November 18, 2025-University Staff Senate-Minutes

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Location:  Microsoft Teams 

Present:  J. Almquist, N. Brautigam, E. Cochrane, A. Dempsey-Fischer, P. Dixon, G. Dukes, L. Eastman, C. Fitzpatrick, S. Fuller-Muñiz, P. Geraci, R. Harrison, G. Henion, J. Lassila, K. Morgan, T. Nation, C. Parks, C. Peterson, K. Premeau, M. Renk, L. Ross, S. Ruditys, M. Vallejo, S. Wagner, C. Warneke

Absent:  K. Valerius, R. Wahl, S. Wirka

Guests:  A. Abedi, A. Braun, D. Clark, J. Herriges

  1. Call to Order-The meeting was called to order at 10:01 a.m.
  2. Approval of minutes for October 21, 2025-The minutes were approved as submitted via automatic consent.
  3. SAAP 14-15 Research Misconduct-The SAAP was approved as submitted via automatic consent.
  4. Chair Update-G. Dukes-announced she would be retiring at the end of January 2026.  Vice Chair A. Dempsey-Fischer will take over until the new chair is elected in Spring of 2026.  Elections are held in Spring and the new chair and vice chair start in July 2026.  L. Eastman will continue to support the Senate.
  5. Research at UWM-A. Abedi gave a presentation on research at UWM.  He highlighted where research dollars come from and how they are used.
  6. Academic Staff Update-J. Herriges gave an update on the Academic Staff and what they are working on in their Senate.
  7. Athletics at UWM-A. Braun presented information about the Athletic Program here at UWM.  She discussed our student athletes and how they contribute across the campus.
  8. Pilot Program-“No Credit Option”-D. Clark presented information on the new no credit option that will be available to incoming freshman.  If the program goes well it may be expanded to other students.  This will hopefully help with retention and helping students find their best choices as they navigate campus life.
  9. Getting to know you-Justin Almquist was the featured senator to discuss their life and contributions on campus.  Justin is with the Occupational Science and Technology within the School of Rehabilitation Sciences & Technology.
  10. Committee Reports
    1. University Staff Nominations Committee met to replace George Henion on committees.  George will be retiring as of December 1.
  11. Adjournment-The meeting was adjourned at 11:19 a.m.