November 20, 2025 – Faculty Senate Meeting – Minutes

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

  1. Call to order
    Chancellor Gibson called the Faculty Meeting to order at 2:30 p.m.
  2. Comments and Questions
    1. Chancellor’s Report
      The Chancellor thanked faculty for supporting the UWM Food Center and Pantry, noting high demand and that a recent campus appeal raised over $20,000.

      He reported on a new grade recovery program for freshmen who fail first-semester courses. The goal is to support retention.

      He outlined several administrative changes. The Vice Chancellor for Research and the Chief Government Relations Officer will now report directly to the Chancellor. A search for the next Vice Chancellor for Marketing and Communications will begin next month with a target hire in spring 2026.

      He noted that the Board of Regents approved the Act 15 Teaching Workload Policy and the General Education requirements, which now move to Joint Committee on Employment Relations.

      He highlighted UWM’s research impact, with more than five dozen faculty listed among the top 2 percent of researchers worldwide.

      He encouraged attendance at athletic events and provided an update on the potential historic designation of Panther Arena, which UWM is contracted to use for three more seasons.

      Senator Christopher Quinn expressed concern that the Act 15 policy does not account for the needs of an R2 institution and asked what would happen if UWM dropped to R2, which would trigger a 4-4 teaching load. He questioned why this issue was not addressed during policy development.

      The Provost stated that leadership is not concerned about UWM becoming an R2, citing strong research activity and planned initiatives to further support UWM’s R1 status. Chief Legal Counsel Joely Urdan added that the policy language is statutory and cannot be changed without legislative action.
    2. Provost’s Report
      The Provost reported staffing updates in Office of Assessment and Institutional Research, with an interim appointment forthcoming, and noted the hiring of a new Director of University Centers to expand partnerships with regional technical colleges. He noted that the policies on office hours and LMS use were approved. A policy on the LMS Gradebook will come to a future Senate meeting. He highlighted ongoing work on the no-credit pilot, textbook availability at registration, student-centered scheduling, and open educational resource efforts. These initiatives continue to reduce student costs.

      He updated the Senate on a new work group charged with exploring resource-neutral realignment options involving the School of Freshwater Sciences and related units to strengthen collaboration, research visibility, and long-term sustainability, with recommendations expected in the spring.
    3. University Committee (UC) Report: Melinda Kavanaugh, Chair

      Senator Rafael Rodriguez expressed concern that moving to fully in-person Senate meetings will reduce access for some faculty, noting that teaching schedules and mobility limitations may make in-person attendance impossible for certain members.

      UC Chair Kavanaugh acknowledged the concern and stated that the intent was not to exclude anyone. She noted that the meeting time has long been the same and that individual members may need to consider their options if they cannot attend in person. She emphasized the hope that in-person meetings will strengthen community and collegiality among faculty but recognized that some members may face barriers to attendance.
    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: Levi Valentine, Vice President of Student Affairs
      Vice President Valentine reported ongoing work to gather data on course material costs and their impact on students, with plans to present findings at the next Faculty Senate meeting. He shared that listening tours have resumed, beginning with the School of the Arts and the School of Architecture. The Senate is experiencing its highest membership since 2023, with recruitment continuing, and may need a larger meeting space due to increased participation. The SA now has a full executive board and is preparing for a special election for the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
  3. Senate Roll Call
    Secretary of the University John Reisel conducted the roll call for the Senate. There were 41 senators and Parliamentarian Colleen Boland present. A quorum of the Faculty Senate was present.
  4. Automatic Consent
    1. The minutes of the of the October 16, 2025 meeting were approved as distributed
    2. 2024-25 Annual Reports of the Faculty Standing Committees: Annual reports from 3 faculty standing committees were received.
  5. Chancellor’s Report
    1. Document 3575, 10/16/25: Recommendation of the Academic Policy Committee (APC) to Create the Office Hours Policy. Sent to UWM Administration, 10/17/2025. Approved by UWM Administration, 10/27/25.
    2. Document 3576, 10/16/25: Recommendation of the APC on Policies for LMS use in Face-to-Face, Online, and Hybrid Courses. Sent to UWM Administration, 10/17/2025. Approved by UWM Administration, 11/5/25.
    3. Document 3577, 10/16/25: Recommendation of the APC on Policies for Minimum Usage of LMS Assignments. Sent to UWM Administration, 10/17/2025. Approved by UWM Administration, 10/27/25.
    4. Document 3578, 10/16/25: 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. Sent to UWM Administration, 10/17/2025. Approved by UWM Administration, 10/27/25.
    5. Document 3579, 10/16/25: Recommendation of the School of Freshwater Sciences (SFS) Faculty to Discontinue Undergraduate and Graduate Programs in Atmospheric Science. Sent to UWM Administration, 10/17/2025. Approved by UWM Administration, 10/27/25.
    6. Document 3580, 10/16/25: 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). Sent to UWM Administration, 10/17/2025. Approved by UWM Administration, 10/27/25.
    7. Document 3581, 10/16/25: Request for Authorization to Implement a Doctorate of Social Work at UWM. Sent to UWM Administration, 10/17/2025. Approved by UWM Administration, 10/27/25.
  6. Special Order of Business
    1. Honorary Degrees. A motion was made and seconded to go into closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85 (1) (c) and (f) to consider the qualifications of and balloting for two candidates nominated as recipients of an Honorary Degree. The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote, and closed session began at 3:11 p.m. Honorary Degrees Committee Chair Michele Polfuss presented the ballots for the honorary degree candidates.

