Meeting Minutes
ACADEMIC SENATE
Minutes
April 29, 2024
- CALL TO ORDER AND Announcements
The regular meeting of the Academic Senate, held on April 29, 2024, was called to order at 3:00 pm by Senate President Shanti Deemyad. The meeting was held using the Zoom online meeting platform. Senator members were required to register for this meeting, which allowed for attendance tracking.
Present: Michael Abrahamson, Andrew Anderson, Jensie Anderson, Yoshimi Anzai, Ademuyiwa Aromolaran, Pinar Bayrak-Toydemir, Erin Beeghly, James Bekker, Adrian Bell, Melissa Bobick, Kenneth Bromberg, Jen Brown, Luca Brunelli, Timothy Brusseau, Sarah Bush, Robert Campbell, Marjorie Castle, Jon Chaika, Doug Christensen, Kevin Coe, Katharine Coles, Frank Drews, Nanette Dudley, Atif Ellahie, Lee Ellington, Noreen Farley, Stacy Firth, Julia Franklin, Gina Frey, Jesse Graham, Eric Handman, Rachel Hayes-Harb, Kerry Herman, Heather Holmes, Rory Hume, Bryan Jones, Jay Jordan, Sarang Joshi, Seijin Kim, Kai Kuck, Shelley Lawrence, Mark Loewen, Alysse Loomis, Janis Louie, Sarah Lucas, Stacy Manwaring, Nancy McLaughlin, Brent Milne, Anna Neatrour, Austin Neff, Will Nesse, Curtis Newbold, Dave Norwood, Yihui Pan, Patrick Panos, Kevin Perry, Wayne Potts, Lynn Reinke, Lorie Richards, Alessandro Rigolon, Hollis Robbins, Carol Sansone, Naomi Schlesinger, Nathan Seegert, Paul Shami, Chris Simon, Jamesina Simpson, Paula Smith, Ginger Smoak, Wayne Springer, Caroline Stephens, Casey Tak, Abigail Taylor, Patrick Tripeny, Jessica Van Der Volgen, Jim VanDerslice, Margaret Wan, Roseanne Warren, Jaclyn Winter, Julie Wright-Costa, Zhou Yu, Kilo Zamora
Excused with substitute: Lela Graybill, Katie Durante, Tucker Hermans, Meeyoung Min, Matt Tokeson
Excused:Huong Meeks
Absent: Rohit Aggarwal, Lourdes Alberto, Lillian Ault, Bryan Bonner, Marc Calaf, Cate Carson, Jada Easterly, Korkut Erturk, Zhigang (Zak) Fang, Rick Forster, Andrea Garcia, William Holland, Martin Horvath, Jack Israelsen, Lindsey Kisielewski, Feng Liu, ShawnaKim Lowey-Ball, Eugene Mishchenko, Spencer Mukai, Jack O’Leary, Anna Roelofs, Savannah Romney, Talea Steele, Sondra Stegenga , Maggie Tesch, Hannah Truax, David Turok, Samantha Watrin, Melodie Weller, Peter West, Jennifer Williams, Mia Woychick
Ex Officio: Mike Braak, Shanti Deemyad, Angie Fagerlin, Michael Good, Harriet Hopf, Savannah Manwill, Paul Mogren, Allyson Mower, Sarah Projansky, Taylor Randall, Sonia Salari, David Thomas, Jane Laird
Announcements
Senate President Deemyad reminded members about the Senate social on Monday, May 15th, 4pm, at the Ken Garff University Club, Rice Eccles Stadium. It is a year-end celebration of the Senate’s accomplishments. The schedule for the AY25 Academic Senate and Senate Executive Committee meetings can be found with the meeting materials.
- APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes dated April 1, 2024, were approved upon a motion from Harriet Hopf and a second from Gina Frey, with 1 abstention.
- REQUEST FOR NEW BUSINESS
Senator Alysse Loomis, faculty member of the College of Social Work, asked to introduce some recommendations from students for promoting clarity of protected speech and providing oversight for campus events, aiming to get the thoughts of Senators on them.
- EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
Senate President-elect Harriet Hopf reviewed the actions that the Senate Executive Committee (EC) took at its April 15th meeting in assigning agenda items to the different calendars, as seen on the current agenda listing. The letter of concern, which had been referred by the Academic Senate to the EC at the April 1st meeting, was reviewed, and feedback was provided to university leadership. Senate leadership will continue to advise Senate members. Parliamentarian Paul Mogren presented a Resolution in Appreciation for 2023-2024 Academic Senate President Shanti Deemyad. The Resolution was adopted by acclamation and included in the appendix of these minutes.
- CONSENT CALENDAR
Senate President Deemyad identified the items on the meeting’s Consent Calendar:
- Faculty Resignations and Appointments Reports
- Name Change: BS Health & Physical Education Teaching
- Undergraduate Certificate: Scoring for Film and Games
- Undergraduate Certificate: Composing Music for Film and Games
All items on the Consent Calendar were approved after a motion from Katherine Coles and a second from Sarang Joshi. There was 1 abstention.
- SPECIAL ORDER- Annual SPEC Report and Elections
The Chair of the Senate Personnel and Elections Committee (SPEC), Ken Monson, summarized the annual SPEC report. He announced the results of the AY25 Senator and Senate committee elections. The remaining vacancies on Senate committees were also posted. He also noted the inclusion of the Utah Asia Campus faculty in committee elections. The Senate has been working hard to involve them more, and 2024 was the first year when UAC faculty were included on the Senate Committee ballots. He congratulated the two UAC faculty members who were elected to serve on the Senate Committee on Academic Freedom and Faculty Rights.
Every voting Senator should have received a link to the in-meeting Senate Leadership Election Ballot, and Ken outlined the in-meeting electronic Senate leadership election ballot content background and election procedures. He and Paul Mogren were the elections officials, and Mike Braak was the key contact for issues encountered with the Qualtrics ballot or link.
He introduced the two candidates for AY25 Senate President-elect. Gina Frey and Richard Preiss gave their candidate statement for Senators’ consideration, referring also to the statements posted with the meeting materials. Ken opened the electronic elections for 30 minutes to voting-eligible Senators at 3:35 pm.
- REPORTS (ADMINISTRATION; EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE; ASUU)
Report from Administration
President Taylor Randall congratulated Senate President Deemyad and the Senate for the accomplishments of this past academic year and highlighted that there are 8,652 graduates this year. The President also advised Senators that administration has received final USHE guidance on how to implement HB 261 legislation at Utah universities and colleges, and UofU guidance will be issuing internal guidance to all the campus community. He thanked those that were involved on the many consultatory calls to put things together to address these changes and affirmed that UofU guidance will continue to meet the institution’s values and goals. He noted that the University has a robust protocol for protests, some of which were scheduled on this day. If Senators have a security protocol question, salient U of U individuals have attended the meeting to address any of those, and they are standing by. Chief University Information Officer Chris Nelson then presented the status of the Impact 2030 strategic planning project. President Randall agreed with Senate Policy Liaison Allyson Mower’s suggestion to bring the strategic planning project to the Senate Advisory Committee on University Strategic Planning as a next step, noting it is a good idea. He then addressed clarifying questions raised by Senators.
Senate President Deemyad reported that she had put in the Zoom chat the questions that the EC developed to follow up on the Senate’s request to address the April 1 meeting presentation of a Letter of Concern, and other topics of concern to the Senate regarding recommended communications issues. Expect more feedback and follow up on both on those.
SVP Michael Good noted some graduation highlights and the ongoing consultative community input process for the Impact 2030 project. Shanti expressed her and the Senate’s deep appreciation for his contributions during his service as the SVP for Health Sciences, as he continues his plans to step down from the role. Numerous Senate members expressed applause and agreement with this gratitude.
