September 29, 2023 Friday Update
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September 29, 2023
Friday Update |
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Good morning, colleagues. Here is this week's update from Academic Affairs.
UWM students face many challenges, even when compared to peer institutions:
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- Our data show that about 51% of our students reported basic needs insecurity, which overlaps and compounds other stressors and challenges and impacts their progress to graduation.
- National data show that 50% of college students identified mental health struggles as their top stressor in 2023, and more than 40% considered dropping out of college in the past six months, mainly due to emotional stress and mental health issues.
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Our students face significant financial challenges—we have more Pell grant eligible students than any UW System institution, and our average financial aid unmet need is high. Our students are often working multiple jobs and/or caregiving responsibilities in addition to the normal stressors of being a college student.
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However, with the right tools and resources, information on how to access those resources, and the right nudge from a trusted professor, advisor, etc., our students, our incredibly resilient students can thrive at UWM.
Two articles published this week highlight the impact instructors have on student retention. “College Completion Most Influenced by Who’s Teaching and How” (Inside Higher Ed) and “An Unexpected Key to Performance in Gateway Math Courses” (Diverse Issues in Higher Education) described a recent study conducted by Education Equity Solutions, a research organization that promotes equity-centered policy in higher education. A press release about the study noted, “Teachers are generally overlooked when trying to understand factors contributing to college completion. But this study finds they are more important than high school GPA and student demographics when it comes to passing the pivotal “gateway math” class that famously is a barrier to college persistence.” In addition to the crucial role of instructors, everyone at UWM contributes to the success of our students.
As part of fostering a culture of support at UWM, the Dean of Students Office (DOSO) within the Division of Student Affairs has developed Support U, a comprehensive initiative offering support for students and fostering a culture of support across UWM through:
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Case Management: Support U supports students directly, whether that’s through an emergency grant, getting them connected to the Food Center & Pantry, connecting them to the Student Health and Wellness Center, or other resources. We support students by reducing barriers to accessing resources and ensuring consistency in policies and practices across campus. Students, faulty, and staff can report to DOSO.
- Consultations: DOSO staff members work with faculty and staff— providing tools, language, resources, and tips that will bolster their existing trusted relationships with students in need. For many students, simply knowing a trusted faculty or staff member cares can make all the difference.
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Support U workshops: These sessions help staff and faculty identify students who may be experiencing challenges or crises, learn how to make referrals, and connect students to the DOSO.
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The UWM community cares deeply about students and their success. I encourage you to visit the Support U website, read about the resources, and sign up for a workshop to learn more about how we can excel in supporting our students.
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When we think of the elements of a caring campus, it is important to recognize the essential role played by campus events in creating shared community. The Peck School of the Arts fosters community, offering more than 300 music and dance performances, theatre productions, art exhibits, and film screenings throughout the year. These vibrant cultural offerings make an important contribution to Milwaukee as well, not only in providing access to affordable art experiences, but also in developing the city’s future artists. I encourage you to visit the school’s events calendar, attend an event, and encourage your students to do so as well.
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The Friday Update will be moving to a semimonthly publication schedule, rather than weekly. Starting next week (Friday, October 6), the Update will come out on the first and third Fridays of each month. Please continue using MarComm’s Campus Announcements form to submit items.
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Advancing 2030 Plan Priorities |
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The Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute (NMDSI) Mentor Program pairs Marquette and UWM students with data science professionals from the NMDSI. Students looking to start or advance their careers in data will gain access to talent development and career resources. Apply online by October 1 to be considered for the 2023-2024 academic year cohort. Contact Mark Zachar (markzachar@northwesternmutual.com) with questions.
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The UW System IDEAS Alliance will be hosting its annual STEM Educators Workshop on October 19-20 in Wisconsin Dells. The in-person workshop entitled, “Unpacking and Applying Cultural Responsiveness in STEM Contexts,” will focus on improving teaching and learning through a lens of culturally relevant pedagogy. Participants will be eligible to apply for one of two $1,000 curriculum reform grants for Summer 2024. Complete the online registration form and make your hotel reservations by Saturday, September 30.
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The UWM Center for Economic Development is hosting a workshop for instructors and graduate teaching assistants to highlight the Center’s research on racial and economic inequality in Milwaukee and suggest ways of incorporating this work into course curriculums. The workshop will be held virtually on Thursday, October 12 from noon – 1 p.m. Registration.
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The UWM Libraries will host a workshop and panel discussion on Wednesday, October 25 from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Golda Meir Library fourth floor conference center that will examine the emerging models for open access publishing, and their benefits and shortcomings, from viewpoints of authors, editors, librarians, and publishers. Information and registration.
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Celebrate the launch of The HOLA Archives Podcast on Thursday, October 5 at 5 p.m. in the Golda Meir Library’s fourth floor conference center. The HOLA podcast is a collaboration between the UWM Libraries and UWM Roberto Hernandez Center and was made possible through a grant from the Wisconsin Humanities Council. Drawing on oral history collections at the UWM Libraries and the Wisconsin Historical Society, the HOLA Archives take a deep dive into the stories of Milwaukee Latino/as who fought to make Milwaukee a more welcoming community. Registration.
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The Non-Instructional Academic Staff (NIAS) Subcommittee presents its October Workshop: Fall Activity and Taking Care of Yourself. The workshop, consisting of a half hour of Zumba followed by a healthy discussion about nutrition, will take place every Wednesday in October from noon – 1 p.m. in Sandburg Hall Channel Lounge and virtually. Registration.
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The fall 2023 TechTraining course schedule is now available online. All fall TechTraining courses will be held online with no registration necessary. View the schedule. Contact techtraining@uwm.edu with questions.
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The Alumni Association invites the campus community to join them for the UWM Panther Prowl 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, October 14 in person or virtually. The beloved campus tradition features a picturesque course that winds through campus and Lake Park in the prime of the autumn-color season. Whether you run, walk, or stroll in person on the Upper East Side, or choose the virtual option to show your support from afar, you will be part of a campus legacy in the Panther Prowl’s 19th year! All proceeds benefit UWM student scholarships. Registration.
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The Medical College of Wisconsin’s Tenth Annual Professionalism Week begins October 16 and will include various events such as guest speakers, workshops, and more. The theme for the week is “Re-envisioning Excellence with Our Communities,” and most events will be held virtually or have a virtual or livestreaming component. Information and registration.
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The UW System Board of Regents recently announced their call for nominations for both the Regents Teaching Excellence Awards for Individuals and Departments/Programs. The purpose of the Regents Teaching Excellence Awards is to recognize exemplary teaching by faculty, instructional academic staff, and departments/programs in the UW System. These awards reflect the UW System’s strong commitment to excellence and innovation in teaching and student learning. Two awards of $7,500 each will be made to faculty and/or instructional academic staff in recognition of outstanding career achievement (minimum of 10 years teaching experience) in the UW System. One $7,500 award will be made to an academic department, program, or other academic unit that demonstrates exceptional commitment to, and effectiveness in, teaching and learning. The funds for this award are expected to be used for further program enhancements, such as professional development or teaching-related supplies and expenses. UWM nominations should be sent to Cheryl Andres (candres@uwm.edu) by 5 p.m. on Friday, November 17. Guidelines and Selection Criteria.
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With appreciation,
Andrew P. Daire, PhD
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
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Milwaukee, WI 53211
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