Research reorganization discussion to continue into May

Campus conversations around a revised leadership structure for the university’s research enterprise will continue over the next month, University Committee member Jo Ellen Fair told the Faculty Senate Monday.

Chancellor Rebecca Blank noted that an interim vice chancellor for research and dean of the graduate school will be named to succeed Martin Cadwallader, who is stepping down from his post this summer to return to the faculty.

At the meeting, the senate discussed a working group report on the proposal to divide the current tasks of the dean of the Graduate School. After discussion, the senate voted unanimously to receive the report. The University Committee will present recommendations at the senate’s final meeting of the academic year on May 5, based on the report and other input.

At issue is a proposal to establish the position of vice chancellor for research and graduate studies, and to focus the responsibilities of the dean of the Graduate School on graduate education. At present, the dean of the Graduate School handles both of those responsibilities.

The dean of the Graduate School would report directly to the new vice chancellor, who would have oversight for the operations and funding of the Graduate School enterprise. The new structure would give UW–Madison a stronger voice in Washington, where key research funding decisions are made, Blank said.

The working group has met with campus stakeholders and held three town hall meetings, said Fair. “The University Committee in general is in agreement with the working group recommendations,” she said. “Nonetheless, the University Committee wants to ensure more voices are heard; we understand that some faculty still have questions and seek further discussion.”

Before the May senate meeting, the University Committee will examine the working group recommendations, seek additional advice from faculty members and hold another public forum, Fair said.

Mark Cook, a member of the University Committee and the working group, stressed the importance of supporting and funding graduate education, and spoke in favor of providing a separate budget for graduate education under the new structure.

Fair and other faculty senators in attendance stressed the importance of a decision in May, since the Faculty Senate would next meet in October.