University Council Minutes

03/20/2024 03:30 PM - Tate Theater, Tate Student Center

View Related Documents Online The University Council met on March 20, 2024, in the Tate Theater. A quorum being present, President Jere Morehead called the meeting to order at 3:32 p.m. Parliamentarian Usha Rodrigues provided remarks regarding voting and debate for the meeting.
 
As the first order of business, the minutes of the November 15, 2023, meeting were approved.
 
President Morehead then provided his report to the Council:

• The President began his report by thanking everyone for their efforts to support and care for our students in recent weeks. The President stated that the past month had been one of the most difficult periods in the institution’s history and that all continue to mourn the tragic deaths that have occurred within the campus community.
• The President took a moment to extend his special thanks to the UGA Police Department and UGA’s many law enforcement partners for their exceptional work as well staff in Counseling and Psychiatric Services and the Office of Student Care and Outreach for providing around-the-clock support to students.
• The University has redoubled its efforts to promote public safety by investing $7.3 million in additional measures designed to further strengthen safety and security across campus. The measures include, among others, a permanent 20% increase to the UGA Police Department budget for enhanced recruitment and retention of officers, lighting upgrades, new campus security personnel, additional security cameras, and license plate readers. This significant investment—which builds on more than $16 million in campus security enhancements in recent years—reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to fostering a safe and secure environment. The President stated the University will continue to evaluate and strengthen these efforts in the years to come.
• The President stated that in the midst of the tragic events of the past month, there also has been a host of accomplishments that reflect the resiliency of the campus community as well as UGA’s rapidly growing impact.
• On February 13, the Board of Regents authorized the University of Georgia to launch an independent School of Medicine.The President stated the School of Medicine is a transformative development for the state and will build upon the resounding success of the Augusta University/UGA Medical Partnership, which has been educating physicians in Athens since 2010. The President stated he is grateful to Governor Kemp and the General Assembly for allocating $50 million for a new facility for the School of Medicine in the amended FY24 state budget. UGA will match the state’s investment with private contributions to create a $100 million facility devoted to world-class medical education and research.The new building will be located on the UGA Health Sciences campus, and design and planning for this facility is already underway.
• Dr. Shelly Nuss, Campus Dean of the Medical Partnership since 2016, has been named the founding Dean of the UGA School of Medicine. Dr. Nuss is a widely recognized leader in medical education, and the President stated he looks forward to working with her in the coming years.
• Dr. Todd Petty, Chair of the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson University, has been named the next Dean of the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources.Dr. Petty will begin his appointment on August 1.
• UGA’s total research and development expenditures have once again reached an all-time high.R&D expenditures in FY23 totaled nearly $571 million, marking a 4.6% increase over the previous year and a 63% rise over the past decade. UGA’s annual economic impact on Georgia also reached a new record in 2023, totaling $8.1 billion.
• New data from the UGA Career Center shows that 96% of the graduates of the Class of 2023 secured employment or entered graduate school within six months of graduation.
• Last month, the University hosted its second annual Active Learning Summit, showcasing the growth of active learning across our institution and its positive impact on thousands of our students.The President congratulated everyone who made the summit such a tremendous success.
• The University recently announced regular admission decisions for the Class of 2028.UGA received more than 43,000 applications overall for fall admission, including a record number of early admission applications.
• Dr. Jenna Jambeck, the Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Environmental Engineering and a 2022 MacArthur Fellow, will serve as the Spring Graduate Commencement speaker. Allison Schmitt, a UGA alumna and one of the most decorated American athletes of all time, will serve as the Spring Undergraduate Commencement speaker.
• This concluded the President’s report to the Council.

The floor was then opened for the following reports:

• Executive Committee, presented by Chair Elizabeth St. Pierre
• University Curriculum Committee, presented by Chair Susan Sanchez
• Faculty Affairs Committee, presented by Erin Leach, substituting for Chair Brock Woodson
• Staff Council, presented by President Savannah Hembree
• Student Government Association, presented by President George Moore

The following action items were presented to the Council for consideration:

