FALL 2025
A few words from Gail Dukes, chair of the University Staff Senate
Fall Into the Semester with University Staff
Just a couple of months ago, we were welcoming a new Chancellor and soaking up the warmth of summer. Now, here we are in the throes of fall—welcoming new students, facilitating move-ins, and gearing up for classes and campus activities. Time truly flies when you’re having fun… or working in higher ed!
Upcoming Plenary Session with Chancellor Tom Gibson
This semester brings an important opportunity for University Staff: the upcoming Plenary Session hosted by our new Chancellor, Tom Gibson.
This session is more than just an update—it’s a chance to hear directly about the state of the University and how it affects not only the campus as a whole but also the critical role of University Staff.
As I always say, University Staff is the backbone of this institution. Understanding where the University stands helps us better assess our needs and chart a path forward.
Your Voice Matters
Remember—the University Senate works for YOU!
If you have concerns, suggestions, or bright ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any Senator. We want—and need—to hear from you.
Thank You
Enjoy the remainder of the semester and thank you for everything you do to make this University thrive.
From the Desk of the Secretary of the University – John Reisel
Welcome to a new academic year. With students returning to campus, you’ve probably noticed a big change in how the campus feels compared to the summer. We not only have more energy on campus, we also have constant visible reminders of why we are here – to help our students achieve their goals.
Many UWM employees can find the governance system on campus bewildering. Until you get involved in governance it can be daunting to figure it out. Therefore, I would like to give you a high-level overview of how governance is organized at UWM.
UWM employees are divided into three broad categories, each with their own governance structure. These categories are Academic Staff, Faculty, and University Staff, with Academic Staff being the largest group. The history of Academic Staff governance and Faculty governance goes back many decades, while University Staff governance is relatively new. Academic Staff and Faculty governance are well-established with each having many procedures and precedents from which to work. University Staff governance is catching up and has grown significantly in the last 5 years, but is not as well developed.
That is where you can play an important role in governance. Each of these governance groups has significant say over the rules overseeing members of the employees in that category, and helps make decisions affecting those employees. By getting involved in governance, you can have a direct impact on the University Staff across campus. You can help select award winners. You can help assure that your colleagues are treated fairly. You can even potentially serve on search-and-screen committees for high-level administrative positions and help decide who become the finalists for such jobs.
As the University Staff branch of shared governance develops, we are seeing more individuals get involved. However, there always remains a need for even more employees to get involved and new voices are always welcome. If you are not currently involved with shared governance, I encourage you to strongly consider active participation by becoming a part of our decision-making governance bodies.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Chancellor’s Plenary
You’re invited!
Join UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Thomas Gibson for his first state-of-the-University plenary address, followed by a reception welcoming him to campus. Chancellor Gibson became UWM’s 10th chancellor on July 14, 2025. In his plenary address, he will highlight many accomplishments of our students and employees, give an update on the university’s finances and offer his vision for UWM’s future.
Tuesday, September 16
UWM Student Union, Wisconsin Room (2nd Floor)
2:30 p.m. Check-In & Registration
3 p.m. Plenary
3:45-4:45 p.m. Chancellor Gibson Welcome Reception
If you still need to RSVP (RSVP by September 12, 2025) to this special event here is the link: https://uwm.edu/chancellor/rsvp/rsvp-plenary/
EMPLOYEE EXCELLENCE Awards
Come and celebrate your colleagues at the Employee Excellence Awards in October!
October 15 at 3:00 pm in the Union Ballroom. A reception will follow in the MLK Lounge just outside the Union Ballroom to celebrate the Awardees.
Watch for Make New Waves campaign activities
UWM is launching its brand campaign — “Make New Waves” — across the university’s marketing and advertising initiatives. We’ve updated UWM’s Home Page https://uwm.edu/ to feature the campaign, and watch for more campaign activities throughout the academic year.
Photo Headshot Week is Sept. 22-25
MarComm is hosting its Photo Headshot Week Sept. 22-25. This is intended to make scheduling photo headshots easy for faculty and staff who need new or updated headshots from a professional photographer.
Headshot week is offered at the start of each semester in the team’s new studio in Cunningham Hall, Room B151.
