October 16, 2025 – Faculty Senate Meeting – Minutes

Time: Thursday at 2:30 p.m.
Location: Curtin 175 and Microsoft Teams

Call to order
Chancellor Gibson called the Faculty Meeting to order at 2:30 p.m.
Comments and Questions
1. Chancellor’s Report
  Chancellor Gibson highlighted recent celebrations and accomplishments, including the Thankful Thursday appreciation event and the Employee Excellence Awards, which recognized outstanding faculty, academic, and university staff. He congratulated this year’s honorees and encouraged nominations for next year’s awards.
  
  He noted UWM’s rise in U.S. News & World Report rankings, with Nursing now in the top 11% nationwide, Psychology in the top 25%, Business in the top 20%, and Computer Science in the top 30%.
  
  The Chancellor also shared recent stakeholder engagements with alumni, foundation boards, local government, and business leaders. He discussed a recent School of Continuing Education presentation on AI and workforce trends, emphasizing the continuing value of human skills such as empathy, communication, and leadership. He invited faculty to attend AI in Higher Ed: A Dialogue Across Perspectives on October 24, co-sponsored by CETL, CEII, and UITS.
2. Provost’s Report
  Provost Daire reported on recent efforts to expand UWM’s international recruitment, noting that 56% of new international students are recruited through agents, primarily in India, South Korea, and Vietnam. Plans are underway to grow recruitment in West Africa and Brazil. He also highlighted ongoing meetings with colleges and the near completion of the University Centers Director search, which will support strategic opportunities in Waukesha County.
  
  He thanked Vice Provost Dave Clark and others for their work on UWM’s response to Act 15 regarding General Education, noting that comments were submitted to UW System and that a FAQ page was developed. Updates on workload discussions with UW System and legislators are ongoing.
  
  The Provost announced that the annual Tenure and Promotion Luncheon, which celebrates faculty promoted to associate and full professor, will be held on October 28.
  
  Senator Jian Zhao asked the Provost to summarize the key points of his upcoming message to the College of Engineering & Applied Sciences. Provost Daire responded that he plans to express appreciation for faculty accomplishments, address current challenges and opportunities, and share the new Make New Waves video, followed by a question-and-answer session.
3. University Committee Report: Melinda Kavanaugh, Chair
4. Academic Planning & Budget Committee Report: Derek Counts and Jarett Wilcoxen, Co-Chairs
5. Academic Staff Committee Report: Jennifer Herriges, Chair
6. Student Association Report: Jeremi Lukos, President
  SA President Lukos reported that the SA has been actively addressing growing student financial concerns. Efforts include collaborating with the on-campus food pantry to assess student reliance and support needs, and working with the library’s low-cost materials program to identify strategies that help faculty and students access affordable course materials.
  
  The SA has seen increased student engagement, adding two new senators with several more candidates in process, and growing participation in student-led committees. The Student Finance Committee and Student Org and Appropriations Director have also worked to ensure more reliable and timely distribution of grant funding to student organizations.
  
