May 3, 2024
Dear UWM colleagues,
I first want to recognize all CGS faculty and staff for their dedication, commitment and the outstanding quality of education and experiences they’ve given our students at the College of General Studies. They’ve opened their minds to knowledge and the possibilities, helping shape their lives and our communities.
Despite this, and given directives from Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman to close the Washington County and Waukesha campuses, we have determined that there is no viable path to maintain the College of General Studies. While we have previously announced the intention to close the college, I’m writing today to announce that I am hereby issuing the program discontinuance proposal for the College of General Studies, following Regent Policy Document 20-24 and UWM Faculty Policies and Procedures secs. 5.64-5.65.
This begins a specific process related to program closure involving tenured faculty layoffs. Faculty will not receive layoff notices unless and until the program discontinuance proposal is approved by the Board of Regents.
As the next step in the process, the University Committee will solicit feedback from CGS employees, CGS students and governance groups. The committee has 30 days to collect comments and recommendations. Please watch for an email later today from the chair of the University Committee.
As part of the CGS closure, academic staff, limited appointees and university staff will start to receive nonrenewal or layoff notices from the UWM Department of Human Resources soon.
I realize the significant impact this will have on CGS employees, and UWM is working to provide as many options as possible. CGS employees will be considered for main campus roles, as availability and funding allow. In addition, Waukesha County Technical College has updated its job landing page so that impacted employees can access internal postings.
As UWM partners with WCTC to create the UWM University Center at WCTC, we expect WCTC’s employment opportunities to grow. UWM has also offered a voluntary separation incentive program for CGS tenured faculty who are of retirement age.
I encourage CGS employees to reach out to their Human Resources Business Partner with questions and to use the services of UWM’s Employee Assistance Program, through Acentra Health, which is available to all UWM employees and their family members. Acentra Health is free, confidential and available 24/7. Please contact Acentra Health at 833-539-7285 or online at sowi.mylifeexpert.com. Sign in using UWM’s password: SOWI.
Please refer to the CGS webpage for all updated information, including frequently asked questions, upcoming meeting dates and posts of previous emails.
I am committed to working with our campus communities through this difficult transition.
Best regards,
Mark A. Mone, PhD
Chancellor