February 24, 2026 – University Committee

Posted on:

Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Lubar N456 and Microsoft Teams

Attendance

Present: Professors M. Kavanaugh, K. Kirshtner, R. Leson, L. McHenry, W. Otieno, G. Rodger, M. Schwartz
Excused:  None
Guests:  S. Genung, J. Herriges, E. Watson

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by M. Kavanaugh at 1:00 p.m.

Persons Who Wish to be Heard

None

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the February 10, 2026 meeting were approved.

Special Guests

ASC Chair Jennifer Herriges

  1. The ASC is updating ASC P&P Chapter 105 to align with the annual review dates set up in Workday. 
  2. There are ongoing discussions on finding ways to increase the number of employees on probationary/indefinite status and increase the use of multi-year contracts.  The ASC is concerned that interest in service activities among ASC may diminish if more ASC are kept on one-year contracts.
  3. Dean Gronert and the ASC discussed the lack of long-term instructional academic staff receiving probationary/indefinite status appointments or multi-year contracts in L&S.
  4. ASPRO presented to the ASC to make them aware of their lobbying activities on behalf of Academic Staff.

CIO Scott Genung and Executive Director Elizabeth Watson, CITEE

  1. Digital Accessibility is required by April 25, 2026.  A task force was started in 2024 to guide UWM’s efforts to make UWM digitally accessible.  The developed policy is designed to be stackable and flexible in the future as needed.  The standards to be used are the federal guidelines, and will change as the federal guidelines change.
  2. Resources are being made available to employees to help them make their documents accessible.
  3. Regarding AI, R. Leson asked how the proposed AI milestones translate into student success and how do the investments being made in AI are help UWM students in a responsible way.  S. Genung responded with a history of the AI task force.  He described some of the efforts have been made to incorporate ethical uses of AI into AI activities at UWM.  Students will benefit from learning AI literacy.    

Chairperson’s Report and Announcements

None    

Members’ Reports

  1. G. Rodger reported that the last APBC meeting was cancelled.
  2. K. Kirshtner asked for a substitute for the next PAC meeting.  R. Leson (whose birthday is today) will attend.
  3. L. McHenry reported that the realignment workgroup is conducting listening sessions today. 

New Business

  1. Student Identity Group Realignment

M. Kavanaugh updated the UC on the student identity group realignment process.  Listening sessions are being held on the plan.  The Chancellor has slowed the process so that more people can be heard from before the plans are finalized.

Old Business

  1. Workload Policy

The UC discussed the Interim Faculty and Instructional Academic Staff Teaching Responsibilities Policy.  The policy was recognized as being flexible for units, and there were no major concerns with this particular policy.  However, it was recognized that the policy still needs to be connected to the existing faculty workload policy.

Personnel Matters

None

Future Agenda Items

The next scheduled UC meeting is March 3 at 1:00 pm.  Provost Andrew Daire is expected to attend.

Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at 2:53 p.m.