Time: Thursday at 2:30 p.m.
Location: Curtin 175 and Microsoft Teams
Call to Order
Chancellor Gibson called the Faculty Meeting to order at 2:30 p.m.
Comments and Questions
Chancellor’s Report
The Chancellor reported that UWM was again recognized with the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement, earning the designation for the third time since 2015 and remaining one of only 32 institutions nationwide recognized for community engagement, broad access, and top-tier research. He thanked Vice Chancellor Chia Vang and the 16-member committee for their work on the application.
He highlighted recent rankings and recognitions, including UWM being named a Best Online Program in five categories by U.S. News and World Report, strong local and state rankings by Research.com, and Best of Milwaukee recognition by Shepherd Express. He also noted that Milwaukee was ranked fourth among U.S. cities for young people to move to, which aligns with the high percentage of UWM alumni who remain in the region.
The Chancellor shared highlights from the M³ Annual Impact Report, including increased MPS student tours, expanded dual enrollment, and growth of the Smart Start scholarship program, which shows higher retention rates than the overall MPS cohort.
Additional updates included a recent WUWM Chancellor’s Report episode focused on UWM Libraries and their $1.7 million in student course material savings, the launch of a national search for the Vice Chancellor for Marketing and Communications, the upcoming employee length of service celebration, homecoming events, and planning for his inauguration in September 2026 in conjunction with UWM’s 70th anniversary.
He addressed community concerns following recent events in Minneapolis, reaffirmed that UWMPD does not engage in immigration enforcement, and stated there is no indication of ICE activity on campus. In response to questions, he clarified that discussions about CASE and multicultural centers involve exploring more visible, high-traffic space in the Student Union, not consolidation into a single room.
Provost’s Report
The Provost provided an update on Act 15 faculty market funds, noting that UWM’s allocation is approximately $3.3 million, including salary and fringe. Eligibility is limited to faculty in high-demand fields identified by UWs or approved UWM discretionary fields. Deans have determined allocations and submitted them to the system. Pending system approval, compensation increases are expected to be implemented in late February or early March, with additional information to be shared by email.
He encouraged faculty and staff to volunteer for upcoming Admitted Student Days on February 7, March 7, and March 14. He noted that these high-impact events host more than 1,300 attendees per program and directly support enrollment efforts, with 38.5% of the Fall 2025 incoming class having attended an admitted student day.
The Provost reported that overall enrollment is up 3.9 percent compared to last year, driven by the largest incoming freshman class in 16 years. He noted that graduate and international enrollment are down and emphasized the need to focus on student retention. He shared that Kay Eilers has begun meeting individually with deans and that a strategic enrollment management and student success process is being developed.
Senator Mark Schwartz asked about fall-to-spring persistence given the size of the incoming class. The Provost responded that no significant increase had been observed to date and that he would review the data further, including the potential impact of the revised grade forgiveness policy, and provide a follow-up.
Committee Reports
Submitted by UC Chair, Professor Melinda Kavanaugh.
Report will be posted upon receipt.
Following the UC report, Senator Sara Benesh asked about reported increases in administrative unit charges and the role of shared governance. UC Chair Kavanaugh responded that this information is new to the UC, that only a brief initial discussion has occurred, and that the committee will receive a detailed briefing from Associate Vice Chancellor for Business & Financial Services Drew Knab at an upcoming meeting to better understand the changes and governance’s role.
A student asked whether protocols are in place to support students who may be affected by ICE. UC Chair Kavanaugh referenced recently shared campus guidance and invited the Chancellor to elaborate. The Chancellor explained that the guidance provides high-level information on interactions with federal law enforcement, reiterates that UWM PD does not participate in ICE enforcement, and directs students with specific concerns to the Dean of Students Office for support.
MOTION: To extend time by two minutes. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
Senator Richard Leson asked whether the ICE-related guidance had been shared with students. The Chancellor confirmed that it had been shared with the full campus community, including students.
A second student raised concerns about classroom assignments that require sharing personal experiences and whether such work could pose risks. The Chancellor stated that classroom assignments and student information are protected and not shared with law enforcement. He acknowledged the concern about classroom safety, indicated the issue warrants further discussion, and stated that he would raise it with the Provost and faculty leadership.