  He concluded by sharing student feedback gathered informally on campus, emphasizing the importance of faculty offering grace to students balancing work and financial pressures, and helping students find their rhythm as they adjust to college life and adulthood.
Senate Roll Call
Secretary of the University John Reisel conducted the roll call for the Senate. There were 37 senators and Parliamentarian Colleen Boland present. A quorum of the Faculty Senate was present.
Automatic Consent
1. The minutes of the of the September 18, 2025 meeting were approved as distributed
2. Recommendation of the Policy Advisory Committee and University Safety & Assurances to Create the Treatment of Human Anatomical Specimens Policy (SAAP 10-13), was received.
3. 2024-25 Annual Reports of the Faculty Standing Committees
  - 2024-25 Annual Report, pending receipt:
    - Faculty Rights & Responsibilities Committee
    - Faculty Senate Rules Committee
    - Graduate Student Fellowships Committee
    - Nominations Committee
Chancellor’s Report
1. Document 3196R2, 09/18/25: Recommendation of the GFC to Revise Requirements for Graduate Credit in Graduate Level Courses and Combined Undergraduate/Graduate Level Courses. Sent to UWM Administration, Sent to UWM Administration, 10/7/2025. Approved by UWM Administration, 10/8/25.
2. Document 3493R1, 09/18/25: Recommendation of the Academic Program & Curriculum Committee (APCC) to Revise the UWM Bachelor’s Degree Requirements Policy. Sent to UWM Administration, 10/7/2025. Approved by UWM Administration, 10/8/25.
3. Document 3573, 09/18/25: Recommendation of the Graduate Faculty Committee (GFC) to Merge and Supersede Faculty Documents 3184, 3186 & 3187 to Create the Graduate School Policy on Transfer Credit. Sent to UWM Administration, Sent to UWM Administration, 10/7/2025. Approved by UWM Administration, 10/8/25.
4. Document 3574, 09/18/25: Recommendation of the GFC to Create the Graduate School Policy on Non-Degree Student Status and Graduate Credits. Sent to UWM Administration, Sent to UWM Administration, 10/7/2025. Approved by UWM Administration, 10/8/25.
5. SAAP 1-14, 09/18/25: Recommendation of the PAC and the Division of Academic Affairs to Revise the Teaching Evaluation Policy. Approved by Academic Staff Senate 05/13/25. Approved by University Staff Senate 05/2025. Sent to UWM Administration, Sent to UWM Administration, 10/7/2025.
6. SAAP 7-10, 09/18/25: Recommendation of the PAC and Academic Affairs to Revise the Minimum Qualifications for Instructors Policy. Approved by Academic Staff Senate 09/09/25. Approved by University Staff Senate 09/16/25. Sent to UWM Administration, 10/8/25.
7. SAAP 15-3, 09/18/25: Recommendation of the PAC and the Dean of Students Office to Create the Hazing Policy. Approved by Academic Staff Senate 09/09/25. Approved by University Staff Senate 09/16/25. Sent to UWM Administration, 9/23/25. Approved by UWM Administration, 9/24/25.
Business
1. Faculty Document 3575: Recommendation of the Academic Policy Committee (APC) to Create the Office Hours Policy. A senator moved adoption of Faculty Document 3575. Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Dave Clark presented the document.
  
  Senator Mark D. Schwartz expressed concern that requiring fixed office hours may be unnecessary, noting that flexible, appointment-based meetings often better serve students. Vice Provost Clark responded that the intent of the policy is to promote clear communication of instructor availability, especially for first-generation students who may not understand what office hours are. He noted that some institutions use alternative terms such as “drop-in hours” and that meeting spaces can be flexible.
  
  Senator Kay Wells observed that the policy does not explicitly prohibit office hours by appointment and questioned how “office hours” are defined. Vice Provost Clark clarified that office hours must specify days, times, and locations in the syllabus, but instructors may still structure them in ways that best fit their courses.
  
  Senator Kelly Kirshtner asked whether virtual meetings via Microsoft Teams qualify as a “location.” Vice Provost Clark confirmed that office hours should match the modality of the course but that hybrid options are acceptable.
  
  MOTION: to approve Faculty Document 3575. The motion was seconded and approved with a vote of 19-yes; 15-no; and 2-abstentions.
2. Faculty Document 3576: Recommendation of the APC on Policies for LMS use in Face-to-Face, Online, and Hybrid Courses. A senator moved adoption of Faculty Document 3576. Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Dave Clark presented the document.
  
  Senator Schwartz asked whether the reference to a “learning management system” anticipated a future switch away from Canvas. Vice Provost Clark replied that the terminology was chosen intentionally to future-proof policies.
  
  Senator Christopher Quinn raised a concern about recent technical issues in Canvas that obscured posted images. He asked whether instructors could post course materials elsewhere if Canvas malfunctions. Vice Provost Clark advised contacting Canvas administrators first but said instructors could temporarily share materials through alternate means, such as email, if necessary, while communicating clearly with students.
  
