March 3rd, 2025

Mar 03 2025
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Meeting Minutes

ACADEMIC SENATE AGENDA

Minutes

March 3, 2025

  1. CALL TO ORDER AND Announcements
    The regular meeting of the Academic Senate, held on March 3, 2025, was called to order at 3:00 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, Jensie Anderson, Andrew Anderson, Elizabeth Archuleta, Ademuyiwa Aromolaran, Maile Arvin, Donna Baluchi , Pinar Bayrak-Toydemir, Henry Becker, James Bekker, Erik Bond, Christian Brockmann, Timothy Brusseau, Sarah Bush, Jon Chaika, 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, Rick Forster, Henry Fu, Laura Grantier, Brenda Heaton, Teresa Hebron, Kerry Herman, Tucker Hermans, William Holland, Heather Holmes, Martin Horvath, Jill Jeffe, Mercedes Johnson, Bryan Jones, Sarang Joshi, Seijin Kim, Kai Kuck, Shelley Lawrence, Feng Liu, Mark Loewen, Alysse Loomis, Lisbeth Louderback, Janis Louie, Maureen Mathison, Christine McMillan, Kate Menlove, Brent Milne, Will Nesse, Curtis Newbold, Thi Nguyen, Matthew Nielsen, Katherine Pagano, Yihui Pan, Emma Parkin, Kevin Perry, Cordina Rada, Lynn Reinke, Lorie Richards, Thomas Richmond, Yvette Romero Coronado, Suva Roy, Carol Sansone, Naomi Schlesinger, Nathan Seegert, Sarah Shreeves, Elizabeth Siantz, Chris Simon, Jamesina  Simpson, Paula Smith, Ginger Smoak, Wayne Springer, Oleg Starykh, Talea Steele, Alec Stevens, Kathleen Strickland-Cohen, Casey Tak, Matt Tokson, Patrick Tripeny, David Turok, Elvis Valenzuela, Jack VanDerHeyden, Jim VanDerslice, Margaret Wan, Roseanne Warren, Rachel Wittman, Julie Wright-Costa, Dave Young, Zhou Yu

Excused with substitute: Joe Boyden, Alborz Ghandehari, Scott King, Firas Rassoul-Agha, Caroline Stephens

Excused: Frank Drews, Sherin Shaaban

Absent: Bryan Bonner, Marc Calaf, Mark Crowley, Jack Doughty, Atif Ellahie, Zhigang (Zak) Fang, Rachel Hayes-Harb, Davidson Heath, Kateryna Malaia, Stacy Manwaring, Huong Meeks, Olive Nyiramwiza, Sofia Perez, Christo Pinknys, Alex Rose

Ex Officio: Shanti Deemyad, Bob Carter, Harriet Hopf, Jane Laird, Paul Mogren, Mitzi Montoya, Allyson Mower, Richard Preiss, Sarah Projansky, Marie Wintriss

Senate Office: Maddie Hile, Allyson Rocks

At the March 3rd Academic Senate meeting, Harriet provided several updates. The Bowling and Billiards Senate Social on February 25th was a success, fostering community among Senators and their families. Faculty are encouraged to self-nominate for Senate and University Committees via the annual survey, open until March 10. Senate leadership is working with Senator Coles to address concerns raised in the February 3rd meeting, and the Executive Committee has formed a subcommittee to develop a formal procedure to clearly define expected behavior in Senate and EC meetings that will advance the work of the Senate, relations between Senators and with Administration, and the value and impact of the University as a whole. Additional updates included federal and legislative matters, with resources noted so that faculty and students can stay informed. Senate procedures have been adjusted to comply with SB 192, clarifying that motions will now be framed as recommendations rather than approvals. Senate approvals have always been only one step in university approval processes, but reframing approval motions will help clarify that.