Report from ASUU
Parliamentarian Paul Mogren presented a Resolution Recognizing the University of Utah Academic Senate 2022-2023 Student Senators. The Resolution expressed appreciation for the prominent level of engagement and commitment in the Academic Senate shared governance process, including a note of appreciation for ASUU President Jack O’Leary’s leadership and the other ASUU Senators, Sarah Lucas and Hannah Truax, who served on the Senate Executive Committee. The Resolution was adopted by acclamation and included in the appendices of these minutes.
Report from VPR
[This report was presented later in the meeting]
Vice President of Research Erin Rothwell gave updates on the U of U’s commitment to sustainability research. Her office has launched a Water Engine Research hub and is currently searching for a new Global Change in Sustainability Center Director, which is a 0.5 FTE position. Also, something that demonstrates the impact of research aimed at improving communities was the Office of Research work with the Utah Office of Energy Development in securing $62 million, from the Infrastructure Jobs Act funding, to implement EPA Solar for All for underserved communities in the state.
- DEBATE CALENDAR
Policy 6-101 Portfolio-Based Assessment
Katrina Green, Assistant Dean of Curriculum Management, walked through an update to Policy 6-101 that is required by Utah Board of Higher Education Policy R472. Proposed key changes to Policy are:
- Defines Portfolio-Based Assessment
- Establishes a maximum of 12 credit hours total/maximum of 6 upper division
- Credit must be tied to an existing course at the UofU
- Faculty have full authority to determine appropriateness of awarding credit
This policy update will also go to the Credits and Admissions Committee. Harriet Hopf’s motion, seconded by Sonia Salari, to approve the policy passed.
New Academic Unit: Division of Occupational and Environmental Health
Division Chief Jeremy Biggs reviewed a proposal for a standalone Division of Occupational and Environmental Health (OEH), within the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine. The unit’s name will stay the same as it is now, and this change will not affect any academic or program accreditation. He highlighted its purpose and programs and explained that it will follow Policy 6-303.III.E.1.iv: Small Academic Unit rule for faculty appointments and FARA actions until the Division has sufficient tenured faculty. After a second from Jim VanDerslice, Rory Hume’s motion to approve the new academic unit passed.
New Academic Unit: Division of Physician Assistant Education and Sciences
A proposal to create a standalone Division of Physician Assistant Education and Sciences (PAES) in Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine was summarized by Division Chief Leigh Elrod. The Division of PAES will serve as the academic home for Physician Assistant educational programs, clinical operations, research, and community outreach. Its development will follow Policy 6-303.III.E.1.iv: Small Academic Unit rule for faculty appointments and FARA actions until the Division has sufficient tenured faculty. Harriet Hopf’s motion, seconded by Rory Hume, to approve the new academic unit passed.
Special Committee for Free Speech on Campus Motion
Senator Jensie Anderson explained that she chaired a Ad Hoc Committee on MEChA. After the perceived conflict between the University of Utah and MEChA had been discussed at two Academic Senate meetings, the Academic Senate Executive Committee convened an ad hoc committee under Policy 6-002.III.A.2.a. with the charge to gather and analyze information about the issue. It was tasked with reviewing existing publicly available materials related to the issue and generating questions for administration and others involved in the perceived conflict. It seems important, especially in the light of ongoing protests on the Israeli Palestinian conflict, that students understand their free speech rights and responsibilities, as well as to finding ways to assist faculty in knowing how to help their students in these areas. She, on behalf of the ad hoc committee, proposed that the Senate approve a new special Senate committee that would develop approaches to these issues further.
Senator Jay Jordan and other Senators discussed the best outline for a motion to approve a special committee formation to address this suggestion, such as setting a deadline, ensuring that there is collaboration with other similar groups on campus, and limiting the charge to be specific so that it is differentiated from the current Senate Committee on Academic Freedom and Faculty Rights. Membership composition might include the current ad hoc committee members, and there was a suggestion to include staff representatives.