  MOTION: to approve Faculty Document 3576. The motion was seconded and approved with a vote of 28-yes; 5-no; and 1-abstention.
3. Faculty Document 3577: Recommendation of the APC on Policies for Minimum Usage of LMS Assignments. A senator moved adoption of Faculty Document 3577. Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Dave Clark presented the document.
  
  Senator Philip Chang asked whether upcoming Title II accessibility requirements might create issues with the proposed policy, noting that all posted materials must be accessible to individuals with visual impairments. Vice Provost Clark responded that the policy had been reviewed and approved by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL)
  
  Senator Colleen Janczewski asked who would be responsible for enforcing the policy and whether enforcement would occur at the departmental level or with support from CETL. Vice Provost Clark responded that some training, guidance, and documentation will be provided but that strict enforcement is not anticipated. The intent of the policy is to clarify expectations for what instructors provide to students rather than to impose heavy oversight.
  
  Senator Lindsay McHenry raised concerns about how the policy would apply to ad hoc, in-class activities such as spontaneous written reflections or group work that contribute to participation grades. She asked whether instructors would need to retroactively post instructions for each in-class activity on Canvas. Vice Provost Clark replied that such in-the-moment activities conducted during class would not need to be posted, as they are part of normal attendance and participation expectations.
  
  Senator Christopher Quinn noted that low class attendance is a growing problem and expressed concern that requiring all assignments to appear on Canvas could signal to students that attendance is unnecessary. He worried that faculty might receive complaints for not posting in-class assignments. Vice Provost Clark responded that instructors should clearly state in their syllabi that some assignments will occur only in class and that attendance is required to receive credit.
  
  Senator Sara Benesh clarified that the policy requires only that assignments be listed in the LMS with due dates and grades when applicable, not that all materials or instructions be posted. She noted that spontaneous, in-class participation activities would typically fall under attendance policies rather than formal assignments.
  
  MOTION: to approve Faculty Document 3577. The motion was seconded and approved with a vote of 16-yes; 15-no; and 2-abstentions.
4. Faculty Document 3578: Recommendation of the Bachelor of Science In Data Analytics Program Faculty Oversight Committee to Change the Name of the “Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics” Program to the “Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics and Applied Artificial Intelligence” Program. A senator moved adoption of Faculty Document 3578. The motion was seconded. Co-Director of the Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute Purushottam Papatla presented the document.
  
  MOTION: to approve Faculty Document 3578. The motion was seconded and approved with a vote of 29-yes; 2-no; and 1-abstentions.
5. Faculty Document 3579: Recommendation of the School of Freshwater Sciences (SFS) Faculty to Discontinue Undergraduate and Graduate Programs in Atmospheric Science. A senator moved adoption of Faculty Document 3579. The motion was seconded. SFS Executive Committee Chair Ryan Newton presented the document.
  
  Senator Schwartz expressed deep regret over the discontinuation of the atmospheric sciences program, calling it a significant loss for the university given the importance of research and expertise in this field.
  
  Senator Chang echoed these concerns, noting that despite its small size, the unit consistently generated about $1 million annually in research awards over the past decade, an important contribution to maintaining UWM’s R1 research status. He asked what would happen to the remaining faculty after the teach-out. SFS EC Chair Newton explained that one faculty member will be integrated into SFS, contributing to a developing climate track, and that a teaching faculty member will continue offering related courses as funding allows.
  
  Senator Christopher Quinn also voiced disappointment over the program’s closure, emphasizing the importance of atmospheric and climate research for sustainability and energy studies. He questioned why the program could not continue despite its strong research performance and expressed concern about declining institutional support for research. SFS EC Chair Newton responded that despite efforts to secure replacement faculty lines after retirements, those requests were denied at the university level.
  
  Senator Miren Boehm observed that the decision appeared to stem primarily from the program’s small size and low enrollment. SFS EC Chair Newton confirmed that low enrollment was one of the reasons given.
  
