45th Faculty Senate
October 28, 2010 – 3:30p.m.
Robert C. Voight Faculty Senate Chambers – 325 Graff Main Hall
Vol. 45, No. 5
I. Roll Call.
Present: M. Abler, C. Angell, J. Baggett, J. Bryan, D. Buffton, B. Butterfield, G. Cravins, T.
Gendreau, K. Hoar, J. Holman, K. Hunt, S. Jessee, E. Kraemer, D. Lake, R. LeDocq, C. Lee, W. Maas,
M. Rott, S. Senger, M. Tollefson, and B. Van Voorhis
Excused: M. Leonard, S. Shillinger
II. Minutes of October 14 FS approved.
III. Reports.
a. Chair (Becky Ledocq): Eileen Muth (1989-91 FS) and Jean Foss (1970-73 FS) passed away
this past week. Volunteers are still needed for the task force to review the SEI common
questions. Names will be taken through Friday, November 5 at 4:00pm. DES has received
full approval from DPI. Remember to vote on Tuesday.
b. Chancellor (Joe Gow):
 Cowley Hall Update: UWS is revising its capital budget request to include Cowley
Hall for the 2013-15 biennium for $80 million phase 1; however, it is still “wait and
see” until after the elections.
 Other Budget Items: The lapse in the current budget may be handled at system level;
however, the 2011-13 biennium shortfall is estimated at $50 to 65 million ($2 to 2.5
million for UWL). As a result, the final hiring phase of the GQA plan will need to be
handled carefully (17 faculty and 4 staff positions will cost just over $1 million).
c. Provost (Kathleen Enz Finken): No Report
d. CFO (Bob Hetzel): No Report
e. Faculty Representative (Becky Ledocq): No Report – meeting is tomorrow.
f. Student Association Liaison (Cate Urbos): No Report
IV. Unfinished Business.
a. Undergraduate Research Committee Recommendation (Kathryn Birkeland):
 Motion to remove this item from the table. Motion approved.
 Motion to approve the UGR recommendation.
 Discussion.
 Motion failed.
V. New Business.
a. Joint Committee on Environmental Sustainability Idea for a Sustainability Theme for
2011-2012 (Larry Sleznikow):
 The committee thought that a theme would help raise awareness on campus. What are
we hoping to accomplish – highlighting sustainability in the curriculum; a common
reading; distinguished speakers; film fest; faculty conference and seminars;
collaboration with others (Viterbo & TC are interested in pooling funds to bring in
speaker or event); quality not quantity. The committee would like a vote of support for
the sustainability theme from FS.


Incorporating sustainability into classroom – at the content level? Yes – discussion
points, student projects, etc. – would like the topic to be spread across the curriculum;
Idea for a common reading – No Impact Man by Colin Beavan. In 2007, he and his
family tried to minimize impact on environment. In addition to his blog, book and
documentary, he started the No Impact Project – a week-long project designed to
challenge K-12 students and their families to try things that will reduce their impact on
the environment). Would also like to bring Mr. Beavan to campus.
Motion to support this sustainability theme. Motion approved.
b. Discussion of Proposal to Move Commencement to the La Crosse Center (Kathleen Enz
Finken and Tracy Noyes):
 Commencement is a huge endeavor and involves 100s of people and, in the past, two
offices (Records & Registration and Student Affairs). Last year, Continuing Ed
began running the event. We hold 5 ceremonies with very tight schedule. We run
hold 5 so students can bring as many guests as they want. (Eau Claire holds
graduation in their gym, but have only one ceremony. As a consequence, students
get one ticket for one guest only.)
 There have been a number of concerns about our commencement ceremony – from
how we greet our guests/family to safety issues. Airflow and heat are a concern with
both the May and the December ceremonies. Last year a person passed out during
one of the ceremonies. A major concern is the lack of special needs seating. We
don’t have enough to accommodate families, so families are split up for the
ceremony. Bleacher seating is not ideal for our elderly guests. Students must exit
directly into the parking lot, so families must meet up outside – resulting in limited
photo opportunities near the graduation podium. Parking is also an issue – new
arrivals have a difficult time finding parking, since attendees from the previous
ceremony have not left the campus yet. This is a major concern with handicapped
parking. Viterbo and Western TC both hold their graduation ceremonies the same
weekend that UWL does. We would hold graduation on Sunday (December is
currently held on Sunday).
 Academic Staff Council voted to support the proposal. Classified Staff Council will
vote in November, but those present at the discussion meeting expressed support.
Student Senate will vote soon, but those present at the discussion meeting expressed
supported.
 Motion to support moving commencement to the La Crosse Center.
 Discussion: We would get some conference rooms free with rent, but could rent
other rooms as well (for college gatherings, etc.). Being close to the river for pictures
was a selling point for students. We would still need to hold two ceremonies in May,
but only one in December. Length?? – Not positive, but each ceremony will not be
double the length of a current ceremony. If this passes, a committee would look at
the program – it has not been changed in many years. The intention is still to have all
students cross stage and shake the Chancellor’s hand in the large ceremony, but the
rest of program is up for discussion. Student Senate wants to keep the opportunity
for a student speaker. There are many options to consider. The first ceremony at the
La Crosse Center would be December. Cost? Estimates are similar to current oncampus costs, so we would not need to raise student fees.
 Motion approved.
VI. Old Business.
VII. Adjournment at 4:50 p.m. Next meeting on November 18.
Respectfully submitted,
Kerrie Hoar