Apr 27, 2026

Apr 27 2026
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Meeting Agenda

ACADEMIC SENATE AGENDA

April 27, 2026

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER AND WELCOME: 3:00 pm This meeting is open to the public and will be held on the Zoom meeting platform. It will be recorded only for the purposes of meeting minutes. Although Senate meetings are not required to be public under Utah law, the Senate has elected to conduct its business in a transparent way, and all attendees are welcome.
  2. Senate End of Year Reception-May 5, 5pm, Law School 6th Floor
  3. 2026-2027 Senate Meeting Schedule
  4. INTI Coffee Petition
  5. Center for Civic Discourse and Debate Update
  6. Resolution in Appreciation for Paul Mogren
  7. MINUTES
  8. April 6 2026 Minutes
  9. REQUEST FOR NEW BUSINESS
  10. CONSENT CALENDAR
  11. Faculty Appointments
  12. SPECIAL ORDER- Annual SPEC Report and Elections      (Ken Monson 3:30)
  13. Senate Personnel and Elections Committee Reports
  14. Senate Personnel and Elections Committee Annual Report
  15. Results of the 2026-27 Senator Elections
  • Results of the 2026-27 Senate Committee Elections
  1. Remaining Senate Committee Vacancies
  2. Senate 2026-27 Leadership Elections
  3. Senate President-elect 2026-27 Candidate Statement
  4. Electronic Elections Instructions
  • Open Online Elections Ballot for 30 minutes/Close
  1. REPORTS (ADMINISTRATION; ASUU; SENATE EC; UUSC)
  2. Report from Administration                                                                                                  (3:15)
  1. Executive Committee Report                                                                              (Brent Milne 3:40)
  1. ASUU Year End Remarks                                                        (Pamalatera Fenn, Alex Rose 3:45)
  2. ASUU Joint Resolution 7
  3. UUSC Year End Remarks                                                                              (Allie Menzdorf 4:00)
  4. INTENT CALENDAR

There are no items on the Intent Calendar for this meeting

  1. DEBATE CALENDAR
  2. MA/MS in Professional Writing and Emerging Technologies

(Rachel Bryson, Jennifer Andrus 4:05)

  1. Program Change: Program in Genetic Counseling Move to Department of Pediatrics

(Karin Dent 4:15)

  1. UACI Proposal-Huntsman Mental Health Institute  (Brett Graham, Deborah Yurgelun-Todd 4:25)

Break

  1. Policy 6-500 Revision                                                                  (Darryl Butt, Chase Hagood 4:40)
  1. INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS CALENDAR
  1. Senate Committee on Academic Freedom and Faculty Rights Annual Report

(Sara Hart, Steve Blair 4:50)

  1. AY27 Benefits Updates                                                                               (Wendy Poppleton 5:00)
  2. Senate Advisory Committee on Student Course Feedback Annual Report       (Jess Tidswell 5:10)
  1. Information and Reports
    1. 2025-2026 Marriott Library Charter
    2. Surveillance Systems Advisory Committee (SSAC) Report
  • Senate Advisory Committee on IT Annual Report
  1. Senate Advisory Committee on University Strategic Planning Annual Report
  2. Department of Theatre Undergraduate Review
  3. 10. SENATE PRESIDENT CLOSING REMARKS (Richard Preiss 5:20)
  4. SPECIAL ORDER – Annual Elections (Ken Monson, Paul Mogren 5:30)

Announcement of 2026-2027 President-Elect and Senate Executive Committee Members

  1. 2025-2026 ADJOURNMENT

 

 

 

Meeting Minutes

ACADEMIC SENATE

 April 27, 2026

Minutes

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER AND Announcements
    The regular meeting of the Academic Senate, held on April 27, 2026, was called to order at 3:01 pm by Senate President Richard Preiss. The meeting was held using the Zoom online meeting platform. The meeting is recorded only for the purposes of meeting minutes accuracy. Although Senate meetings are not required to be public under Utah law, the Senate has elected to conduct its business in a transparent way and all attendees are welcome.

