September 18, 2025 – Faculty Senate – Minutes

Posted on:

Time: Thursday at 2:30 p.m.
Location: Curtin 175 and Microsoft Teams

  1. Call to Order
    Chancellor Gibson called the Faculty Meeting to order at 2:30 p.m.
  2. Comments and Questions
    1. Chancellor’s Report
      The Chancellor thanked those who attended the plenary and noted the recording is available online. He reported that UWM has welcomed its largest freshman class since 2009, an 11% increase from last year. He highlighted positive interactions with students, meetings with alumni and legislators, and the launch of the Make New Waves marketing campaign. He encouraged faculty and staff to share stories with Marketing and Communications.

      He also referenced the Employee Excellence Awards, the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP), and noted that the spending freeze will be lifted for units that have met their budget goals.
    2. Provost’s Report
      The Provost highlighted UWM’s new Make New Waves marketing campaign and noted the university has enrolled its largest freshman class in 16 years. He emphasized the importance of retaining students beyond three semesters and outlined initiatives to advance student-centric academic experiences, strengthen dean-level accountability for retention metrics, and standardize advising and course scheduling to allow for more holistic advising. He also noted policy work led by Dave Clark’s workgroup, including consideration of a more forgiving grade-forgiveness policy for first-year students. The Provost encouraged faculty to connect with students in class and on campus, as feeling connected is key to student belonging and retention.

      In response to a question from Senator Jeffrey Sommers regarding the possibility of a state-funded or self-insured healthcare plan, the Provost deferred to the Chancellor. The Chancellor noted that while self-funded systems exist in other states, no analysis has yet been conducted in Wisconsin and he was unsure where such a conversation would begin.
    3. University Committee Report: Melinda Kavanaugh, Chair
    4. Academic Planning & Budget Committee Report: Derek Counts and Jarett Wilcoxen, Co-Chairs
    5. Academic Staff Committee Report: Jennifer Herriges, Chair
    6. Academic Program & Curriculum Committee Report: Michael Newman, Chair
    7. Graduate Faculty Committee Report: Itziar Lazkano, Chair
    8. Student Association Report: Levi Valentine, Vice President of Student Affairs
  3. Faculty Senate Rules Committee and UWM Faculty/Senate Meetings for Academic Year 2025-26
    The Faculty Senate Rules Committee and Faculty Senate meeting schedules were distributed with the Senate agenda. There were no comments or questions.
  4. Determine Existence of Quorum for the Faculty Meeting
    A quorum of the faculty was not present. A meeting of the Faculty Senate convened.
  5. Senate Roll Call
    Secretary of the University John Reisel conducted the roll call for the Senate. There were 44 senators and Parliamentarian Colleen Boland present. A quorum of the Faculty Senate was present.
  6. Automatic Consent
    1. The minutes of the May 6, 2025 and May 8, 2025 Faculty Senate meetings were approved as distributed.
    2. Report on Faculty Senate Attendance for Semester II, 2024-25, was received.
    3. Summary of Faculty Legislation for Semester II, 2024-25, was received.
    4. Listing of New Faculty Members for 2025-26 and Retired Faculty for 2024-25 (FD3572), was received.
    5. Recommendation of the Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) and Academic Affairs to Revise the Minimum Qualifications for Instructors Policy (SAAP 7-10), was received.
    6. 2024-25 Annual Reports of the Faculty Standing Committees: Annual reports from 26 faculty standing committees were received.
  7. Chancellor’s Report
    1. Document 1817R4, 05/06/25: Recommendation of the Academic Policy Committee to Revise the Academic Warning and Separation Policy. Sent to UWM Administration, 05/07/25. Approved by UWM Administration, 05/12/25.
    2. Document 2137R8, 05/06/25: Recommendation of the Faculty Senate Subcommittee on the Evaluation of Administrators (SSEA) to Revise the Policy for Faculty Evaluation of Administrators. Sent to UWM Administration, 05/07/25. Approved by UWM Administration, 05/12/25.
    3. Document 3565, 05/06/25: Recommendation to Amend UWM Policies & Procedures Chapter A3.1: Honorary Degrees Committee Charter. Sent to UWM Administration, 05/07/25. Approved by UWM Administration, 05/12/25.
    4. Document 3566, 05/06/25: Recommendation of the College of Letters & Science and the Department-like Body of Translation & Interpreting Studies to dissolve the Department-like Body of Translation & Interpreting Studies. Sent to UWM Administration, 05/07/25. Approved by UWM Administration, 05/12/25.
    5. Document 3567, 05/06/25: Recommendation of the College of Letters & Science and the Department of Spanish & Portuguese to dissolve the Department of Spanish & Portuguese. Sent to UWM Administration, 05/07/25. Approved by UWM Administration, 05/12/25.
    6. Document 3568, 05/06/25: Memorandum of Understanding Between UW-Parkside’s Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Sciences and UWM’s Master of Science in Athletic Training. Sent to UWM Administration, 05/07/25. Approved by UWM Administration, 05/12/25.
    7. Document 3569, 05/06/25: Recommendation of the Master of Science in Data Science Program to Change the Name of the Program to Master of Science in Data Science & Applied Artificial Intelligence. Sent to UWM Administration, 05/07/25. Approved by UWM Administration, 05/12/25.
    8. Document 3570, 05/06/25: Endorsement of the letter from the International Committee to the Provost regarding the process by which the Institute for World Affairs was marked for elimination in December 2025. Sent to UWM Administration, 05/07/25. Received by UWM Administration, 05/12/25.
  8. Business
    1. Faculty Document 3493R1: Recommendation of the Academic Program & Curriculum Committee (APCC) to Revise the UWM Bachelor’s Degree Requirements Policy. A senator moved adoption of Faculty Document 3493R1. APCC Chair Michael Newman presented the document.