 

  1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Senator Katherine Coles requested that the New Business Section of the February 3rd meeting minutes be updated to reflect that discussion in more detail. Senator Brenda Heaton’s motion to approve the February 3 meeting minutes was seconded by Senator Kai Kuck. In the discussion following the motion, suggestions were made for revising the New Business Section of the minutes. Under Robert’s Rules of Order, the motion on the floor was voted on prior to other proposals for new motions. The motion failed by a majority vote of 31 in favor and 43 opposed.

Sydney Cheek-O’Donnell offered a motion to accept the minutes with amended language in the New Business section, Section 3, that briefly describes the nature of the new business offered at the meeting. After further discussion, Senator Coles seconded Senator Cheek-O’Donnell’s motion to revise the New Business section of the February 3rd minutes and submit for Senate review at the April 7 Senate meeting. The motion carried with 4 abstentions. Parliamentarian Paul Mogren clarified that, with the exception of the section being revised (Section 3 New Business), the minutes of February 3 can be taken as approved.

Updated February 3 Minutes, Section 3 New Business with changes highlighted

Senator Katherine Coles asked to bring New Business to the Senate floor as an exception to the requirement that Senate new items be sent to the Senate President in writing by the Friday before a meeting. She explained that some Senators wanted to start an initiative to discuss how to address trust between the faculty and administration. Senate President Hopf allowed the exception. There was a motion by Katherine Coles and a second by Wayne Springer to address the new business immediately and not during the new business portion of the agenda. Senate President Hopf requested the motion include a time-limit of 10 minutes to address this new business. The motion to address the new business out of order from the agenda, with a 10-minute time limit, was approved with 68 in favor, 16 opposed, and 3 abstentions.

The discussion was limited to a presentation to determine the next steps for addressing the new business. When confidential details of an RPT decision were inappropriately shared during the discussion, President Randall stopped the discussion (in compliance with confidentiality expectations, SB 192, and Policies 6-316 and 6-303). After discussion, a motion made by Katherine Coles to table the new business in the Academic Senate and refer it to the Executive Committee was seconded by James Bekker and approved, with 11 abstentions. Senate President Hopf asked Senator Coles to submit in writing a proposal and rationale that she wants the Executive Committee to consider so it can be brought up at its next meeting.

 

  1. REQUEST FOR NEW BUSINESS

No new business was raised at the meeting.

 

  1. REPORTS (EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE)

Senate President-elect Richard Preiss reviewed the items placed on the agenda by the Senate Executive Committee during its meeting on February 10th, 2025.

           

  1. CONSENT CALENDAR

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

  1. Early Career Teaching Awards
  2. Distinguished Professor Awards
  3. Faculty Appointments

President Randall requested the Senate’s recommendation on approval of the teaching awards and distinguished professor selections. The Consent Calendar was approved after a motion from Heather Holmes and a second from Maureen Mathison.

 

  1. REPORTS (ADMINISTRATION; ASUU; UUSC)    

Report from Administration

Vice President for Government Relations Jason Perry provided a legislative update, highlighting several bills that will impact the University of Utah and higher education institutions. He noted that the current budget bill includes a 2.5% discretionary employees compensation increase and emphasized that, as the legislative session nears its end, there might be a tight turnaround for faculty feedback on emerging bills.

Senate President Hopf welcomed the new Senior Vice President for Health Sciences Bob Carter, who relayed that he was excited to connect with the campus community. Vice President for Research Erin Rothwell shared several updates regarding research and the potential impacts if federal funding remains frozen. She thanked the research community, noting that the U of U had already received $602 million in research awards as of March 3rd, and is on track to potentially exceed $800 million.

Chief University Relations Officer Chris Nelson gave an update on 175th anniversary of the U of U and University Founders Day event. Vice Provost for Student Success Chase Hagood discussed Navigate U project progress, including a second round of Academic Advisor training to support undergraduate students. In answer to a question about the new organizational structures for the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Vice Provost for Faculty Sarah Projansky clarified that the shared services project would be implemented in an iterative, step-by-step process so there is not much information to share with staff at the moment.

