April 14, 2026-University Staff Committee (USC)-Minutes-revised

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Location:  via TEAMS

Present:  J. Almquist, A. Dempsey-Fischer, L. Eastman, K. Morgan, C. Parks, C. Peterson, K. Premeau, K. Valerius

  1. The meeting was called to order at 10:06 a.m.
  2. Approval of March 10, 2026 Minutes-The minutes were approved as submitted via auto consent.
  3. Chair update-
    1. During Roll Call-C. Parks informed the committee that T. Nation had resigned from UWM.  It was announced to the Graduate School.  The committee was shocked.  L. Eastman will find out what committees will need immediate replacement of T. Nation.  Most replacements will wait until after elections.
    2. A. Dempsey-Fischer shared the response she received from the Chancellor’s office with both the USC and the US Senate.  She will meet with John Reisel, Secretary of the University’s office to see if other steps may be taken in the future.
    3. System meeting of delegates discussed the firing of System President J. Rothman.  No news as to reasons for his dismissal.  When the search for a new system president will commence has also not yet been determined.
    4. Security messaging to campus was discussed.  Feedback was requested by campus administration to evaluate the helpfulness of security messages.
  4. Member reports
    1. International Committee-K. Valerius-The committee met on April 8, 2026 to discuss exchange agreements.  The Center for International Education (CIE) will be working on agreements to maintain the quality and integrity of agreements to make sure that they are up to date and in the best interest of campus.
    2. CIE used to have a study abroad faire which showcased international programs available for students interested in studying abroad.  The committee felt it would be helpful to have something like this again but know that the budget may not be there for such an option.  The committee did discuss this as an optional tool for recruitment for international students, again with the understanding this may not be in the budget. The committee also felt that CIE could be better utilized with recruitment and retention of international students as that is an area of potential growth.
    3. Advancement Challenge-414 Challenge-K. Valerius announced that the challenge was met.  Other challenges and events planned for giving on 414 day.
    4. Search and Screen for Vice Chancellor of Marketing and Communications-K. Premeau reminded the committee that the search is wrapping up their in-person presentations today on April 14, 2026. 
    5. University Staff Nominations-K. Morgan-updated the committee on the meetings.  Several names were forwarded for the Letters and Sciences Search and Screen.
    6. University Staff Committee-L. Eastman-Chair and Vice Chair will be elected at the May 21, 2026 meeting.  If a committee member is interested let L. Eastman by May 6.  The member must be a continuing member of the committee to run.  Chair and Vice Chair of the University Staff Committee become Chair and Vice Chair of the University Staff Senate.
  5. Adjournment-The meeting was adjourned at 11:04 a.m.