At UWM
Many members of UWM leadership, myself included, are working closely with UW System on our response to the Legislature. We are also providing important information to System and the Legislature about how many of our positions and programs are tied directly to federal requirements, federal funding, and accreditation requirements.
Positions identified in recent news articles include those that serve women, students with disabilities, our active-duty and military veteran students, and students who are Indigenous, Black, Asian, Latinx, and LGBTQIA+. Supporting students when they are on campus is essential to helping them succeed and graduate.
Our values
UWM is a place where all individuals from various backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs belong. Our unique mission as a university is to “meet the diverse needs of Wisconsin’s largest metropolitan area” and “further academic and professional opportunities at all levels for women, minority, part-time, and financially or educationally disadvantaged students.”
Our students and employees are diverse. We come from all walks of life, political backgrounds, racial and ethnic identities, economic backgrounds, and more.
And at its core, DEI is about inclusion and belonging, which means we are bringing more people to the table, not excluding or dividing people.
What’s next
Our conversations with UW System and the Legislature will continue as we provide greater context around DEI work and funding. The state budget process will also continue with the expectation that the budget will be finalized sometime this summer.
Closing thoughts
I believe in UWM. I believe in our students and employees. I believe in our mission. I will continue to advocate for you and recognize all your work to make our community, our region, and our world a better place to be.