Content
In attendance: Kate Brooks, Julie Peterson, Aaron Nygren, Jenny Keshwani, Joel Cramer, Jessie Brophy, Vice Chancellor Mike Boehm, Liz Husmann (recorder)
Phoned in: Julie Peterson
Excused: Don Lee
Main Discussion Points:
Roads Scholar Tour o The committee decided an annual trip to western Nebraska would be best for the Roads Scholars Tour, with the possibility of adding some smaller, more targeted trips in the fall and spring to visit other parts of the state. Mike said that Executive Vice Chancellor Donde Plowman might get involved if more city campus faculty expressed interest in attending the tour. The next RST is scheduled for August 8-10, 2018. Mike also suggested having a half-day Lincoln tour for faculty who are new to the city as part of their orientation, which could include a visit to the unicameral, among other things. Mike will visit with EVC Plowman and report back to the Liaison Committee.
IANR Budget Cuts o Updates and information regarding the University budget are available on the Chancellor’s website (unl.edu/chancellor). Committee Chair Ken Bloom is leading the Academic Planning Committee (APC) through the budget process. Information about the APC can be found at: unl.edu/apc. The APC will hold hearings where University administration will present their proposed cuts, after which the APC will make their recommendations to the chancellor. Faculty, the Graduate Council, and ASUN are represented on the APC. Ken Bloom invited leaders from UNL’s staff based associations to participate (its.unl.edu/hr/staff-groups). The 2018 legislative session will start on January 3 and should provide greater insight about State’s and University’s budgets. Mike shared that there is a possibility of a 1-2% mid-year rescission but that he has received nothing firm on this front.
Academic Freedom o The Faculty Senate is a great place to have conversations regarding academic freedom and faculty rights. Mike reminded the committee that if IANR faculty, staff, and students are interested in being publically political they should do so but reminded them not use University property (such as letterhead) and should make sure they are speaking as private citizens and not representatives of the Institution.
Life Sciences Task Force Update o Chancellor Green has decided to place a hold on launching a Life Sciences Taskforce at this time.
Action Items for Committee:
Mike encouraged the Liaison Committee not to hesitate to come forward with ideas for how they might engage the IANR community in meaningful dialogue throughout the year such as by bringing a speaker to campus, arranging brown bag lunches, etc.
Meeting adjourned at 12:00pm
Distributed electronically to the IANR Liaison Committee for review: 1/25/2018