Minutes of the University Committee
for March 2, 1999

The Committee met at 11:15 in 262 CART. Members present were Tim Fossum, Laura Gellott, Fran Kavenik, James Kinchen, Carol Saffioti-Hughes, and Lee Van Dyke. Also present were Larry Duetsch, Blake Dye, Walter Feldt, Carmen Ireland, Bridgette Johnson, and Mary Kay Schleiter.

Members of the 1999-2000 University Committee met first for the purpose of electing their Chair. Professor Van Dyke nominated Professor Gellott (seconded by Professor Saffioti-Hughes). Professor Feldt nominated Professor Kavenik, who declined the nomination. Professor Gellott stated that, if elected, she would serve for only one year. No other nominations were made and Professor Gellott was elected unanimously.

Professor Feldt left the meeting.

The Committee reviewed the Plan 2008 Discussion Draft with the members of the Plan 2008 Task Force that were present. Professor Kinchen expressed concern about the proper role of teacher education faculty and students in precollege programming, saying that he believes the role of teacher education in precollege programming has been diminished to an inappropriate degree through administrative reorganization. His view drew a mixed reaction and the ensuing discussion produced no consensus. The discussion then addressed a variety of initiatives in the draft, most notably those calling for improved recruitment and retention of targeted minority faculty and staff and increased funding for library acquisitions.

Mr. Dye, Professor Gellott, Ms. Ireland, Ms. Johnson, Professor Kinchen, and Professor Schleiter left the meeting.

The Committee agreed to continue the Spring Faculty meeting on March 11 and also agreed to reschedule the next meeting of the Faculty Senate from March 23 to March 30.

Professor Kavenik briefly reviewed recent UW System budget proposals that have been advanced by Governor Thompson.

The meeting adjourned at 12:40.