Meeting Minutes
ACADEMIC SENATE
Minutes
August 26, 2019
CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Academic Senate, held on August 26, 2019, was called to order at 3:02 pm by Senate President Julio Facelli. The meeting was held in the Moot Courtroom of the College of Law.
Present: Alan Abbinanti, Rohit Aggarwal, Sharon Aiken-Wisniewski, Rima Ajlouni, AnnaMarie Barnes, Amy Barrios, Shmuel Baruch, Pinar Bayrak-Toydemir, Gunseli Berik, Kelly Bricker, Kirsten Butcher, Devon Cantwell, Laurel Caryn, Mike Caserta, Promothesh Chatterjee, Thomas Cheatham, Susanna Cohen, Hilary Coon, Amy Cox, Shanti Deemyad, Ann Engar, Diego Fernandez, Leslie Francis, Thomas Crane Giamo, Franz Goller, Moira Gray, Gema Guevara, Amos Guiora, Patricia Hanna, Rebecca Hardenbrook, Andrew C. Harris, Bill Hesterly, Christel Hohenegger, John Hollerbach, Luis Ibarra, Thunder Jalili, Keith Koper, Kim Korinek, Anne Lair, Rich Landward, Dale Larsen, Stephan LeBohec, Connor Leeming, Erik Lehnardt, Brad Lundahl, Don Ly, Kelly MacArthur, Hunter Mansfield, Danielle Martinez, Maureen Mathison, Staci McIntosh, Dragan Milicic, Krystal Moorman, Damon Ngo, Khue Nguyen, Rick Paine, Brandon Patterson, Wanda Pillow, Tom Quinn, Jon Rainier, Kalani Raphael, Angela Rasmussen, Georgi Rausch, Terry Ring, Jeremy Rosen, Frank Sachse, Sonia Salari, Wesley Sasaki-Uemura, Amnon Schlegel, Sara Scholes, Jeff Schwartz, Jon Seger, Varun Selvam, Peyden Shelton, Helene Shugart, Roger Silvers, Sara Simonsen, Tim Smith, Brian Snapp, Ryan Steele, Kathryn Stockton, Dustin Stokes, James Sutherland, Thomas Swensen, Joshua Taylor, Alex Terrill, Emily Thomas, Sylvia Torti, Elpitha Tsoutsounakis, Kent Udell, Hunter Underhill, Brenda Van Der Wiel, Daniel Vargo, Neil Vickers, James Winkler, Julie Wright-Costa, Jaehee Yi, Susan Zickmund, Brandon Zielinski, Amrinder Thind
Excused with proxy: Annette Fleckenstein, Anne Kirchhoff, Lauren Liang, Rajesh Menon, Kathleen Nicoll, Christina Porucznik, Debra Simmons, Jessica Wempen, Feng Zhang
Excused: Candace Floyd, Winston Kyan
Absent: Kenneth (Bo) Foreman, Kim Hackford-Peer, Lisa Henry, Sierra Holmes, Christopher Hull, Srikanth Iyengar, Ken Johnson, Gabriel Lozada, Sharon Mastracci, Kent Ono, Maria Velasco
Ex Officio: Randy Dryer, Julio Facelli, Robert Flores, Robert Fujinami, Michael Good, David Hill, Lisa Hutton, Paul Mogren, Sarah Projansky, Daniel Reed, Thomas Richmond, Billinda Tsuya, Ruth Watkins, Jane Laird
Others: Presidential Student Ambassador Jami Margaret Harvey, Clare Duignan
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes dated April 29, 2019 were approved upon a motion from Pat Hanna and a second by Anna Barnes.
CONSENT CALENDAR
President Julio Facelli introduced Senate Policy Liaison Robert Flores, who had been asked to give the Senate an overview of its part in the faculty appointments and resignations process. It is University policy that the Senate, in its shared governance role, should have the opportunity to learn of and object to any faculty appointment or resignation in situations that raise concerns. Senators will be presented with these lists for review at each meeting and are encouraged to discuss any issues they may see. The faculty appointments and resignations lists were approved upon a motion from Tom Richmond, seconded by Pat Hanna.
SPECIAL ORDER: Annual Appointments for Senate Leadership
A motion from Sylvia Torti, and seconded by Amos Guiora, to approve the appointments of Robert Flores, to Senate Policy Liaison, and Paul Mogren, to Senate Parliamentarian, was passed unanimously.
