Board of Regents
Education Committee Minutes, April 2006
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Green Bay, Wisconsin
April 6, 2006
Regent Burmaster convened the meeting of the Education Committee at 1:05 p.m. Regents Burmaster, Axtell, Davis, Semenas, and Spector were present.
1. Approval of the minutes of the March 9, 2006, meeting of the Education Committee
I.1.a.: It was moved by Regent Axtell, seconded by Regent Spector, that the minutes of the March 9, 2006, meeting of the Education Committee be approved.
The resolution PASSED unanimously.
2. Presentation on Sexual Assault Response and Protection and Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Report
Before introducing the presentation on Sexual Assault Response and Protection, and as a follow-up to the morning’s press conference, Regent Burmaster expressed on behalf of her fellow Committee members support and commendation for the work of the Committee on Baccalaureate Expansion.
Regent burmaster then informed those present that april is sexual assault awareness month, which made it appropriate that every April the Education Committee was asked to approve the annual report on orientation programs and information provided to students on sexual assault and sexual harassment. She reminded Committee members that the report is required by statute and that its submission to the Legislature was contingent upon the Committee’s approval. The report summarizes the initiatives and activities undertaken by UW System campuses to educate students about sexual assault and harassment, with the goal of reducing their incidence.
She noted that the approval of the report would be followed by a second action, in which the Committee would be asked to endorse the prevention activities engaged in by the institutions and UW System Administration. Such an endorsement, she observed, came at a particularly meaningful moment in the UW System’s ongoing efforts to reduce the incidence of sexual violence because the UW System had just been selected as the recipient of the 2006 Voice of Courage Award for Community Support from the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault (WCASA). She elaborated that the focus on sexual violence corresponded well to the priorities identified last fall by the Education Committee, to the topics of Student Support Services in general, and Student Health and Safety in particular. She linked both these topics to the issue of campus climate and the systemwide efforts critical to maintaining for all students, women and men, an environment that is safe for learning and hospitable to intellectual and individual growth.
Regent Burmaster then introduced Dr. Janice Sheppard, Senior Academic Planner from the Office of Academic Affairs. Dr. Sheppard in turn introduced Eva Shiffrin, Staff Attorney at WCASA, who presented research on the incidence of sexual assault at college campuses in Wisconsin and nationwide. Ms. Shiffrin described the characteristics of sexual assault, noting that in the UW System, most of the victims are women and most of the offenders are white males. Offenders were known to victims 90 percent of the time. Moreover, six percent of offenders are repeat offenders, sometimes admitting to raping as many as six victims each. She also stated that fewer than five percent of completed and attempted assaults were reported to law enforcement officials, noting that this under-reporting presents the most critical challenge to reducing the incidence of sexual violence. She concluded by noting that while alcohol use does not cause sexual violence, 75 percent of acknowledged sex offenders reported using alcohol to facilitate an assault.
Dr. Sheppard described in detail the UW System’s prevention and response role, which focuses on the coordination of such areas as reporting, data compilation, collaboration with WCASA, and workshops and training. She acknowledged that data based solely on voluntary reporting was obviously flawed, but that ongoing systemwide surveys on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (about which the Committee heard in November 2005) yielded better data. She also referred to a UW System conference, co-sponsored with WCASA, that helped bring awareness and training to student support staff. Observing that the actual program delivery occurs at the campus level, where students are present, she introduced Dr. Ann Malain, Associate Director of the Counseling Center at UW-Oshkosh. Dr. Malain described the Victim Services Coordination Model in place at Oshkosh, which leverages existing campus and community resources to provide coordinated victim services. Campus and community partnerships were critical to making the model work, and it has had demonstrable impact on helping victims of sexual violence heal, and in helping law enforcement bring perpetrators to justice.
Committee discussion focused on ways to make sure the problem of sexual violence was viewed as an educational issue, affecting the academic success of students both directly and indirectly. In response to questions about what the Committee could do to help, Dr. Sheppard encouraged the Committee to endorse the prevention and education efforts underway at every campus, and to keep attention focused on the complex set of issues surrounding the topic. She also observed the irony in the fact that any increase in the number of reports represents good news, because victims can only receive the services they need if they report being assaulted. In response to a question by Regent Semenas, Ms. Shiffrin described pending legislation that would include alcohol in the definition of intoxicants as related to the perpetration of a sexual assault. She noted that United Council and other student groups had taken a position in support of this legislation. Regent Semenas observed how timely the discussion was, given the unfolding story of the Duke lacrosse students and their alleged rape of a young woman. He exhorted fellow Committee members to consider supporting the pending legislation as a campus safety issue, and stated that it was especially important for men to take a strong position on the issue. Senior Vice President Marrett promised follow-up information on the legislation so that the Regents could take a position if they wanted. Before calling the two motions, Regent Burmaster thanked the presenters, commending the dignity of their presentation on such a painful subject.
