May 4, 2026 – Academic Staff Committee (ASC) – Minutes

Time: Monday at 9:00 a.m.
Location: Microsoft Teams and Lubar N440

Attendance

Present: R. Edwards, K. Esguerra, B. Freer, J. Herriges, T. Joosten, N. Oswald, A. Schmidt, N. Simonson, J. Steinheiser
Guests: Elise Bechly Schubert, Canan Bilen-Green, Anna Dempsey-Fischer, Makda Fessahaye, Joely Urdan

I. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Chair J. Herriges at 9:01 a.m.

The agenda was approved as presented.
The minutes of April 20, 2026 meeting were approved as presented.

III. Persons Who Wish to be Heard

None

IV. Chair’s Report

J. Herriges reported she met with Chancellor Gibson on April 28th and they discussed board of regents, his attendance at ASC and AS Senate. She also attended the Chancellor’s Cabinet where they celebrated Provost Daire and discussed ….

V. Guests

Chair, University Staff Committee (USC), A. Dempsey-Fischer
Chair A. Dempsey-Fischer reported on the USC’s and US Senate’s activities for 2025-26. Former chair Gail Dukes instituted a new segment of meetings called “Getting to Know You” where US Senators are recognized and contributions are highlighted. N. Oswald asked what A. Dempsey-Fischer views are priorities in the coming committee year. She replied increasing engagement with university staff in the governance process. Creative ways of encouraging university staff to participate in governance. Continue to follow legislature related to university staff eligibility for benefits and to work with Chancellor Gibson and other campus leadership to advocate for support. K. Esguerra asked how the USC felt about decreasing engagement with Chancellor Gibson. A. Dempsey-Fischer indicated strong support for monthly visits by the chancellor and the importance of continuing to engage regularly. R. Edwards asked if any areas or initiatives exist where ASC and USC can work together. She voiced strong support to foster a relationship among academic staff and faculty governance.
Associate Vice Chancellor M. Fessahaye
M. Fessahaye reported on leadership changes and recent searches. Announcement is expected soon for the Vice Chancellor for Marcomm. The search for dean of the College of the Letters & Science will be launched in late summer but listening sessions with the search firm will be held soon. The search for the permanent provost will be launched in fall. HR is seeing a significant increase of recruitments at UWM. She gave an update on Total Rewards including notifications for new employees and supervisors about applying for benefits. May is Mental Health Awareness month Tracey Oles, UWM’s health and wellness manager, recently received a health coaching certificate. Comprehensive Compensation Guidelines are still being reviewed by HR and Chancellor Gibson. After review by campus leadership the draft will be shared with governance, hopefully by the June ASC meeting. R. Edwards raised questions about AI and the review of applications. M. Fessahaye shared that at UWM applications are reviewed manually and AI is not being used. HR standardized the search and screen process last year and noted improved efficiencies.

VI. Unfinished Business

Proposed revisions to Academic Staff Personnel Policies and Procedures Chapters 106, 109, and 110 – Item is postponed until further notice from Legal Affairs.
Review Academic Staff Appointment Types and Contract Term Comparisons to Peer Institutions submitted by NIAS and IRAS Subcommittees – J. Herriges requested data from HR and has not received a response yet. R. Edwards shared legislative information from August 2025 ruling is being stayed and still at the court of appeals level. T. Joosten shared the history of academic staff being given protections and the importance of advocating for ourselves with the Board of Regents. ASC agreed to invite the authors of the Report to attend a future ASC meeting to discuss the value of the report and next steps. T. Howard will contact them to invite to a meeting.

VII. New Business

Proposed revisions to Instructional Academic Staff Workload Policy – C. Bilen-Green, E. Bechly Schubert and J. Urdan worked to align the policy with SAAP 7-18: Faculty and Instructional Academic Staff Teaching Responsibilities. Details about revisions were shared with ASC. Revisions were made to comply with Act 15 and the UWSA and UWM policies. Consistent with other work to streamline and consolidate institutional policies, they have also proposed creating a new ASPPP Chapter 114 rather than having a standalone policy. K. Esguerra raised questions and concerns about allowing instructional academic staff to engage in campus service. Discussion about ASC’s and HR’s roles when academic staff report deviations to the policy. R. Edwards moved and K. Esguerra seconded to add the Policy to the May 12th AS Senate agenda for review and approval. Motion carried unanimously.
Review revised SAAP 11-03: Social Media Usage Representing UWM – After review, A. Schmidt moved and R. Edwards seconded to add the SAAP 11-03 to the May 12th AS Senate agenda for review and approval. Motion carried unanimously.
Recommendation for ASC/Senate Chair for 2026-2027 – R. Edwards moved and K. Esguerra seconded to recommend N. Oswald for 2026-27 ASC and AS Senate chair. Motion carried unanimously.
Election of ASC Vice Chair for 2026-2027 – J. Steinheiser moved and R. Edwards seconded to elect A. Schmidt as vice chair. Motion carried unanimously.

VIII. Reports

R. Edwards reported that Realignment workgroup’s final recommendations were submitted weeks ago.
B. Freer shared information from the recent UWs shared governance meeting included details about the search process for UWs President and advocacy for campuses, highlighting the value of institutions on community. Considerable time was also spent discussing oversight of academic staff policies. B. Freer also gave an update on the State-wide Taskforce on Basic Needs for Students.
T. Howard shared that Dorrie Van Kerkvoorde was appointed to the Search and Screen Committee for Dean of the College of Letters & Science. She also shared election results for next year’s ASC.
T. Joosten gave updates on the APBC meeting where a faculty member presented information on the College of Engineering and Applied Science budget.

IX. Personnel Matters

None.

X. Good and General Welfare