Tuesday, April 28, 2026

3:30 – 4:25 pm
Senate Chamber, Old Capitol

I.       Call to Order – President Just called the meeting to order at 3:30 pm.

II.      Approvals

1. Meeting Agenda – Professor Ayati moved and Professor Panos seconded that the agenda be approved. The motion carried unanimously. 
2. Faculty Senate Minutes (March 24, 2026) – Professor Trusty moved and Professor Panos seconded that the minutes be approved. The motion carried unanimously. 
3. Faculty Senate and Council Election Results (Craig Just) – Professor Koch moved and Professor Williams seconded that the 2026 election results be approved. The motion carried unanimously. 
4. 2026-27 Committee Recommendations (Roxanna Curto, Chair, Committee on Committees) – Vice President Curto presented the recommendations of the Committee on Committees for individuals to fill vacant faculty positions on charter, university, and Faculty Senate committees beginning with the 2026-27 academic year. Professor Nottingham-Spencer moved and Professor Staber seconded that the 2026-27 committee appointment recommendations be approved. The motion carried unanimously. 
5. 2024-25 Motion Summary (Roxanna Curto) – Vice President Curto presented the 2024-25 motion summary. This document describes the subsequent impact of substantive motions approved by the Senate. Professor Williams moved and Professor Ayati seconded that the 2024-25 motion summary be approved. The motion carried unanimously. 

III.     New Business 

• Professional Ethics and Academic Responsibility Policy Revision (Roxanna Curto)

Vice President Curto explained that, although the Professional Ethics and Academic Responsibility (PEAR) policy had been amended over the years, it was long past due for a comprehensive revision. Other significant policies impacting faculty (Faculty, Faculty Dispute Procedures, Ethics in Research, Conflicts of Interest and Commitment) have recently been revised, so it was essential that contradictions and redundancies related to those policies be removed, as well. The revision process began last summer, with the formation of a faculty/administrator working group that created an initial draft. The working group included Deputy General Counsel Maria Lukas and Deputy Counsel Ann Byrd (Office of the General Counsel), Associate Provost for Faculty and Strategic Operations Barry Thomas and Senior Director of Faculty Human Resources Alaina Hanson (Office of the Provost), and faculty members Professor Lindell Joseph (Nursing), Professor Dawn Anderson (Law), and Vice President Curto (Liberal Arts and Sciences and Faculty Senate leadership). By December, however, the working group had identified several conceptual shortcomings in the current policy and decided to restructure it entirely. Once a new draft was ready, it was passed on to the Senate’s Faculty Policies and Compensation Committee (FPCC) for review. FPCC members raised concerns about specific aspects of the proposed revision; the working group responded to these concerns and in many cases, new language was drafted. Eventually, the proposed revised policy was passed by FPCC with a 6-0 vote. Faculty Council then conducted a thorough review of the proposed revised policy and approved it with suggestions for a few minor changes. The working group accepted those suggestions. Thus, the proposed revised policy was now coming to the Senate following a vigorous and successful shared governance process.   

Vice President Curto then explained the significant changes to the proposed revised policy. First, the title has been changed to Ethics and Responsibilities for University of Iowa Faculty, to emphasize the policy’s focus on faculty acting in their faculty roles (academic administrators, such as deans, DEO’s, etc., making decisions in administrative roles fall under a staff policy). The policy has also been restructured to align with principles (using the comparable staff policy as a template) in contrast to the existing policy, which is divided into sections describing responsibilities to various constituencies (students, colleagues, institution), leading to overlap with other policies. The section on students, which covers topics such as office hours, syllabi, etc., was removed from the policy and will be revised and then placed elsewhere, most likely on the Office of the Provost website. A new definitions section was added at the beginning of the policy for clarity. A provision now explicitly requires compliance with UI and Iowa Board of Regents policies and federal, state, and local laws and regulations. In compliance with a Board of Regents directive, a provision was also added to state that faculty have a responsibility to be in person to fulfill the duties of a residential campus. Sections on the principles of fairness and respect were created by the working group and thoroughly reviewed and debated by FPCC. The policy concludes with explicit cross references to various other university policies, because violations of one of these policies could also imply violation of this policy.       