  MOTION: to approve Faculty Document 3579. The motion was seconded and approved with a vote of 18-yes; 10-no; and 7-abstentions.
6. Faculty Document 3580: Memorandum of Understanding Between University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UWW), Bachelor of Science in Human Performance (BS-HP) and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT). A senator moved adoption of Faculty Document 3580. The motion was seconded. Athletic Training & Sports Psychology Program Director Jennifer Earl Boehm presented the document.
  
  MOTION: to approve Faculty Document 3580. The motion was seconded and approved with a vote of 33-yes; 0-no; and 1-abstention.
7. Faculty Document 3581: Request for Authorization to Implement a Doctorate of Social Work at UWM. A senator moved adoption of Faculty Document 3581. The motion was seconded. Helen Bader School of Social Welfare (HBSSW) Associate Dean & Head of School Lisa Berger presented the document.
  
  Senator Boehm asked whether the proposed program would require hiring new faculty. Associate Dean Berger explained that the accreditation standards require a program director position at a minimum of 50% appointment.
  
  Senator Boehm inquired about the level of interest and demand for the program. Associate Dean Berger noted that UWM receives several annual inquiries from individuals seeking a practice doctorate rather than a research-focused PhD. Nationally, related occupations such as substance use and mental health counseling are projected to grow by approximately 14–15%. Within UWM, a recent survey of more than 200 MSW students found that over half expressed interest in a DSW program.
  
  Senator Zhao asked who would fund the 50% program director position. Associate Dean Berger said the position would be based within HBSSW and deferred to the Dean for details. Provost Daire clarified that academic units are responsible for funding new positions within their existing budgets and must demonstrate the capacity to do so. He added that the HBSSW and the College of Community Engagement and Professions have the resources to support the program and the associated position.
  
  MOTION: to approve Faculty Document 3581. The motion was seconded and approved with a vote of 27-yes; 3-no; and 3-abstentions.
8. Presentation on Wellness and Development Initiatives in Human Resources (PPT). Wellbeing and Engagement Manager Tracy Oles presented.
9. Presentation on 2030 Initiative (PPT). Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Canan Bilen-Green and Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Dave Clark presented.
  
  Senator Chang raised concerns about deteriorating campus cleanliness, noting that faculty have reported offices not being cleaned regularly. He suggested that improving environmental services should be a priority to support a sustainable and appealing workplace environment. Vice Provost Clark acknowledged the concern, stating that the issue has been raised at recent town halls and is on the Provost’s radar, though a specific plan has not yet been developed.
  
  Senator Boehm asked whether administrators have long-term accountability plans similar to the 3-5 year workload plans being developed by departments. Vice Provost Clark responded that he, like others, has entered multi-year goals into Workday but was unsure whether such plans are publicly accessible.
  
  Chancellor Gibson added that he is accountable to both the university community and UW System President Jay Rothman. He explained that his annual goals focus on UWM’s fiscal health, institutional profile, strategic partnerships, student success, retention, and enrollment. He expressed openness to greater transparency regarding his evaluation process and noted that accountability is embedded in the 2030 Strategic Action Plan.
  
  Provost Daire clarified that the 3-5 year departmental plans referenced earlier are budget planning documents rather than goal-setting exercises and are intended to help units reduce reliance on subvention funding.
  
  Senator Wells reminded attendees that the Faculty Senate has a Subcommittee on the Evaluation of Administrators, which conducts formal reviews of administrators every three years, including self-studies and faculty and staff surveys. She invited colleagues to consider joining the committee.
10. Report on Strategic Enrollment Management & Student Success (SEMSS) (PPT). Associate Vice Chancellor of SEMSS Kay Eilers presented the report.
  
  Senator Philip Chang observed that much of UWM’s recent enrollment growth appeared to be driven by a large incoming freshman class, a trend seen nationally, and asked why college attendance has surged. AVC Eilers explained that 2025 marks the peak year for high school graduates before the anticipated “demographic cliff,” which contributed to higher enrollment. She also credited the UW System’s new Direct Admit program as a major factor, noting that UWM processed approximately 25,000 applications in the last admissions cycle.
  