Submitted by APBC Co-Chairs, Professors Derek B. Counts and Jarett Wilcoxen
Since the last Faculty Senate meeting, the APBC convened three times. At our final meeting of the Fall semester (Dec 18th), Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance Drew Knab provided a final summary of the fall budget meetings. Revenue assumptions and projections were presented as well as fiscal goals for the University. The presentation included a summary of some of the budget requests from the units on campus and the rationale for an increase to the “Contribution Rate”. Following our December meeting, the Finance team was to brief Campus leadership for feedback and revision before updating the units on decisions.
At our two meetings in January, we welcomed Provost Daire, who provided updates on campus activities. At our January 15th meeting the Provost gave an update on Spring enrollment trends which were up 7.9% compared to a similar time last year as well as retention efforts, stressing the importance of retention in the long-term financial stability of the University. At our January 29th meeting, the Provost provided an update to the Faculty Market Funds and Teaching components of Act 15. The Faculty Market Funds are still in progress with an expected announcement in late February or early March. The teaching-workload component will need expedited development, with focus at the departmental level and hopes of integrating a policy that links workload to research, teaching, service, and evaluation expectations. Concerning the University’s fiscal health, more education and outreach may be needed. The Provost stressed this is a transition year that includes fiscal alignment, the continued reductions in subvention, the impacts of workload, and a need to improve the University’s CFI (Composite Financial Index) score.
Following the APBC report, Senator Benesh asked about the justification for the reported increase in the contribution rate and whether the rationale had been discussed. APBC Co-Chair Wilcoxen responded that the contribution rate is set at the executive level and is outside APBC’s decision-making authority. He stated that the justification presented to APBC focused on the need to build strategic reserves, improve cash balances and Composite Financial Index scores, and support investments in areas such as advancement and marketing. He noted that specific details would be best addressed by the finance team.
Senator Richard Leson asked whether Act 15 faculty market adjustments contributed to the change. Co-Chair Wilcoxen indicated that Act 15 funds were part of the discussion but deferred further explanation to central administration.
Vice Chancellor Robin Van Harpen provided clarification, explaining that only certain categories of funds are subject to the contribution rate and that, while the rate itself increased, the effective increase across the full pool of funds was modest, less than one percent. She noted that overall funding to schools and colleges has increased and that multiple factors influence the calculation. She stated that additional clarification could be provided in writing to the Secretary of the University and that the contribution rate is reviewed annually as part of the budget process.
Co-Chair Wilcoxen concluded by clarifying APBC’s governance role, noting that the committee primarily reviews information and provides comments but does not have decision-making authority over contribution rate determinations.
Submitted by Athletic Board Chair, Professor Jennifer Earl-Boehm
The Athletic Board meets on the first Wednesday of each month virtually, with the exception of September and May being in-person. At the September meeting we elected officers of chair, vice-chair, and secretary, and appointed members to the subcommittees of Academic Integrity, Fiscal, Equity, and Personnel, and By-Laws, Governance, Compliance. Routine business at each meeting includes a speaker that highlights one of the many important areas within the Athletics Department (e.g. coaching, student athlete advising, athletic training, marketing, compliance, etc), updates from Amanda Braun (Athletic Director), and hearing reports from the subcommittees.
Student-Athlete Highlights from 2025
- Athletic
- Academic
Sub-Committee Reports
- Academic Integrity,
- Fiscal, Equity, and Personnel
- By-Laws, Governance, Compliance
I encourage you to support our Panthers by attending home competitions and also by interacting on Panther social media platforms by messaging their successes to your colleagues, communities, and networks. Thank you.
Following the Athletic Board report, a student asked about available health and wellness programs for student athletes with personal needs. Chair Earl-Boehm responded that the Athletics Department provides comprehensive support through Sports Medicine, which oversees athletic training, nutrition services, and sport and performance psychology. She noted that athletic trainers work closely with providers at SHAW for additional medical needs and that student athletes have access to two on-campus facilities for physical injury treatment and athletic care.
No report.
Determine Existence of Quorum for the Faculty Meeting
A quorum of the faculty was not present. A meeting of the Faculty Senate convened.
Senate Roll Call
Secretary of the University John Reisel conducted the roll call for the Senate. There were 38 senators and Parliamentarian Colleen Boland present. A quorum of the Faculty Senate was present.
Automatic Consent
- The minutes of the December 11, 2025 meeting were approved as distributed
- Report on Faculty Senate Attendance for Semester II, 2024-25, was received.
- Summary of Faculty Legislation for Semester II, 2024-25, was received.
