Senate update
1.
Important
links to agendas, minutes, Chair's Reports and other sites of interest are
available
on the Senate web site: http://www.uwec.edu/Usenate.
Senate Chair’s Report will be available on this site by noon on the day of the
Senate meeting.
2.
During
debates, Senators may speak only twice to any motion or amendment. Each
speaking term is limited to 10 minutes. The Chair will add names of those
wishing to speak to a speaker's list upon recognition.
Faculty Reps Meeting –
next meeting via teleconference December 13
Board of Regents Meeting
–December 5-6
1.
Update on Student Success based on Retention, Graduation Rates, and
Credits-to-Degree given by Frank Goldberg, UW System Associate VP for policy
analysis and research. Eau Claire met or exceeded all targets. This
presentation was a lead-in to the discussion on Excess Credit Policy. The Board
passed a resolution instructing institutions “to review the requirements for
all programs that currently require more than 130 credits and to develop a
process to identify and counsel students who are accumulating credits in a
manner that could result in their amassing more than 165 credits (or 30 credits
more than required by their degree programs, whichever is greater) by the time
they fulfill all of the degree requirements. Starting in fall of 2004, all resident
undergraduate students who have accumulated 165 credits (or 30 credits more
than required by their degree programs, whichever is greater) will be charged a
surcharge, equal to 100 percent of the regular resident tuition, on credits
beyond that level. Furthermore, implementation rules should provide flexibility
for UW institutions to provide exceptions where appropriate to ensure that
students are able to complete their degree requirements.” A system-wide
implementation group will develop guidelines for exceptions. One Regent
expressed concern that the implementation of the policy may cost more than any
savings gained from the policy.
2.
A panel of five UW leaders gave an update on enrollment trends, budget
cut impacts, and ways that other public universities are coping with state
budget reductions. They told the board that future budget reductions could mean
sweeping measures, such as eliminating entire majors or departments. One
panelist shared how it is running out of cuts that can be made and now will focus
on preserving programs that bring in dollars or support for core courses needed
by all freshmen, seniors, and are basic to many programs. Another panelist told
how units on his campus would openly share needs and projected cuts with the
entire campus in order for everyone to realize the impact of the cuts and the
tough decisions to be made with everyone’s cooperation. Another panelist shared
how current cuts, leading to reduced number of sections, has created a ‘black
market’ – the buying and selling of seats that available in popular classes.
Lyall stated that all the easy and obvious things have been done. She then
shared three things that other states have done to cope with budget cuts that
we have not: (1) requiring faculty and staff to pay a larger portion of their
health care; (2) developing an early retirement window; and (3) charging cohort
tuition for big incoming classes.
3.
The Office of Academic and Student Services, with the Board’s approval,
implemented a 3-month moratorium on all new academic planning until February
2003. The Performing Arts major is affected by this.
4.
The 2003-2005 General Compensation Plan and Guidelines were approved. The
UWEC Pay Plan previously passed fits these guidelines.
5.
The Citizens for Higher Education made a presentation to the Board
stressing the need for everyone to become involved. Lyall praised the new
non-profit organization calling it “another first and a great step in linking
arms for higher education.”
Legislative Update
1.
When the 2003-04 Legislative Session convenes in January, both houses
will be under Republican control for the first time since 1995. With their
majorities, they control the appointment of legislative committee chairs, hold
a majority in each legislative committee, and control which bills get scheduled
for committee and floor action. Moreover, Republicans will control important
joint committees such as the budget-writing Joint Finance Committee.
2.
A group of lawmakers led by former Governors Lee Sherman Dreyfus (R) and
Anthony S. Earl (D) have announced the creation of a bipartisan New Patriotism
Caucus. The group intends to push for new legislative rules that assures better
conduct, creates accountability, strengthens relationships across party lines,
and creates an ongoing forum for legislators to revive the Legislature as the
foremost democratic institution of the state.
3.
Department of Administration and Revenue officials announced the budget
deficit projections decreased. Before
June 30, 2003, Governor-elect Doyle will need to fix a $185 million deficit. Estimates for mid-2005 ranged in the $2.8
billion deficit range throughout the campaign.
Administration and Revenue officials adjusted the deficit by $200 M to
$2.6 B.
4.
Governor-elect Doyle will solicit citizen assistance in helping to solve
the state's budget deficit. Doyle will
hold listening sessions to gather suggestions on ways the state may save
money: Monday, December 16 at 10 a.m.
UW-Eau Claire, Davies Center, Tamarack Room