educational decisions take priority; (2) include costs of
discontinuing program to decision process; (3) compensation package for faculty laid off due to
program discontinuance (ie 12 months training or 12 month severance).
2. Had great discussions with Regents Higgins and Langnes; they seemed to listen and understand
financial struggles of faculty and students.
IV. 2017-2018 Academic year Calendar
A. Discussed and approved, M/S/P
V. MS in Microbiology M Hoffman
A. Plan ready to implement; will need approval from system then BOR
B. Discussed and approved, M/S/P
VI. HLC Visit Preparation/Status – N Solverson
A. Discussed general visit, what to expect
B. Invited to participate
VII.
Anti-bullying Task Force Recommendations
A. Moved to March 10th meeting
VIII. SEI Best Practices
A. Provost office will send reminders
B. Discussed recommended best practice implementation
IX. Post-tenure Review Discussion
A. Will discuss following final policy approval by BOR
X. Faculty Representative as member of Senate Executive Committee
A. Brad described the history and function of the Faculty Representative position, and reflected on the
motivation for proposing this change. Encouraged senators to discuss over the next two weeks and vote
at the next meeting.
B. Questions: Noted that this would require a change to the Articles of Faculty Organization. Georges
noted that having a closer working relationship with SEC has made his position more meaningful. Need
to consider possibility that the Faculty Representative not required to be Faculty Senator.
XI. Old business
XII.
New business: Statement of Request from UW System Faculty Reps on Additional revisions to
Regent’s Policies on post-tenure review and program discontinuance/Tenured Faculty Layoff
Procedures.
A. Discussion of the document ensued, including speculation on the likelihood that certain revisions would
be accepted.
XIII. Adjournment at 5:22 p.m.
Submitted by T. King-Heiden and J. Kirsch