Dear Faculty and Staff,

Last week’s Fall Plenary Address included several announcements I want to share with those not able to attend or view online.

Faculty and staff are critical to UWM’s success. To recognize your contributions, eligible employees will receive a 1.75 percent one-time payment for solid performance, or $1,175, whichever is greater. The lump sum payments are expected to be distributed in November payments (i.e., November 1 for faculty and academic staff and November 10 for university staff). For details on eligibility, solid performance determination, timing and other conditions of this one-time lump sum payment, please see the Lump Sum Compensation Adjustment Guidelines. The funding for the one-time payments comes from savings in lower utility bills due to last winter’s mild temperatures and lower-than-expected benefit expenses.

This month marks the start of UWM’s 60th year, and we have many accomplishments to celebrate in teaching, research and community engagement. We will showcase our past and future throughout the year. One of the first opportunities is a call for volunteering, an endeavor at which UWM excels. Our goal is for students, faculty, staff and alumni to collectively perform 60,000 hours of community service during the 2016-17 academic year. To sign up for the challenge, log your hours and review options for service, please see the 60,000 Hour Challenge site provided by UWM’s Center for Community-Based Learning, Leadership, and Research (CCBLLR). My thanks to CCBLLR and to all of you who contribute to UWM’s efforts to “up our game” in having a positive impact on the Milwaukee region.

The Plenary was an ideal venue to debut our “60 Years at UWM” video, which highlights how UWM alumni change lives. It is an excellent reminder of why we are here: to educate, research, advance, create, innovate, and serve. Thank you for all that you do every day for UWM and our students.

Best regards,

Mark A. Mone
Chancellor
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee