Redesigning the Research Infrastructure

Goal

Change our research infrastructure to support the shifting needs of investigators across UWM.

The objective of the Realigning the Workforce and Research Action Team is to implement the recommendations identified in the final report of the 2030 Implementation Team related to the interwoven themes of workforce development and research needs. The guiding goal is to align UWM’s workforce and infrastructure to meet the future needs of the University. To be successful, this work requires working with a range of stakeholders to reconsider policies and practices.

Outcomes

An infrastructure that supports a research environment focused on team-based research, community collaborations, and commercial partnerships, fully supporting the shifting needs of investigators across the University, including:

Faculty, Executive Committees, and Divisional Committees examining how they recognize and value the breadth of scholarship and contributions;
Improving financial support and professional development offerings for graduate students;
Examining internal resources and policies that support campus research productivity and develop collaborative, team-based research.

Strategies and Actions

The Redesigning the Research Infrastructure is accomplished by developing a revised model for Faculty workloads, increasing support (financial and professional development) for Graduate Students, and further developing the infrastructure to more fully support the research mission.

The team is engaged in several actions:

Recommendations for a Faculty Workload Model with consideration of policy and guidance documentation;
Recommendations for graduate student stipend support and professional development;
Recommendations for research infrastructure improvements from the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA).

Progress to Date

Faculty Workload

Over the 2021-2022 academic year, the Faculty Workload group researched workload practices and models, developed a preliminary framework that addresses goals and key elements (such as metrics, roles/responsibilities, recognition, and rewards). In Spring 2022, the Faculty Workload group prepared an initial version of the Faculty Workload Model report, including recommendations for policy review. An updated report with recommendations expected in Fall 2022.

Graduate Student Support

A proposal recommending increased graduate student stipends was prepared in Fall 2021. The work group is now addressing graduate student professional development support to complement the financial support. Recommendations are expected in Fall 2022.

Research Infrastructure

The NCURA peer review visit and interviews occurred in Spring 2022. A report from NCURA is expected in Fall 2022.

Looking Ahead

Review and consideration of recommendations for implementation.

Key Relationships with Other Teams

Aligning and Engaging the Workforce

Resources

Timeline – Synopsis from the Co-Leads

Date	Summary
Spring 2023	The Research Infrastructure workgroup has finalized their recommendations based on the NCURA review.
Fall 2022	The Faculty Workload Group has finalized their report and recommendations for next steps. The Research Infrastructure workgroup recommendations have been presented to Chairs, Associate Deans, and the Research Advisory Policy Committee; a report is expected in early 2023. Recommendations for Graduate Student support are under consideration.
Summer 2022	Recommendation from NCURA received and under review. Proposals for Graduate Student support under consideration. Faculty Workgroup finalizing report with recommendations.
May 2022	FW: Reviewing initial version of report with preliminary recommendations with final version expected in summer 2022. GS: Preparing recommendations for graduate student development with report in summer 2022. RI: NCURA on site interviews conducted. NCURA report expected July 2022.
April 2022	FW: Continued development of the framework. Exposed concerns with workloads at the College of General Studies. GS: Examining student development as complement to stipends & developing recommendations. RI: NCURA self study completed.
March 2022	FW: Continued development of the framework. GS: Proposal for graduate student stipends under consideration by the Provost. RI: Continued progress on the self study for NCURA.
February 2022	Faculty Senate Presentation FW: Continued development of the framework. Discussion of policy and guidance documents. GS: Proposal for graduate student stipends submitted to the Provost & will require funding. RI: Peer review self study initiated for NCURA.
January 2022	FW: Continued development of the framework. Discussion of policy and guidance documents. GS: Preliminary recommendations for stipends nearly completed. Associate Dean position to focus on training scholars for research careers. RI: NCURA peer review approved & initiated.
December 2021	FW: Developing a framework that addresses goals and key elements (metrics, roles/responsibilities, recognition, & awards). GS: Considering options of across the board increase or targeted increases. RI: Recommending a peer review by NCURA.
November 2021	FW: Identifying issues and basic principles for workloads. GS: Identifying issues and financial realities. RI: Identifying financial realities and strategies for research infrastructure.
October 2021	FW: Researching workload approaches through guest speakers & materials. GS: Identifying issues and financial realities. RI: Identifying financial realities and strategies for research infrastructure.
September 2021	Work groups meting bi-weekly and are identifying key topics (tasks/time frames) and sequencing.
August 2021	Three work groups established: Faculty Workload (FW); Graduate Student Support (GS); and Research Infrastructure (RI). Preliminary goals identified.
June/July 2021	Monthly meetings set up and initiated with the implementation team lead (Mark Harris).