At System:  Regent Gerald Whitburn resigned from the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents effective immediately. The UW System President search committee has produced the “prospectus” outlining the job description; it is “live” on the search website. The Regents meet next week in Madison and will likely provide an update on the search. Faculty System Representatives have requested that the search and screen committee provide opportunities to meet with candidates.

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Chancellor Dr. Dwight Watson announced $12 million base budget cuts in response to budgetary pressure due to declines in enrollment – UW-W had 498 fewer students this fall than the prior fall, leading to a decrease in tuition revenue. The University will make most of its immediate savings through a combination of contract non-renewals, reduction in appointment times and layoffs.

At UWO: The UW Oshkosh Student Association has started a food pantry called the “Cabinet” to help address student food insecurity on campus. Faculty Senate will be partnering with the OSA to promote and support a faculty food drive in the spring (likely the week before spring break) – so stay tuned for more information and ways to donate. An email update  went out to faculty with suggested syllabus language regarding the resources available to students at the Cabinet. See the OSA website for more information on the food pantry.

The SOS Task Force sent its white paper outlining its recommendations to Provost Koker. A summary of work and the white paper was published to the information page on the faculty senate website. The Improvement of Instruction Committee is working through the recommendations.