Senator Loomis explained that this initiative is connected to the New Business she raised at the beginning of the meeting and introduced attendee student CJ Michalec, from the College of Social Work. CJ spoke to the Senate suggesting that the scope of the committee be broad enough to include looking at what to do when the types of events that groups have booked on campus that do not appear to promote student learning and inclusiveness, but rather seem to contribute to a culture of fear and divisiveness. They then posed some possible recommendations and questions a special committee could investigate along those lines, such as clarifying the grey area between protected speech and harassment against groups and individuals. Jay Jordan moved that the Senate approve the formation of a special committee, with a term ending at the end of Spring Semester 2025, with authority to communicate with faculty and students to (1) investigate current policies and procedures regarding campus free speech, and (2) recommend training/education to share with faculty and students about free speech and the stakes of campus protest. The motion passed after a second from Frank Drews. Senate Policy Liaison Allyson Mower further clarified that it is standard practice to ask Senate leadership to populate a special committee according to its charge once approved.
- INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS CALENDAR
Health Plan Updates
Director of Benefits Wendy Poppleton reviewed presentation slides identifying benefits changes for the next academic year, starting July 1, 2024. She then addressed members’ clarifying questions and suggestions.
SVPAA Budget Model Refinement Update
Associate Vice President Jason Atuaia summarized the SVPAA budget model refinements for AY 25 and reviewed the plan’s process of consultation and development, in addition to identifying the next process steps. He then addressed members’ clarifying questions. Senate Policy Liaison Mower’s recommendation that budget strategic planning include consultation with the Senate Advisory Committee for University of Strategic Planning was agreed upon.
Incorporating New Legislation into University Regulations: A Discussion Regarding Next Steps
AVP for Faculty Sarah Projansky, on behalf of AVPHS Fagerlin and the university policy team working group, updated the Senate on the status of incorporating new Utah legislation into university regulations by noting the areas of policy and practice that new laws will not change, and then the areas where more ongoing guidance and process work will be needed. The newly passed legislation has some impending deadlines, so the team will continue to consult and address updates to internal policy by these statutory deadlines, requiring a need to act immediately and into the summer. The team will be addressing these requirements in a three-phase process which will include some interim policy determination and further policy updates that will proceed through the standard policy process. Those faculty and students who would like to volunteer to be part of a broad consultation process can email her or AVP Fagerlin. The UofU’s core values are unaltered, and Senators and all faculty can expect ongoing communications and discussions on these mandated updates.
Senate Advisory Committee on University Strategic Planning Annual Report
The annual report of the Senate Advisory Committee on University Strategic Planning (SACUSP), including its progress and achievements this year, was summarized by its Chair, Seante Past President Sonia Salari.
Senate Advisory Committee on IT Annual Report
The annual report of the Senate Advisory Committee on IT (SACIT) was reviewed by its Chair, Phoebe McNeally. One issue she highlighted from the report is the need for further consultation with administrators on implementation concerns and the approval process for the new Policy 4-004 updates.
