March 10,  2026-University Staff Committee (USC)-Minutes

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Present:           J. Almquist, A. Dempsey-Fischer, L. Eastman, K. Morgan, T. Nation, C. Parks, K. Premeau, K. Valerius

Guest:               K. Amato

Location:          via TEAMS

  1. Call to Order-The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m.
  2. Approval of January 13, 2026 Minutes and March 3, 2026 Minutes-Auto consent-The minutes were approved with some editorial changes.  L. Eastman will change the minutes and post.
  3. Chair update-Interim Chair A. Dempsey-Fischer updated the committee on several items.  See below.
  4. Chancellor’s Schedule-The Chancellor’s office will be coordinating with Governance groups to streamline visits with the Chancellor.  After discussion, the Committee felt that the preferred meetings would be monthly or every other month for University Staff Senate.
  5. Facilities/Custodial Services discussion-The campus is working to dedicate more funds to services.  R. Van Harpen will work with her division to recruit more to this area.  The committee remains hopeful but unsure of outcomes for better coverage for campus.
  6. Ethics and UWM Workplace Culture-K. Amato discussed ethics on campus and asked the committee how they felt the campus can engage better with University Staff.  The committee discussed campus climate, the campus code of conduct, equity, mental health and support for staff as some of the key issues facing University Staff.  The committee felt that this discussion should be discussed further and will put this on a future agenda for discussion with the University Staff Senate as well.
  7. Changes in campus administration-The Provost has announced he is leaving UWM.  The search for an interim will happen soon. 
  8. Member reports-
    1. Search and Screen for Marcomm-K. Premeau-said that the phone interviews will be conducted soon and finalists will be coming to campus.
    2. Policy Advisory Committee (PAC)-C. Parks informed the group of several policies that have been reviewed and updated that will be coming to the Senate.  L. Eastman has put them on the agenda for the Senate.
    3. Awards-The call for nominations has been sent to campus.
  9. Adjournment -11:57 a.m.