Academic Senate

Meeting Minutes

ACADEMIC SENATE AGENDA 

Minutes 

January 6th, 2025 

1. CALL TO ORDER AND Announcements
   The regular meeting of the Academic Senate, held on January 6th, 2025, was called to order at 3:02 pm by Senate President Harriet Hopf. The meeting was held using the Zoom online meeting platform. The meeting is 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.

Present: Rohit Aggarwal, Andrew Anderson, Elizabeth Archuleta, Ademuyiwa Aromolaran, Maile Arvin, Donna Baluchi , Pinar Bayrak-Toydemir, Henry Becker, James Bekker, Bryan Bonner, Joe Boyden, Christian Brockmann, Thomas Cheatham, Sydney Cheek-O’Donnell, Doug Christensen, Richard Clark, Kevin Coe, Benjamin Cohen, Katharine Coles, Elisabet , Brigham Daniels , Marla De Jong, Kathy Doom, Jeffrey Druck, Nanette Dudley, Katie Durante, Lee Ellington, Zhigang (Zak) Fang, Rick Forster, Julia Franklin, Henry Fu, Alborz Ghandehari, Ashley Glenn, Laura Grantier, Rachel Hayes-Harb, Davidson Heath, Brenda Heaton, Teresa Hebron, Tucker Hermans, William Holland, Heather Holmes, Martin Horvath, Jill Jeffe, Bryan Jones, Sarang Joshi, Myrna Kearse, Seijin Kim, Scott King, Kai Kuck, Shelley Lawrence, Mark Loewen, Alysse Loomis, Lisbeth Louderback, Janis Louie, Kateryna Malaia, Stacy Manwaring, Maureen Mathison, Christine McMillan, Huong Meeks, Brent Milne, Will Nesse, Curtis Newbold, Thi Nguyen, Matthew Nielsen, Katherine Pagano, Yihui Pan, Emma Parkin, Sofia Perez, Kevin Perry, Cordina Rada, Firas Rassoul-Agha, Lynn Reinke, Lorie Richards, Thomas Richmond, Yvette Romero Coronado, Alex Rose, Suva Roy, Naomi Schlesinger, Nathan Seegert, Sherin Shaaban, Sarah Shreeves, Elizabeth Siantz, Chris Simon, Jamesina  Simpson, Paula Smith, Ginger Smoak, Wayne Springer, Oleg Starykh, Talea Steele, Caroline Stephens, Kathleen Strickland-Cohen, Casey Tak, Matt Tokson, Patrick Tripeny, David Turok, Elvis Valenzuela, Jack VanDerHeyden, Jim VanDerslice, Margaret Wan, Roseanne Warren, Marie Wintriss, Rachel Wittman, Dave Young, Zhou Yu 

Excused with substitute: Jensie Anderson, Timothy Brusseau, Sarah Bush, Jon Chaika, Atif Ellahie, Mercedes Johnson, Carol Sansone, Julie Wright-Costa  

Excused: Frank Drews, Kate Menlove  

Absent: Erik Bond, Marc Calaf, Mark Crowley, Jack Doughty, Kerry Herman, Feng Liu, Olive Nyiramwiza, Christo Pinknys 

Ex Officio: Shanti Deemyad, Angie Fagerlin, Ashley Glen, Michael Good, Harriet Hopf, Jane Laird, Paul Mogren, Allyson Mower, Richard Preiss, Sarah Projansky, Marie Wintriss 

Senate Office: Maddie Hile, Allyson Rocks 

Senate President Hopf opened the January 6th Academic Senate meeting with several announcements noting that the Senate agenda is very full, including major policy revisions and new programs. President Hopf shared that Senate officers recognize the need for more discussion and will sponsor several Town Halls to provide space for more discussion. The first, on cybersecurity with Jake Johansen and Clay Postma, will be held in mid-to-late January and senators can watch for a calendar invite coming soon. Additionally, a Gray Decision Intelligence (Gray DI) training is scheduled for January 16 to help faculty understand the program assessment data collections and analysis that Grey DI will be producing, following a Legislative Audit mandate to track program success. Suggestions for additional Town Hall topics are welcome.  

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The December 2nd, 2024, Academic Senate meeting minutes were approved upon a motion from Julia Franklin, seconded by Sarang Joshi. 

3. REQUEST FOR NEW BUSINESS

Harriet explained that though there is no New Business for this meeting, she had received a recent request that she will bring to the January Senate Executive Committee meeting.  

4. REPORTS (EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE)

Senate President-elect Richard Preiss discussed the items that the Senate Executive Committee (EC) had placed on this meeting’s agenda at its December 9th, 2024, meeting.  