I.1.b.(1): It was moved by Regent Axtell, seconded by Regent Semenas, that,upon recommendation of the President of the University of Wisconsin System and pursuant to 1989 Wisconsin Act 177, s.36.11(22)(b), Wis.Stats., the Board of Regents hereby accepts the report on implementation of the Act (the report on orientation programs and information provided to students on sexual assault and sexual harassment) and directs that the report be submitted to the Chief Clerk of each house of the Legislature for distribution to the appropriate standing committees under s.13.172(3).
The resolution PASSED unanimously.
I.1.b.(2): It was moved by Regent Davis, seconded by Regent Axtell, that the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents endorses the efforts of UW System institutions as well as UW System Administration, to reduce the incidence of sexual violence through prevention, education, victim response, and data collection initiatives.
The resolution PASSED unanimously.
3. Approval of Requests to the Trustees of the William F. Vilas Trust Estate
The Committee next took action on the annual request to the William F. Vilas Trust Estate. For the benefit of members new to the Committee, Regent Burmaster described the process by which UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee made their annual requests to the Vilas Trust, and the Board’s role in that process. Each April, she noted, the Board is asked to formally approve the Madison and Milwaukee requests; each May, the value of the Trust’s proffer is reported to the Board, whereupon the Education Committee again acts to approve it. The Vilas Trust designates funding to UW-Madison for undergraduate and graduate scholarships and fellowships, named professorships, research funding, as well as certain building projects. The Trust also funds an annual music request from UW-Milwaukee and the funding of a Vilas Research Professor in the Department of English.
Regent Spector expressed his interest in the Vilas material and asked whether the Trust funded retirement benefits as well as recruitment and retention packages for new faculty. Senior Vice President Marrett confirmed the use of Vilas funds in that manner and noted that they were reserved for especially distinguished faculty. Patrick Farrell, the newly named Provost at UW-Madison, added that most of the retired faculty members receiving Vilas benefits were still active and continued to conduct research on campus.
I.1.c.: It was moved by Regent Spector, seconded by Regent Semenas, that, upon recommendation of the Chancellors of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, the Board of Regents approves the request to the Trustees of the William F. Vilas Trust Estate for $8,722,145 for fiscal year July 1, 2006, to June 30, 2007, subject to availability, as provided by the terms of the William F. Vilas Trust, for Support of Scholarships, Fellowships, Professorships, and Special Programs in Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences and Music.
The resolution PASSED unanimously.
4. Rename the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Business Administration
The Committee next moved to consider the renaming of the UW-Milwaukee School of Business Administration to the Sheldon B. Lubar School of Business. The name change was proposed as a condition of a gift of $10 million given by Regent Emeritus Sheldon Lubar. Chancellor Santiago expressed his appreciation for Mr. Lubar’s gift and for his leadership as honorary chair for UW-Milwaukee’s first-ever comprehensive campaign, highlighting also his distinguished career as a public servant and businessman. Chancellor Santiago noted that campus approvals for the name change were sought and received prior to bringing the renaming to the Education Committee.
Before moving the resolution, Regent Axtell observed that he had gone to school with Mr. Lubar and that he was a generous, admirable person. Regent Spector seconded the observation, adding that it was especially nice that Mr. Lubar was directing his philanthropy at UW-Milwaukee, despite having graduated from UW-Madison.
I.1.d.: It was moved by Regent Axtell, seconded by Regent Spector, that,upon recommendation of the Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, the name of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Business Administration be changed to the Sheldon B. Lubar School of Business.
The resolution PASSED unanimously.
5. Charter School Authorization, UW-Milwaukee
Turning to the Committee’s next item of business, charter schools, Regent Burmaster began by saying that, originally, there had been a contract extension for the YMCA Youth Leadership Academy on the agenda but that action on the extension was being deferred until May. Regent Davis asked why the contract extension was being deferred for what she thought was a great school, and further asked to go on record in support of the extension since she would be absent from the May meeting. UW-Milwaukee Provost Rita Cheng noted that questions had been raised about the Youth Leadership Academy by the Department of Public Instruction and that Bob Kattman, the Director of the Office of Charter Schools, felt that more time was needed to adequately respond to those questions.