REPORT FROM ADMINSTRATION
University President Ruth Watkins welcomed everyone to the new academic year and expressed appreciation to Senators for their time representing their colleges (faculty) and representing peers (students). She explained that the University begins this year with a powerful focus on enhancing safety; the campus community has really come together in the last year to design and implement a wide range of actions. The President presented highlights from the Presidential Task Force on Campus Safety’s recommendations and what has been accomplished to this point. The courtesy escort service has reduced its wait time to now only 7 minutes. SafeRide is a new free service that offers evening rides to and from any location on campus. Students with a ‘U’ parking permit can now park in most ‘A’ lots after 3 pm. The report highlighted many other areas of campus safety developments, including increases in safety-related staff, revisions in housing safety policies, clustering of evening classes, and more. Watch for the upcoming safety awareness campaign, and faculty can help by spreading the information about the U’s safety resources and by being part of a culture of safety for the whole campus community. This is also part of the three-step call to action the President asked of the group: share what you know; learn more about how to increase safety; act.
SENATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
Senate President-elect Randy Dryer welcomed Senators and explained that the Senate Executive Committee had met twice over the summer. It set the agenda items for today’s meeting, and Senate President Julio Facelli will be presenting its summer recess actions at a later point in the meeting.
REPORT FROM ASUU
Anna Barnes, ASUU President, highlighted current projects and developments from a busy summer for the ASUU leadership. There has been active student representation on committees, such as working with AVP Projansky on the Senate Special Committee on Student Input into RPT and contributing to the Chief Safety Officer and new Police Chief hiring committees; the latter also ties into ASUU continuing focus on campus safety again this year. The ASUU leadership is working on the SafeU Month initiative, including offering healthy relationship workshops and organizing an array of events throughout the month that assist in raising awareness of the comprehensive safety resources available at the University for staff, students, and faculty.
The ASUU continues to work hard on student-led initiatives passed in the Senate last year–the campus safety syllabus statement and climate commitment resolution. Leslie Francis asked for advice to faculty who have concerns about the way the syllabus statement is currently worded; could they reword it on their individual class syllabus? Anna indicated that, for the moment, the language needs to be the same as approved by ASUU, the Academic Senate, and the various University safety-related departments involved.
NOTICE OF INTENT CALENDAR
Utah Data Science Center Provisional Status
Jeff Phillips, Associate Professor in the School of Computing, introduced a proposal to provisionally create a new center, the Utah Data Science Center (UDSC). Data science is an interdisciplinary field, spanning areas in computing, data management, and statistical analysis. The University has experts in engineering, science, business and humanities, and other colleges. Through these colleges and departments, a number of data science-related educational programs have already begun. The finding is that cross-college and -department collaboration has benefitted collective research. In addition, data science is a rapidly growing area. The goal of the Center will be to provide a central structure to lead and organize data science researchers and resources, so to support research, provide resources for collaboration, and extend student and community outreach. The planned organization will facilitate external funding partnerships in the future; no additional resources are needed at the present time. UDSC is broadly supported by departments across campus, and a governance document is included in the proposal. A motion from James Sutherland, seconded by Tom Richmond, to put this item on the meeting’s Debate Calendar passed by the required two-thirds of Senate members, with 1 abstention. A further motion from Terry Ring to approve the provisional UDSC proposal, seconded by Kent Udell, passed with 1 abstention.
MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion
The proposal for a new Master of Science degree in Cardio Perfusion (MSCP) was presented by Craig Selzman, Kirk Bingham, and Lauren Budinger. Craig, Professor of Surgery and Chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic (CT) Surgery, explained that there is now a workforce shortage of licensed perfusionists in the U.S. and this shortage will increase in the future. Only two universities in the West currently offer similar programs, so this will be the third program West of the Mississippi. In the field of perfusion, a master’s degree and national licensure is considered the terminal degree and training. The MSCP program will be administratively housed in the Division of CT Surgery within the School of Medicine. MSCP courses will be taught by members of the CT surgery perfusion staff currently employed within the division. Collaboration with the PA program to share three introductory courses has been approved. Pat Hanna, seconded by James Winkler, motioned to move this item to the Debate Calendar. This motion was approved by the required two-thirds of Senate members. A further motion from Maureen Mathison, seconded by James Winkler, to approve this proposal passed.
DEBATE CALENDAR
Architectural Studies Minor
Keith Bartholomew, Associate Dean of the College of Architecture + Planning, explained that this proposal for a new minor in Architectural Studies responds to a recommendation from the Graduate Council’s recent 7-year review–to communicate the relevance and promote the value of architecture to a broader audience than future licensed architects. Student interest in this minor option is strong because it allows a foundational architectural education for those who cannot or do not desire to otherwise major in it. The required minor courses nest well into the current pre-major curriculum. Devon Cantwell, seconded by Terry Ring, motioned to approve the Architectural Studies minor. The motion passed.
