May 12, 2026 – University Committee (UC)-Minutes

Posted on:

Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Lubar N456 and Microsoft Teams

Attendance

Present: Professors M. Kavanaugh, K. Kirshtner R. Leson, L. McHenry, W. Otieno, G. Rodger, M. Schwartz
Excused:  
Guests:  L. Berger, T. Gibson, B. Peters

I. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by M. Kavanaugh at 1:00 p.m.

II. Persons Who Wish to be Heard

None

III. Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the May 5, 2026 meeting were approved.

IV. Special Guests

Chancellor Thomas Gibson

  1. Chancellor Gibson has been appointed to the search and screen committee for the UW President. 
  2. The Canvas breach showed that UWM does not have a continuity of service plan for the course learning management system.  IT is now working on this so that UWM has back-up plans in the future.  Chancellor Gibson also brought this to the attention of UW System administration to see if there will be a System response.  Fortunately, UWM does not require students to share personal information to use Canvas.  The UC thanked David Delgado for his updates on the situation. 
  3. The feedback on the revised Student Identity Centers plan, as well as the communication on the plan, has been positive.  UC feedback was also positive.
  4. The new VC for Marketing and Communications has been hired.  John Drevs comes to UWM from Loyola University of Chicago.
  5. The focus of the Chancellor’s monthly WUWM broadcast was research.
  6. Several graduate programs have been ranked among the best in the nation. 

Interim Dean Lisa Berger, CCEP

1.  The UC went into closed session to discuss an augmentation request.

Dean Brett Peters, CEAS

1.  The UC went into closed session to discuss personnel matters.

V. Chairperson’s Report and Announcements

None          

VI. Members’ Reports

None

VII. New Business

None

VIII. Old Business

1.      Revisions to the Department Chair Duties

The UC discussed proposed revisions to the position of department chair and their duties.

  • Social Media Policy Feedback

Deferred

IX.  Personnel Matters

Per Wis. Stats 19.85(1)(f), it was moved and seconded to go into closed session to discuss personnel matters. Upon voice vote, closed session began at 1:02 p.m. The committee reconvened in open session at 1:09 p.m.

Per Wis. Stats 19.85(1)(f), it was moved and seconded to go into closed session to discuss personnel matters. Upon voice vote, closed session began at 2:04 p.m. The committee reconvened in open session at 2:10 p.m.

Per Wis. Stats 19.85(1)(f), it was moved and seconded to go into closed session to discuss personnel matters. Upon voice vote, closed session began at 2:12 p.m. The committee reconvened in open session at 2:35 p.m.

X. Future Agenda Items

The next scheduled UC meeting is planned for August 25.  The UC will meet if necessary over the summer.

XI. Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at 3:01 p.m.