Dr. Kattman then introduced for the Committee the remaining charter school item on the agenda, the Academy of Milwaukee, which would be the tenth charter school authorized by UW-Milwaukee. He described the Academy as committed to rigorous assessment, focused on urban education, and with a target population of African-American students. He also noted that the Committee had received a revised contract to approve. In response to a question from Regent Axtell, Dr. Kattman characterized UW-Milwaukee’s two primary responsibilities as an authorizer of charter schools: first, to choose schools with the greatest potential for positively impacting the lives of Milwaukee’s children; and second, to monitor the school’s establishment and operation according to the requirements of the contract. Each charter school, he elaborated, has an annual accountability plan and a comprehensive review is conducted in the third year of each school to determine recommendations for continuation. Each charter school also has an advisory committee for the chartering process, as well as a separate committee to conduct evaluation.
Regent Axtell also inquired as to why regular school districts do not do what charter schools do. Dr. Kattman responded that some do but because charter schools have fewer reporting requirements, they have the potential to be more agile, innovative, and flexible. He added that, in addition to the ten schools authorized by his office, the City of Milwaukee operates five charter schools, and the Milwaukee Public School System 41. Of the 96,000 students in the Milwaukee Public School System, 3,800 attend UW-Milwaukee charter schools. Regent Spector expressed his strong support for the rigorous work of the Office of Charter Schools. Regent Burmaster added that charter school students are assessed like all other students in the state.
I.1.e.(2): It was moved by Regent Spector, seconded by Regent Davis, that, upon recommendation of the Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, the Board of Regents approves the charter school contract with the Academy of Milwaukee, Inc., establishing a charter school known as the Academy of Milwaukee.
The resolution PASSED unanimously.
6. Report of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
a. Presentation by the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Senior Vice President Cora Marrett introduced UW-Green Bay Provost Sue Hammersmith, who told the Committee that her campus’s presentation would “put a face” to UW-Green Bay’s theme of “Connecting Learning to Life.” She described some of the distinguishing features of UW-Green Bay, most notably its interdisciplinary structure and curricula, its global environmental focus, and its attentiveness to the diverse and multicultural metropolitan area that it serves. She then introduced two faculty members and an alumnus who represented the absolute mainstream of what the campus was about. Professor Timothy Kaufman, Chair of Education, described his Dewey-inspired philosophy of education and his effort to engage his students in multicultural field experiences. Professor Andrew Kersten, Chair of Social Change and Development, demonstrated how he seeks to make history come alive for his students by giving Education Committee members a brief history lesson on the sinking of the U.S.S. Maine in Havana in 1898.
David Lamers, a 2001 UW-Green Bay graduate and currently an award-winning teacher of social studies at the Parkview Middle School in Ashwaubenon, related the strengths of his undergraduate studies in preparing him to be a successful middle-school teacher. Some of his own creative teaching strategies were shared with the Committee in video format. Committee members applauded the presenters for the passion with which they approached their teaching and the inspiration they gave to their students.
b. UW System Academic Program Planning and Array
Senior Vice President Marrett then turned to President Kevin Reilly and Associate Vice President Ron Singer for a review of the UW System’s academic program planning and array. President Reilly emphasized the roles of UW System Administration and the Board of Regents in maintaining the integrity and health of the System’s academic programming. He linked these responsibilities to two UW System priorities, the Growth Agenda and the partnership with the national initiative Liberal Education and America’s Promise. These two priority areas seek to both increase the number of baccalaureate-degree holders, and to increase the number of Wisconsin residents who have the knowledge and skills necessary for productive citizenship, careers, and lifelong learning. President Reilly explained why this presentation was on the Committee’s agenda, noting that it was normally presented every fall. Regents, he acknowledged, were getting many questions from legislators and others on why the UW System kept adding programs when its budget was being cut. In fact, he clarified, systemwide program array has been basically steady, although there has been a net reduction of six programs over the last ten years.
President Reilly also addressed the perceptions that there is a “clunking” program approval process in place at System, and that campuses should simply be able to offer whatever programs they want and feel are necessary for their regions. Quoting a former boss, he defined a university system as “The point at which countervailing public forces come into equilibrium.” In terms of program array, he continued, the point of equilibrium for program array is the point at which one is producing the maximum number of degree recipients, with the highest level of program quality, for the lowest expenditure per taxpayer. While reaching this point can be challenging, he expressed his belief that program array in the UW System has worked, in particular in comparison to peer institutions. The UW System has a relatively low overall number of degree programs at every level, including only one public law school, one public medical school, and less per capita spending on higher education than neighboring states. The UW System strives to balance its frugality by selectively adding programs that are responsive to student and state needs, and discontinuing programs that are no longer needed. He compared the management of program array to the management of a business’ product line, emphasizing, however, the important distinction that education is not a commodity and that the centrality of the liberal arts and sciences in the life of the educated mind need to be preserved for all students.