      A motion was made and seconded to rise from closed session. The motion was approved unanimously by voice vote. The committee reconvened in open session at 3:19 p.m.
  7. Business
    1. Faculty Document 3582: Recommendation of the Codification Committee to Revise UWM P&P Ch. A1.7: Codification Committee Charter. A senator moved adoption of Faculty Document 3582. Codification Committee Chair John Boyland presented the document.

      MOTION: to approve Faculty Document 3582. The motion was seconded and approved with a vote of 36-yes; 0-no; and 0-abstentions.
    2. Faculty Document 3583: Recommendation of the Physical Environment Committee (PEC) to Revise UWM P&P Ch. A3.6: PEC Charter. A senator moved adoption of Faculty Document 3583. PEC Chair Jocelyn Szczepaniak-Gillece presented the document.

      MOTION: to approve Faculty Document 3583. The motion was seconded and approved with a vote of 33-yes; 0-no; and 1-abstention.
    3. Faculty Document 3584: Recommendation to Revise the Faculty Workload Policy. A senator moved adoption of Faculty Document 3584. The motion was seconded. Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Canan Bilen-Green and Distinguished Professor of Art History Derek Counts presented the document.

      Senator Boyland questioned the need for a five-year review cycle. Vice Provost Bilen-Green and Professor Counts responded that policies must be reviewed, not necessarily changed, and that the cycle supports flexibility while keeping any revisions at the executive committee level.

      Senator Sara Benesh asked about definitions of “research active,” examples of workload units, and impacts on academic staff. Bilen-Green and Counts clarified that units must create their own workload models and criteria, and that academic staff workloads are handled separately at the college or department level.

      Senator Quinn asked why teaching buyouts are not addressed despite a state requirement. Bilen-Green and Counts noted the policy is intentionally broad and may need updates once BOR and UWs guidance is finalized. Bilen-Green will follow up on the existing buyout framework.

      Senator Katherine Du asked how many units are already aligned. Bilen-Green replied that about 80 percent are close to compliant. Senator Pamela Harris raised concerns about differing definitions for a three-credit course. She also asked about possible effects on academic staff and reporting. Bilen-Green and Counts stated that the policy governs faculty effort only and does not impose a single workload model.

      Senator Richard Leson reminded members that amendments may be proposed on the Senate floor before a final vote.

      MOTION: to approve Faculty Document 3584. The motion was seconded and approved with a vote of 22-yes; 10-no; and 5-abstentions.
    4. Faculty Document 3585: Recommendation of the Academic Policy Committee (APC) to Approve the Calendar for Academic Year 2028-29. A senator moved adoption of Faculty Document 3585. APC Chair Julie Ellis presented the document.

      MOTION: to approve Faculty Document 3585. The motion was seconded and approved with a vote of 35-yes; 0-no; and 1-abstention.
    5. SAAP 14-15: Recommendation of the Office of Research and the Policy Advisory Committee to Revise the Policy on Research Misconduct. A senator moved adoption of SAAP 14-15. The motion was seconded. Research Integrity and Compliance Manager Jeffrey Nytes and Associate Vice Provost for Research Kristian O’Connor presented the document.

      MOTION: to approve SAAP 14-15. The motion was seconded and approved with a vote of 25-yes; 0-no; and 0-abstentions.
    6. Faculty Document 3586: Resolution to Protect the Integrity of Faculty Control over the Curriculum. A senator moved adoption of Faculty Document 3586. The motion was seconded. UC Chair Melinda Kavanaugh presented the document.

      Senator Kay Wells asked for clarification on the student retention concerns outlined in the resolution. UC Chair Kavanaugh explained that faculty worry the new structure will limit student flexibility, make it harder for students to change direction, and create unnecessary constraints. She also noted broader concerns that increased state-mandated structure could lead to future intrusion into course content.

      Senator Benesh asked about transfer issues and existing UWs general education standards. Kavanaugh stated that campuses have not experienced major transfer problems under current practices and that existing systemwide structures already support transferability. She and others expressed concern that Act 15 imposes new and unnecessary frameworks that do not reflect campus needs.

      Senator Shevaun Watson added that first-year writing and other general education requirements already transfer smoothly across UW campuses despite differences in course design, and that campuses work collaboratively to support transfer students. Kavanaugh affirmed that campus and system representatives share this view and that current policies already function well without the changes required in Act 15.

      MOTION: to approve Faculty Document 3586. The motion was seconded and approved with a vote of 31-yes; 2-no; and 0-abstentions.
    7. Report on Strategic Partnerships. Chief Innovation & Partnership Officer Brian Thompson presented.
      CIPO Thompson reported updates on four major initiatives.

      Connected Systems Institute: student engagement increased by 40 percent, and the Microsoft AI Co-Innovation Lab has completed more than 30 industry projects while also supporting UWM faculty research and student learning. A new Connected Systems Engineering degree launched this year with strong industry input.

      Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute (NMDSI): provided more than $1 million in support this year, funded 52 student scholarships, and helped create 10 new UWM courses. Research supported through NMDSI spans multiple fields, including healthcare and education.

      Lubar Entrepreneurship Center: annual engagement exceeds 5000 student touchpoints, with growth in campus partnerships. The NSF I-Corps program has completed nearly 300 teams and generated more than $32 million in follow-on funding. A graduate student boot camp has served almost 300 students and has become a national model. More than 75 instructors have incorporated innovation and entrepreneurship into their courses.

      Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin: strengthens systemwide partnerships, supports recruitment into water programs, and has provided more than $4.5 million to UWM for student development and research.

      Senator Quinn asked about the former joint research grant program with UW-Madison and whether it could return. He noted its past value for collaboration and external funding. Thompson said he is not aware of efforts to reinstate it and that current partnership work is centered on Milwaukee-based collaborations through NMDSI, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, and related initiatives.

      Senator Wells encouraged broader inclusion of arts and humanities in strategic partnerships. Thompson acknowledged the point, noting that some NMDSI projects already include those fields and agreeing that wider integration is important.
    8. Presentation of the Digital Accessibility Workgroup. Director of the Center for Innovative Transition, Education and Employment Elizabeth Watson presented.
    9. Report on UWM Foundation & UWM Research Foundation. UWM Foundation President Laura Bray and UWM Research Foundation President Jessica Silvaggi presented.
  8. Unfinished Business
    None.
  9. General Good and Welfare
    None.
  10. Adjournment
    The meeting adjourned at 4:32 p.m.

Committee Reports

University Committee Report: Melinda Kavanaugh, Chair

Report will be posted upon receipt.

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

Since the last Faculty Senate meeting, the APBC convened twice on October 23rd and November 6th.

At our Oct 23rd meeting we heard from the Provost, who provided updates on a range of campus activities, especially as they relate to the budget and strategic planning. He also gave a brief update on the Fall Town Halls with the individual colleges. We welcomed Associate Vice Chancellor for Business and Financial Services Drew Knab who gave an overview of the upcoming budget meetings with a focus on revenue projections and the role of APBC at the meetings.

So far APBC members have attended 16 budget meetings with 4 left to go. All preliminary budget meetings will be completed before the Thanksgiving break. We anticipate a final meeting with the Budget team at APBC in December to round out discussions. Overall, the meetings have been enlightening and paint a complex picture of the Campus’ finances with many successes and areas to improve. Significant challenges remain, however, with the recognition that even flat budget allocations effectively become cuts in the face of rising costs, staff attrition, and increasing pressure to expand services to meet student needs. 

