[media-credit name=’BEN CLASSON/Herald photo’ align=’alignnone’ width=’648′][/media-credit]Members of the University of Wisconsin's Faculty Senate fired questions at the director of the Athletic Board Monday, scrutinizing several recent decisions.

Athletic Board Director Walter Dickey explained several key decisions made by the board in its annual report for 2004-05 and 2006-07 to the Faculty Senate and fielded several questions regarding the separate discipline policy established for UW athletes in effect since June 2006.

"We're certainly moving toward more standardized — and I think more acceptable — language," Dickey said. "It reflects our expectations about behavior."

According to the policy, "arrests for, or charges of specified crimes will result in immediate suspension and factual inquiry."

Senators questioned both the need for the policies and their effectiveness in recent cases.

Dickey referenced two specific cases since last summer where students were investigated under the guidelines of the policy and were then reinstated based on the inquiries, allowing them to continue their participation in UW athletics.

"In another case, the young man was charged and provided information that cast doubt on the propriety of the charge," Dickey said. "Rather than allow him to remain suspended for a long period of time, he should be reinstated to see where it went."

The group also discussed the so-called "arms race" for college coaches in a nation where, according to Dickey, million-dollar salaries are becoming commonplace.

With the demand for high-paid coaches growing, Dickey said federal intervention might be appropriate. Last month, the UW System Board of Regents approved a five-year, $7.5 million contract extension for Badgers head football coach Bret Bielema.

"There is a lot to the idea that congressional action may be necessary for caps on some kinds of things," Dickey said. "What's actually going to put a greater limit on it is income streams are coming to an end."

Dickey added that income streams are limited by the paradox of UW continually selling out athletic venues, but still working to maintain affordability.

Along with the discussion of high-paid coaches, faculty members also asked about benefit packages for successful coaches.

Judith Harackiewicz, personnel committee chair of the UW Athletic Board, explained the rewards for national titles, coach of the year honors and other "extraordinary levels of athletic achievement."

Since the bonus is represented by a percentage of the coach's salary, it varies widely, according to Harackiewicz.

"Sometimes they are large amounts of money, and sometimes small, depending on the coach," Harackiewicz said. "They need to have an overall satisfactory evaluation."

Senators asked several questions about UW's new contract with the Big Ten Network through DirecTV. Some expressed a concern about the average Badger fan being unable to view games.

"I think the answer is, if you've got DirecTV, you'll have no problem," Dickey said. "With market forces, we will hope to make this part of the base package to people like Fox and ESPN."

Dickey added the complicated negotiations with the network were the result of a chain of events that began with a "lowball" offer from ESPN for coverage.

The Recreational Sports Board presented their annual report during Monday's meeting, as well, citing increased access for faculty and students for its expanding resources around campus.

The Faculty Senate also unanimously adopted a resolution to recognize the 100th anniversary of the University Club, which facilitates social, intellectual and cultural life on campus.