A faculty committee approved language revisions to policy controlling program changes and tenure protections at UW-Madison Monday, according to a report released Tuesday.
The committee’s decision comes as a result of the UW System Board of Regent’s efforts to navigate recent legislative changes to UW System policy, as outlined in Gov. Scott Walker’s biennial budget.
Following the passing of the budget, the Board of Regents asked each campus to propose new policy language to address the new changes.
In July, the University Committee appointed the group to develop UW-Madison’s modified policy changes, in response to the Board of Regent’s request.
The report details authority revisions in dealing with program changes and discontinuances, as well as faculty layoffs and displacement. New protocol would vest authority in these areas to UW-Madison faculty.
The revised language aims to make sure academics at UW-Madison remain unchanged.
“The overarching goal of this [report] … is to adhere to state statute while maintaining the strongest protections of academic freedom and shared governance consistent with UW-Madison and UW System policies,” according to the report.
Listening sessions surrounding the proposed changes are scheduled to take place beginning Sept. 29, with the Faculty Senate expected to hear the tenure proposal on Oct. 5 and to vote as early as Nov. 2.
