April 14, 2026 – University Committee (UC)-Minutes

Posted on:

Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Lubar N456 and Microsoft Teams

Attendance

Present: Professors M. Kavanaugh, K. Kirshtner, R. Leson, L. McHenry, W. Otieno, G. Rodger, M. Schwartz
Excused:  None
Guests:  D. Clark, T. Gibson

I. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by M. Kavanaugh at 1:03 p.m.

II. Persons Who Wish to be Heard

None

III. Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the April 7, 2026 meeting were approved.

IV. Special Guests

Chancellor Thomas Gibson

  1. Chancellor Gibson provided information on the process being used by the Board of Regents for identifying an Interim UW System President.
  2. Tina Freiburger was appointed the Interim Provost of UWM.
  3. The VC for Marketing and Communication search is wrapping up, and the plan is to make a decision on the position late next week.
  4. This semester, the Chancellor has been visiting several deans and colleges across campus.  This has given him insights into the challenges faced by many units at UWM.  These visits will continue the rest of this semester and into the Fall semester.
  5. The UC provided feedback on successes and challenges experienced by UWM this semester. 

V. Chairperson’s Report and Announcements

  1. M. Kavanaugh reported on the UW System Reps meeting with the Board of Regents President Bogost.  Due to former System President Jay Rothman’s confidentiality agreement, Regent Bogost was unable to provide many details on the firing of Jay Rothman.
  2. The VP for MarComm finalists have been engaged in campus interviews last week and this week.    

VI. Members’ Reports

  1. G. Rodger reported on the APBC meeting.  Provost Daire discussed the progress of the realignment workgroup.  There was a robust discussion of CEAS budget situation. 

VII. New Business

None

VIII. Old Business

  1. Academic Approval Matrix

The UC provided feedback to Vice Provost D. Clark regarding proposed changes to the Academic Approval Matrix.  The UC approved the proposed Academic Approval Matrix with suggested changes by consensus.

IX.  Personnel Matters

Per Wis. Stats 19.85(1)(f), it was moved and seconded to go into closed session to discuss personnel matters. Upon voice vote, closed session began at 1:52 p.m. The committee reconvened in open session at 2:13 p.m.

X. Future Agenda Items

The next scheduled UC meeting is April 28 at 1:00 pm.  ASC Chair Jennifer Herriges is expected to attend.

XI. Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at 2:50 p.m.