Combined (4+1) Urban Ecology BA/BS and Master of City & Metropolitan Planning
The Department of City & Metropolitan Planning (within the College of Architecture + Planning) proposes to offer a new dual-degree program. Keith Bartholomew explained that this dual degree will integrate the Bachelor of Science in Urban Ecology and the Master of City & Metropolitan Planning so that high-performing undergraduates can obtain both degrees, which are distinct areas but also highly complementary, in a reduced amount of time. Both degrees, the BA/BS and MCMP, would be awarded at the end of the fifth year. A motion from Sylvia Torti, seconded by Amos Guiora, to approve this proposal passed.
Provisional Center of Excellence for Exposure Health Informatics (CEEH)
{Note: Senate President Julio Facelli excused himself because of conflicts and asked Senate Past President Tom Richmond to preside.}
Katherine Sward, Associate Professor in the College of Nursing, reviewed a proposal to approve three-year provisional status for a new Center for Excellence for Exposure Health Informatics (CEEHI). The Center will be multi-disciplinary and housed in the College of Nursing. The proposal includes a governance structure document, describing the role of faculty in the unit’s governance. It will be co-led by the Biomedical Informatics (School of Medicine) and Nursing Informatics. Currently this activity has NIH funding and initial funding commitments for the College of Nursing, Department of Biomedical Informatics, and the AVP for Health Sciences Research. The formation of a formal Center will allow opportunities for more external funding, and there is a pressing need to ask for approval now because of external funding discussions that are happening at this time. It is requested as a provisional center because it is synergistic with other areas of concentration emerging on campus. It also seems appropriate to revisit this in a few years to determine whether it still works as a standalone center or how it fits with other initiatives in this area. Pat Hanna motioned to approve the provisional status of CEEHE. The motion passed after a second from Mike Caserta.
Rule 7-002A: Ownership, Access, and Use of Biospecimens & Assoc Data
Associate General Counsel Brian Watts and Associate Vice President for Research Integrity Erin Rothwell presented a proposal for new University Rule 7-002A. The intent of the new Rule is to establish a baseline expectation and infrastructure covering the issue of biospecimen collection and management. It is the result of faculty input and Institutional Policy Committee recommendations. A key element to this Rule is the inclusion of an institutional dispute resolution process that would include faculty participation. Although the Rule is deferential to local department- or college-level management and resolution, the provision for a centralized dispute resolution process, for the rare case when it cannot be solved at that local level, aids in developing an institutional framework to build upon in the future. The version of Rule 7-002A presented to the Senate includes more clarifying language in section III.G as requested by the Senate Executive Committee. This additional language allows readers to more readily see that data privacy requirements are imbedded in Technology Venture Commercialization (TVC) transfer agreements, and similar agreements, addressing expectations regarding the use, privacy, and security of biospecimens and associated data. A motion from Pat Hanna, seconded by Rich Landward, to approve Rule 7-002A, and to become effective upon this approval, passed with 4 opposed and 7 abstentions.
INFORMATION & RECOMMENDATIONS CALENDAR
Research Culture Survey August 2019
Erin Rothwell announced that a research culture survey will be sent to research and scholarly faculty, staff, and graduate students on August 28. This survey is consistent with changes at the national level requiring more accountability, transparency, and empirical assessment of universities’ research culture. Erin asked faculty to help broadly share the survey; the goal is to have a 30% response rate and at least five faculty from each department, where possible, for several reasons. First, a recent issue concerning research culture at Duke University has heightened awareness of the importance in empirically assessing an institution’s research culture, something that is also federally mandated for HHS funding. The results will additionally create a baseline for outreach activities, plus a way to compare with other similar institutions nationally to help in determining potential issues. Survey data will also help her department assess its current services and resources to researchers.
Athletics Director Update
Athletics Director Mark Harlan updated the Senate on the Athletics Department, noting many areas of success. The department set academic records and continues to work on supporting student-athlete welfare. Student welfare includes academic support, nutritional and training support, and mental and emotional support. The collective GPA for the 547 student-athletes in the University’s programs was 3.25, a University record. The department is also proud of the NCAA 6-year graduation rate (GSR) of 95% for UofU student-athletes. In the PAC 12, this ties for first in the conference along with Stanford. The department has expanded mental/emotional health support personnel from two to five staff. He expressed appreciation to the numerous staff and faculty members who contributed to student-athlete academic and athletic successes seen this year.
Graduate Council 7-Year Reviews: Atmospheric Sciences Department, and Anthropology Department
David Kieda, Dean of the Graduate School, summarized the reports from the recent Graduate Council 7-Year Review of the Department of Atmospheric Sciences and of the Department of Anthropology.
