University of Colorado System Office

Key discussions included a summary of the Faculty Senate Grievance Committee case activity, noting the review of 11 faculty members and ongoing work on a dismissal for cause case. The Faculty Council Chair reported on bylaws updates to detail officer duties and the roles of the Grievance Committee, and discussed the upcoming constitution approval vote and plans for a faculty council retreat focusing on topics like sick leave portability and expiration. The President's Report covered state funding outlook, the impact of recent legislative sessions on the next year's budget, modest inflation predictions, lobbying for compensation increases primarily through tuition revenue, and updates on Regent Policy 1D regarding academic free speech and compliance with new digital accessibility requirements. Updates were also provided on a new employee portal feature allowing selection of gender identity in self-service, the transition from Boarddocs to Community, potential implications of third-party document storage for CORA, and significant concerns regarding the feasibility of a reduced credit bachelor's degree. Campus faculty assemblies provided updates on their local priorities, including FCQ revisions, compensation, bylaws restructuring, and ongoing chancellor/provost searches. Various Faculty Council Committees reported challenges with member recruitment (Budget & Finance, CREE), newsletter publication (Communication), policy review (EPUS, Personnel & Benefits), and concerns over recent DEI changes (LGBTQ+).

The EMAC Committee reviewed its charges, including a history of the committee and current activities such as the yearly goal setting and the second annual joint symposium with the LGBTQ+ committee, which is scheduled for November 3, 2017, focusing on 'Advocacy: Joining together to promote equity and inclusion.' A significant portion of the meeting involved group dynamics discussions regarding meaningful diversity actions, such as the Race@CU Speaker series, workshops on microaggressions, climate surveys, and faculty workshops on inclusive teaching. Committee members also discussed the strengths they contribute to the committee, encompassing institutional knowledge, scholarship expertise, facilitation skills, and lived experiences related to diversity. Updates were also provided regarding the upcoming Joint Symposium and various Fall 2017-18 Awards and Grants, including Diversity & Excellence Grants and the President's Diversity Award.

The key discussions during the meeting included a session with the candidate for CU Regent, Ilana Spiegel, regarding her background and vision. There was also a detailed discussion on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) with Dr. Brenda J. Allen, who presented her framework for inclusion. Consultants from Ernst & Young presented their coordinated strategy for the university's online needs, focusing on engagement across the four campuses. The Treasurer, Dan Wilson, provided an update on divestment and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing. The Chair's report was presented, followed by an update on Strategic Planning, where the development of metrics for working groups was noted. Updates were provided from the Denver Campus Faculty Assembly, including an approval for a new appointment to the P & T Committee. The Office of Academic Affairs reported on the progress of legislation concerning College Credit for Work Experience and the status of a Civics survey.

The regular board meeting spanned two days and included discussions on several key agenda items. A significant portion of the meeting involved public comment and discussion regarding the Fossil Fuel Divestment Request, culminating in the adoption of a resolution to reaffirm the current investment policy with friendly amendments, while rejecting a resolution to form a new Sustainable Investment Advisory Committee. The Board also conducted an executive session to discuss personnel matters, legal advice, and property items. Key actions taken under the consent agenda included approvals for sabbaticals, degree name changes, a Master Plan Amendment for UCCS, authorization to change terminology in Regent Laws, and the establishment of two new endowments. During the Budget and Finance Committee session, the Board approved the CU Denver Wellness Center Student Fee after the campus student government presented modifications to reduce costs and secure external partnerships. Additionally, the Board discussed an update on the Online Education Initiative and held a lengthy discussion before approving the change from Program to Department Status for Women and Gender Studies at CU-Boulder. Finally, the Board approved revisions to Regent Policy 3.E concerning the Presidential Search Policy and approved a revision to Regent Policy 3.J regarding the formal search process for several key administrative positions.

The Ethnic & Minority Affairs Committee meeting covered several operational and substantive topics. Key discussions included the upcoming elections for 2018-19 committee officers, noting that nominations should be submitted and that the chair position carries a $5,000 stipend. The committee plans to consolidate housing minutes and agendas. Updates were provided on the Faculty Council Inclusive Excellence Taskforce, which is defining inclusive excellence for CU and will present recommendations. Campus updates included news that RACE is revisiting its conference approach, a new D&I working group on the Denver campus, a digital storytelling workshop, progress on a united diversity calendar at Anschutz, and reports from Boulder regarding their Diversity Summit, UndocuAlly trainings, and a Living Library event. Damian Doyle reported on the move towards decentralized approaches for inclusive excellence at the Boulder campus. The Colorado Springs campus reported on their upcoming Diversity and Inclusion Summit. There was also a discussion regarding the 2018 CU President's Diversity Awards Reception. Finally, a discussion was held with Regent Irene Griego regarding the need for continued dialogue on diversity, equity, and the possibility of a vice president for diversity, with suggestions for EMAC to meet with vice chancellors for diversity.