Professor Metcalf praised the proposed revision for improved readability and for the inclusion of the section on respect. She asked about the interrelationship of this policy with the Regents policies on academic freedom and freedom of expression, and suggested that language be inserted into this policy to emphasize that the Regents policies could not be abrogated. Vice President Curto explained that FPCC had expressed concern that references to academic freedom in the existing policy had been removed during the course of the revision. To remedy this situation, a cross reference to the Faculty policy’s recently-created, robust academic freedom definition, that cites the Regents policies, was added to section 15.3a. The proposed revised policy also states that faculty compliance with all Regents policies is required. Professor Metcalf commented that, since violations of the policy could lead to disciplinary action, it might be reassuring that the policy more explicitly excludes incidents related to academic freedom and freedom of expression. Vice President Curto observed that alleged violations of the policy, when reported, would need to be evaluated by administrators for relevance to the policy.      

Professor Rietz observed that in various places throughout the policy, clauses reinforce the policy’s applicability to faculty when they are acting in their roles as faculty or in the course of their employment. However, the provision requiring compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations does not contain this qualification. He asked if one could be inserted. Past President Sheerin responded that it was her understanding that the university does not have jurisdiction outside the institution and therefore could not undertake disciplinary action on the basis of violation of an external law or regulation. She also noted that the Definitions section of the policy states that the policy applies to faculty when performing their faculty roles. Vice President Curto added that she was told by the working group members from the Office of the General Counsel that a violation of this provision would need to be relevant to the faculty member’s employment in order for the university to pursue disciplinary action. 

Professor Warren raised a question related to faculty responsibilities toward students; Vice President Curto noted that this material has been removed from the proposed revised policy and will be placed online elsewhere and reviewed at a later date. Professor Hamann asked about the process for shared governance input into guidance that would be posted on administrative websites rather than in the Policy Manual. Associate Provost Thomas confirmed that shared governance input would definitely be sought. President Just added that shared governance has recently been fully and successfully involved in other instances of policy procedure and guidance review.     

Professor G’Sell asked for additional clarity regarding the provision on being available in person (15.3b.2.). Vice President Curto commented that the Regents directive was issued towards the end of the pandemic. The working group felt it necessary to include a provision reiterating the obligation to be in person on a residential campus. FPCC and the working group negotiated over inclusion of the word available and the contexts in which a faculty member would need to be in person. FPCC also discussed existing collegiate policies, some of which are highly detailed, relating to in person requirements. The university-wide in person provision would need to be broad enough to encompass the various collegiate policies. The policy would likely only be invoked when a faculty member is entirely absent from campus without having received an exemption from the policy by the dean or other university administrator. 

Professor Walker moved and Professor Metcalf seconded that the proposed revised Ethics and Responsibilities for University of Iowa Faculty policy be approved. The motion carried with one opposing vote.   

• Legislative Summary (Beth Walker, Chair, Governmental Relations Committee)

Professor Walker explained that the purpose of the Governmental Relations Committee is to develop and improve the faculty’s relationship with all governmental bodies. Currently, the committee meets throughout the spring semester (when the Iowa legislature is in session) and acts as a bridge between the faculty and the university’s Office of Governmental Relations. The committee monitors current legislation and public policy and communicates faculty perspectives and concerns on these matters to the Office. The committee speaks with both the federal and state lobbyists for the university. Professor Walker then conveyed an update on state legislative activity provided by Pete Matthes, Senior Advisor to the President and Vice President for External Relations. At this time, the state legislature is still in session and primarily working on issues related to property taxes and the state budget. The university will likely remain with a status quo budget, although with a potential additional allocation for pediatric cancer research. The Senate currently has no policies related to the university in its appropriation bill. The House’s appropriation bill, however, contains two proposed policies related to the university. House Study Bill 543 mandates two three-hour general education classes on American history and government. House Study Bill 2362 would allow for first-year resident undergraduate students to lock in their tuition rate for up to three consecutive years.       

