University of Wisconsin-System Administration

The meeting focused on student behavioral health, described as a growing national crisis. The discussion included presentations from students and Senior Student Affairs Officers (SSAOs) and data from a national survey. Key discussion points revolved around anxiety, depression, and suicide, and how behavioral health impacts academic success and student retention. A public health framework with three tiers (Tier 3: general well-being strategies, Tier 2: targeted interventions for at-risk groups like D3 athletes, and Tier 1: crisis management via Behavior Intervention Teams) was introduced to guide institutional responses. The funding mechanisms for counseling services, typically involving student fees and GPR dollars, were also addressed, emphasizing that resources are critical to addressing the rising demand and preventing crises.

The meeting commenced with honoring the service of Regent Tony Evers, which included a resolution of appreciation and remarks about his dedication to education, shared governance, diversity, and affordability within the UW System. Following this tribute, the Board approved the records from the December 5th and 6th, 2019, meetings and the January 21st executive committee meeting. Updates were provided on ongoing leadership searches: the UW-Green Bay Chancellor search committee finalized finalist interviews, and the UW System president search committee, chaired by Regent Vice President Michael Greevey, reported on receiving significant input from stakeholders to define the position prospectus and identify desired attributes for the next president. Key discussion points raised by Governor Evers included the importance of the Wisconsin Idea, the necessity of diversity for the state's future workforce and to counter population stagnation, and the importance of a well-rounded education encompassing STEM and humanities.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the minutes from the December 7, 2017, board meeting. Key discussion points included a review of the Wisconsin Technical College System Board report. The President's remarks highlighted the Wisconsin Badgers football team's successful season and a significant two-part salary increase for faculty and staff secured during the previous year's state budget discussions. Further discussion focused on upcoming events, such as the UW Systems research celebration in the rotunda, and an update on the system's extensive international partnerships with the University of Nizwa in Oman, including the signing of a historic statewide collaboration agreement focused on workforce and economic development. The leaders of the UW System also discussed ongoing legislative matters, supporting several assembly and senate bills related to research opportunities, dual enrollment, tuition remission for foster care students, and streamlining reporting requirements. The Chancellor also presented President Behling with a framed copy of the statement of shared commitment signed in Oman. Updates were also provided on federal matters, including the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (the PROSPER Act). Significant research achievements from various UW campuses were highlighted, such as the discovery of the oldest fossils on Earth, studies on lower back pain for police officers, and aquatic invasive species research. Furthermore, news covered successful leadership conferences, economic challenge competitions, new program endowments, and commencement statistics from UW Parkside.

The Business and Finance Committee discussed financial and administrative opportunities at UW-Madison, focusing on revenue generation and operational improvements. The committee approved reports on large/high-risk Information Technology projects, including updates on the Administrative Transformation Program (ATP) and its associated budget of $251 million. Amendments were approved for the agreement with Huron Consulting Group related to Workday software implementation for ATP, involving costs up to $1.26 million and $690,000 for additional resources. Furthermore, the committee approved three agreements totaling approximately $5 million for the Lake Superior Research Institute at UW-Superior related to evaluating ballast water treatment technologies. The Education Committee approved six academic programs, including a Master of Science in Biodiversity Conservation and Management, a combined Elementary Education and Special Education B.S. degree, an Educational Specialist degree in leadership and policy analysis, a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, a Bachelor of Architecture, and a Master of Science in Business Analytics. The committee also discussed recruiting and supporting international students and received a presentation on adapting to technological changes, specifically Artificial Intelligence tools like ChatGPT. A preliminary report from the Direct Admissions task force was presented. The Capital Planning and Budget Committee received a presentation on UW-Madison's physical infrastructure, noting a deferred maintenance backlog of $2.1 billion and strategies to remain competitive. The committee approved revisions to the evaluation criteria for major capital projects and amendments to policy regarding approval and signature authority for UW system-managed capital projects. The Audit Committee received updates on the Fiscal Year 2023 audit plan progress and preliminary planning for the Fiscal Year 2024 audit plan, along with summaries of recently issued audits, including NCAA compliance reports.

The meeting covered reports from various committees and departments. The Joint Audit and Business and Finance Committee reported on the 2022 draft annual financial report, noting a net position increase largely due to capital assets and restricted net position management. Audits reviewed included a successful NCAA compliance audit for UW-Madison and updates on payroll and purchasing card continuous audits. An update on system emergency planning included steps to update standards and plans for a crisis call center. The committee also discussed updates on the Shop UW Plus purchasing system and the Chem Manager Plus inventory tracking tool. The Business and Finance Committee approved adjustments to UW-Madison tuition rates for specific graduate and professional programs, established an optional non-resident Midwest tuition rate for the 2023-2024 Academic Year, approved a five-year agreement for Workday software testing services, and approved a system-wide identity and access management platform project estimated at $5.5 million over three years. Additionally, they approved collective bargaining agreements with the Building and Construction Trades Council. Salary range adjustments for certain senior executive positions were approved, and a report on faculty turnover highlighted a noticeable increase in departures citing salary-related job changes. The committee also reviewed investment performance from the Trust Funds, noting a decrease in the long-term fund value. The Education Committee approved two new academic programs—a Bachelor of Science in American Sign Language Interpreting and a Master of Science in Digital Supply Chain Management from UW-Milwaukee—and an academic unit realignment for UW River Falls. Discussions centered on strategic enrollment, specifically credit for prior learning and dual enrollment strategies, including actions to increase participation in both areas.