October 30, 2025 – Policy Advisory Committee – Minutes

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Time: Thursday at 2:00 p.m.
Location: Lubar N456 and Microsoft Teams

Present: E. Bechly-Schubert, D. Clark, K. Kirshtner, A. Meddaugh, C. Parks, J. Reisel, M. Schmit, J. Herzog (representing J. Urdan), M. Wendel, C. Vang
Guests: Kristian O’Connor, Vice Provost for Research

  1. Meeting called to order at 2:00 p.m.
  2. Automatic Consent
    Minutes of October 2, 2025 meeting approved as distributed. 
  3. Business
    1. SAAP 14-5 UWM Policy on Research Misconduct
      K. O’Connor presented revisions to policy required by new federal rules effective January 2026. The updates align with federal mandates, clarify ambiguous language, and simplify the process. Based on RPAC feedback, panel requirements were made more flexible, and when the respondent is a student, the Research Integrity Office will consult with the Dean of Students or Graduate School to ensure fairness. The process was streamlined to reduce repetitive investigations, and a limited appeals option was added. Sanctions now refer to existing university policies.

      E. Bechly-Schubert suggested changing the Responsible Party to the Vice Chancellor.

      The committee discussed “good faith” language which follows federal wording.

      MOTION: to recommend approval of SAAP 14-15.  The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The policy will proceed to the Academic Staff, Faculty, and University Staff Senate as automatic consent.
  4. Other Business as needed
    None.
  5. Meeting adjourned at 2:16 p.m.