• Executive Session

Professor Panos moved and Professor Williams seconded that the Faculty Senate move into executive session, inviting newly-elected Senators to join current Senators. The motion carried unanimously. 

Current and newly-elected Senators discussed the recent meeting of the Iowa Board of Regents and the workforce alignment review process.   

Professor Ayati moved and Professor G’Sell seconded that the Faculty Senate move out of executive session. The motion carried unanimously. 

• President’s Report (Craig Just)

President Just had earlier sent individual messages to all Senators with these news items:  

• President Just expresses gratitude to the Senators, Councilors, Senate committee members, and the many faculty who served the university over the past academic year. Special thanks are extended to Laura Zaper and the Faculty Senate Officers for their guidance and steadfast support. I also thank the university administration for being genuine partners in shared governance—an approach that serves both our institution and the State of Iowa well.
• The Faculty Policies and Compensation Committee (FPCC) has played an active role in improving the proposed revisions to Chapter III.15, "Professional Ethics and Academic Responsibility,” initially developed by a working group of faculty and administrators. The revised policy has been approved by the FPCC and the Faculty Council and will be considered by the Faculty Senate for approval on April 28, 2026.
• President Just addressed the Board of Regents on April 23, 2026, emphasizing the value of academic freedom and the strong return on investment it provides for Iowa: https://www.youtube.com/live/cDK5gU7ZwjY?t=4973s
• Regent President Cramer praised the “vast majority” of faculty and staff for their professionalism and expressed a commitment to building trust with faculty, as well as addressing misconceptions among legislators about Iowa’s universities: https://www.youtube.com/live/cDK5gU7ZwjY?t=5928s
• The Board of Regents Office is preparing weekly summaries of Iowa legislative activities relevant to higher education. These summaries can be viewed here: BOR 2026 Legislative Summaries

IV.    From the Floor – Professor Koch moved that the Faculty Senate approve the following resolution in honor of President Just:

WHEREAS Iowa faculty thrive in a university community that values and benefits from dedicated, skillful, and collaborative leadership;

WHEREAS President Craig Just approached the unexpected transition to President in a seamless and versatile manner;   

WHEREAS President Just has been an exceptional leader, serving as Faculty Senate Secretary and briefly as Vice President, and on the Campus Safety Board, Budget Review Board, External Relations Council, and Legislative Group as well as many others with unwavering dedication; 

WHEREAS President Just, as an affable, eminently reasonable, and community-building leader, has shown himself to be a social as well as a civil engineer; 

WHEREAS President Just has maintained open and honest communication with faculty and administration, with a calm and receptive demeanor;

WHEREAS President Just has demonstrated diplomacy in his interactions with the Iowa Board of Regents and all university constituents; 

WHEREAS President Just’s steady and inclusive leadership has strengthened shared governance, amplified faculty voices, and advanced the university’s mission with integrity and respect;

WHEREAS President Just values and invites genuine conversations and engagement through skillful use of walking through the Senate with the microphone, Phil Donahue-style; and

WHEREAS President Just is a Hawkeye to his core;  

BE IT RESOLVED -- that we the Senate express our deepest gratitude to President Just for his exemplary leadership and dedicated service to us all.

The resolution was seconded and approved unanimously via applause.

V.         Announcements   

• President Wilson’s Reception Honoring Members of the UI Faculty Senate, Monday, May 4, 5:00-6:00 pm. RSVP by April 27 to president-rsvp@uiowa.edu. 
• Faculty and Staff Awards Celebration, Tuesday, May 5, 4:00 pm, Hancher Auditorium 
• Closing Remarks of the 2025-26 Faculty Senate President Craig Just

Prior to beginning his closing remarks, President Just thanked all those Senators who were completing their terms today.   

