April 28, 2026 – University Committee (UC)-Minutes

Posted on:

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

Attendance

Present: Professors M. Kavanaugh, R. Leson, L. McHenry, W. Otieno, G. Rodger, M. Schwartz
Excused:  K. Kirshtner
Guests:  J. Herriges

I. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by M. Kavanaugh at 1:04 p.m.

II. Persons Who Wish to be Heard

None

III. Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the April 14, 2026 meeting were approved.

IV. Special Guests

Academic Staff Committee Chair Jennifer Herriges

  1. J. Herriges presented a report on peer institutions’ Academic Staff contracts.  UWM is the only institution with indefinite status, but other institutions are hiring faculty with tenure potential into roles that are being filled by Academic Staff at UWM.  It appears that multi-year contracts are used more frequently at peer institutions than at UWM.  The UC expressed support for greater stability for Academic Staff employees at UWM.  J. Herriges encouraged the UC to advocate for probationary/indefinite status contracts as well as mutli-year contracts for Academic Staff. 

V. Chairperson’s Report and Announcements

  1. M. Kavanaugh reported that the UC will be electing next year’s chair next week.
  2. The last scheduled meeting for the UC in the current academic year is May 12.  Additional meetings over the summer will be scheduled if needed.
  3. The UW System is starting to put together a committee to search for the next System President.
  4. The requirement for Digital Accessibility compliance has been postponed until April 26, 2027.         

VI. Members’ Reports

  1. L. McHenry reported that the realignment workgroup submitted their report on April 15.
  2. G. Rodger will be the UC representative on the L&S Dean Search and Screen Committee. 

VII. New Business

  1. Social Media Policy

The review of the Social Media Policy was deferred to a future meeting.

VIII. Old Business

None

IX.  Personnel Matters

Per Wis. Stats 19.85(1)(f), it was moved and seconded to go into closed session to discuss personnel matters. Upon voice vote, closed session began at 1:59 p.m. The committee reconvened in open session at 2:11 p.m.

Per Wis. Stats 19.85(1)(f), it was moved and seconded to go into closed session to discuss personnel matters. Upon voice vote, closed session began at 2:20 p.m. The committee reconvened in open session at 2:49 p.m.

X. Future Agenda Items

The next scheduled UC meeting is May 5 at 1:00 pm.  Representatives from CEAS will be present, and Interim Provost Tina Freiburger is expected to attend.

XI. Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at 2:52 p.m.