Minutes of the University Committee
for March 26, 2002

The Committee met at 2:05 in D135 MOLN. Members present were Walter Feldt, Susan Haller, Peggy James, James Kinchen, Don Kummings, and Greg Mayer. Also present was Larry Duetsch.

The Committee noted (with appreciation) the recent email message Provost Martin sent to <governance@uwp.edu> in regard to budget developments. Several members said they hoped the Provost would continue to communicate in this way as the need arose.

Discussion then turned to defining the appropriate role of the Secretary of the Faculty in offering advice to individuals and to executive committees, especially in regard to personnel matters. There was general agreement that the Secretary of the Faculty should be prepared to explain any and all provisions of the policies and procedures, but there was less agreement about the extent to which the Secretary of the Faculty should assist parties in preparing appeals, complaints, or grievances.

By prior arrangement, Provost Martin joined the meeting in progress. She was welcomed by the Committee. The Provost distributed a document showing the impact of various State budget proposals (Governor, Joint Finance, Assembly Republican Caucus) on UW-P, the UW System, and the state economy. She said she was pleased that the admissions freeze had been ended and speculated that we would still be able to reach our targeted enrollment for the Fall semester.

The Provost emphasized that we need to be prepared for the possibility that our actual budget cut will be greater than the Governor's proposal, despite our success in attracting students. Because the outcome of the budget process may leave little time for consultation, she said prior agreement on a plan of action is needed. The Provost and the Committee agreed it would be desirable to hold open meetings with the faculty/staff if there is time to do so, and members pointed out that the Committee is the faculty's consultative body, if there is no time for anything else.

Provost Martin assured the Committee that she will make a concerted effort to plan for and manage the impact of any budget cut that must be made, and will not simply accept easy targets of opportunity. The Committee thanked her for meeting with them and urged her to establish a pattern of direct communication with faculty on topics such as this.

After the Provost had left the meeting, the conversation returned to the role of the Secretary of the Faculty. Professor James said she would draft a description of the desired role for discussion at the next meeting. With that, the meeting adjourned at 3:25.