5. CONSENT CALENDAR

Senate President Harriet Hopf reviewed the Consent Calendar items, which included: 

1. An announcement of recipients for several prestigious awards: 
   • Distinguished Teaching Awards (2024-25) 
   • John R. Park Teaching Fellowship 
   • Community Engaged Teaching and Scholarship Award 
   • Calvin S. and JeNeal N. Hatch Prize in Teaching 
2. Approval of the discontinuation of the Undergraduate Certificate Program in Financial Planning. 
3. Faculty appointments. 

The Consent Calendar items were approved after a motion from Katherine Coles and a second from Julia Franklin.   

6. REPORTS (ADMINISTRATION; ASUU; UUSC)    

Report from Administration 

Before hearing from SVP of Health Science Mike Good, Senate President Hopf recognized Dr. Good for his exceptional leadership and contributions to the university. He was commended for his tenure as Interim President in 2021, leadership of U Health, and commitment to shared governance. Dr. Good’s continued impact is anticipated as he transitions to the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative & Pain Medicine. 

SVP Mike Good presented the administrative report. He noted that the University of Utah is celebrating its 175th anniversary and announced the appointment of Dr. Bob Carter as the new Senior Vice President for Health Sciences. Efforts to advance student engagement include the pilot of the Ivory Awards for Advancing Student Success, which recognizes staff who excel in supporting students through roles such as academic advisors, student success coaches, and career coaches. SVP Good also discussed the implementation of shared services across four academic units to address disparities in resources and reduce siloing.  

Associate Provost for Institutional Planning and Design Keith Diaz-Moore provided an update on the Wellbeing and Resilience Initiative. The update highlighted the creation of a task force, comprised of faculty, staff, and student representatives, to lead the initiative. Several activities will soon be launched as part of this effort, including participation in national wellbeing assessments, a Faculty and Staff National Health Assessment, and the Healthy Minds Faculty and Staff survey.  

Vice Provost Chase Hagood shared an update on the Navigate U program, highlighting that the implementation of Tier 1 and Tier 2 compensation structures for academic advisors has been highly effective, creating career ladders and enhancing coordination, which was the top recommendation for improving advising. Efforts are underway to improve transition advising, with phase 2 beginning soon, and progress is being made on standardizing advising through the recently established Academic Standards Advising Council. A mandatory onboarding process for advisors is set to begin on May 1, 2025, as part of these initiatives. 

Report from ASUU 

ASUU President Joe Boyden provided updates on vacancies being filled in the Executive Branch of Student Government and the Senate, with record-breaking elections anticipated in February. To enhance student belonging, ASUU is hosting several events, including a free day at Brighton Ski Resort on February 7, 2025. Additionally, plans are underway for a major concert in April featuring a yet-to-be-announced headlining artist, promising an exciting experience for students on campus. 

Report from UUSC 

The University of Utah Staff Council celebrated 2024 and began planning for 2025 in December, noted UUSC President Marie Wintriss. Highlights included a competitive Bingo game with sweet treats at their Holiday Gathering, starting content creation for the 2024-25 Digest, and brainstorming new Staff Professional Development events for Spring 2025. The Staff Council invites all to attend their monthly General Meetings, held the first Wednesday of each month at 2 p.m. on Teams. 

7. INTENT CALENDAR 

There were no items on the Intent Calendar. 

8. DEBATE CALENDAR

Middle East Studies Major Program Restructure 

College of Humanities Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Mike Middleton and International and Area Studies Director Bryce Garner proposed an update to the Middle East major’s curriculum to reflect current faculty expertise. The restructuring creates more shared coursework across disciplines, provides more flexibility in a path to completion for students, and will meet the new credit hour requirements at the University of Utah. Katherine Coles’ motion to approve the Middle East Studies Major Program Restructure proposal passed after a second from Maureen Mathison.   

New UACI: Center for Interprofessional Simulation-Based Experiential Learning 

AVP for Health Science Education Wendy Hobson-Rohrer proposed a new coordinating center for simulation-based healthcare learning that aims to enhance existing simulation programs on the health campus. The Center for Interprofessional Simulation-Based Experiential Learning (CISBEL) will expand access and reduce costs to simulation-based learning. Hobson-Rohrer noted this initiative focuses on transformative outcomes by establishing an organizing framework to improve coordination and quality. The proposal includes plans for hiring a staff member to manage the training and safety of standardized patient programs and its launch is supported by a large donor’s contribution. Marla De Jong made a motion to approve the CISBEL Proposal, which was approved after a second by Lorie Richards. 

New UACI: Utah Data Coordinating Center 

Professor of Nephrology Jamie Dwyer explained that the Utah Data Coordinating Center (Utah DCC), is now seeking formal center status at the University. The DCC, established 25 years ago in the Department of Pediatrics, has evolved into a comprehensive academic research organization supporting national clinical research networks. The Utah DCC currently manages $28 million in annual revenue and being designated as an official UACI Center would leverage its existing state-of-the-art infrastructure to support academic, philanthropic, and industry research. After gaining the status of an official center, its next steps would include securing more diverse funding, expanding industry partnerships, building a stronger reputation, and playing a key role in creating a national data dashboard to drive change. 

