September 23, 2025 – University Committee (UC)-Minutes

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Time: Tuesday at 1:00 p.m.
Location: Lubar N456 and Microsoft Teams

Attendance

Present: Professors M. Kavanaugh, K. Kirshtner, R. Leson, W. Otieno, M. Schwartz
Excused: L. McHenry, G. Rodger
Guests: C. Bilen-Green, D. Counts, J. Herriges, N. Jankowski

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by M. Kavanaugh at 1:00 p.m.

Persons Who Wish to be Heard

None

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of September 16, 2025 meeting were approved.

Special Guests

  1. Jennifer Herriges – Academic Staff Committee Chair
    • The ASC is looking forward to working together with the UC to move UWM forward.  In particular, they are concerned with budgetary issues, and looking for ways to make students feel connected to UWM.
    • The ASC reviewed the priority referral program and are supportive of the program.  They have also been briefed on the VSIP.  They are concerned over the possibility that the VSIP may further reduce the number of Academic Staff with indefinite appointments. 
    • The ASC has been discussing how AS view service, and possible ways to increase service opportunities for AS.  Indefinite status helps encourage AS to pursue service to the university.
    • The Board of Regents has suspended their academic staff awards.  This comes on top of the elimination of the professional development awards by the Provost’s office. 
  2. Vice Provost Canan Bilen-Green and CETL Director Natasha Jankowski
    1. CETL-CASL Transition – discussed in closed session
    2. UWM Faculty Workload Policy – discussed in closed session

Chairperson’s Report and Announcements

None

Members’ Reports

  1. M. Schwartz reported that there have been some efforts across the UW System to revitalize the effort to unionize faculty.  Co-existence of a union with shared governance may be problematic, so it is important to monitor such activities.  He reviewed the past activity around creating MORFS, a body that would advocate for UWM faculty and staff.  Discussion then moved into concerns over a lack of faculty activity in governance.

New Business

None

Old Business

None

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 1:55 p.m. The committee reconvened in open session at 2:46 p.m.

Future Agenda Items

The next scheduled UC meeting is October 7 at 1:00 pm.  Provost Andrew Daire is scheduled to attend. 

Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at 2:52 p.m.