Present:

Excused with substitute:

Excused:

Absent:

Ex Officio: Bob Carter, Ashley Glenn, Angie Fagerlin, Allie Menzdorf, Mitzi Montoya, Sarah Projansky

Senate Officers: Harriet Hopf, Jane Laird, Brent Milne, Paul Mogren, Allyson Mower, Richard Preiss

Senate Office Staff: Maddie Hile, Bailey Lavallee

 

Richard Preiss offered the following announcements and directed Senators to the meeting materials provided for:

  1. Senate End of Year Reception-May 5, 5pm, Law School 6th Floor
  2. 2026-2027 Senate Meeting Schedule
  3. INTI Coffee Petition
  4. Center for Civic Discourse and Debate Update

 

Resolution Recognizing Paul Mogren-Past Senate President and Outgoing Parliamentarian

Senate President Preiss introduced a Resolution Recognizing Paul Mogren-Past Senate President and Outgoing Parliamentarian, included in the appendix below. Mogren offered remarks on his experience as a long-time member of the Senate including his various leadership roles, also included in the appendix. The Resolution in his honor was adopted by acclimation.

 

  1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The April 6, 2026, Senate Meeting Minutes were approved upon a motion from Maureen Mathison and a second from Shaiban Khan.

 

  1. REQUEST FOR NEW BUSINESS

There were no requests for New Business.

           

  1. CONSENT CALENDAR

Senate President Preiss reviewed the Consent Calendar items:

  1. Faculty Appointments

The Consent Calendar was approved upon a motion from Pamalatera Fenn and a second from Leslie Francis.

 

  1. SPECIAL ORDER– Annual SPEC Report and Elections

Ken Monson, Senate Personnel and Elections Committee Chair (SPEC), summarized the SPEC Annual Report, results of the 2026-27 Senator college elections, results of the 2026-27 Senate Committee Elections, and remaining Senate committee vacancies. After Monson announced the instructions for the in-meeting elections for next year’s Senate leadership positions, the candidate for Senate President-elect, John Wynne, gave his candidate statement.

 

  1. REPORTS (ADMINISTRATION; SENATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE; ASUU; UUSC)    

 

Report from Administration

 

EVP Mitzi Montoya and EVP Bob Carter expressed appreciation for Senate and Senate President leadership during the year and offered reports from their respective areas.

 

The Senate heard reports from AVP for Student Affairs Jason Ramirez and Deputy General Counsel Robert Payne on a recent incident where a flyer announcing an ASUU student event was pulled due to indications that it did not meet neutrality requirements for a sponsored UofU organization. Senators expressed that if the concerned student organizer had gone through a required review, then the subsequent actions and cost of the actions indicate a process issue on the part of the university. Norm Waitzman moved that it is the sense of the Senate that this was a case of overreach by the university administration and that an apology be issued to the affected student organizer. After a second from Yvette Romero Coronado, the motion passed with 16 opposed and 10 abstaining.

 

Executive Committee Report  

Senate President-elect Brent Milne and Parliamentarian Paul Mogren introduced a Resolution Recognizing Richard Preiss, included in the appendix. The Resolution was adopted by acclimation.

 

Report from ASUU

A Resolution Recognizing Student Senators was announced and read aloud by Parliamentarian Paul Mogren, copied below in the appendix. The Resolution was adopted by acclamation.

 

ASUU President Alex Rose expressed appreciation for an outstanding year of partnership and collaboration between students and faculty, and between ASUU and the Academic Senate. He noted the contributions of the ASUU Senators, and then introduced next year’s ASUU President Erica Stringham, who spoke on her plans for the year to come.

