Time: 2:30 pm
Location: Microsoft Teams
Attendance
Present: M. Archer, R. Calkins, M. Rausch Camacho, C. Cho, J. Court, M. Duellman, R. Edwards, K. Esguerra, A. Follmer, C. Fleider, B. Freer, J. Herriges, B. Hinshaw, J. Johnson, K. Korinek, S. Luelloff, L. McGovern, B. Mueller, N. Oswald, M. Priem, J. Rotier, A. Sandoval, C. Sampson, A. Schmidt, K. Scholz, N. Simonson, A. Singer, J. Steinheiser, A. Stoddard, S. Surach, B. Trager, K. O’Connell Valuch, D. Van Kerkvoorde, E. Zahasky
Absent: A. Meddaugh
Guests: Andrew Daire, Makda Fessahaye, Thomas Gibson, Renee Joos, John Reisel
Call to Order
Chair J. Herriges called the meeting to order at 2:30 p.m.
Auto Consent
- Minutes of September 9, 2025 meeting approved as distributed.
Chair’s Report
J. Herriges reported ASC met twice since the last AS Senate meeting. She met with Chancellor Gibson and Provost Daire as well as provided reports to the University Committee, Faculty Senate and the University Staff Senate.
Guests
- Chancellor Thomas Gibson
Chancellor Gibson encouraged all to attend the October 15th Employee Excellence Awards and Thankful Thursday event on October 16th. He reported on UWM’s rankings in the US News and World Report and noted the overall ranking increased both in 2024 and 2025. Gibson acknowledged the good work of academic staff that contributes to the higher rankings. Gibson provided and update on SEMs and encouraged all to tell UWM’s stories to attract and retain students and talent. Gibson thanked academic staff for their commitment to the university. - Provost A. Daire
Provost Daire gave a brief enrollment update including that the current class is largest in 16 years. He is evaluating data to focus on retention. Provost Daire started holding college-wide meetings last week and will continue in the coming months. He provided a brief update on Act 15. - Associate Vice Chancellor (AVC) Makda Fessahaye
AVC Fessahaye gave an update on the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP) for eligible indefinite academic staff and faculty. Telecommuting agreements were due in Workday on September 30 however employees who have not submitted are strongly encouraged to submit immediately. New employee orientations will be held on October 22 and December 2. The condensed process for performance evaluations for non-instructional academic staff, university staff and limited appointees should be completed by October 31st. The full performance evaluation process for those groups will launch July 1, 2026. R. Joos shared total rewards efforts and benefits and wellness opportunities. Open enrollment runs through October 31st. - Secretary of the University John Reisel
Secretary J. Reisel introduced himself and thanked academic staff for their dedication and work. He said the Office of the Secretary of the University exists to provide help to employees. He encouraged asking questions about academic staff contracts.
New Business
- Survey on Indefinite Status – K. Esguerra presented summary of results of survey and discussion occurred about details. Academic Staff Committee (ASC) will talk about next steps.
Unfinished Business
None.
Committee Reports
- Committees
Stephanie Surach, Chair of AS Orientation Committee, reported the Committee is working on its presentation which is scheduled for November 4th.
Kyla Esguerra, Chair of the Non-Instructional AS Review Committee, reported the workshop on how to prepare indefinite file will be held on October 16th.
Mike Priem, Chair of AS Hearing and Appeals Committee, reported the Committee’s first meeting was September 19th and due to no business the October 17th meeting has been canceled. - Subcommittees
Anne Kissack, Communications Subcommittee, shared the AS Newsletter will be distributed each semester. Interested academic staff are encouraged join the subcommittee.
Renee Scampini reported she is going to reestablish the Instructional Academic Staff Subcommittee and encouraged interested Instructional AS to contact her.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m.