Information and Reports
Senate President Shanti Deemyad presented the following informational reports to the Senate for members’ review:
- Graduate Review: Department of Mathematics
- Senate Committee on Academic Freedom and Faculty Rights Annual Report
- Senate Advisory Committee on Student Course Feedback Annual Report
- Senate Advisory Committee on EDI Annual Report
- Senate Advisory Committee on Academic Policy Annual Report
- College of Education Charter Revisions
- College of Pharmacy College Charter
- New Emphases: Chemical Engineering
Biochemical Engineering & Bioprocessing
Environmental & Sustainability
Semiconductor Processing
- SPECIAL ORDER – Annual Elections
SPEC Chair Ken Monson announced the results of the Senate leader elections and congratulated all the new electees. The results were:
April 29 Meeting Senate Leadership Election Results
Senate President-elect
Richard Preiss (Humanities)
Senate Executive Committee
Nanette Dudley (Medicine)
Thomas Cheatham (Pharmacy)
Tom Richmond (Science)
Brent Milne (Dentistry)
Julia Franklin (Health)
Carol Sansone (Social and Behavioral Science)
Yihui Pan (Business)
Julie Wright Costa (Fine Arts)
Tucker Hermans (Engineering)
Maureen Mathison (Humanities)
Mark Loewen (Mines and Earth Sciences)
Kevin Perry (Mines and Earth Sciences)
Senate Personnel and Elections Committee
Xiaoming Sheng (Nursing)
Jacklyn Winter (Pharmacy)
- SENATE PRESIDENT CLOSING REMARKS
Senate President Shanti Deemyad expressed her deep gratitude for everyone’s contributions to shared governance through their participation in the Academic Senate in the 2023-2024 academic year. She noted the student and faculty Senators, Senate Officers and staff, Senate committee members, and university administration. This university administration showed its commitment to shared governance in the most challenging times, despite the disagreements and the criticism received. She explained that the Senate is not about a single person or a single idea. It is a collection of efforts to participate in leading the institution through shared governance. She noted that she hoped her role as an Academic Senate President helped ensure that everybody was heard and informed about important issues affecting the community’s work.
Shared governance remains a strong in practice, which protects important areas such as academic freedom, freedom of speech, values of inclusiveness and fair work policies, and academic tenure. These and other protections allow the human frontier of knowledge to move forward freely and academic excellence crucial to ensuring that the next generation of students is equipped with the knowledge and tools for their and their community’s success.
- ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 6:05
APPENDICES
Resolution Recognizing Shanti Deemyad as President of the Academic Senate
University of Utah
2023-2024
Whereas Shanti Deemyad, Associate Professor of Physics in the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the University of Utah, served as President of the Academic Senate for the 2023-24 academic year; and
Whereas, she is an advocate for, a strong participant in, and a leader dedicated to the success of shared governance; and communicated effectively with the University administration on behalf of the faculty; and
Whereas, she gave the University community a voice through challenging moments and helped navigate throughout; and
Whereas, she demonstrated patience, dedication, responsibility, intelligence, respect, inclusion, attribution, and consideration, especially in her work for the Senate and the Executive Committee, which used all officers as a cohesive team to effectively handle large and complex meetings and issues in a collegial and engaging way; and
Whereas, she is a strong, determined, caring, and responsible advocate for faculty rights while ensuring careful stewardship of faculty/student viewpoints in University Senate proceedings; and
Whereas, she served as an effective leader as the U’s representative to the Utah Council of Faculty Senate Leaders (UCFSL); and
Whereas, she successfully added the excellent dimension of topical discussion to academic social events, enabling discussions on such topics as the University research agenda and changes conducive to learning; and
Whereas, Shanti is a sincere leader and simply a really nice person;
Therefore, be it resolved that the Academic Senate lauds Shanti Deemyad for a job well done as President of the Academic Senate, and be it further resolved that the entire University community thanks Shanti for her leadership, commitment, dedication, and enthusiasm.
Adopted this 29th day of April, 2024, Salt Lake City, Utah
Resolution Recognizing Student Senators in the Academic Senate
University of Utah
2023-2024
Whereas, ASUU President Jack O’Leary and all Student Senators demonstrated a high level of engagement and participation in University affairs; and
Whereas, they showed a commitment to actively govern in the Academic Senate; and
Whereas, they showed courage in raising concerns and issues relevant to students, such as freedom of speech, and a supportive environment for all students; and
Whereas, their reports to the Senate about ASUU highlighted the effective and significant contribution student government has made to the University; and
Whereas, the student senators on the Executive Committee, Jack O’Leary, Hannah Truax, and Sarah Lucas, were outstanding in their role in shared governance at the University with active participation, thoughtful and insightful contributions, and cogent and useful solutions;
Therefore, be it resolved that the Academic Senate lauds the 2023-24 Student Senators for a job well done and;
Be it further resolved that the entire University community thanks these students for outstanding service.
Adopted this 29th day of April, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah