Dear Colleagues,
Welcome to the start of a great new academic year!
Last week, I took part in one of my favorite activities on campus: Move-In Day at Sandburg. To me, nothing signals back-to-school like the organized chaos of students moving into the dorms. I love meeting these young Panthers (and their families) and feeling the energy they bring to our campus. There are many alumni who bring their children to campus as our new students—which is a great statement of support for what you do.
Each of our students, faculty and staff contribute to the broad diversity of UWM. We all bring different world views, and while we don’t always agree, we must continually strive to listen to each other with respect.
With the election just two months away and challenges continuing abroad, I expect there will be times this fall when rhetoric runs hot. Here at UWM, we value free speech, and we want all our students, faculty, staff and visitors to feel welcome and safe.
Read UWM’s statement on free speech to learn the difference between free expression, which we encourage, and hate speech, which we condemn. The example you set – of patience, kindness and respect – will set the tone on our campus this fall. Find more practical resources and policies at uwm.edu/freespeech.
You’ll hear more about this and many other topics that impact our university during my annual plenary address. Please join me in the Bader Concert Hall of the Helene Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, Sept. 12, at 2:30 p.m. or watch it live.
There are many upcoming events to note, like next week’s Campus Cares Symposium (Tuesday, Sept. 10), where I’ll talk about my own health journey; Panther Family Weekend (Sept. 27-29), which coincides with Doors Open Milwaukee; and our annual UWM Alumni Association Panther Prowl 5K Run/Walk (to be held virtually Oct. 9-13), which raises funds for student scholarships.
As you may know, this is my last year as chancellor of UWM. I’m sure there will be a lot of bittersweet moments ahead, but I can assure you that while I am stepping down on July 1, 2025, I will not be slowing down as that date approaches. We have accomplished so much together; let’s finish strong!
Let me close by offering my heartfelt thanks for all you do to make this university hum. Every member of our faculty, staff and student body is important to our success. I appreciate you, and I look forward to seeing you on campus in the weeks and months ahead.
Best regards,
Mark A. Mone, PhD
Chancellor