At our November 6th meeting we welcomed Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Canan Bilen-Green, the Director of CETL Natasha Jankowski, and the Continuing Education Associate Director Angela Kelber who presented a proposal focused on changes to the structure and organization of CETL. The new Center for Advancing Student Learning, or CASL, would combine the existing CETL, UWM Online, and the School of Continuing Education to establish a centralized, one-stop hub for teaching and learning support—serving faculty, instructors, and academic programs—while also enhancing the student experience across their entire journey at UWM. APBC has reviewed the proposal and provided comments to the Provost’s office regarding the proposed changes. APBC was primarily concerned with the impact of the move on the operations of SCE, the impact on the budget, which the Provost’s office suggests to be neutral, space utilization at the downtown campus, and the naming of one of the units under CASL, Ignite, that is already in use on campus.

Academic Staff Committee Report: Jennifer Herriges, Chair

Academic Staff Committee

  • Since the last Faculty Senate meeting The ASC met three times.
  • Our Guests were Chancellor Gibson, Provost Daire, AVC Fessahaye, Deputy Chief HR Officer E. Bechly Schubert and University Committee Chair Melissa Kavanaugh.
  • M Kavanaugh
    • Advocating not only for faculty but teaching academic staff. GER discussion continues because Act 15 will likely bring about changes to the GER “buckets.”
    • Faculty Senate discussion about state control over what is taught
    • Continuing discussions about degree or program closure for at-risk programs
    • Concern is that there are some classrooms that don’t lock
  • Chancellor Gibson
    • success of UWM’s alum Daulton Varsho, who is UWM’s first alum to play in the World Series.
    • Reminded the ASC to submit comments on the Teaching Workload Policy (RPD 20-25) to Kathryn Amato by November 5th.
    • Update on capital projects including the Chemistry building being demolished soon.
    • The college affordability gap and noted Wisconsin ranks 46 in the nation for college affordability.
    • Pilot policy that will allow students to change a F grade to a No Credit.
    • session on AI in education that was attended by many UWM employees.
    • details about the upcoming WUWM program that will air on November 6th.
    • Eligible employees are required to submit for VSIP by December 1st
  • RPD 20-25 Teaching Workload Policy. Comments were compiled and submitted to K. Amato by November 5th by me
  • Finished discussing the survey performed by Non-Instructional AS Review Committee Survey on Indefinite Status.
  • Discussion with John Reisel on Faculty Status and committee service.
    • Approved unanimously academic staff with faculty status be allowed to serve on academic staff committees.
    • Approved unanimously to have J. Reisel advocate that an instructional academic staff be added to the APCC membership.
  • Closed session on personnel matters.
  • Reviewed Revisions to ASHAC Bylaws from AS Codification
  • Recommendation representative for AS Senate Rep on Realignment Workgroup 2.0 study and provide recommendations on possible realignments involving SFS, science units within L&S, and CEAS as part of a larger academic and research structure.
  • ASC member service Reports
  • (ASPPP) Chapter 105 Performance Management was discussed what we need to update to include the new Workday schedule for AS performance management.
  • ASC reviewed SAAP 10-13 Treatment of Human Anatomical Specimens. change this policy from auto consent for further review at Senate.
  • SAAP 14-5 Research Misconduct Policy –reviewed the summary of revisions and agreed to include as a new business item to have SAAP 14-5 presented at the November AS Senate meeting
  • Discussed TTC and Pay Progression.
  • Special meeting on 11/11 search and screen committees Vice Chancellor for Marketing and Communications. They were seeking 3-4 nominees

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. President, Student Association Jeremi Lukos 11/11 Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Dave Clark – 2030 Project Update
  • Passed SAAP 10-13 Treatment of Human Anatomical Specimens – Presented by Melody Harries, Research Compliance Director
  • Passed SAAP 14-5 Research Misconduct Policy – Presented by Associate Vice Provost for Research Kristian O’Connor and Research Integrity and Compliance Manager Jeff Nytes
  • Supported Student Association on their need for more affordable books, classroom fees and the need to be transparent on any student supplemental fees
  • Committee Reports
  • Announced “How Can I be of Service” NIAS workshop for Wed November 19 on TEAMS at 11:30