April 20, 2026 – Academic Staff Committee (ASC) – Minutes

Time: Monday at 9:30 a.m.
Location: Microsoft Teams and Lubar N440

Attendance

Present: R. Edwards, K. Esguerra, J. Herriges, T. Joosten, A. Schmidt, N. Simonson
Guests: Andrew Daire

I. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Chair J. Herriges at 9:30 a.m.

The agenda was approved as presented.
The minutes of April 6, 2026 meeting were approved as as amended to include T. Joosten in the attendance record.

III. Persons Who Wish to be Heard

IV. Chair’s Report

J. Herriges reported on the following: Met with Chancellor Gibson and discussed the previous meeting approach and student centers. Discussed with Makda Fessahaye that the new payroll program is not a 9/12 arrangement but a new program, consistent with what was presented at the Senate. Attended the Provost and VC of Academic Affairs Search and Screen interviews. The interim provost has been named: Dr. Tina Freiburger, who serves as Dean of the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, Dean of the School of Education, and Interim Dean of the School of Information Studies. Met with Provost Daire for guidance on academic staff employee rights and protections and future candidates for Provost and VC of Academic Affairs, with a focus on future planning regarding contracts. ASC suggested she ask Provost Daire about challenges of the position and job security for academic staff at their upcoming meeting. Attended MarComm VC interviews. The finalist is expected to be announced this week. Attended University Committee meeting. The Social Media policy feedback was submitted to MarComm. Meetings with Interim Provost Tina Freiburger will be scheduled.

V. Guests

Provost Andrew Daire
Provost Daire reported on the following: An Interim Dean of the College of Letters & Science will be announced soon. An Interim Dean will be announced to replace Tina Freiburger in Community Engagement (CCEP). The OAIR Director search has been finalized and is in the offer/negotiation stage. The provost’s team is working on transition documents to be shared with the Chancellor and Chancellor’s direct reports. Transition planning is being coordinated by Val Harlynn, Provost’s Communications Manager and Interim Provost Freiburger.

VI. Unfinished Business

Review Academic Staff Appointment Types and Contract Term Comparisons to Peer Institutions submitted by NIAS and IRAS Subcommittees – The ASC discussed the report and its final assessments. ASC will share the report with the University Committee. The workgroup will be invited to attend an ASC meeting to discuss results and next steps. Discussion took place regarding evidence for protecting academic staff and broadening faculty status for academic staff. The committee discussed right sizing and overall staffing planning. ASC agreed to keep this item as Unfinished Business for continuing discussion.
Proposed Revisions to ASPPP Chapters 106, 109, and 110 – Item is postponed until further notice.

VII. New Business

Approve Academic Staff Senate Agenda (May 12)
The agenda was approved with the addition of the President of the Student Association. Motion by R. Edwards; seconded by N. Simonson. Motion carried unanimously.
Discuss Chair and Vice Chair Roles and Responsibilities
The committee discussed the roles and responsibilities of the Chair and Vice Chair positions. Eligible candidates identified include K. Esguerra, B. Freer, N. Oswald, A. Schmidt, and N. Simonson.
Review ASPPP Chapter 108: Notice Periods
The committee reviewed the language of Chapter 108, noting the potential ambiguity in the first exception under Section 1 as raised by HR Compliance Officer Kurt Henneman. Additional clarifying details will be requested from K. Henneman.

VIII. Reports

R. Edwards (ABGC Report): Reported on discussions within the L&S group. VP of Academic Affairs indicated no plans to implement indefinite status for L&S academic staff. R. Edwards (Realignment Group): Final recommendations have been submitted to the Provost and Chancellor. The submission covers Natural Sciences, Freshwater Sciences, Engineering, and other non-structural changes.
K. Esguerra (Non-Instructional Academic Staff Review Committee): Reported that a file review has been completed.

IX. Personnel Matters

None.

X. Good and General Welfare