September 1, 2026 – University Committee (UC)-Minutes

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Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Lubar N456

Attendance

Present: Professors V. Brown, P. Chang, N. Fleisher, L. McHenry, W. Otieno, G. Rodger
Excused:  Professor M. Kavanaugh
Guests:  T. Freiburger

I. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by W. Otieno at 1:02 p.m.

II. Persons Who Wish to be Heard

None

III. Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the August 25, 2026 meeting were approved.

IV. Special Guests

Interim Provost Tina Freiburger

  1. Interim Provost Freiburger provided additional information regarding the timing of issuing of adjunct contracts and delays in processing recruitments (New Business Item 1, below).
  2. The UC discussed the allocation of research credits in the budget model.  Interim Provost Freiburger indicated that this should be looked at to see if a fairer allocation process can be developed. 
  3. Academic Affairs is requesting that the Registrar’s Office develop a uniform course schedule with standard blocks of course times to be implemented in the Spring 2028 semester.
  4. The L&S Dean search timeline has been shifted and will trail the Provost search by a few weeks.
  5. Federal requirements regarding financial aid tied to graduate salaries have led to a preliminary analysis of programs by the UW System.  Programs across the system have been identified as being at risk of having their students no longer eligible for federal financial aid.
  6. The campus is working to advise students on the changes to federal aid received by the student if a student changes from full-time to part-time status during the semester.
  7. UWM needs to be in compliance with the state requirements on General Education courses by this Fall. 
  8. The Legislative Audit Bureau is reviewing the campus workload policy.
  9. Interim Provost Freiburger has reviewed the realignment report and is considering various options regarding college realignment.      

V. Chairperson’s Report and Announcements

1.  W. Otieno met with Chancellor Gibson and discussed the Provost and L&S Dean searches.

2.  There are proposed changes to the UW Board of Regents’ Criminal Background Checks Policy and the Code of Ethics Policy.  W. Otieno summarized the proposed changes, and feedback is requested by September 8.             

VI. Members’ Reports

None

VII. New Business

  1. Timing of Adjunct Faculty Contracts

    L. McHenry briefed the UC on issues involving delays in issuing contracts to adjunct teaching academic staff for the current semester.  G. Rodger provided more information on hiring issues she has seen in CAA.  The UC will invite VC Van Harpen and Assoc VC Fessahaye to a future meeting to discuss this further.  
  2. Distribution of Research Credits
    See item 2 under Special Guests.

VIII. Old Business

1.       Social Media Policy Feedback

Deferred

IX.  Personnel Matters

None

X. Future Agenda Items

The next scheduled UC meeting is planned for September 8.  Chancellor Gibson is expected to attend.

XI. Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at 2:34 p.m.