This message was e-mailed to all CALS faculty, staff and graduate student employees on March 22, 2022.

A series published this week by the Wisconsin State Journal has highlighted the issue of hostile and intimidating behavior, including two cases that CALS and that the university investigated in 2011 and 2017-18.

No one should ever experience what these students and staff members experienced. I am grateful that in both cases, individuals came forward to share their experiences so the university could take appropriate action against the faculty members, who are no longer at UW–Madison. In 2011, college and department leaders took quick action to investigate reports about Dr. Esker’s behavior.

In the 2017-18 case of Dr. Johanne Brunet, as soon as I became aware of the situation, CALS HR immediately began a formal investigation. In keeping with university policy, I referred the findings of our investigation to the provost for formal investigation under Faculty Policies and Procedures and disciplinary action. At the same time, the Department of Entomology took actions to prevent Dr. Brunet from recruiting or supervising students.

The provost’s investigation found a disturbing pattern of behavior over a number of years that clearly violated campus policy and had severe negative impacts on a number of students and staff. After Provost Mangelsdorf began proceedings to dismiss Dr. Brunet, Dr. Brunet retired. She did not receive emeritus status.

I was deeply concerned by what the investigation found. We want this college to be a vibrant learning community where each person’s unique attributes and contributions are appreciated and fostered. This is a case where we fell short, and we continue to make changes as a result. Here are some of the actions we have taken:

• Clear and frequent communication about the paths for reporting so that college leaders are aware of problems and can take appropriate actions
• Assigned the CALS associate dean for research, currently filled on an interim basis by Senior Associate Dean Mark Rickenbach, as the responsible administrator for graduate student complaints of any type
• Ongoing commitment to provide bridge funding, mentor transition assistance and other support for any graduate student who serves in a “whistle-blower” role reporting misconduct
• Supporting and promoting UHS counseling consultations for graduate students
• Working with department chairs and other leaders throughout the college to ensure that there is a continuity of human resources information through leadership changes
• Every CALS department has identified a diversity representative as a point of contact for equity, diversity and inclusion activities
• Conducted a CALS-wide climate survey of faculty, staff, and graduate students in Fall 2020, which will be repeated in 2022-23, to identify current strengths and practices that contribute to an effective climate for work and study, as well as to better understand areas for improvement
• Instituted a new requirement for diversity, equity and inclusion professional development
• Created an office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion led by newly appointed Associate Dean Louis Macias

I want to assure you that college and university leaders are committed to addressing issues appropriately. I invite everyone in CALS to play an active role in creating a positive community for learning and discovery. Options for reporting are listed at the end of this message.

As we continue our discussions about constantly improving our climate for students, faculty and staff with the department chairs, CALS Equity and Diversity Committee, departmental diversity representatives and Committee on Academic Staff Issues, I am committed to discussing concerns or ideas for improvement.

Sincerely, Dean Kate

Options for reporting:

 Hostile and intimidating behavior

• Information: https://hr.wisc.edu/hib/campus-resources
• How to report:  https://hr.wisc.edu/hib/addressing-hib/reporting-options

Sexual harassment and assault (Title IX)

• Information:  https://compliance.wisc.edu/titleix
• How to report:  https://compliance.wisc.edu/titleix/reporting-response-options

Mental health resources

• Information for students (University Health Services):  https://www.uhs.wisc.edu/mental-health
• Information for faculty and staff (Employee Assistance Office):  https://hr.wisc.edu/employee-assistance-office