1) CALL TO ORDER

              The meeting was called to order by Dennis Rome, Chair, at 11:05 A.M.

Also attending were members Chris Evans, Fran Kavenik, Mary Lenard (12:00), and Greg Mayer.  Guests were Lori Allen, Linda Busha, and Kristi Zahn.  Evelyn Zepp was present as Secretary of the Faculty. 

In order to accomodate the guests, the members voted unanimously to suspend the agenda.

5) NEW BUSINESS

              c) First-Year Experience Committee--Prof. Lori Allen

              Prof. Allen distributed a three-column brochure contrasting high school and college in the areas of Student Responsibility, Academic Environment, and Resources and Support.  This item was informational.

              Prof. Allen then distributed a document concerning Academic Skills 083 and the new requirement that students who place into this course (College Reading) must complete it with a C or better by the end of their second semester.  Of 286 students who placed into this class in the Fall of 2006, 78 students have had reading holds placed on them because they either did not enroll in the class or did not pass with a C or better.  Those overseeing this policy feel that there may have been an implementation snag in getting the word out on this policy.  They intend to offer students a one-time "grace" period in the Fall, in which students who did not meet the requirement during the 06-7 academic year will be required to take ACSK 083 during the fall term unless they can show that they are registered for the course offered during the summer session.

              The U.C. members felt that since this was a one-time action, it did not need to go to APC or the Senate.  However, it was suggested that the U.C. should go on record as approving this action or not.  Prof. Kavenik moved approval.  The motion was APPROVED 4-0-0.

              Prof. Evans noted that the First-Year Experience Committee is taking a proposal to APC dealing with a special support system for the most at-risk entering students (conditional admission).

              Prof. Allen left the meeting at 11:20 A.M.

              a) Newest version of Criminal Background Checks--Ms. Linda Busha and Ms. Kristi Zahn

              Three documents were distributed--1) the final draft of the Criminal Background Check for Employment Implementation Policy, 2) Procedures for Conducting Criminal Background Checks, and 3) a summary "Criminal Background Check Policy: Who, What, How, Why, When."

              Prof. Mayer noted that this cannot be the final policy, since for faculty positions only the Department and the Chancellor can approve the appointment.  The Review Committee can advise the Chancellor but cannot say the final "yea" or "nay."  This has even been litigated before.

              Ms. Busha noted that the tentative implementation date is June 1st.  The policy will apply to all new employees, and to student employees as required by law ("kids, cash, keys").  The intent to hire form will be on the web.

              Prof. Kavenik asked how quickly the background check would be done.  Ms. Busha said the estimate in 1.8 days.

              Prof. Rome noted that most campuses are not in favor of this.

Ms. Zahn said that she hoped the faculty understands this is not a Human Resources initiative, but has been required by the Regents, at the instigation of the Legislature.

              Prof. Kavenik noted that the policy makes for a chilly climate.

She also asked if the UW System would pay for these checks.  Ms. Zahn replied that that has not yet been made clear.

              Prof. Mayer suggested that what is sent to finalists should highlight the Wisconsin law which forbids discrimination based on prior convictions that are not related to the position, and that the statute itself should be cited.  He also suggested that "three working days" to "refute" would not be enough time and that the finalist should be given the opportunity to "dispute" the determination, not "refute" it.

              Members pointed out several areas in the document where the wording "decision of the Review Team is final" was found.  They again noted that in the case of faculty hires, it is only the Chancellor who has the final say.

              Members noted the concern over traffic violations or ugly things put on a record because of a messy divorce.  Ms. Zahn said the hope is that rational minds will prevail. 

              The confidentiality of results vs. the open records law was discussed.

              The case of someone who might not know or remember a situation was also raised. 

              Prof. Kavenik noted that what is lacking is some step in which there is discussion with the department.

              Ms. Busha noted that only the finalist is subject to the check.  Members noted that usually departments are told to send up several names.

              Prof. Mayer noted that at one point the document mentions a credit check.  Members felt that this is entirely inappropriate, and Ms. Busha agreed.  Members also urged that our intrusion into people's private lives be limited absolutely to what the Legislature/Regents are mandating.

              Ms. Busha noted that the document must be in to System by May 1st.  Ms. Zahn added that these issues are being raised at others campuses, and urged members to send any others concern to her.

              Ms. Busha and Ms. Zahn left the meeting at 12:00 P.M.

The meeting returned to the agenda.

2) MINUTES

              The minutes of the meeting of April 6, 2007 were approved as distributed.

 

3) ANNOUNCEMENTS

              There were no announcements.

 

4) UNFINISHED BUSINESS

              a) Next "'First' Friday"--April 27th.  The Faculty-Lounge is not available.  The Galbraith room has been reserved with Union 207 as a backup.

              b) Faculty Meeting (April 3rd)--follow-up meeting?  action plan?

              There was considerable discussion about what to do next, since there is disagreement in the campus community about the nature of the problem.  If three hundred of nine hundred students don't know how to read, what strategies can be taken?  There is a question of attitude: valuing education.  Society tells them they cannot be prosperous with out a college degree, so they come to college.  But they have to take ownership of that decision and what it means.

No final decision was reached.

              c) There was no further news on the "brainstorming" group on the Honors Program.  Prof. Kavenik noted that there is an adult Honor society.

              d) There was no further news on the student code of conduct group.

              e) Domestic Partner Benefits--contact legislators.

              f) Family leave issues--this is interpreted very narrowly.  A pregnancy leave should not be a sick leave.  Should there be a resolution?

              Prof. Kavenik left the meeting (12:45 P.M.).

              g) Conflicts between UWP administrative policies 36, 51, and 54 and UWPF Chapter 7 and/or UWS.

              Prof. Evans will go to the next Affirmative Action council meeting on the 23rd.

 

5) NEW BUSINESS

              b) Search Committee suggestions to Acting Provost for search for Director of General Education and Co-Director of First-Year Experience

              Suggestions were from the two committees involved: Lori Allen, Suresh Chalasani, Seif Da'Na, Michael Gurtman, Fran Kavenik, Alex McNair.

              Members also felt that this position should be a full-time position.  They also suggested that the position should be at the level of a Dean or Assistant Dean.

              d) Appointments to Committees--tabled until April 20th and 27th.

6) MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

              There was no other business.

 

7) ADJOURNMENT

              The meeting was adjourned at 1:00 P.M. 

Submitted by Evelyn Zepp, Secretary of the Faculty