March 28, 2024
This email was sent to College of General Studies Transformation Team members on March 28.
Dear Colleagues,
As you know, on March 7, 2024, the Universities of Wisconsin (UWs) issued a directive to UWM to close the UWM at Waukesha campus by June 2025. This decision was based on a conclusion that there is not a viable future path for the Waukesha campus based on previously described data analysis. The findings were deeply disheartening, given the excellence the CGS faculty and staff have shown in instructing and serving students, and the optimism we had last fall to plan new offerings at Waukesha.
Due to the announcement of the Waukesha closure, the work of the CGSTT goal group work teams will be impacted, and I write to explain the changes, which are summarized below.
- Goal Group1: Continue work and add Waukesha closing by June 2025. This work will be subsumed within “Issue 3” described below.
- Goal Group 2: Now moot; the work of the goal group ends.
- Goal Group 3: Share findings of investigation of needs in Waukesha and embed into the planning for UWM University Center at WCTC. Upon sharing findings to be subsumed within “Issue 4” described below. Upon sharing, the work of the goal group ends.
- Goal Group 4: Now moot; the work of the goal group ends.
Some CGSTT work team members will have new roles that are outlined below.
On behalf of Provost Andrew Daire and Senior Vice Chancellor Robin Van Harpen, we extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude for the time, energy and resources you dedicated to the CGSTT work teams. You took on a difficult and challenging assignment, and while we are disappointed by the outcome, we appreciate the care and respect you dedicated to these efforts.
Given the new direction, there are four revised key areas to address, all of which are operational and will be led and implemented by the division(s) or unit(s) responsible for the impacted operation(s).
- Issue 1: HLC Accreditation Issues
Administrative Lead: Suzanne Boyd - Issue 2: Programming and Personnel
Administrative Team: Dave Clark (Lead), Suzanne Boyd, Kay Eilers, Drew Knab, Laura Pedrick - Issue 3: Washington County Closure, followed by Waukesha Move
Administrative Team: Keri Duce (Lead), Suzanne Boyd, Simon Bronner - Issue 4: UWM University Center at WCTC (and Washington County programming at MPTC)
Administrative Lead: Andrew Daire
We have asked Kathy Dolan, Distinguished Professor, Political Science, College of Letters & Science, and Chair, University Committee, and Scott Gronert, Dean, College of Letters & Science, to continue their engagement as advisors, including meeting with groups related to the issues noted above, reviewing and sharing feedback on reports, and consulting with senior leadership. As with CGSTT, subject matter experts will be included in the implementation actions, as needed.
Thank you again for your dedication and contributions to the CGSTT efforts.
Best regards,
Mark A. Mone, Ph.D.
Chancellor