Report from ASUU

ASUU Senate Chair Mercedes Johnson gave the meeting’s ASUU report. She explained that ASUU’s annual election received over 6000 student votes. ASUU leaders are excited to welcome a new student administration and to end their terms with that success as well as those throughout the year.

Report from UUSC

UUSC President Marie Wintriss offered highlights including its efforts to generate new membership, a new Staff Scholarship funded by the generosity of the Faculty Club, an upcoming election for a new executive board, and the nomination of staff to Senate and University Committees. President Wintriss concluded by introducing UUSC President-elect Bryan Gordon.

 

  1. INTENT CALENDAR

There were no items on the Intent Calendar.

 

  1. DEBATE CALENDAR

 New UACI Center: Center for Metabolic Health

Scott Summers, Co-Director of the Diabetes and Metabolism Research center, presented a proposal for a new UACI Center for Metabolic Health. Summers explained that the proposal marks a natural progression in the Center’s success, supported by a strong research community, an interdisciplinary approach, and a strong funding profile. The goals of the center include advancing research, technology, and innovation through state-of-the-art core facilities and a cohesive and collaborative community. President Randall requested the Senate’s recommendation on approval of this new Center. The New Center for Metabolic Health was recommended for approval after a motion by Tim Brusseau and a second by William Holland. 

Policy 6-117: Undergraduate Emphases and Policy 6-225: Graduate Emphases Changes 

Curriculum Management Assistant Dean Katrina Green explained proposed updates to Policy 6-117: Undergraduate Emphases and Policy 6-225: Graduate Emphases, which clarify their application and ensure consistency across programs. The revisions included requiring emphases to build on a common set of knowledge or courses and differentiating emphases, which appear on transcripts, from other groups of courses. Additionally, the policy now allows students to earn up to two emphases within a major, instead of just one. The updated policy is set to take effect in Fall 2025. Policies 6-117 and 6-225 were recommended for approval after a motion by Katherine Coles and a second by Maureen Mathison. 

Policy 6-101: Undergraduate Study and Degrees

Assistant Dean Green shared a proposed policy change to bring Policy 6-101 into compliance with the Utah Board of Higher Education’s Policy R402 on Certificate and Degree Award Structures. The revisions include reducing the required credits for bachelor’s degrees from 122 to 120, with the option for programs to require up to 126 credits if necessary for accreditation or licensure. Katrina noted that all but a few degrees have already been brought into compliance with this requirement and thanked departments for their excellent work. After a motion from Mark Lowen, the Policy 6-101 Undergraduate Study and Degrees update was recommended for approval; the second was from Julia Franklin.

New Program: Medical Laboratory Science Minor 

The School of Medicine’s Director of Undergraduate Programs Takara Blamires presented information on a new Medical Laboratory Science Minor. This minor complements the existing major and addresses multiple needs: raising awareness of laboratory medicine as a STEM profession, offering interprofessional education opportunities for students in allied health majors, and preparing students for graduate programs in healthcare. Director Blamires clarified course pre-requisite updates, confirming that students enrolled in the minor will have access to upper division courses that previously required the major status.  The Medical Laboratory Science Minor was recommended for approval after a motion by Bryan Jones and a second by Mark Loewen. 

Policy Updates: Principal Investigator Eligibility and Emeriti Eligibility 

Research Integrity Officer Zachary Mitchell and Assistant VP for Research Caren Frost presented the new Rule R7-200A, which moves research standards from the Office of Sponsored Projects’ Research Handbook to the University Regulation Library and clarifies the eligibility, including exceptions, roles, and responsibilities, of Principal Investigators (PIs) for sponsored projects. He noted these updates aim to support the university’s research mission, ensure compliance with federal funding, and maintain research continuity and succession. President Randall requested the Senate’s recommendation on approval of this new Rule. [Administrative Note: The approved rule was updated to be numbered Rule R7-200B in the Regulations Library. Rule R7-200A (Prohibition of Participation in Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs) was approved in June 2024, before the parent Policy 7-200 (Research Administration) was approved in October 2024.] 

