President Cross thanks David DeFilippis, a UW-Milwaukee student double majoring in Biology and Italian Studies, and featured in this month’s student spotlight.
MILWAUKEE – The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents on Friday unanimously passed a resolution to move language concerning tenure as it currently exists in state statute into Regent policy.
That policy, which will take effect if related state statutes are repealed as proposed, will sunset on the date the Board adopts a long-term tenure policy as a result of the work by the tenure policy task force, chaired by Regent John Behling. The task force has been charged with reviewing specifics of the policy – including layoff provisions – and providing a report to the Board by April 2016.
The board’s actions were prompted by action taken by the Joint Finance Committee on May 29, 2015, to remove statute 36.13, Wis Stats. – the provision regarding tenure – from Chapter 36 as part of its UW System omnibus motion.
Regent Drew Petersen called the tenure resolution an affirmation of the Board’s respect for the importance of tenure and academic freedom, and noted that faculty members are included in the process. “I believe that this Board is committed to completing action on a modernized tenure policy so we can eliminate any ambiguity or volatility and reaffirm a robust policy for the UW System,” Petersen said.
A subsequent motion by Regent Mark Bradley asking that the state legislature remove non-fiscal policy provisions from the omnibus budget motion was tabled by the board on a voice vote.
“The history of this Board of Regents supporting academic freedom of our faculty members goes back 121 years and I certainly expect that we will continue to respect that tradition,” said Regent Tim Higgins.
Board elects new leadership
By unanimous vote, Regent Regina Millner of Madison was elected President of the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents, and Regent John Behling of Eau Claire was elected to serve as Vice President of the Board. Both positions have a one-year term.
- See the UW System June 5 news release
Millner was appointed to the Board by Gov. Walker in 2012. Her career as a lawyer and consultant in commercial real estate spans more than 30 years. Millner also has served in leadership positions on the boards of many corporations, both for-profit and not-for-profit. She currently serves as on the UW Hospital board and the Educational Communications Board. She is also Governor Walker’s Regent appointee to the Wisconsin Museum Task Force and the Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board.
Millner earned her law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School, a Master of Science in Real Estate and Urban Land Economics from the UW-Madison School of Business, and a bachelor’s degree in education from University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Behling has served on the Board since 2012. He currently serves on the Business and Finance committee as well as the Research, Economic Development, and Innovation committee. He is the executive vice president of regulatory affairs and general counsel for Smart Sand, Inc. Smart Sand is a leading supplier of industrial sand serving customers in the oil and gas industry. He earned his law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School.
UW System President’s Report
UW-Milwaukee’s David DeFilippis, a double major in Biology and Italian Studies, was featured in President Cross’ student spotlight.
DeFilippis, a first-generation college student who worked as a diesel mechanic before enrolling at UWM, described his undergraduate research work to design devices that measure tree growth – and that he put into use during a research project in Panama.
“Without UWM, without the opportunity to go to college, I wouldn’t be where I am right now,” DeFilippis said. “Without world-class professors that travel to different areas of the world, that (research) opportunity wouldn’t happen. If you’d told me five years ago that I’d go to Panama for five months, I wouldn’t have believed it.”
- See Student Spotlight video (DeFilippis discussing his research on site in Panama)
- See DeFilippis’ remarks to the Regents:
As part of his report on news from around the UW System, President Cross told Regents that UW-Extension and UW-Milwaukee have just recently received notice from the U.S. Department of Education that UW-Milwaukee’s Flex Option programs are now approved to award Title IV aid – that is, federal aid for students enrolled in competency-based education.
Better Preparation of Graduates
David J. Ward, interim senior vice president for academic and student affairs, led the presentation, “Better Preparation of Graduates: Student Engagement through High-Impact Practices.” Recent research provides evidence that a variety of practices that encourage a high level of student engagement are main factors in student success. The presentation shared research on the efficacy of HIPs in engaging students and increasing student success; explained the key attributes and features of HIPs.
Clark
UW-Stevens Point Provost Greg Summers and UW-Oshkosh Provost Lane Earns each led presentations on signature HIPs their campuses offer to students.
- See the PowerPoint: “ ”
Regents salute winners of Academic Staff Excellence Awards
In its highest recognition bestowed on members of the academic staff, the Regents honored two professors and one academic program for their outstanding achievements with the presentation of the 2015 Regents Academic Staff Awards for Excellence.