  AVC Eilers added that UWM also saw a 4.7% increase in continuing undergraduate students, reflecting improved retention. She emphasized that this growth results not only from recruitment efforts but also from faculty engagement.
11. Report on Athletics (PPT). UWM Athletics Director Amanda Braun presented the report.
  
  Secretary Reisel asked whether the Milwaukee Hoops Showdown is expected to become an annual event and if UWM will continue to participate. Athletics Director Amanda Braun explained that UWM will play South Dakota State at Fiserv Forum on December 19 as part of a doubleheader with Wisconsin facing Villanova. She noted that this is the second year UWM has participated, and while the event is not free, local hosting reduces travel expenses. Donor support has also helped make UWM’s involvement possible. If Intersport, the organizing company, continues to host the event, UWM intends to remain a participant.
Unfinished Business
None.
General Good and Welfare
None.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 4:18 p.m.

Committee Reports

University Committee Report: Melinda Kavanaugh, Chair

The UC meets weekly, and included meetings with Chancellor and Provost, as well as Vice Provost Bilen-Green.

Melinda Kavanaugh, UC chair, attended faculty rep retreat in Madison, and reported back meetings addressing Act 15 and engagement with her faculty rep colleagues.

UC meetings addressed several topics over the past couple weeks:

The need to assess how many classroom doors lock, and how best to make sure these doors are locked, given the political climate and student safety, this is an important issue. The Provost was in the meeting, and UC chair discussed this with Chancellor. The UC will follow-up.
The UC discussed the workload policy and made suggestions for changes to Dr. Bilen-Green
Faculty attended the UC to discuss concerns about potential program closures and degree changes as a result of moving off subvention. This was also discussed with the Chancelor in the one on one with the UC chair.

Academic Planning & Budget Committee Report: Derek Counts and Jarett Wilcoxen, Co-Chairs

Since the last Faculty Senate meeting, the APBC convened once on September 28.

We heard from the Provost, who provided updates on a range of campus activities, especially as they relate to the budget and strategic planning, as well as responses to challenges posed at both the state and federal levels.

The committee welcomed Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Canan Bilen-Green and the Director of CETL Natasha Jankowski for a preliminary discussion of proposed changes to the structure and organization of CETL, including its name. We anticipate further discussion in our Nov meetings as details are solidified.

Finally, the APBC will participate in each of the 19 upcoming divisional budget meetings. Each meeting will be attended by one of the two co-chairs and a committee member. The Co-Chairs, Counts and Wilcoxen, also serve as members of the campus Budget Advisory Team, which had its first meeting this week in anticipation of the individual unit budget conferences. At this meeting, preliminary projections were discussed within the broader context of campus’s financial climate and with a view towards long-term sustainability.

Academic Staff Committee Report: Jennifer Herriges, Chair

Academic Staff Committee

Since the last Faculty Senate meeting The ASC met once.
Our Guests were Chancellor Gibson, Provost Daire, AVC Fessahaye, and VP David Clark Secretary of the University John R. Reisel.
Dave Clark Informed on activities of the ‘self-inflicted wounds’ workgroup led by Vice Provost Dave Clark is assessing policies not being followed and the need for new policies impacting student success.
We reviewed the data from the NIAS-RC survey on Indefinite status in preparation for the Senate meeting.
We looked at ASPPP Chapter 105 Performance Management and discussed what we need to update to include the new Workday schedule for AS performance management.

Academic Staff Senate

Has met once since our last meeting.
Our guests were Chancellor Gibson, Provost Daire, AVC Fessahaye and Renee Joos Secretary of the University John R. Reisel
Discussion – Survey report on Indefinite Status (presented by Kyla Esguerra, Chair, Non-Instructional AS Review Committee
Committee Reports

UWS shared governance

Has met once for orientation Not much else was discussed.
Rebecca Freer will be the ASC representative this year.

Ongoing priorities for academic staff leadership

Supporting a collegial and collaborative environment at UWM
Contributions to student success and retention initiatives
Instructional staff contracts, titles and workload allocations and related policies