Minutes of the University Committee
for September 8, 1999

The Committee met at 8:35 in 262 CART. Members present were Walter Feldt, Laura Gellott, Fran Kavenik, James Kinchen, Carol Saffioti-Hughes, and Lee Van Dyke. Also present was Larry Duetsch.

The Committee agreed to hold most of its Fall semester meetings from 8:30 - 10:00 on Wednesdays. For the Spring 2000 semester, their preferred meeting time will be 2:00 on Thursdays or (failing that) 8:30 on Mondays or Fridays.

The Committee agreed to a number of appointments to fill vacancies on the Committee on Academic Planning, the Committee on Research and Creative Activity, the Personnel Review Committee, and the University Planning Council. One of the appointments to the PRC created a vacancy on the Faculty Rights and Responsibilities Committee which also had to be filled.

The Committee approved recommendations it had received for augmentation of the Chemistry Department Executive Committee and for division of the duties (and rewards) of the Modern Language Department Chair.

The Committee discussed a request from the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Information Services for faculty nominees for his Technology Advisory Committee, an administrative committee. The Committee directed the Secretary of the Faculty to discuss the charge of the TAC with the Assistant Vice Chancellor and, if it appeared appropriate, to offer as nominees the faculty members on the Information Resources Committee, a standing faculty committee.

The Secretary of the Faculty reported to the Committee on items addressed during the September 2 meeting of the UW System Faculty Representatives. He noted that later this week the Education Committee of the Board of Regents is expected to approve changes in UWPF Chapter 6 that were adopted by the Faculty Senate last Spring. He also noted that, although the 1999-01 State Budget has not yet been approved, preparation of the 2001-03 Budget has already begun. The 2001-03 UW System budget is expected to emphasize economic development, enrollment management, implementation of Plan 2008, information technology, building maintenance, and consequences of anticipated retirements

Herbert Pitts, Assistant to the Chancellor for Equity and Diversity, joined the meeting.

Mr. Pitts outlined recommendations he was about to make to the Chancellor regarding the membership and structure of the soon-to-be-appointed University Diversity Committee. Members of the Committee expressed approval of the recomendations described to them, particularly in regard to faculty representation on the UDC and the formation of working subcommittees.

Mr. Pitts also described arrangements that were being made to staff the Office of Multicultural Affairs through the current academic year. Members of the Committee expressed approval of the steps that were being taken and urged that the search for a new Director of that office begin early in the Spring.

Mr. Pitts thanked the Committee for their input and left the meeting.

Before the meeting adjourned at 9:50, members of the Committee briefly noted a variety of items that may require attention in the weeks ahead.