• Susan Sanchez, chair of the University Curriculum Committee, presented the following action items:
  • Proposal to deactivate the major in Integrative Conservation and Sustainability (M.S.). A vote was called, and the proposal was approved.
  • Proposal to terminate the following certificates: Undergraduate Certificate in Atmospheric Sciences. A vote was called, and the proposal was approved.
  • Proposal to terminate the major in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development (Ph.D.) on the Gwinnett campus only. A vote was called, and the proposal was approved.
  • Proposal to change the name of the Master of Agricultural and Environmental Education (MAEE) to the Master of Science (M.S.) in Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication. A vote was called, and the proposal was approved.
  • Proposal to change the name of the following programs in the College of Pharmacy. A vote was called, and the proposal was approved.
    • Minor in Pharmaceutical Sciences
    • Minor in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences
    • Pharmaceutical Sciences (B.S.)
    • Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences (B.S.)
  • Proposal to offer the existing Graduate Certificate in Education Law and Policy online. A vote was called, and the proposal was approved.
  • Proposal to offer the existing major in Civil and Environmental Engineering (M.S.) with an Area of Emphasis in Civil Engineering online. A vote was called, and the proposal was approved.
  • Proposal to offer the existing major in Special Education (M.Ed.) online. A vote was called, and the proposal was approved.
  • Proposal to create a minor in Jewish Studies. A vote was called, and the proposal was approved.
  • Proposal to create the following minors in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. A vote was called, and the proposal was approved.
    • Minor in Conservation Paleobiology
    • Minor in Environmental Geology
    • Minor in Geoenergy and Mineral Resources
    • Minor in Solid Earth Dynamics
  • Proposal to create the following Undergraduate Certificates in the Mary Frances Early College of Education. A vote was called, and the proposal was approved.
    • Undergraduate Certificate in Dyslexia
    • Undergraduate Certificate in English to Speakers of Other Languages
  • Proposal to create the following Graduate Certificates in the Mary Frances Early College of Education. A vote was called, and the proposal was approved.
    • Graduate Certificate in Coaching (Mathematics)
    • Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership (Tier I)
    • Graduate Certificate in English to Speakers of Other Languages
    • Graduate Certificate in Financial Literacy
    • Graduate Certificate in Gifted In-Field
    • Graduate Certificate in K-5 Mathematics
    • Graduate Certificate in Preschool Special Education
    • Graduate Certificate in Reading Education
  • Proposal for a new Graduate Certificate in Crisis, Risk, and Disaster Communication. A vote was called, and the proposal was approved.
  • Proposal for a new Graduate Certificate in Natural Infrastructure. A vote was called, and the proposal was approved.
  • Proposal for a new major in Mechanical Engineering (M.S.). A vote was called, and the proposal was approved.
  • Proposal to revise Academic Affairs Policy 2.02-9, Forfeiture of Course Credit. A vote was called, and the proposal was approved.
• Erin Leach, substituting for Chair Brock Woodson, presented the following action item:
  • Proposed Revisions to the UGA Guidelines for Appointment and Promotion of Librarians and Archivists. A vote was called, and the proposal was approved.
• Barbara Biesecker, chair of the Committee on Statutes, Bylaws, and Committees, presented the following action items:
  • First Reading: Proposal to revise the bylaws of the University Curriculum Committee. A vote was called, and the proposal was approved.
  • Second Reading: Proposal to change the bylaws concerning the Chair of the Committee on Student Experiences. A vote was called, and the proposal was approved.
• Joe Fu presented a petition endorsed by the signatures of fifty or more faculty members:
  • Proposed amendment to the Bylaws of the University Council, Part I, IV.L. During discussion, Joe Fu made a motion to amend the proposal’s text from 5 weeks to 10 weeks. The motion was seconded by Scott Nelson. A vote was called, and the motion was approved. As discussion continued, David Shipley made a motion to refer the proposal to the Committee on Statutes, Bylaws, and Committees. The motion was seconded by Matthew Auer. During debate on this motion, a motion was made by Alton Standifer to call the question. The motion was seconded by Joe Hartges. A vote was called, and the motion to call the question was approved. A vote was then called on David Shipley’s motion to refer the proposal to the Committee on Statutes, Bylaws, and Committees, and the motion to refer was approved.

The following information items were presented to the Council:

• David Shipley, chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, delivered a report:
  • Report from the Strategic Planning Committee
• Phillip Griffeth of the Office of Academic Honesty was on-hand to answer questions concerning the following report:
  • 2022-2023 Academic Honesty Report

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Fiona Liken, Registrar,
Secretary to University Council
 
 

