REPORT OF THE PROVOST: David Prior. Discussed recent meeting with Department heads, in which commitment to advising, especially in the first year, was given special attention. Discussed scholarship. Will have a long session in January

Faculty Representative--Nick Sloboda. Faculty Representative Meeting (Teleconference) December 12, 2003; 2:00 - 4:00:

Senior Vice President Cora Marrett announced that the Madison libraries will return to the semester-long loans (a time period that had been reduced recently) for faculty within the UW–System.

She also noted that, regarding credit transfers, the technical colleges have yet to come up with a standardized gen .ed. curriculum policy among their colleges. On the matter of allowing 72 credits to be transferred, it was emphasized that each UW Institution would be allowed to choose which courses to accept.

There was discussion about studies that have been done illustrating the serious problem of the lack of success of students who transfer credits from tech. colleges to UW–Institutions (i.e.,: low grades or failing UW courses). There was a call for all campuses to do more research on the success or lack of success of transfer students.

Senior Vice President Marrett noted that there is still very strong pressure from legislators to have a “transparent” transfer program. Some legislatures, she noted, are talking about making changes to “Chapter 36" to facilitate this move.

It was reported that there was some confusion among some legislatures who believed that some faculty are taking advantage of the “accreditation” process to demand greater resources. It was discussed that there was a lack of understanding of the difference between “regional” and “specialized” accreditation among these legislators.

Ms. Louise Root-Robbins reported that the Sloan Foundation has been engaging in a study with a number of “demonstration” sites (UW–Madison, La Cross, Oshkosh, Parkside, and Stout) to review and make recommendations about instructional academic staff and untenured faculty workload, salary, and quality of life issues.

Highlights of BOR & Faculty Standing Committees:

The Operating Efficiency Committee discussed ideas as to how to attain the goal of cutting down the time to the degree. Some ideas such as more on-line courses and collaborative learning projects were discussed among the BOR and representative faculty.

The value of liberal arts education, as seen by the private sector was discussed by the Research and Public Service Committee. It was noted that the private sector seems to recognize the value of this while, ironically, some in the legislature, now, apparently do not.

The Partnership with the State committee addressed the continuing lack of a productive relationship with the current legislature. They noted how many legislators are viewing the UW–System as a “spoiled child.” There was a discussion as to how to improve this relationship, including establishing more links to local legislators.

Finally, during my report of UW–Superior activities, I mentioned our appreciation for Chancellor Erlenbach’s work in helping to procure the $ 5 million dollar pledge.

In the discussion, concern was expressed regarding the tech colleges offering BA degrees. Peter Nordgren pointed out that we need a meaningful dialogue; we already accept tech college courses from MN and MI.

Fire alarm system. Old Business: Carol Lindberg discussed the fire alarm system on campus. Actually, there are several different systems in different buildings, some dating to 1999, some to the mid 1990s, and some from the late 1960s. Priority is to link buildings together. Working on estimate of cost of linkage. In the meantime, Lindberg stressed that everyone has a responsibility to call 911 in the event of an emergency; it is not a matter merely for building supervisor.

Nordgren/Cummings moved that the Senate encourage movement to an interconnected fire alarm system that sends messages to the 911 center. Clark/ Amys moved to amend motion that if there isn’t enough money, the first priority should be the Day Care Center and the dorms. Amendment passed. Main motion passed.