UC Chair Kathleen Dolan reported that the 2030 Think Tank will meet next week.

UC Representatives for the spring graduation ceremonies were identified (Laura Otto-Salaj, Mark Schwartz).

Chancellor Mark Mone attended. Most items were discussed in closed session. In open session, it was discussed how important it is that all faculty who attend graduation ceremonies stay for the entire ceremony; when faculty leave before the ceremony is over, it is disrespectful to the attending students and their families. The SecU office will include this recommendation in a letter to the Faculty. The Chancellor discussed the funding differential between UW-Milwaukee and UW-Madison.

UC Member Tina Freiburger reported APBC reviewed a new bachelor’s degree program in digital arts and culture, a collaboration between PSOA and L&S. They also discussed an overview of the campus financials for next year. There will be an estimated 3.3% decrease in funds in 2020.  Reserves are limited.  The composite financial index for UWM is 3.38 if the UWM Foundation funds are included and 2.4 if they are not.  An index number of 1-4 indicates a financially stressed institution.  UW Madison’s number is between 5 and 6 and UWM is about in the middle of all UW institutions.  We are in a reengineering phase.  Ongoing building maintenance will also be a continuing issue.

UC Member Bettina Arnold reported that the three finalists for the position of HBSSW Dean will visit campus on Feb. 24, Feb. 27, and Mar. 2.

UC Member Julia Snethen reported that a Campus Space and Planning Committee meeting is being scheduled. She also reported that the SSEA has finalized one evaluation and is working on another.

Secretary of the University Trudy Turner reported the SecU office will no longer be supporting some faculty governance committees by recording meeting minutes, due to budget constraints.

Provost Johannes Britz will attend the next meeting.