On the tail of the Associated Students of Madison approval of the latest campus diversity plan, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Faculty Senate accepted the planned framework at its meeting Monday, launching the draft into its next stage of implementation.
The Diversity Plan framework outlines specific areas within the university that would help improve diversity efforts on campus, including funding sources and accountability measures, according to Ad Hoc Diversity Planning Committee Co-Chair Ruth Litovsky.
“This is the beginning of a process,” Chief Diversity Officer Patrick Sims said, noting there will be bigger steps taken down the road to ensure proper implementation. “This framework is just that—a framework.”
As tangible changes present themselves down the road, each shared governance body must be in unanimous agreement before anything is done. By accepting the framework, the bodies were accepting the continuation of campus diversity initiatives.
“I know the provost and I are both very committed to working with Patrick to make sure we go from framework to actual specifics and implementation,” Chancellor Rebecca Blank said
Also at the meeting, faculty members accepted recommendations for a new leadership structure that would divide the responsibilities of a now singular vice chancellor and dean role.
Since the 2013 announcement of current Vice Chancellor for Research and Dean of the Graduate School Martin Cadwallader’s return to faculty, university members have focused discussion on determining the efficacy of splitting the position between two people.
The University Committee presented the recommendation to implement a vice chancellor for research and graduate education position in addition to a dean of the Graduate School. The decision was based on information gathered through an ad hoc working group and multiple town hall sessions.
By splitting the position, while still maintaining the opportunity for interrelated work between the two new roles, the committee said more effort and time can be put toward each individual university focus.
While various faculty members voiced concern that strides toward a new structure were happening too quickly, others cited the shifting landscape and need for additional funding as to pursue a new option.
“The world is changing—we need better access,” Professor Donald Downs said, adding the compartmentalized focus could lead to greater research opportunities for the university.
With Marsha Mailick already chosen to replace Cadwallader come August, the task now is to search for someone to fill the newly created dean of the Graduate School position.
Blank said Faculty Senate will receive more information on future steps for how to recruit and search for a candidate to fill the added role once a plan is set.
