December 16, 2025-University Staff Senate-Minutes

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Present:             J. Almquist, E. Cochrane, A. Dempsey Fischer, P. Dixon, G. Dukes, L. Eastman, S. Fuller-Muñiz, P. Geraci, R. Harrison, K. Morgan, C. Parks, C. Peterson, K. Premeau, L. Ross, K. Valerius, M. Vallejo, C. Warneke, S. Wagner

Absent:              N. Brautigam, C. Fitzpatrick, J. Lessila, T. Nation, M. Renk, S. Ruditys, R. Wahl, S. Wirka

Guests:              Chancellor T. Gibson, Chief of Police-B. Switala

Meeting Via  Microsoft Teams 

  1. Call to Order-The meeting was called to order at 10:01 a.m.
  2. Approval of minutes for November 18, 2025-Automatic Consent-The minutes were approved as submitted.
  3. Chancellor Update-Chancellor T. Gibson gave the Senate an update:
    1. Graduation for December will be December 21,2025.  UWM will see over 1500 students graduate.  Congratulations to students on their fine work. 
    2. Strategic Planning update-Areas that UWM will be focusing on will be
      • Enrollment
      • Retention
      • Program Array Review
      • Workload Review
    3. Budget Review-UWM will end 2025 with a surplus which will enable us to reinvest back in UWM.  This was achieved by review of programs, closing of some areas, such as the College of General Studies, and careful, strategic budget planning.Student Success will be working an a holistic approach to advising.  This will include focusing on students at risk, the pilot program for first year students, more engagements with students and change in office hour policies.
    4. The Chancellor challenged the Senate to engage with students across campus by attending an event such as athletics, or art event like the theater or other events sponsored by students to engage with and enjoy our students.
  4. Chair Update-G. Dukes/A. Dempsey Fischer-
    1. Anna will be learning the Chair duties as Gail Dukes transitions to retirement.  Gail will retire at the end of January, 2026.
    2. Budget Transparency Meeting for Governance Groups-The Provost and Budget Team held a Budget Transparency meeting to discuss the Budget plan and answer questions for Governance Groups.  University Staff Committee members were invited to attend.  The Budget Team gave an overview of the budget and where UWM stands currently. 
  5. Campus Security-Police Chief B. Switala-The chief gave an overview of Campus Security to the Senate. 
    1. UWM Safety Report-The chief discussed the UWM Safety Report which can be found on the Police Department’s website. 
    2. UWM Police website:  There are many resources available on the police department’s website located at uwm.edu/police. 
    3. Safety and trainings:  There are trainings, most of them free to take, along with data and other resources on the police website or in person with the department. 
    4. Phone alerts:  The Chief reminded the Senate that if you want to have alerts come to your phone you should go to getrave.com and sign up for the messages there. 
    5. UWM Police also help coordinate crisis management on campus and work with the Crisis Management Team (CMT) to make sure our campus remains safe.
    6. Comfort Animal-Ezmae is on staff at the Police Department and you can see her at many events around campus.  This is addition to the Health and Wellness options from Human Resources.
    7. Steering Wheel locks are available at the police department if you need one drop on by. 
  6. Committee Reports
    1. University Staff Grievance Report-The committee had a grievance that went to the Board of Regents which has come back to Campus for further review.  An update will be shared as possible.
    2. K. Premeau has been appointed to the Search and Screen for Vice Chancellor for Marketing and Communications.  First meeting will be held December 18, 2025.  The goal is to conclude the search by March, 2026.
  7. Adjournment-The meeting was adjourned at 11:09 a.m.