Recent federal executive orders and their impact on the University of Delaware were the primary topics of discussion at the Faculty Senate meeting on Feb. 3.

“I want to start by acknowledging the feelings of uncertainty in the room, the meaning and implications of possible changes in federal policies for this and other institutions,” said Faculty Senate President Vickie Fedele, associate professor of English and women and gender studies in the Associate in Arts Program. “Though offering specific answers is impossible for many of us, including UD’s administration in these uncertain times, Senate leadership has and will continue to serve as a conduit of information from UD constituencies to administration. Please continue to share with us any ideas or concerns that you have, and we will do our best to consider and to convey them.”

President Dennis Assanis expressed his gratitude for the patience and resilience shown by faculty and staff as the University navigates the rapid changes. He sent a similar  message to the UD community on Jan. 28. [Since then, Assanis has sent an update on Feb. 13, and the University has added a resource page on the federal actions.]

“Our mission hasn’t changed, and it won’t change. We’re going to stay focused on that mission, our commitment to teaching, research and service,” Assanis told the Faculty Senate. He added that UD will also remain true to its values, primarily the free exchange of ideas and opinions, welcoming people from different backgrounds, perspectives and learning experiences, and encouraging respect and civility toward everyone.

Assanis said that he and his administration will continue to monitor the developments and advocate for UD’s interests. They are working with other universities and higher education associations around the country, as well as federal and state representatives, who have been engaged and supportive.

The Research Office has created the UD Federal Guidance website for UD researchers who receive federal funding. Miguel Garcia-Diaz, vice president of research, scholarship and innovation, will continue to keep the UD research community informed with guidance and resources pertaining to grants and programs, Assanis said.

“For now, we are not recommending any changes to your work or activity unless you receive specific guidance from us, or a specific stop-work order or modification order to your award issued directly by the funding agency,” Assanis said. “The terms and conditions of your executed award remain enforceable as long as the award is active. This includes the ability to invoice and receive reimbursement.”

Jose-Luis Riera, vice president for student life and interim chief diversity officer, was asked to discuss the available resources for students in vulnerable populations. He encouraged faculty to refer students to Student Support and Advocacy within the Division of Student Life. He also said that staff in UD’s Center for Global Studies have been in direct contact with students, sharing a myriad of resources and offering support. Provost Laura Carlson encouraged faculty to reach out with any concerns or questions they have about the federal executive orders.

“We only know generalities and it is hard to answer with specifics, but my door is always open. I want to hear from you,” she said.

Assanis also updated the Faculty Senate regarding the potential for UD to migrate away from participation in the state health plan and sponsor its own plans. Assanis said if the University makes the change, it would be a long-term strategic decision to enable greater control over costs and coverage provided to employees and retirees. UD’s existing health insurance providers have submitted proposals for coverage that is exactly the same as current plans, he said. A decision will be made by March 1, with the University able to rejoin the state after three years if necessary.

Fedele also discussed the Faculty Senate’s Winter Report, which includes topics that the executive committee discussed with UD administration. She said that the common theme of the meetings was the desire for improvements in communication. Assanis said the administration is continuing to work on increasing budget transparency.

Also at the meeting, Sarah Tembanis, professor of history and the Faculty Senate chair of the student and faculty honors committee, presented last year’s Excellence in Scholarly Community Engagement and the Excellence in Mid-Career Faculty Scholarship awards. Award recipients were:

Excellence in Scholarly Community Engagement

• Matthew Cohen, associate professor in the college of health sciences
• Abass Muhammed, PhD candidate in the department of sociology

Mid-Career Faculty Scholarship

• Paul Huang, associate professor of mechanical engineering and computer and information sciences
• Leah Palm-Forster, associate professor in the department of applied economics and statistics

Carlson provided several updates on recent topics. She said enrollment in Winter Session and admissions of spring transfer students have increased. Efforts are underway to increase graduate student recruitment. Also, classroom renovations are progressing and will continue in the summer.

Carlson said the University’s bus routes have been updated, and the University has added a driver and is pursuing a new mobile app. “Thanks to the contributions of the student governments and the partnership with facilities, we have added additional routes on the weekends and in the evenings,” Carlson said.

The meeting also included a presentation on Open Educational Resources by Meg Grotti, UD Library, Museums and Press associate librarian for learning, engagement and curriculum support, and Jeanne Kambara, Open Educational Resources publishing librarian.

Also at the meeting:

• Jackie Fajardo, chair of the Rules Committee, said that colleges are represented at the Faculty Senate meetings based on their current number of faculty members. Adjustments will occur over the next two years.
• The Consent Agenda portion of the Faculty Senate meeting included a single vote to approve 24 undergraduate proposals and 12 graduate proposals. The Regular Agenda included two undergraduate proposals and three graduate proposals, all of which were unanimously approved.
• In new business, John Jebb, associate professor of English and Faculty Senate President-elect, introduced a resolution on behalf of the senate’s Executive Committee and the Budget Committee to have a moratorium on future UD building projects until there is more clarity around UD’s finances.

Further information about the Faculty Senate, including meeting minutes and agendas, can be found on its website.