Here is the website to book your headshot and with more information: https://uwm.edu/marcomm/services-resources/photo-headshot-week/
If you want you can could also get a photo at the SET headshot booth which offers another option. UWM’s Center for Student Experience and Talent offers a free photo booth service for students, faculty and staff to use in Vogel Hall. The photo booth provides professional headshots with a light gray background. The final photo is emailed to the user. No appointments are required.
Important Parking Information for Fall 2025
Due to unprecedented demand and construction around campus, parking availability on campus will be extremely limited at the start of the Fall 2025 semester. All parking permits are currently sold out, with record-high student permit sales at the NWQ and Pavilion Garages.
Key Parking Restrictions:
- Pavilion Garage: Only permit parking allowed Monday–Thursday, 5:00 AM–1:30 PM
- NWQ Garage: Very limited weekday availability until 1 pm (except Fridays)
- Hourly Parking:
- Ticket validations do not guarantee a space
- If it is full, the parker is not able to enter the garage
- Must get an entry ticket (hourly parking) and currently it is very limited
- NWQ and Pavilion have had no hourly parking due to permit holder demand. Parking availability is subject to change depending on future demand and supply.
- Lubar and Union hourly parking fills quickly, especially Monday–Friday before 1:00 PM
- Ticket validations do not guarantee a space
Recommended Alternative – QR Code Reservations: To ensure parking for guests, we strongly recommend using a reservation.
- Reservations provide a QR code for gate access and guarantee a parking space
- Request via the Transportation Services Purchase Request Form
- Select Request Type: “ONE PASS/QR Code Reservation”
- Flat fee: $12 per reservation
- Billed per space reserved, not per pass used
- Spaces are taken offline to ensure availability
Additional Notes:
- Lots 18 and 19 (Heat Plant): No visitor parking due to ongoing construction
- For event planning, please notify Transportation Services as early as possible so we can explore accommodation options
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we navigate this high-demand period.
Student Union WG25
2200 E. Kenwood Blvd.
Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 229–4000
Visit @ uwm.edu/transportation
Workshop Opportunities
CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION Workshops
All UWM employees are invited to register for Conflict Transformation workshops offered by the Division of Community Empowerment and Institutional Inclusivity (CEII). This series of three professional development workshops will address:
- Conflict styles.
- Strategies for responding to conflict in the moment.
- Proactive ways to prepare for conflict before it occurs.
Each workshop is offered both in person and virtually. The in-person workshops will be on Tuesdays, Sept. 23, Oct. 7 and Oct. 21, from 11 a.m. to noon, in Engelmann B73.
The virtual workshops will be on Wednesdays, Sept. 24, Oct. 8 and Oct. 22, from noon to 1 p.m., via Zoom. The workshops build on each other, so it’s recommended to attend all three if possible, but this is not required.
Register online by Sept. 19.
The Conflict Transformation program is facilitated by Sarah MacDonald, CEII training and dispute resolution specialist. Contact her for more information.
Principles of Supervision and Management cohort in Fall 2025
UWM will be hosting Principles of Supervision and Management! A Fall 2025 Cohort will be open only to UWM managers and supervisors, with costs covered through funding by university leadership (no costs from departments).
To find out more information and register go here: https://uwm.edu/hr/uwm-to-host-a-principles-of-supervision-and-management-cohort-in-fall-2025/
Professional Development Opportunities
UWM’s Human Resources page has been updated to include new opportunities. Check it out here: https://uwm.edu/hr/professional-development/
Health/Wellness
UWM Employee Campus Tour
UWM Human Resources is hosting an employee campus tour on September 19 from 12:10 – 12:50 P.M.! Whether you’re new to campus or have been here for many years and want to get out for a walk to meet new people, join this informative and engaging event. Meet at the UWM Union Ground Floor Information Desk.
UWM Campus Connectivity
Give your mind and body a break from work while connecting with the UWM campus community! Meet at the UWM fountain by the library (or rain location in inclement weather) for a group activity and movement exercise such as a short walk or stretching. Come as you are, no special equipment or clothing needed and no registration required, just show up! Open to all abilities and levels.
