March 26, 2026 – University Relations Committee – Minutes

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Time: Thursday at 11:00 p.m.
Location: Microsoft Teams

Present: Bryce Lord, Danielle Romain Dagenhardt, Deanna Alba, Gina Lukaszewicz, Jodie Tabak, Kidiocus Carroll, Kyle Norris, Marissa Steinhofer, John Reuter, Randall Trumbull Holper, Zachary Durlam
Absent: Susan Wirka, Jennifer Fink, Sergio Lopez-Pineiro, Tian Zhao, Michelle Johnson
Guest: Deanna Alba and Abby Rojas

  1. Call to order 11:01
    1. J. Reuter called meeting to order at 11:02 a.m
  2. Auto consent
    1. Approval of the February 2026 meeting minutes
    2. Remove from agenda- did not send out.
  3. Adoption of the Agenda
    • Agenda modified to remove item II a auto approval.
  4. Business
    1. Presentation from Deanna Alba on AI Readiness
      1. Deanna Alba presented on the impact of artificial intelligence on marketing and communications, with a focus on search behavior, web content, and advertising strategy.
      2. Search behavior has shifted significantly due to AI-generated summaries and conversational tools. Most users now stop at AI overviews rather than clicking website links (“zero-click phenomenon”), and prospective students increasingly use conversational queries through tools like ChatGPT and Google’s AI Mode instead of traditional keyword searches.
      3. As a result, overall web traffic has declined, while referrals from AI tools have increased. These trends affect not only prospective students but also employees and donors seeking information about UWM.
      4. MarComm is responding by:
        1. Monitoring paid search campaigns and continuing those that remain effective
        2. Exploring reallocation of diminishing paid search budgets into other advertising channels
        3. Evaluating alternative, behavior-based advertising approach
        4. Additional internal actions highlighted include:
        5. Shifting from “more content is better” to a quality-focused approach
        6. Ensuring consistent organization and structure across web pages (Web ID 2)
        7. Strengthening citations, cross-references, rankings, and external endorsements
        8. Avoiding artificial influence campaigns on social media platforms
        9. MarComm is actively planning adjustments across web, advertising, and public relations to improve AI readiness and will continue supporting faculty and staff with guidance and resources.
    2. Presentation from Abby Rojas, Director of Engagement, University Advancement
      1. Abby Rojas presented on Panthers Connect
        1. Panthers Connect is UWM’s mentoring, networking and engagement platform. It is designed to ensure every Panther graduates from UWM with access to at least one meaningful professional connection.
        2. Faculty and staff are vital connectors in our Panther community. Here’s how you can make an impact on Panthers Connect:
        3. Model connection: Create your own profile to show students the power of professional networking.
        4. Refer students: Encourage your students to activate their profiles, explore alumni networks and join groups that align with their career interests.
        5. Engage with alumni: Many UWM alumni are eager to collaborate on panels, class talks, internships and mentoring. Panthers Connect makes these introductions seamless.
        6. Be a resource: You can answer student questions, offer “flash mentorship” or upload resources and events on Panthers Connect that support student success
        7. Getting started is quick and easy:
        8. Make sure you have 5-10 minutes to complete the sign-up process and answer all of the questions.
        9. Visit www.panthersconnect.uwm.edu and click Join Your Community.
        10. Sign up with your email. If you are a UWM alum, select the “Alum” user type; if not, select “Faculty/Staff” as your user type.
        11. Complete your profile so students can easily identify you as a resource.
        12. Download the PeopleGrove App (Apple | Google Play), search for UW Milwaukee and log in with your Panthers Connect credentials to stay active and accessible to students and alumni on the go.
        13. If you’re interested in exploring how Panthers Connect can support your department’s goals, from engaging alumni to enhancing student success, I would welcome the opportunity to connect. Please feel free to schedule a time that works best for you using my calendar: https://calendly.com/strozins/panthers-connect-introduction-or-conversation.
  5. Next meeting will select a chair for next year.
  6. Adjournment