University Council Member	Substitute
Addison, Donald
Ainsworth, Scott
Anderson, Mumbi	Jessica Smith
Andrews, Tessa
Archuleta, Kristy	Swarn Chatterjee
Auer, Matthew (Ex-Officio)
Ayers, Benjamin (Ex-Officio)
Bankert, Alexa
Bar-Peled, Maor
Barnett, Kent
Bartges, Joe
Beer, Jenay
Bendle, Neil
Biesecker, Barbara
Birgisson, Bjorn
Bivins, Danny
Bolshoy, Daniel
Boudreau, Maric
Bourlai, Thirimachos
Brocato, John
Burg, Karen (Ex-Officio)	Amy Ware
Cain, Taylor
Carlson Welch, Annie
Carpenter, Tina
Chapman, Jennifer
Chess, Shira
Christ, Margaret	Kristen Valentine
Cleveland, Christopher
Coleman, Jacob
Colson, Gregory
Cotterell, Michael
Coverdill, Jim
Crandall, Shari
Cullen, Thomas
Darley, Andrew
Das, Keshav
Davis, Brad
DeMaria, Don
DeVault, Travis
Duberstein, Kylee
Eggenschwiler, Jonathan
Ehlers, Benjamin
Emerson, Kerstin
Eustace, Joe
Ferrarezi, Rhuanito
Ferreira, Susana
Fitt, William	Jacqueline Mohan
Forester, Kelsey
Freeman, Bud
Frum, Jennifer (Ex-Officio)	Matt Bishop
Fu, Joseph
Fuhrman, Nick
Fulbright, Patrick
Fusco, Rachel
Garrett, Jim
Gerlach, Chris
Glenn, Travis
Gottdenker, Nicole
Gowda, Grace
Graham, Toby (Ex-Officio)
Grey, Timothy	Nickolas Basinger
Gueneli, Berna
Hall, Cassandra	Michael Geller
Halper, Edward
Hanawalt, Christina
Harman, Ruth
Harvey, Stephen
Hembree, Savannah (Ex-Officio)
Hester, Jack
Hirt, Sonia (Ex-Officio)
Hogan, Jamie
Holladay, Steven
Hong, Philip (Ex-Officio)
Housley, Lauren
Hu, Jack (Ex-Officio)
Hughes, Hilary
Hunter, Mark (Ex-Officio)
Ivy, Stuart
Jackson, Angel	Sharon Liggett
Jackson, Chandra
Jackson, Dailey
Jantzi, Sarah
Ji, Pengsheng
Johnson, Daniel
Jones, Diann
Jones, Tom	Lydian Brambila
Kajder, Sara
Ke, Yuan	Qian Xiao
Kempski, Jeffrey	John Neely
Kurup, Samarchith	Ronald Etheridge
Lakuriqi, Enkeleida
Lanzilotta, William
Lavner, Justin
Leach, Erin
Leahy, Brendan	Jason Edwards
Lemons, Derrick
Leo, Donald (Ex-Officio)
Leyting, Jennifer
Liken, Fiona (Ex-Officio)
Little, Laura
Malladi, Anish
Mandal, Abhyuday
Manning, Frank
Marotta, Anthony
Martin-Williams, Jean
Masciadri, Milton
Mason, Charlotte
Medeiros, Patricia
Meskin, Aaron
Miller, Kristen
Mojock, Christopher
Moore, George (Ex-Officio)
Morehead, Jere (Ex-Officio)
Morris, Kacy
Morrison, Alison
Mundy, Mathew
Muszynski, Artur
Myers, Michael
Navara, Kristen
Nealy, Allison
Nelson, Scott
Nesbit, Ryan (Ex-Officio)
Netter, Jeff
Nibbelink, Nate (Ex-Officio)
Nuss, Michelle (Ex-Officio)
Okech, David	Gaurav Sinha
Pagnattaro, Marisa (Ex-Officio)
Palmer, Chadwick
Peake, Jason	Peng Lu
Peduzzi, Alicia	Bruno Kanieski Da Silva
Perren, Samuel
Peterson, Thomas
Place, Nick (Ex-Officio)
Pontes, Hawkins
Poproski, Ruth
Poulson, Rebecca
Redmon, Melissa
Reed, Rachel
Reeves, Nancee	Sara Steger
Renwick, Margaret
Roberts, Jessica	Michael Merva
Rogers, Toni
Royer, Angie
Rubenstein, Eric
Ryu, Jennifer
Saba, Corey
Sackett, Justin
Samples, Tim
Sanchez, Susan
Santesso, Esra
Sawyer, Laura
Shaparia, Yuag (Ex-Officio)
Sharma, Ankush
Sheagley, Geoffrey
Shelton, Kisha
Shelton, Robin
Shipley, David
Sial, Ashfaq
Simpson, Catherine
Singh, Rakesh
Smith, Kelly (Ex-Officio)	Mike Fulford
Smolenski, Craig
Spangler, Denise (Ex-Officio)
Sperling, Lisa
St. Pierre, Elizabeth
Standifer, Alton
Stenport, Anna (Ex-Officio)
Stich, Elizabeth
Stone, Rebecca
Sullivan, Spencer
Taha, Thiab
Tanner, Susan
Timian, Viki
Turner, Pamela	Lance Palmer
Urbauer, Jeff
Vallury, Sechindra
Walcott, Ron (Ex-Officio)
Wang, Linbing
Wang, Yanbing (Ex-Officio)
Weaver, Kyleigh	Thomas DeRevere
White, Elizabeth
Wieling, Elizabeth
Wohlford, Kelsey
Woods, Chip
Woodson, Brock	Brian Bledsoe
Worthy, Sheri
Wright, Bradley
Wurzburg, Elizabeth
Yager, Patricia
Young, Catie
Zhao, Dehai
Zhen, Chen
Zheng, George

Voting Record of March 20, 2024, Meeting