      MOTION: to approve Faculty Document 3493R1. The motion was seconded and approved with a vote of 35-yes; 3-no; and 2-abstentions.
    2. Faculty Document 3573: Recommendation of the Graduate Faculty Committee (GFC) to Merge and Supersede Faculty Documents 3184, 3186 & 3187 to Create the Graduate School Policy on Transfer Credit. A senator moved adoption of Faculty Document 3573. Graduate Academic Services Manager Shane Haensgen presented the document.

      Senator Philip Chang asked how the proposal differed from current policy. Presenter Haensgen explained it would allow undergraduates outside of accelerated programs and non-degree students to transfer graduate-level credits into a graduate program with a grade of C– or higher.

      MOTION: to approve Faculty Document 3573. The motion was seconded and approved with a vote of 42-yes; 0-no; and 0-abstentions.
    3. Faculty Document 3574: Recommendation of the GFC to Create the Graduate School Policy on Non-Degree Student Status and Graduate Credits. A senator moved adoption of Faculty Document 3574. Graduate Academic Services Manager Shane Haensgen presented the document.

      MOTION: to approve Faculty Document 3574. The motion was seconded and approved with a vote of 38-yes; 0-no; and 2-abstentions.
    4. Faculty Document 3196R2: Recommendation of the GFC to Revise Requirements for Graduate Credit in Graduate Level Courses and Combined Undergraduate/Graduate Level Courses. A senator moved adoption of Faculty Document 3196R2. Graduate Academic Services Manager Shane Haensgen presented the document.

      Senator Lindsay McHenry asked if there is a formal distinction between courses intended for future graduate students. Presenter Haensgen responded that no such distinction is stated and that it is discipline-specific.

      MOTION: to approve Faculty Document 3196R2. The motion was seconded and approved with a vote of 38-yes; 0-no; and 3-abstentions.
    5. SAAP 15-3: Recommendation of the PAC and the Dean of Students Office to Create the Hazing Policy. A senator moved adoption of SAAP 15-3. The motion was seconded. Chief Legal Counsel Joely Urdan presented the document.

      Senator Mark Schwartz questioned the wording of the “Hazing Policy,” noting it could be misinterpreted as promoting hazing rather than prohibiting it. Chief Legal Counsel Joely Urdan explained the title was a matter of reference.

      MOTION: to approve SAAP 15-3. The motion was seconded and approved with a vote of 38-yes; 1-no; and 1-abstention.
    6. SAAP 1-14: Recommendation of the PAC and the Division of Academic Affairs to Revise the Teaching Evaluation Policy. A senator moved adoption of SAAP 1-14. The motion was seconded. Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Dave Clark presented the document.