President Just started his closing remarks by commenting that he was thankful, encouraged, and optimistic as he reached the end of his presidential year. He was thankful to the continuing and newly-elected Senators and to all the Senate committee members, especially the members of FPCC and the PEAR working group, for their commitment to shared governance. He also thanked the members of the officer team (Vice President Roxanna Curto, Secretary Naomi Greyser, and Past President Caroline Sheerin) and Senate Administrative Services Specialist Laura Zaper for their collaborative work this year. President Just expressed gratitude to university administrators, as well, for being genuine partners in shared governance.  

 President Just explained that he was encouraged by the increased communication and deliberation that had occurred during Senate meetings over the past year. He urged Senators to use their voices even more, for example, by engaging with the Regents directly on any topic of concern to them. President Just concluded his brief remarks by stating that he remained convinced, and that data supports the view, that the overwhelming majority of the general public in Iowa sees value in the work of the university, thus giving him a deep sense of optimism for the future.   

 VI.       Adjournment – Professor Ayati moved and Professor Nottingham-Spencer seconded that the meeting be adjourned.  The motion carried unanimously. President Just adjourned the meeting at 4:25 pm.

FACULTY SENATE

2026-27 ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

4:25 – 4:50 pm

Senate Chamber, Old Capitol

MINUTES

1. Call to Order – President Curto called the meeting to order at 4:25 pm.
2. Election of Faculty Senate Officers (Election Committee)

President Curto directed the new and continuing Senators to move into the center seating area of the Senate Chamber. Although outgoing Senators were free to leave, they were invited to remain, if they wished, but to be seated in the side areas. 

President Curto invited Election Committee members Professor Julie Koch and Professor Teresa Marshall to come forward to conduct the officer elections. 

Professor Koch announced that the candidates for Vice President were Anthony Panos (Cardiothoracic Surgery) and Sarah Vigmostad (Biomedical Engineering). She then announced that the candidate for Secretary was Dawn Anderson (Law). Professor Koch asked if there were any nominations from the floor for Faculty Senate Vice President or Faculty Senate Secretary. No nominations were made from the floor. 

Paper ballots were distributed, collected, and counted. 

3. Opening Remarks of the 2026-27 Faculty Senate President Roxanna Curto

President Curto stated that she was humbled and honored to serve as Faculty Senate President. She had greatly enjoyed serving as Vice President and was looking forward to the coming year. She thanked continuing and outgoing Senators for their service and congratulated incoming Senators on their election. Shared governance, she added, is only possible due to the dedicated service of Senators, who take time away from their busy schedules to represent the faculty. 

President Curto then introduced herself to the Senate.  She grew up in Iowa City, where both of her parents are faculty members in the UI College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. They fostered in her a love of learning, respect for academia, and profound appreciation for public universities. During high school, she took classes at UI and acquired an admiration for the faculty and the institution. After obtaining an undergraduate degree at Harvard and graduate degrees at Yale, she took up her first faculty position at Illinois State University, where she taught for three years. She arrived at UI in the fall of 2011 as a tenure-track assistant professor of French and Spanish and became involved with the Senate early on in her career here. She first became a Senator in the fall of 2015 and served a total of nine years on the Senate and four years on the Council. During this time, she witnessed numerous crises and difficult situations, as well as triumphs of shared governance. At her very first Senate meeting, a no-confidence vote was taken against the Regents following the appointment of President Harreld. In subsequent years, she saw the creation of best practices for presidential searches as a response to this event, as well as their successful implementation in the search for the current president, which involved a robust shared governance process. She saw the Senate navigate the challenges of the pandemic and recalled highly-attended Zoom meetings in which Senators from across campus and many disciplines expressed the difficulties that faculty faced and debated the university’s response. She also witnessed policy revision processes, some of them taking years, that exemplified the back-and-forth negotiation between the Senate and the administration that characterizes shared governance at its best. This resulted in the successful revision of key sections of the Policy Manual, including Faculty Dispute Procedures, Faculty, Conflict of Commitment and Interest, Ethics in Research, and Ethics and Responsibilities for University of Iowa Faculty. She was fortunate to have been involved in the revision of this last policy and would carry forward what she had learned into her presidency.    

