UC Chair Kris O’Connor reported that our R1 status has officially been renewed. He attended the Faculty Reps meeting last week, at which the Program Productivity Monitoring process was discussed. At that meeting, UW System President Ray Cross discussed the rationale for changing the process. The Faculty Reps were also told that they would comprise an Advisory Council on Title and Total Compensation; reps had many questions about this.

The Benefits survey window for completion has been extended until December 21st due to low completion rates. The survey was discussed at the Faculty Reps meeting, and there were a lot of questions about the survey.

Provost Johannes Britz reported that the news about our R1 status was released early; our next renewal will occur in three years. The Chancellor of UW-Whitewater has resigned, as has the Provost of UW-Madison. The Provost has also reached out to a candidate for the Lubar School of Business Dean position, and negotiations are underway. Yesterday the administration served coffee, hot chocolate and snacks to the students. The next several weeks are anticipated to be quiet, in recognition of the holidays and semester break.

UC member Bettina Arnold reported that APBC will continue with budget planning activities in January.

UC will not meet again until January 15th, 2019. The University Committee wishes everyone the happiest of holidays, and a great New Year.