 

ASUU Senator and Academic Senate Executive Committee member Pamalatera Fenn, sponsor of ASUU Joint Resolution 7, explained that students ask the university to enact policies, rules, and other measures within the scope of shared government to ensure that faculty workloads are fair and equitable in the context of increased career-line faculty workloads. ASUU Joint Resolution 7 asks for a swift completion of a compensation study, as well as a formal mechanism where faculty members are able to explicitly record their non-instructional work that is essential for student success. Katherine Coles moved that the Senate endorse the Resolution, agreeing with its recommendations and urging the university to follow them. After a second from Norm Waitzman, the motion was approved.

 

Report from UUSC

University of Utah Staff Council President Allie Menzdorf conveyed that the UUSC report link was posted in the Zoom meeting chat.

 

  1. INTENT CALENDAR

There were no items for the Intent Calendar.

 

  1. DEBATE CALENDAR

 

MA/MS in Professional Writing and Emerging Technologies

Representing the Writing and Rhetoric Studies Department, Professors Rachel Bryson and Maureen Mathison summarized a proposal for an MA/MS in Professional Writing and Emerging Technologies. After a second from Mark Loewen, Shaiban Khan’s motion to approve the proposal was approved with 2 abstentions.

 

Program Change: Program in Genetic Counseling Move to Department of Pediatrics

A proposal to relocate the University of Utah Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling to the Department of Pediatrics was summarized by Karin Dent, Program Director. Harriet Hopf’s motion to approve the proposal passed after a second by Kate Coles.

 

UACI Proposal-Huntsman Mental Health Institute

CEO of the Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) Brett Graham and Vice Chair of Research Deborah Yurgelun-Todd explained the reasons why it is time for HMHI to apply for a formal UACI designation. Lorie Richards moved to approve sending the proposal forward, subject to adding faculty from associated fields from the main campus to the oversight structure. The motion passed after a second from Kate Coles with 1 opposed.

 

Policy 6-500 Revision

Daryl Butt, Dean of the Graduate School, and Chase Hagood, Vice Provost for Student Success, outlined the benefits of an update to Policy 6-500 that separates conferral of the bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The Policy 6-500 update was approved after a motion from Brent Milne and a second from Richard Clark.

 

  1. INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS CALENDAR

 

Senate Committee on Academic Freedom and Faculty Rights Annual Report

The Senate Committee on Academic Freedom and Faculty Rights (SCAFFR) annual report was presented by Co-chairs Sara Hart and Steve Blair.

 

AY27 Benefits Updates

Director of Benefits Wendy Poppleton gave updates on AY27 benefits.

 

Senate Advisory Committee on Student Course Feedback Annual Report

Senate Advisory Committee on Student Course Feedback Chair Jess Tidswell reviewed the committee’s annual report.

 

Information and Reports

Senate President Preiss noted the following reports and information sent to the Senate:

    1. 2025-2026 Marriott Library Charter
    2. Surveillance Systems Advisory Committee (SSAC) Report
    3. Senate Advisory Committee on IT Annual Report
    4. Senate Advisory Committee on University Strategic Planning Annual Report
    5. Department of Theatre Undergraduate Review

 

  1. SENATE PRESIDENT CLOSING REMARKS

Richard Preiss presented his closing remarks on the Senate’s AY26 academic year.

 

  1. SPECIAL ORDER: ELECTIONS RESULTS

SPEC Chair Ken Monson, Senate Program Coordinator Maddie Hile, and Parliamentarian Paul Mogren presented the election results for 2026-2027 Senate leadership elections. Those results are listed in the appendix.

 

  1. 2025-2026 ADJOURNMENT

Meeting adjourned at 5:45 pm.

