Time: Tuesday at 1:00 p.m.
Location: Lubar N456 and Microsoft Teams
Attendance
Present: Professors M. Kavanaugh, K. Kirshtner, R. Leson, W. Otieno, G. Rodger, M. Schwartz
Excused: L. McHenry
Guests: C. Bilen-Green, D. Clark, T. Gibson, M. Laiosa
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by M. Kavanaugh at 1:00 p.m.
Persons Who Wish to be Heard
Professor Michael Laiosa came to the UC to discuss the impacts of the end of subvention on the Zilber College of Public Health. The Dean has stated that tenure-track faculty are at risk for layoff due to program discontinuation. The UC provided suggestions as to how to move forward, and indicated they will help fight for supporting ZCPH.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of October 7, 2025 meeting were approved.
Special Guests
- Chancellor Thomas Gibson
- The Chancellor has met with various elected officials from the Milwaukee area as well as Sen. Tammy Baldwin. The meeting with Sen. Baldwin focused on the federal policy shifts and the disruptions that they are causing UWM.
- There was a local press event to promote the completion of FAFSA applications. In 2024 slightly over $66 million was not claimed by Wisconsin students and families due to not completing their FAFSA applications. UWM’s affordability gap for students is $7,809, which is much higher than the national average. To help address this, UWM is continuing with the Tuition Promise program. UWM is awarding $30 million in scholarships this year, with the average award being about $2,800.
- This year UWM is pursuing a policy change to allow first-year students to change an F grade to a NC grade. This grade forgiveness is expected to help retain students. This will need to be further supported by strong advising to help the students take corrective actions.
- The Chancellor was pleased with the improvements that UWM experienced in the US News rankings. The Nursing program is in the top 11% nationwide. The Business program is in the top 20%, the Psychology program is in the top 25%, and the Computer Science program is in the top 30%.
- The old Chemistry building is to be razed soon, and later this month the state building commission will be releasing funds for the Health Science renovation and funds for planning for the engineering and neurosciences building.
- The accepted VSIP offers were sent out last week and need to be returned by December 1.
- Vice Provost Dave Clark
VP Clark has been working on revising the Academic Approval Matrix. He will share the draft with the UC and return for more discussion after the UC has reviewed the proposed matrix.
The UC and VP Clark discussed the current status of the General Education Requirements based on the directives coming from the UW System. The UC discussed bringing forward a resolution similar to UW-River Falls expressing opposition to the UW System plan.
Chairperson’s Report and Announcements
None
Members’ Reports
None
New Business
- Policy and Procedures 1.01- Deferred
Old Business
- Campus Faculty Workload Policy
Vice Provost Canan Bilen-Green joined the UC meeting to discuss the finalized campus faculty workload policy. The UC endorsed the final version of the campus faculty workload policy.
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 1:45 p.m. The committee reconvened in open session at 1:57 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 2:31 p.m. The committee reconvened in open session at 2:44 p.m.
Future Agenda Items
The next scheduled UC meeting is October 28 at 1:00 pm. ASC Chair Jennifer Herriges is scheduled to attend.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 2:54 p.m.