February 9, 2021

UC Chair K. Dolan reported on a meeting with Sue Weslow on February 9 to begin the process of hiring a new Secretary of the University; the search will be internal and a decision could be made as soon as April 30.

PSOA Dean Emmons attended the meeting to request an augmenter to the Dance Department’s EC for Spring 2021.

Chancellor Mone has been working to ensure that UWM’s budget will not be cut again by the state given that tuition increases are now off the table. A critical goal is getting campus back to normal in terms of face-to-face instruction and on-campus activities. There may be a role for UWM as a vaccination site, which would aid in getting faculty, staff and students vaccinated by the beginning of fall 2021. Some UW campuses have already announced that they are committed to normal levels of in-person instruction in fall. Implementation of 2030 group recommendations will be announced at the next Townhall meeting on March 9 at 10:00am; the changes outlined will be instituted over the next 6-12 months. Changes to the Board of Regents were discussed, including the recent announcement of the appointment of Regent Miller and the election of the new President of the BOR, which is likely to be announced in June.

In Members’ Reports J. Reisel reported on last week’s Athletic Board meeting at which ways to communicate to campus and the surrounding community the value to UWM of its athletic programs were discussed. D. Misra reported on the Nominations Committee meeting last week; recommendations for honorary degree recipients will be brought to the Faculty Senate.

The UC continued its discussion of the review of governance committees. K. Dolan will contact committee chairs to request their impressions about the effectiveness of their committees as active participants in faculty governance.

Provost Britz will attend the February 16 meeting.