- September 30 at 3:00 P.M. – Meet at the UWM Fountain (Rain location – Engelmann B38)
Wag More Wednesdays at the UWM Library- A way to de-stress
Therapy dogs will be at the UWM Daniel M. Soref Library Learning Commons on various Wednesdays each month. This is a great opportunity for employees and students to de-stress and snuggle with a furry friend. Each visit is about one hour. Schedules for upcoming therapy dog visits at the library can be found here:
Coming in October – UWM Onsite Movement Series
Mark your calendars and get ready to move! Join Tracy Oles, UWM Employee Wellbeing and Engagement Manager, for a total body “Try-It” series. Whether you try one or try them all, you will learn, have fun and meet new people from across campus! All levels are welcome. Dress comfortably and bring water and a towel. Check the HR Events Calendar for registration, opening soon, as space will be limited.
October 3, 12:00 P.M. – 12:30 P.M., Stretching* at the Library East Wing Contemplation Area
October 9, 4:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M., All level HIIT (with no/low impact options)* at the LECWC AmFam Dream Studio
October 17, 12:00 P.M. – 12:30 P.M., Core* (location TBD)
October 23, 4:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M., Dance Fitness (location TBD)
* bring a mat
Well Wisconsin Health Screening
Join us for a Well Wisconsin health screening on the UMW campus, Monday, October 6, 2025, in the Student Union Wisconsin Room from 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. All employees, spouses and retirees who are enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program are welcome to participate. Discover your numbers for blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol (HDL, LDL and total), triglycerides and glucose.
Follow these steps to register for an appointment:
- Log in to your portal at webmdhealth.com/wellwisconsin.
- Click “My Health” at the top of the screen
- Scroll to the “Take Action” section.
- On the Biometric Screening card, click “Get Started.”
- Choose “Click here to register” under “Onsite Health Screening” to be directed to the Quest site to reserve your spot.
Completing a health check (plus completing the health assessment and a wellbeing activity), earns you $150…and they’re all a big boost for your overall wellness.
Well Wisconsin Flu Clinics
The Well Wisconsin Program is offering onsite workplace flu clinics including three scheduled at the UWM Student Union. Flu vaccinations are free for UWM employees and spouses enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program.
Preregistration is required. To register for your flu vaccination appointment, log into the wellness portal and click “Register Today” on the Flu Vaccination card.
You will be required to present your medical ID card at the flu clinic. After you register for your appointment online, complete the digital consent form which will be available on the appointment confirmation page and in your confirmation email.
Dates and Times of UWM Flu Clinics
- October 8, 8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M., UWM Student Union Wisconsin Room
- October 23, 9:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M., UWM Student Union Wisconsin Room
- November 11, 8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M., UWM Student Union Wisconsin Room
UWM Benefits Fair will be in October
Watch your email for more information.
New Benefit Account Administrator
We had Optum and are now moving to TASC. For those with an HSA or FSA account the administrator will be changing to TASC. Check your email for the announcement and more information.
Workday and My Insurance Benefits are Live!
To view your current benefits enrollments, get started by logging in to Workday and go to the Benefits and Pay Hub under the Menu where you can view existing benefits. You can also manage your supplemental retirement benefits in Workday including enrolling in the UW 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Program (SRP) or make changes to your contribution election in Workday.
University Staff Senate
Want to know what is going on the University Staff Senate? Come to a meeting! Meetings are open to all! Join on your computer or mobile app or come in person in June!
Teams information will be on final agenda on the website. See website for final agenda https://uwm.edu/secu/us/university-staff-senate/
University Staff Senate Upcoming Meetings 2025-2026
| Month | Day | Time | Location |
| September | 16 | 10 a.m. | On Teams |
| October | 21 | 10 a.m. | On Teams |
| November | 18 | 10 a.m. | On Teams |
| December | 16 | 10 a.m. | On Teams |
| January | 20 | 10 a.m. | On Teams |
| February | 17 | 10 a.m. | On Teams |
| March | 17 | 10 a.m. | On Teams |
| April | 21 | 10 a.m. | On Teams |
| May | 19 | 10 a.m. | On Teams |
| June | 16 | 10 a.m. | On Teams and In person in- Lubar Hall S250 |