Guideline G5-112C has been updated to align with Rule R7-200B and reflect that Emeriti faculty may serve as Co-PI on a sponsored award, and PI on an intramural award, consistent with all University regulations, limitations, and approvals. Brown clarified that exceptions allowing Emeriti to serve as PIs without a Co-PI are still possible and emphasized that this flexibility was intentionally kept open to accommodate a range of situations. The discussion covered how similar rules are applied at other institutions and what exceptions might look like in those cases. Vice Provost Sarah Projansky clarified that the Emeriti Club officers had reviewed the proposal and understood its intentions and impacts on Emeriti faculty. Principal Investigator Eligibility and Emeriti Eligibility Policy Updates were recommended for approval after a motion from Carole Sansone and a second by Lorie Richards. 

 

  1. INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS CALENDAR

SPEC 2025-26 Nominations and Elections Announcements

Ken Monson, Chair of the Senate Personnel and Elections Committee (SPEC), presented the annual process for populating committees, electing Senators, and selecting Senate leadership. He provided an overview of SPEC’s role, which includes overseeing the election of Senators from the Colleges, certifying candidates for Senate President-Elect, and nominating faculty for Senate and University committees. Monson reminded the Senate that the faculty committee interest survey will be open for submissions until March 10, 2025. SPEC will compile nominee slates for committee elections, and the Senate committee member electronic elections ballot will be circulated to voting Senators on April 7, 2025. Voting will close on April 21, 2025. He also noted that deadlines for self-nominations for the Senate President-Elect and Executive Committee elections are April 11, 2025.

UACI Presentation 

Graduate School Dean Daryl Butt provided an overview of the UACI Coordinating Committee, to address questions posed at the Dec 9th Academic Senate meeting regarding the number of UACI Centers and Institutes at the University. The University of Utah has 91 UACI Centers and Institutes. Dean Butt presented a report benchmarking the U of U with other institutions of similar size and research goals. Dean Butt also revisited a previous report, highlighting progress in developing guidance materials and simplified rules while noting concerns about a one-size-fits-all model and unclear benefits of being an approved center. He also clarified the UACI vetting process, ensuring proposals reaching the Senate are well-prepared.

Policy 1-015 Safety of Minors

Nate Friedman, Senior Director of Youth Protection and Program Support (YPPS), presented revisions to Policy 1-015: Safety of Minors to align the policy with best practices and streamline the guidelines. Key updates include incorporating Rule 1-015A and Guideline G1-015B into the policy, clarifying the roles of YPPS, OEO, and Campus Compliance Services in youth programs, and ensuring alignment with youth protection standards at similar institutions. The revisions also require annual training for individuals working with minors and extending the policy to include volunteer and internship programs. The discussion covered how the policy impacts community-engaged learning courses and youth programs at the Natural History Museum and similar entities.

Senate Leadership 2025-26 Position Openings 

Senate President Hopf encouraged individuals to consider running for the Senate Executive Committee or President-Elect positions, and requested Senators to encourage colleagues to self-nominate for Senate and University committees. The deadline for nominations is April 11.

Information and Reports

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

  1. Athletic Academics Report
  2. Graduate 7-year Review: Economics
  3. HB261 College Charter Updates for College of Pharmacy
  4. Master’s Emphases Restructure: Biomedical Informatics
  5. Liberal Arts Policy Brief
  6. BoT Administration Report Feb 2025
  7. Senate BoT Report Feb 2025
  1. NEW BUSINESS

There was no New Business at this meeting.

 

  1. OPEN DISCUSSION

There was no Open Discussion at this meeting.

 

  1. ADJOURNMENT

Meeting adjourned at 5:32 PM