December 20

Today we were joined by Provost Johannes Britz who discussed a number of issues including the status of current Dean searches, campus follow up after last week’s speaker who targeted a member of the university community, and the status of sabbatical approvals. There was general agreement that the campus should hold a forum with legal experts to discuss the line between free speech and hate speech, and at what point hate speech becomes conduct.

Sue Cashin of the Academic Staff Committee reported that their task force continues to work on revising Chapter 104 to more clearly define its provisions with the goal of creating better contracts with stronger provisions.

The UC Chair’s report also included an update on the Dean search for the Zilber School of Public Health, and a summary of the last Chancellor’s expanded cabinet meeting. Given the recent approval of UWM Post-Tenure Review policy by the Board of Regents, the UC is crafting implementation guidelines for departments. The strategic visioning working group also met last week. The UC will next meet on January 10, 2017. Happy holidays and happy new year to all!