      Senator McHenry asked how course evaluations would work if a graduate/undergraduate combined class had fewer than five students in one section. Vice Provost Clark explained that outcomes depend on how sections are scheduled: if combined, evaluations can proceed; if split, small sections may fall below the minimum threshold. Assistant Vice Provost Jonathan Hanes added that departments can combine certain sections for evaluation purposes, though not all course pairings (e.g., entirely separate course numbers) allow this. Senator Schwartz noted challenges with graduate/undergraduate course pairings that require separate numbers, which can prevent evaluation if enrollment is too low.

      MOTION: to approve SAAP 1-14. The motion was seconded and approved with a vote of 23-yes; 11-no; and 2-abstentions.
  9. Unfinished Business
    None.
  10. General Good and Welfare
    Senator Philip Chang asked about the purpose of the “General Good and Welfare” section. Secretary Reisel explained it is for announcements or information to be recorded in the Senate’s historical record. Senator Chang noted concerns with the shift of the contractual period this summer, which caused issues for onboarding and delayed paychecks for some faculty and graduate students. Secretary Reisel explained the calendar is set three years in advance and periodic shifts occur due to leap years, with an option for 12-month pay distribution available beginning next year. Senator Richard Leson added that communication about this change could have been clearer at the system level.
  11. Adjournment
    The meeting adjourned at 3:36 p.m.

Committee Reports

University Committee Report: Melinda Kavanaugh, Chair

Report will be posted upon receipt.

Academic Planning & Budget Committee Report: Derek Counts and Jarett Wilcoxen, Co-Chairs

Since the last Faculty Senate meeting, the APBC convened 5 times on May 22, June 5, July 10, August 28, and September 11.

Meetings on May 22 and June 5 were primarily concerned with UWM’s new procedure for Program Array Review. Some concerns were raised about the nature and timing of information concerning the closure of the Institute of World Affairs, which prompted these broader discussions with Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Dave Clark. Conversations at both meetings focused on the role of APBC in hearing proposals and the need for standardized data, but also a standardized template for organizing information, accompanying program closure proposals submitted to APBC for review. Discussion also focused on procedures for laying off faculty and staff, with HR representatives on-hand to answer questions.

At the July 10 meeting, the committee discussed the implications of the state budget, which had recently been passed by the legislature. The committee also reviewed and found no concerns with a Request for Implementation of a new Doctorate in Social Work from the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, which is being proposed in response to both national and regional workforce trends demanding social work practitioners with advanced degrees.

At the August 28 meeting, Provost Daire provided a detailed report on the state of the university with respect to budget trends, initiatives, and the need for strategic action to position UWM to thrive in the future. The Provost also fielded questions and concerns from members regarding UWM this academic year and beyond.

Finally, at our most recent meeting on September 11, the committee discussed scheduling for the 19 Fiscal Year 2027 Divisional Budget Meetings this Fall, which includes all of UWM’s schools and colleges, as well as its various support and infrastructure units. Each meeting will include 2 representatives from APBC: 1 co-chair and 1 member at large.

Academic Staff Committee Report: Jennifer Herriges, Chair

We are looking forward to continuing our collaboration with the Faculty Senate.   

Academic Staff Committee

Since the last Faculty Senate meeting May 8, 2025 The ASC met 8 times, the first and third Mondays of each week all summer.

Our Guests were Chancellor Mone, Chancellor Gibson AVC Fessahaye, Provost Daire. Gail Dukes (USC chair) Louisa Eastman, Kurt Hennemann, Kayla Premeau, Kate Valerius, Secretary of the University John R. Reisel. 

  • University Staff Committee (USC), reported on the recent activities of the USC including university staff layoffs and the university staff awards have been finalized.
  • Discussed ASC engaging as much as possible with colleagues to ensure they recognize that multi-year budget and multi-year academic planning are critical to the future success of UWM.
  • Informed on activities of The ‘self-inflicted wounds’ workgroup led by Vice Provost Dave Clark is assessing policies not being followed and the need for new policies impacting student success
  • Update on the 25-27 budget including UWM’s capital budget items.
  • Discussed with the ASC how to create opportunities for students to feel connected to UWM and enhance a sense of belonging.
  • Review Priority Referral Program (PRP) – The program was reviewed and endorsed by the ASC and Senate.  University Staff Committee members reviewed the Priority Referral Program (PRP) with the ASC as prescribed in the PRP guidelines. Kurt Hennemann, HR, provided a history of the program, based on UW-Madison’s model.
  • Reviewed and approved of 2025-26 AS Professional Development proposed awards and correspondence by the Academic Staff Awards Committee.
  • Interim Hazing Policy –approve the Interim Hazing Policy as presented without concerns or questions.Workload was tied to the approved state budget.  Teaching workload minimum requirements for Faculty will affect Academic Staff and we would like to be kept in the loop/ informed on the progress of Act 15.
  • New Senator Orientation

UWs shared governance

Has not met over the summer. 