Associate Vice President Singer then reviewed the collaborative academic program planning process in place to manage program array across the System. He documented for the Committee the decline in the System’s program array since 1980, as well as the very stable level of program duplication in that time period. Close to 60 percent of the System’s bachelor degree programs are offered at only one campus, and three-quarters of them are offered at only or two UW institutions. Contrary to public perception, he reiterated, there has not been a proliferation of new academic programs over the years. He continued his remarks by explaining the nature of degree-completion programs, several of which the Regents had been asked to act on in recent months, and would see more of in the future. Such programs are designed to provide students who have associate degrees in technical fields with bachelor degree programs that build on their technical education. Dr. Singer concluded by saying that the reduced budgets faced by UW institutions might call for greater scrutiny of new program proposals, but that the responsibility of a public university system is to respond to the changing needs of students and the state with innovative programs that ensure an improved fiscal environment for Wisconsin’s future.
In thanking President Reilly and Dr. Singer for their remarks, Regent Davis observed that she viewed it as her responsibility as a Regent to ensure the rigor and quality of academic programs on behalf of students. She looked to UW System, in collaboration with the institutions, for guidance on how to do that. Dr. Fran Garb, Senior Academic Planner in the Office of Academic and Student Services, posed some of the larger questions that she hoped Regents, Chancellors, and Provosts could explore with UWSA staff regarding what program array should look like in the early twenty-first century, and how best to meet individual vs. state needs, a question which changes over time. What is not visible, she added, is how dynamic the academic program planning process is: so many programs go off-line, as others come on, but the Regents do not always see that. UW-Milwaukee Provost Rita Cheng responded to a question from Regent Semenas concerning the funding of new programs. She described the kind of strategic reallocation and investments institutions made in times of fixed or declining resources. In response to a question from Regent Spector, Dr. Singer noted that while the UW System did not compare its academic program array to other systems, individual campuses did have sets of peer institutions with which they compared themselves.
c. 2005 Minority and Disadvantaged Student Annual Report
Senior Vice President then reviewed for the Committee the 2005 Minority and Disadvantaged Student Annual Report. Observing first that this was a routine, statutorily required report, she noted that it contained only some of the information regarding the UW System’s efforts to increase the number of multicultural and disadvantaged students who attend and graduate from UW institutions. The report is focused predominantly on funding and the various sources used to sponsor precollege and other initiatives directed towards programs for multicultural and economically disadvantaged students. Dr. Marrett reported that UW System institutions expended approximately $43.3 million from all funding sources for these programs. A majority of the funding (55 percent) was raised by the institutions from extramural and non-government sources. The remainder comes from reallocated state funds and from Fund 402, which is also state funding dedicated to diversity activities. While Fund 402 funding is smaller (19 percent of the total), Dr. Marrett noted, it is stable and thus plays an important role in sustaining the work of the institutions. Most of the funding goes toward retention initiatives, which the Regents have identified as one of their top priorities in the area of diversity.
The report also contains information on student financial assistance, continued Dr. Marrett, most of which comes through federal, not state money. The report documents that non-disadvantaged and white students receive less financial aid, and that need tends to be greater among students of color. In response to a question from Regent Davis concerning when the Committee might receive more in-depth information on precollege programming, Dr. Marrett indicated that the full Board would hear a diversity presentation at the May meeting, which would include some information on precollege programs. She cautioned that because there is no central coordination of institutional precollege programs, it is currently difficult to track the impact and outcomes of these programs. The Committee expressed its interest in receiving a more complete report sometime in the future.
I.1.f.(3): It was moved by Regent Axtell, seconded by Regent Spector, that, upon recommendation of the President of the University of Wisconsin System, the Board of Regents accepts the 2004-2005 Minority and Disadvantaged Student Annual Report for submission to the Governor and to the Chief Clerk of each house of the Legislature, pursuant to s.36.25 (14m) (c), Wis. Stats., for distribution to the appropriate standing committee under s.13.172 (3) Wis. Stats.
The resolution PASSED unanimously.
Before adjourning, Committee members received additional information from the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault on SB 526, the legislation pending that would add alcohol to the definition of intoxicant in sexual assault statutes. President Reilly explained the process by which the Regents could take a position, if they wanted to, which included the development by staff of a position and rationale for either supporting, opposing, or taking a neutral stand on the proposed bill. President Reilly and Regent President Walsh would then share it with the Regents, determine consensus around a position, and then bring it to the Legislature, time permitting. Regent Davis recommended to Committee members that they develop as soon as possible a position in support of SB 526, which she viewed as in alignment with Regent endorsements of UW System’s work to reduce the incidence of both sexual violence and alcohol abuse.
Resolutions I.1.b.(1), I.1.b.(2), I.1.c., I.1.d., I.1.e.(2), and I.1.f.(3) were referred as consent agenda items to the full session of the Board of Regents at its Friday, April 7, 2006, meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 3:58 p.m.