“Their outstanding work – along with the work of academic staff systemwide – helps to strengthen and invigorate not only our UW institutions, but the communities in which they serve,” said Regent Jan Mueller, chair of the selection committee.
- See the UW System June 1 news release
Elsesser
Gene Clark, a coastal engineering specialist at UW-Madison’s Sea Grant Institute, said that the Wisconsin Idea infuses the work done at the Aquatic Sciences Center. “Are these work tasks relevant to Wisconsin issues, and can we make an impact with our efforts?” he asked. “I am honored to represent the University of Wisconsin with my work.”
Jennifer Elsesser, the assistant director of UW-River Falls’ Counseling Services, told Regents that growing numbers of students are coming to college with more serious mental health issues. She urged people to remember “the tremendous capacity to heal, and even thrive, after the worst circumstances.” Elsesser said creating a culture of wellness can help students be healthier upon graduation than before they entered college.
UW-Eau Claire’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs plays a vital part in providing students with valuable research experience, said director Karen Havholm. She noted that 37% of students at UW-Eau Claire now have in-depth research experience before they graduate. Further, 65% of research alumni who are employed reported that their undergrad research experience was instrumental in landing their jobs. Havholm thanked the board for its ongoing support.
Havholm
Departing Regent recognized
Regents saluted the service and accomplishments of Regent Anicka Purath, whose term on the Board has concluded. Purath, a UW-La Crosse student double-majoring in Political Science and Public Administration, served this past year as one of two student representatives.
“I am so grateful for this experience,” Purath said, noting that she now has a much greater understanding of what the UW System has to offer. “Both the colleges and universities never cease to amaze me, and more importantly, they produce exceptional students who are vital to the future of Wisconsin and the United States as a whole.”
She urged Regents to “continue to emphasize the importance of affordability and transparency and that you keep students in the forefront of your minds.”
In other action, the Regents:
- Approved a resolution of appreciation recognizing UW-Milwaukee for hosting the meeting;
Purath (left), departing Regent, and Regent Higgins, who presented her resolution of appreciation
- Approved the 2016 Board of Regents meeting calendar;
- Approved UW-Eau Claire’s request to amend the Priory lease to allow for construction of three improvements projects;
- Approved UW-Extension’s request for authority to construct the Lowell Hall South Wing HVAC System Renovation project;
- Approved UW-La Crosse’s request for authority to construct a Storage Facility project on the north campus;
- Approved UW-Oshkosh’s request for authority to construct the Reeve Union Entrance and Remodeling Project;
- Approved UW-Oshkosh’s request for authority to construct the Fletcher Hall Renovation and Addition Project;
- Approved UW System’s request for five All-Agency Maintenance and Repair projects, two at UW-La Crosse and one each at UW-Madison, UW-Parkside, and UW-Whitewater;
- Approved three new academic degree programs: a B.S. in Data Science at UW-River Falls; a B.S. in Digital Marketing Technology at UW-Stout; and a B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering at UW-Eau Claire;
- Approved an adjusted UW-Madison annual request to the Trustees of the William F. Vilas Trust Estate for support of scholarships, fellowships, professorships, and special programs in arts and humanities, social sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences;
- Approved UW institutions’ promotions and tenure designations;
- Approved UW-Green Bay’s Ed.D. in First Nations Education;
- Approved UW-La Crosse’s online Ed.D. in Student Affairs Administration and Leadership;
- Approved UW-Oshkosh’s Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy with an emphasis in Superintendent Licensure;
- Approved UW-Stevens Point’s Ed.D. in Educational Sustainability;
- Approved a revised Regent Policy Document 6-4 regarding search and screen procedures for chancellors, senior vice presidents and vice presidents;
- Approved an agreement with Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, LLC, to provide bookstore and textbook rental services at UW-Eau Claire;
- Approved a UW-Madison service agreement and amendment with BioMedical Research Models, Inc.;
- Approved a UW-Madison agreement and amendment with Aduro BioTech, Inc.; and
- Approved a UW-Madison clinical trial agreement with Madison Vaccines, Inc.
The UW System Board of Regents’ next meeting will be July 9, 2015, in Madison.