Chancellor’s Report
- Document 3587, 12/11/25: Recommendation of the Academic Program & Curriculum Committee (APCC) to Revise UWM P&P Ch. A1.2: APCC Charter. Sent to UWM Administration, 12/12/2025. Approved by UWM Administration, 12/14/2025.
- Document 2836R4, 12/11/25: Recommendation of the APCC to Revise the General Education Requirements Policy. Sent to UWM Administration, 12/12/2025. Approved by UWM Administration, 12/14/2025.
Business
Faculty Document 3588: Recommendation of the Graduate Faculty Committee to Revise the English Proficiency Requirements
A senator moved adoption of Faculty Document 3588. Associate Director for International Admissions and Partnerships Jen Singer and English Language Academy Director Brooke Haley presented the document.
Senator Deyang Qu asked whether the referenced assessment had the same test availability as TOEFL. Associate Director Singer clarified that the change does not introduce a new test and that applicants will continue to use established exams such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. She explained that the document outlines an internal administrative framework for interpreting acceptable score levels, aligned with CEFR standards.
A student asked whether initiatives are in place to help students reach the required proficiency levels. Associate Director Singer responded that UWM offers support through the English Language Academy, including conditional admission with required language support for students whose scores are slightly below expectations, as well as additional classes for students seeking further English language development.
Faculty Document 3589: Recommendation of the Senate Subcommittee on the Evaluation of Administrators (SSEA) to Revise the Policy for Faculty Evaluation of Administrators
A senator moved adoption of Faculty Document 2588. SSEA Chair Kay Wells presented the document.
Senator Miren Boehm asked how the level of detail or breadth of stated goals would be determined, noting that the policy does not specify this. SSEA Chair Wells responded that the level of detail will be determined by the administrators, with the expectation that goals will be shared with their constituents and developed in a strategic manner.
Faculty Document 3590: Recommendation of the UC to Revise UWM Policies & Procedures Chapter 1.01 (1)(b): Faculty Status Requirements
Report on Marketing, Communications & University Relations (MarComm)
Acting Vice Chancellor Deanna Alba presented.
Following the MarComm report, Senator Schwartz commented on the repeated use of the same “Wavemaker” content on the website and asked whether it would rotate. Acting Vice Chancellor Alba responded that approximately 40 Wavemaker stories are currently in circulation and that an additional 20 stories are in development.
Senator Qu suggested expanding marketing content to highlight alumni outcomes and career success, noting that such stories may resonate with prospective students and families. Vice Chancellor Alba responded that alumni content is part of future planning and noted that an upcoming “Gibson Greets” feature will include faculty and alumni.
Senator Winson Chu asked about the overall marketing budget and how effectiveness is measured. Vice Chancellor Alba explained that marketing effectiveness is assessed through multiple metrics, including readership, click-through rates, campus visits, and application and enrollment data, acknowledging that attribution is complex. She stated that combined central and unit-supported marketing efforts total approximately $700,000 to $800,000 annually.
A student asked about MarComm’s role in addressing recent legislative efforts targeting DEI initiatives and identity-based programming. Vice Chancellor Alba noted that campus communications operate under UW System viewpoint neutrality policies and that MarComm focuses on informing the campus about changes rather than advocacy.
Students raised concerns about messaging related to the restructuring of identity and cultural centers and the potential loss of visibility, access, and historical programming. The Chancellor responded that the restructuring is intended to improve student success and access, not eliminate services or positions, and emphasized commitments to belonging, retention, and closing achievement gaps. He stated that staff and programming from existing centers will be retained and that students and campus stakeholders will be invited to participate in design sessions. He acknowledged the need for continued and clearer communication.
Senator Wilkistar Otieno noted that initial awareness of the changes came through media coverage and emphasized the importance of clearer messaging to the campus community. The Chancellor agreed and stated that additional communication is needed as planning continues.
A student asked whether the restructuring could be reversed, expressing concern about consolidation and capacity. The Chancellor clarified that services would not be delivered by a single individual, that existing staff would remain, and that the goal is to leverage best practices across centers while preserving effective programs.
Senator Katherine Du asked whether MarComm has invested in building relationships with national media outlets to increase visibility of faculty research. Vice Chancellor Alba responded that discussions are underway with campus leadership to strengthen national media engagement and amplify faculty scholarship.
Unfinished Business
None.
General Good and Welfare
None.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 3:46 p.m.