Present: J. Almquist, N. Brautigam, E. Cochrane, A. Dempsey-Fischer, P. Dixon, L. Eastman, C. Fitzpatrick, S. Fuller-Muñiz, P. Geraci, R. Harrison, J. Lessila, K. Morgan, C. Parks, C. Peterson, K. Premeau, M. Renk, S. Ruditys, K. Valerius, S. Wagner, C. Warneke, S. Wirka
Absent: G. Dukes, T. Nation
Guests: D. Clark, T. Gibson, D. McGee, R. Oehler, T. Oles
Minutes
Call to Order-The meeting was called to order 10:02 a.m.
Approval of minutes for September 16, 2025-The minutes were approved as submitted via automatic consent.
SAAP 10-13 Treatment of Human Anatomical Specimens-The SAAP was approved as submitted via automatic consent
Chancellor Update-Chancellor T. Gibson updated the Senate.
The Employee Excellence Awards were a wonderful way to celebrate contributions by outstanding members of UWM.
The first Thankful Thursday will be coming up in October. Look for these events to come out and socialize with your co-workers.
UWM is increasing its visibility across the United States. Nursing is ranked in the top 11 programs, Psychology in the top 25 as well as Business being ranked in the top 25. Everyone recognizes the great work and dedication of the Faculty and Staff. This helps our recruitment as well as our retention.
Chair Update-A. Dempsey-Fischer updated the Senate on behalf of G. Dukes.
L. Wieczorek had her baby, Genevieve. The Senate will send L. Wieczorek’s family congratulations.
R. Wahl is recovering from knee surgery. The Senate will send him a speedy recovery.
Open Enrollment for benefits ends October 31.
Purchasing update-D. McGee presented information about Purchasing and answered questions from the Senate.
“Emergency” checks are no longer an option as checks come from Madison with the new system.
Training videos are online and it is encouraged to take the courses to refresh your knowledge about Workday to answer questions about the changes that are in the Purchasing requirements.
Visa documentation is required with a shorter turnaround time. Your purchasing card could be suspended from use if you have outstanding documentation. Keep track of the records that are needed by the system.
FAA update-R. Oehler came to discuss staffing issues in FAA with the Senate.
Environmental Services (which includes custodial services) is more limited due to budget cuts. Trash services have moved to major areas, classrooms, washrooms.
Grounds crews are more limited now and will work on snow/ice as winter is approaching.Maintenance/Trades continue to work to keep buildings and issues updated. There is a ticketing system online. If there is an issue in your area be sure to fill out the online form.Heating/cooling is like maintenance. If there is an issue, please see the online ticket system so issues can be assigned.
Mail services have been reduced. Working to be more efficient.
Getting to know you-E. Cochrane was on hand to introduce herself.
Committee Reports
US Nominations Committee-K. Morgan, chair of University Staff Nominations Committee, updated the Senate on the meeting. L. Wieczorek went on maternity leave. She was replaced on her committees.
New/Other Business
Blood Pressure Monitoring Program-T. Oles-If you are looking to monitor your blood pressure and may qualify (and are not being treated for high blood pressure) UWM has a program to monitor your blood pressure. Contact T. Oles to participate at teo@uwm.edu. In addition, there will be an email with updated wellness classes and options sent out to campus to focus on staff courses and options that will be coming. Check your email for that.
2030 Update-
D. Clark updated the Senate on the 2030 goals.
UWM has a new marketing campaign called Make New Waves which is on the UWM home page/website. It highlights the programs and areas that move UWM forward on its vision and goals as we move toward 2030.
Adjournment-The meeting was adjourned at 11:51 a.m.