February 2, 2026 – Academic Staff Committee (ASC) – Minutes

Posted on:

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

Attendance

Present: R. Edwards, K. Esguerra, B. Freer, J. Herriges, N. Oswald, A. Schmidt, N. Simonson, J. Steinheiser
Guests: Andrew Daire, Makda Fessahaye

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 January 5, 2026 meeting were approved as presented.

Persons Who Wish to be Heard

None

Chair’s Report

J. Herriges reported the Chancellor’s Cabinet did not meet in January. She met with Chancellor Gibson and noted the ASC would like to serve in a consulting role and she also voiced ASC’s concerns about the reduction in probationary and indefinite appointments. She shared the response from Joely Urdan, Chief Legal Counsel, about ASC’s feedback on SAAP 01-01. This includes: (1) make explicit that governance committees can request policy changes to initiators, and (2) require consultation with governance committees on policies in which they have a role or oversight. The full policy approval process provides opportunities for governance review: (1) as policies are developed/changed, (2) through the Policy Advisory Committee, and (3) through senate approval (via vote or automatic consent). The changes to the interim policy section now includes more specificity about when that process might be invoked, including to address changes to federal or state law, urgent audit or accreditation issues, risk management issues, or emergencies. Five business day notification to the governance groups is required, which allows time for immediate comments and/or objections, with the full policy approval process providing for the existing (and more complete) governance review and input.

Guests

  1. Provost A. Daire
    Provost Daire gave a brief enrollment update and noted the focus will be on retention. Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs is working on specific retention targets and efforts for each unit and discussing with deans. Daire encouraged participation in upcoming admission events in February and March. N. Oswald moved and R. Edwards seconded moving into closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85 (1) c and f to discuss personnel matters including layoffs of academic staff. Motion passed with unanimous vote and closed session began at 9:08 a.m. After discussion, A. Schmidt moved and K. Esguerra seconded reconvening in open session. Motion passed unanimously and the committee reconvened in open session at 9:29 a.m. K. Esguerra asked about the moving of the student identity centers and Provost Daire suggested inviting Chia Vang and Kelly Haag to provide more background. Daire spoke about the scrutiny institutions are enduring, financial harm and impact on student success. Campus being a safe place vs safe spaces for students on campus. He said this is an opportunity to be more inclusive. R. Edwards asked about retention rates across different areas and Daire talked about the current work being done to address issues inside and outside of the classroom.
  2. Associate Vice Chancellor M. Fessahaye
    AVC Fessahaye encourages participation in the design sessions for the redesign of the student identity centers. It is important that students feel supported and can graduate from UWM and it is crucial to include voices from students. Acknowledged the strong history of the identity centers at UWM. Reported an internal recruitment for interim assistant vice chancellor to lead the center. Encouraged attendance at the activities during Employee Appreciation week, especially the Move with the Chancellor event. The next new employee orientation is scheduled for February 25th and shared positive feedback from recent attendees. Fessahaye reported on the UWs policy that 9-month employees can opt-in to be paid over 12 months starting this Spring. She will report on this at the March AS Senate. HR is working on releasing communications about mandatory training, performance evaluations, and outside activities reporting. April 30th deadline remains for instructional and faculty evaluations.

Unfinished Business

  1. Academic Staff Personnel Policies and Procedures Chapter 105 Performance Management – Update from K. Esguerra about the changes to timelines. The only change to the instructional academic staff evaluation process is that the deadlines for submission are suggested. For non-instructional the timeline follows the fiscal year and dates were established by UWs. ASC/Secretary of the University will send a follow up communication to campus after HR sends message about performance evaluations. The message will note that the current policy is being revised with expected approval in late March. N. Oswald moved and R. Edwards seconded approving Chapter 105 with proposed revisions and forwarding to AS Codification for review. Motion passed unanimously.

New Business

  1. Approve AS Senate Agenda (February 10) – After review, R. Edwards moved and J. Steinheiser seconded approving the February 10th AS Senate agenda. Motion passed unanimously.

Reports

  1. R. Edwards reported that Realignment workgroup is continuing to meet weekly. Transitioning from brainstorming to determining viable options.
  2. B. Freer reported on the topics discussed at the last UW Shared Governance Reps meeting.
  3. N. Simonson reported that AS Orientation Committee met and reviewed feedback from last session and scheduled future session.
  4. J. Herriges gave an update on the NIAS and IRAS Subcommittees assignment to research appointment and contract types at peer institutions.

Personnel Matters

See Provost Daire’s report under Guests.

Good and General Welfare

T. Howard shared the proposed changes to Chancellor Gibson’s attendance at ASC and AS Senate meetings. ASC voiced strong opposition to reducing the frequency of his attendance at ASC and AS Senate meetings. T. Howard will relay the ASC’s concerns and support for maintaining regular and consistent attendance at meetings.

Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at 10:55 a.m.