 

 

 

Appendix

 

 

 

 

Resolution

Recognizing Paul Mogren

Past Senate President and Outgoing Parliamentarian

27th April 2026

 

 

Whereas Paul Mogren, Librarian Emeritus, Academic Senate Past President, official historian of the Academic Senate, and longtime Senate Parliamentarian, has announced that this year will be his last in the latter capacity; and

 

Whereas he has served excellently in this office, offering just interpretations of the rules of order, shrewd insights into their flexibility, historical precedent for every contingency, a policy basis for every decision, and wise counsel to past and current Presidents; and

 

Whereas he has played a leading role in the Senate since its last reorganization 35 years ago, and since assuming his duties has attended faithfully and facilitated all meetings of the Senate, of its Executive Committee, and of its officers, except when on the global travels which retirement will now allow him fully to pursue; and

 

Whereas those travels have thus far included Panama, Patagonia, Malta, Mallorca, Sardinia, South Africa, Sydney, Tasmania, New Zealand, and the Canaries, whose Academic Senates he either also served on or established, much to the surprise of the local inhabitants; and

 

Whereas he has been to Alaska, and to Iceland, and to Greenland, and the Antarctic, and founded there an Academic Senate of the puffins and the penguins; and

 

Whereas he intends next to visit Egypt, among whose ancient hieroglyphs his image surely appears, advising Pharaohs on whether a motion against the Hittites could accept a friendly amendment; and

 

Whereas we jest only because Paul Mogren is the very embodiment of this Academic Senate, and the living memory of the University, and we have never known a time without him, nor can we imagine replacing him;

 

Be it resolved that we thank him for his decades of service and for his lifelong commitment to shared governance, and acknowledge him a voice of reason and civility in a fractious world, and wish him well in his voyages, with the request that he bring a satellite phone, so that if we ever need to resolve a point of order, we can call him.

 

Adopted this 27th day of April, 2026, in Salt Lake City.

 

 

 

 

 

Paul Mogren Remarks to the University of Utah Academic Senate
on the occasion of his retirement as Senate Parliamentarian, April 27, 2026

 

The Academic Senate is an important part of the University. It is one of the oldest faculty deliberative bodies in the United States, having begun in 1914.

I’ve been involved with Senate matters for approximately 40% of that time (!), as an elected senator, member of the Executive Committee, President, and Parliamentarian.

Shared governance is a good idea. Expertise, caring and commitment, and checks and balances are good ideas.

Changes I’ve seen through the years:

–including student senators as regular members

–adding career-line faculty as regular members

–expanded representation from staff and academic advisors

–direct faculty election of the Senate President (previously appointed by the Administration; Leslie was the first elected President)

–the restructuring of the Senate, establishing the Executive Committee as it now stands, and the structure of the agenda

–the Senate and its committees work more closely together to coordinate their operations

The Senate has always been a deliberative and decision-making body. Those considerations are based on study, testing, and evaluation. Kind of sounds like proper University research, doesn’t it?

Why do we need a Parliamentarian? Parliamentary procedure assures that the majority rules, the rights of the minority are protected, and the organization has good records documenting what they really did. Having a set of rules, whether they are the organization’s own, or Robert’s, ensures clear understanding and expectation of the group’s actions.

Challenges for the future:

–outside influences

–staying true to the mission of the University

–helping more members of the University community recognize the importance and value of, and reward of participating in University service, overall, and in the Senate in particular.

–monitoring new issues and concerns that might compromise the Senate’s ability to offer leadership and direction within the shared governance model. There’s nothing new under the sun!

Enduring issues include academic freedom, excellence in teaching, creativity, research, curriculum, University structure, and ensuring that the value of a University education is never forgotten.

I’d like to recognize previous Senate Presidents who are here today: Leslie, Kate, Tom, Allyson, Sonia, and Harriet (and me). That they continue to serve shows the commitment the faculty has to this organization.

And finally, thank you for providing me with the opportunity to serve.

