Kent Udell presented the following:

The inclusion of these gender-specific pronouns is not aligned with the university’s core value of diversity, which states that “the U celebrates the rich diversity of people as well as creative and intellectual traditions by being inclusive in every respect.” In addition, University Rule R1-001 Oversight and Development of University Regulations states that “policy language should avoid gender-specific pronouns.” The SACAP committee identified over 50 university documents that should be examined for gender-specific language and edited to replace gender-specific terms with gender-neutral language. The SACAP committee brings this resolution to the Academic Senate for a vote of support.

Be it resolved, that the Academic Senate supports replacing gender-specific nouns and pronouns with gender-neutral alternatives in University regulations, with a goal of completion by the end of the Spring 2022 Semester.

Paul Mogren presented the following resolution:

The Academic Senate adopted by acclamation a resolution of appreciation for University of Utah Senior Vice-President for Academic Affairs and Provost Dan Reed. The resolution highlighted his support of the shared model of university governance, his ability to generate and brainstorm creative solutions to university challenges, and his role in the development of the One U concept. He is an advocate for the vital role of teaching at the University level and has presided over the largest incoming class of students in the University’s history. His leadership in guiding the University’s academic operations during the COVID pandemic was exemplary. The Academic Senate expressed its thanks and appreciation for a job well done and wished Dan every success as he resumes his important work as a University of Utah faculty member.

Katharine Ullman, associate dean of the Graduate School presented the following reviews:

Department of Neurobiology

This department offers a Ph.D. program, but faculty are also active in the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, as well as teaching medical, dental and physician assistant students. Faculty have received recognition for both teaching and scholarly achievements, with increasing levels of grant funding. Ph.D. student and postdoc outcomes are excellent. Diversity and inclusion are a major priority and the department is proactively employing innovative recruitment practices to help in this arena.

Department of Pharmacotherapy

This department offers a Ph.D. in Pharmacotherapy Outcomes Research and an M.S. in Health System Pharmacy Administration. These are small, but highly-praised programs and the department is noted for its collegial environment. Faculty are making important scholarly contributions and program alumni go on to success. Increasing collaborative activity, where there are opportunities in areas such as opioid addiction research, and prioritizing recruitment of both faculty and Ph.D. students are some of the main recommendations.