Abbie Austin

The meeting included discussions and updates on several key topics. An update was provided on the Revised Consent Requirements by Josh Gladden, focusing on the historical context, ORSP process, and agency requirements related to sexual harassment and misconduct reporting. Josh Eyler presented an update on the Student Evaluation of Teaching (SET) Task Force Report, highlighting recommendations for changes to the SET form and teaching evaluation processes. Laura Antanow updated the senate on the UM Childcare Initiative Task Force, discussing the need for childcare resources and a family resource manager.

The University Faculty Senate meeting included updates on the Chancellor Search Process, detailing the steps involved such as hiring a search firm, forming a Campus Search Committee, and conducting listening sessions. Concerns were raised regarding transparency in the candidate screening process. Additionally, there was a discussion on the GradeBuddy Online Note Distribution System, addressing potential academic misconduct and intellectual property rights issues. The Senate also received updates on resolutions passed in the last year, including on-campus childcare, insurance benefits to same-sex partners, fair family leave, a transparent leave policy, and revisions to the smoke-free campus policy.

The meeting included discussions regarding searches for a Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor, Vice Chancellor for Research and Sponsored Programs, new Chief Information Officer, and Vice Chancellor for Advancement. Updates were provided on the legislative session, particularly concerning the Health Care Collaboration Act and bills related to the state flag and IHL funding formula. Strategic planning for a childcare initiative was presented, outlining a plan to develop a blueprint for a childcare program at UM. The senate also discussed a bill to allow switching from ORP to the state system, a statement on sanctuary campus, and the formation of the university governance council.

The meeting included a presentation by Chancellor Jones, who discussed the financial challenges facing public universities, the importance of increased engagement with state legislators, and the need for faculty accountability. He addressed issues of intolerance and diversity on campus, referencing the UM 2020 initiative. The Senate discussed increasing diversity content in orientation sessions. Chancellor Jones also outlined plans for increased enrollment and the need to accommodate growing student numbers. The Senate requested faculty input on the BIASES group. There was a discussion about branding, separating academic and athletic branding, and a review of University symbols. The Senate also considered and approved a motion to be an organizational co-signer of the statement of support for the LGBTQ.

The meeting included discussions with Dr. Katrina Caldwell, Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Community Engagement, regarding her work and future plans, including infrastructure and branding, campus climate, research, curriculum, and development/fundraising. A presentation and proposed modification of the UM Faculty Senate Bylaws & Constitution was given by Sarah Bartlett Wilson, Chair of Non-Tenure Track Representation Task Force, to permit non-tenure-track faculty participation. Also discussed was a new policy governing the review of promotion documents of NTT faculty and a review of a proposed new Statement of Practice: Faculty Workload Flexibility and Modified Work Assignments, as well as a policy on counteroffers.