 

 

 

Resolution Recognizing Student Senators
in the Academic Senate
University of Utah
2025-2026

 

Whereas student government forms an essential component of shared governance at the university, with student senators making up almost one-fifth of the Academic Senate; and

Whereas student senators are also students, juggling class schedules and extracurricular activities and social lives and all the anxieties and precarities of youth; and

Whereas participation in governance nevertheless encourages students to see themselves as co-owners of the institution and co-authors of their own educations, producing citizens of a more just, responsible society; and

Whereas student senators played critical, proactive roles this year in the creation of new programs, the elimination of obsolete ones, proposed changes to course scheduling, and especially the revision of Policy 6-100, asking fearless questions and contributing students’ perspectives; and

Whereas ASUU President Alex Rose in particular demonstrated outstanding leadership, advocating for students’ needs and goals with University presidents, provosts, and trustees, unflappably cool and composed in any situation; and

Whereas ASUU Senator Pamalatera Fenn has served with highest distinction on the Academic Senate’s Executive Committee, injecting her fierce intellect and cheerful personality, always taking a global view of the university that respects all stakeholders, and advocating for the interconnected interests of faculty, students, and staff;

Therefore, be it resolved that the Academic Senate lauds the 2025-26 Student Senators for the excellent performance of their duties; and

Be it further resolved that the Academic Senate wishes them success and joy in all their future endeavors; and

Be it further resolved that the entire University community thanks these students for their outstanding service and commitment to shared governance.

 

Adopted this 27th day of April 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah

 

 

 

 

Resolution Recognizing Richard Preiss as President of the Academic Senate
University of Utah
2025-2026

 

Whereas Richard Preiss, Associate Professor, Department of English, has served as President of the Academic Senate for 2025-2026; and

Whereas Richard has shown an exceptional ability to bring everyone together to engage as a team with the common goal of education; and

Whereas this year, more than others, has seen newly challenging requirements for administrative and legislative engagement which Richard navigated with skill, including personally representing the students and faculty through his attendance at Legislative sessions; and

Whereas his leadership was instrumental in assisting the Senate to work through such complex issues as HB 265 compliance, strategic reinvestment, artificial intelligence, and concealed/open carry questions; and

Whereas his skills in written and verbal communication, finely crafted language, strong attention to detail, and superb summations helped ensure that Senate meetings were run smoothly, and provided summary analyses of difficult Senate meeting items to help Senators conduct effective meeting presentations; and

Whereas he took exceptional care to be sure every proposal, initiative, and discussion was understood and communicated clearly, including helping presenters craft solid proposals, and seeking perspectives from across the campus; and

Whereas his commitment to shared governance was demonstrated in his work to ensure that the P6-100 package was subject to thorough Senate review and recommendations; and

Whereas that commitment was extended to shared governance in the larger community, contributing to UCFSL conversations, convening the first Big 12 faculty senate leaders meeting, and attending conferences focused on shared governance and faculty senates nationally; and

Whereas his action in support of that governance was shown in his inclusion of and support of student Senators, elevating the student voices in the Senate; and

Whereas he fostered an inclusive environment by ensuring all participants felt seen, heard, and valued during meetings; therefore

Be it resolved that the Academic Senate lauds Richard Priess for a job well done as Present of the Academic Senate; and

Be it further resolved that the entire University community thanks Richard for his leadership, hard work, dedication, commitment, and enthusiasm.

Adopted this 27th day of April 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah

 

 

 

Senate Leadership Election Results

The Senate Personnel and Elections Committee conducted votes for the upcoming Academic Senate President-elect, the Executive Committee membership and new Senate Personnel and Elections Committee members. The following were elected:

Academic Senate President Elect:

  • John Wynne

 

Executive Committee members:

  • Leslie Francis
  • Sara Hart
  • Tom Richmond
  • Brenda Heaton
  • Dave Kieda
  • Sydney Cheek-O’Donnell
  • Michael Nigra
  • Rachael Wittmann
  • Maureen Mathison
  • Dave Young
  • Tom Cheatham
  • Cindy Berg

 

New Senate Personnel and Elections Committee Members:

  • Mark Loewen
  • Chris Simon
  • Gina Frey
  • Dave Norwood