As President Curto looked to the coming year, she anticipated that many of these same issues would stay with us. She stated that the Senate would need to be a fierce advocate for the utility, power, and value of shared governance, including the importance of the faculty voice in all university decision-making. The Senate would also continue to navigate policy revisions and ensure that the faculty perspective is heard and accounted for in these discussions. In addition, the questions of free speech and academic freedom would likely continue to be debated in the next year. The Senate would have to assert these fundamental principles as well as the vital role that faculty must play in defining the curriculum as experts who are in the best position to determine the knowledge and skills that students need to succeed in the world, their lives, and society. 

In terms of Senate business, President Curto indicated her intention for the Senate to undertake a revision of our constitution in order to update and improve it. This process would begin in the Senate’s Rules and Bylaws Committee, followed by discussions in the Council and the Senate, and a ratification vote of the full faculty of the university. The Senate would also be re-thinking the role of some of the committees to which we contribute members, such as the Council on Teaching, so that the members are participating in key conversations within the university. Moreover, the Senate would have to keep monitoring the political landscape as bills affecting our university move through the state legislature or transpose into Regents policy. In this sense, President Curto planned to continue the practice begun by President Just of moving the Senate and the Council into executive session so that Senators and Councilors can speak openly and candidly about measures proposed, just as they did today. Some Senators have also requested more discussions about the university budget as a means of understanding better how it works and the role that shared governance can play in decision making. In this vein, she planned to incorporate presentations and discussions on this topic into the agendas. As the university renews its strategic plan in the following year, it will be imperative that the faculty have a strong voice in this process. President Curto indicated that she would look into ways in which the Senate and Council could play a role by providing feedback and communicating faculty perspectives. In addition, the Senate would brainstorm ways to ensure that the university remains a welcoming environment for international students, staff, faculty, and visitors. And, as AI changes the landscape of our work environment, the Senate would discuss and debate guidelines that are proposed with regard to our teaching, research, and service.           

President Curto then thanked the previous officer team for their help and guidance over the past year. She had greatly enjoyed getting to know Secretary Naomi Greyser better and appreciated having another humanities scholar on the officer team. Former Past President Caroline Sheerin had taught her much about policy, procedures, and shared governance. President Curto considered that the Senate is a much better place as a result of the indelible mark former Past President Sheerin has left on it. Former President Craig Just did a tremendous job in that role, as a tireless advocate for faculty and academic freedom. President Curto hoped to match his ability to connect with those outside the university and explain the value of the work done here. She greatly admired all three for their leadership, their sense of principle, and advocacy. She was also grateful to Senate staff member Laura Zaper for her wisdom, institutional memory, and competence. President Curto ended her remarks by commenting that she was looking forward to working with the new officers and the Senate in the coming year.    

4. From the Floor – There were no items from the floor.
5. Announcements

• Officer Election Results – Professor Koch announced that the new Faculty Senate Secretary is Dawn Anderson and that the new Faculty Senate Vice President is Sarah Vigmostad. All candidates were given a round of applause.
• 2026-27 Meeting Schedule – President Curto reminded Senators that the Outlook meeting invitations for the 2026-27 Council and Senate meetings have been sent to their calendars.  

6. Adjournment – Professor Metcalf moved and Professor Nottingham-Spencer seconded that the organizational meeting be adjourned. The motion carried unanimously. President Curto adjourned the meeting at 4:50 pm.