The Atmospheric Sciences review highlighted the strength of its research topics such as mountain meteorology and air chemistry, and faculty have an impressive record of external funding. Suggestions on opportunities for growth included expanding curriculum and recruitment efforts, which should be aided by a new diversity coordinator shared with the College of Science.
The review summary of the Anthropology Department noted its strong national reputation, successful collaborative relationships across the University, and highly productive faculty. Recommendations were to bolster undergraduate and graduate student recruitment, and the Department has already implemented initiatives towards meeting this goal.
College of Science College Council Charter
Janis Louie, College of Science Associate Dean for Academic Affairs explained the earlier College of Science College Council Charter was over 30 years old. The new charter is a complete overhaul and incorporates more inclusive language, better organizes College-wide committees, is more congruent with University policies, and chooses a more evenly distributed council structure that matches the College’s demographic. The revised charter has received the required approvals, including the final approval of the Senate Executive Committee.
Presidential Task Force on Campus Safety Final Report
Michele Ballantyne, Co-chair of the Campus Safety Task Force, presented the Campus Safety Task Force final report and highlighted key developments. One was the creation of a Chief Safety Officer, to whom the Chief of Police will report, and who will coordinate a variety of different safety units on campus. Also discussed were specific items concerning personnel, training, facilities, technology/communication, policy, and recommended future actions. In response to Shanti Deemyad’s question about research sources used, Michele explained that the task force gathered information from PAC 12 peer institutions about best practices, consulted with experts, and held feedback sessions within the campus community. However, it would like to continue to include all the ongoing feedback. Michele explained that the Senators’ safety observations and recommendations would be immensely helpful in the ongoing campus safety review process. Her hope was that meeting participants, and all others in the campus community, would visit the SafeU website and register suggestions there so that the future Chief Safety Officer can continue to incorporate these.
School of Medicine College Council Charter
Bob Fujinami, School of Medicine Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, presented a revised School of Medicine (SOM) College Charter that replaces a provisional College Charter approved by the Senate Executive Committee in 2015. The proposed Charter restructures the College Council. The revised Council will be faculty-driven and includes tenure-line and career-line faculty from each department, as well as ten at-large tenure-line faculty elected by the whole College. He explained that SVP Michael Good’s support for shared governance helped the revised Charter incorporate more faculty participation and communication. For instance, the SOM College Council Chair will now be a voting member on the SOM Executive Committee. The second noticeable change to the Charter addresses the college’s curriculum decision-making structure in a way that conforms with accreditation guidelines from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). The revised charter has received the required approvals, including the final approval of the Senate Executive Committee.
Interim Rule 6-400A: Student Code Modification
Senate Policy Liaison Bob Flores explained that Interim Rule 6-400A is an example of when the University administration needs to act quickly to implement policies, rules, or other regulations. In some cases, the normal process of proposing new and revised policies will not allow compliance required by impending deadlines; this occurs in instances such as changes in local and federal laws. The current process in place, that guides action in these instances, asks the University President to enact interim regulations to address compliance issues in a timely manner.
Interim Rule 6-400A meets the August 1, 2019 deadline contained in the Student Civil Liberties Protection Act passed by the Utah Legislature last year. This Act was aimed at the member institutions of the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) to ensure that each has protections in place that support students’ civil rights and liberties. Two provisions in the current University of Utah Student Code required modification to bring policies into compliance. These concern 1) student rights to have an attorney participate in hearings about behavioral misconduct, and 2) student rights to possess weapons while on campus, as long as the carrier meets state law regulations. This interim Rule will be replaced by a broader revision of the student code, which is currently being worked on and will be brought to the Senate at a later time this year for approval.
Summer Recess Authority Actions of the Senate Executive Committee
Senate President Julio Facelli summarized the following actions, including notification of other interim policies enacted, taken by the Senate Executive Committee on behalf of the Academic Senate during the summer recess:
– Interim Rule R3-010B Unlawful Personal Use Expenditures: Repayment Obligation & Appeal Process-Draft
– Interim Policy 5-211 University Alignment with the Utah Protection of Public Employees Act
– Appointment of Senate standing committee officers 2019-2020
– Clarification of Policy 6-002 Revision 34 – Quorum of Executive Committee
– Executive Committee Electronic Vote/syllabus safety statement
– Senate Consolidated Hearing Committee Hearing Panel Chairs
NEW BUSINESS
Presidential Student Ambassador Jami Margaret Harvey was thanked for her valuable help with the microphones for questions and comments during this meeting.
OPEN DISCUSSION [none]
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 4:56 pm.