The Senate previously postponed a decision on this request, asking for clarification on the Center’s name and its possibly confusing similarity with other data management centers. Dwyer noted the Utah DCC has an established brand using that nomenclature and that the term DCC has been traditionally used among NIH clinical trial coordinating centers. After discussion, Senators expressed a preference for a more specific name, such as Utah DCC for Biomedical Research, to better reflect its focus on health and health-adjacent areas like climate and health. The Center can use the title Utah DCC in its marketing, but the Senate asked to add for Biomedical Research to its official title as part of its approval for recommendation of official center status. After a second from David Turok, Katherine Cole’s motion to approve a recommendation of the Utah Data Coordinating Center for Biomedical Research passed. 

New UACI: Center for Research on Race, Health Justice, and Public Policy 

Martell Teasley, Associate Provost for Strategic Academic Initiatives, introduced a proposal for a new research center that will generate research and policy formation for an equitable and healthy society. Teasley noted that $2 million in startup funding has been secured for this center, and there will be a focus on securing federal and foundation grants and increasing public policy engagement. Teasley discussed the center’s organization and governance bodies. It holds bi-annual meetings and produces an annual report and review. The organization also includes 30 affiliate members and an Advisory Board. After a second from Yvette Romero Coronado, Shanti Deemyad’s motion to approve a recommendation for the Center passed.  

New Proposed Rule R6-100B: Student Religious Accommodations 

University Policy Director Allyson Hicks, VP of Student Affairs Jason Ramirez, and Deputy General Counsel Robert Payne presented the new rule R6-100B for student religious accommodations. Hicks noted the new rule complies with new state law requiring institutions to have their own specific policies for religious accommodations. A motion from Katherine Coles to approve the new proposed rule R6-100B passed after a second from Elvis Valenzuela. 

Senate Task Force on Streamlining Senate and University Committees 

Senate President Hopf discussed a proposal to create a task forced charged with streamlining Senate and University Committees. The task force’s main objectives would be to review many of the university-wide committees so to advise on ways to increase effectiveness and ensure adequate resources. She highlighted the goal to strengthen and optimize faculty governance by reducing unnecessary processes while ensuring faculty involvement is not diminished. Another aim would be to support ways to reduce faculty service load. The next step is getting Senate approval of the Task Force and its charge, with Senate Leadership appointing members, determining the composition, and naming a chair. Discussion focused on effectiveness rather than efficiency, with members requesting language of its charge reflecting this priority. Senators agreed it is essential that faculty voices are heard, their work on committees translates into actionable outcomes, and busy work is minimized to encourage meaningful participation. Discussion also centered on how the taskforce can formalize relationships and enhance the impact of shared governance. Katherine Coles’ motion to approve the Senate Task Force passed after a second from Maureen Mathison. 

9. INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS CALENDAR

 Day One Digital Access Program 

Vice Provost Chase Hagood and the Digital Access team members shared the proposed Day One Digital Access Program, set to launch in Fall 2025. It aims to provide students with immediate access to course materials through a collaborative effort between Student Success, the Libraries, and the Campus Store. The program includes a tiered approach that prioritizes student choice, allowing instructors to opt out while ensuring students are informed about their instructors’ participation. Both digital and physical textbooks will be available, with efforts to reduce costs by licensing materials and offering free library resources when possible. Concerns were raised about the need for clear communication, workflow transparency, and addressing gaps in technology access for students without personal devices. The program will continue refining processes, optimizing mobile access, and addressing logistical challenges to ensure its success. 

CSO Annual Report and Threat Assessment and Management Team (TAMP) Report 

The Chief Safety Officer, Keith Squires, joined by Associate Director of Threat Assessment & Management Keith Livingston, presented the Chief Safety Office annual report to the Academic Senate, which this year included an overview of the newly established Threat Assessment and Management Team (TAMP). This combined report highlighted ongoing safety initiatives and the development of TAMP to address and manage potential threats effectively. 

Information and Reports 

Senate President Hopf noted the informational reports in the meeting materials for Senate review: 

1. Graduate School 7-year Reviews 
   • Biomedical Informatics 
   • Political Science 
2. Athletics Compliance Report 
3. Administration Report to the BOT 
4. Academic Senate BOT Report 

10. NEW BUSINESS

There was no New Business at this meeting. 

11. OPEN DISCUSSION

There was no Open Discussion at this meeting. 

12. ADJOURNMENT

Meeting adjourned at 5:50 pm