Rebecca Freer will be the ASC representative this year.

Request for recommendations and appointments for faculty committees –

Made recommendation for academic staff appointments to the

  • Chancellor for the
    • Policy Advisory Committee
    • Research Policy and Advisory Committee
    • University Relations Committee
  • Graduate Faculty Committee
  • Honorary Degrees Committee
  • Faculty Senate Subcommittee on the Evaluation of Administrators
  • Academic Hearing and Appeals Committee (ASHAC)
  • ASC appointment to Non-Instructional Academic Staff Review Committee
  • ASC recommended a pool of individuals for the Student Employment Grievance Committee
  • ASC Representative on APBC

Ongoing priorities for academic staff leadership

  • Supporting a collegial and collaborative environment at UWM
  • Contributions to student success and retention initiatives
  • Instructional staff contracts, titles and workload allocations and related policies

Academic Program & Curriculum Committee Report: Michael Newman, Chair

The Academic Planning and Curriculum Committee has met nine times since our last report to Faculty Senate. During the academic year, we meet on the first Tuesday of every month except January. Last year we met twice in May.

In 2024-25, APCC approved 92 new courses, 396 course changes, and 68 course deletions.

Much of our work was dedicated to the revision of our General Education program. We approved 198 courses for the new GER distribution categories last May. Many more courses were offered feedback for revision and we expect to approve more GER distribution courses this Fall.

We approved dozens of program changes, as well as 13 new microcredentials and certificates.

We conducted and approved reviews of the following seven undergraduate programs, a duty we fulfill in keeping with the policies of the Higher Learning Commission and the Universities of Wisconsin:

  • Chemistry and Biochemistry BA/BS
  • Arts and Science AAS
  • Russian BA
  • Spanish BA
  • Classics BA
  • Geography BA/BS
  • Linguistics BA

The APCC continues to work on implementation of the new GER distribution requirements, and we are also working on ensuring that our undergraduate program reviews are conducted in a useful and efficient manner that serves the needs of programs.

Finally, in May the APCC revised the Bachelor’s Degree Requirements Policy, which I will be presenting later in this meeting.

Graduate Faculty Committee Report: Itziar Lazkano, Chair

Professor Lazkano discussed the achievements of the GFC under Professor Jeb Willenbring’s leadership. The committee, responsible for making decisions about policies and procedures concerning programs, students, and faculty of the Graduate School, met six times in the 2024-2025 academic year. During these meetings, they accomplished significant work, approving three crucial policies to ease the transfer of graduate credits by non-degree students and students across campus. The approved policies and procedures are:

  • Faculty Doc. No. 3196R1: Requirements for Graduate Credit in Graduate Level Courses and Combined Undergraduate/Graduate Level Courses.
  • Faculty Doc. No. 3078R2: Recommendation for English Proficiency Requirements for Applicants to the Graduate School
  • Faculty Doc. No. 3203R1: Recommendation of the Graduate Faculty Committee for Changes to the Admission, Continuation, and Dismissal Policies of the Graduate School
  • Faculty Doc. No. [new]: Graduate School Policy on Non-Degree Student Status and Graduate Credits
  • Faculty Doc. No. [new]: Graduate School Policy on Transfer Credit.

Student Association Report: Levi Valentine, Vice President of Student Affairs

  • Student Association was present at the involvement fair, where we were able to connect with dozens of students, and have subsequently seen increased interest in senate participation on the senate
  • Our President, Jeremi Lukos, made an appearance at the chancellor’s plenary address, where he gave the opening remarks in support of the Chancellor and the start of the academic year.
  • Speaking of the start of the year, the Student Association is committed to giving our best effort this year. We have made contact with a number of campus groups, including the provost, the CASE centers, and various student advocacy groups. We are also making a concerted effort to meet students where they are at to better be able to represent the student voice.