April 22, 2025 – Policy Advisory Committee – Minutes

Posted on:

Time: Tuesday at 3:00 p.m.
Location: Lubar N456 and Microsoft Teams

Present: E. Bechly-Schubert, D. Clark, K. Dolan, R. Klaper, A. Meddaugh, T. Nation, J. Reisel, K. Scholz, J. Urdan

  1. Meeting called to order at 3:02 p.m.
  2. Minutes of March 24, 2025 meeting approved as distributed. 
  3. Business
    1. SAAP 1-14 Teaching Evaluation Policy
      D. Clark presented revisions to the course evaluation policy. Changes include restructuring to fit the template, expanding the procedure section with research-based guidance for improving response rates, and clarifying that evaluations measure student perceptions rather than expert assessments. Core questions are standardized, but departments may add their own. A pilot is running this spring, with full implementation planned for Fall 2026, including solutions for teaching assistant evaluations. Committee members expressed appreciation for the clearer language and thorough revisions.

      MOTION: to approve the policy. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The policy will go to the Academic Staff Senate, Faculty Senate, and University Staff Senate for approval and presentation.
    2. Program Monitoring Policy
      D. Clark presented the new program monitoring policy developed to align with UW System requirements. Programs with fewer than 25 graduates over five years enter monitoring, with three years to improve before suspension. The policy ensures programs receive data and support, allows recovery if metrics are met, and currently applies only to undergraduate programs, with graduate/PhD policies to follow. Committee members discussed timing, student impact, and whether future revisions should address graduate and certificate programs in the same or separate policy.

      MOTION: to approve the policy. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The policy will go to the Academic Staff Senate, Faculty Senate, and University Staff Senate for approval and presentation.
  4. Other business as needed
    Secretary Reisel thanked committee members for their contributions and service this year.
  5. Meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.