Office of the Provost

Provost’s Update

April 19, 2024 Friday Update

Good afternoon, colleagues. Here is the update from Academic Affairs.

The original 2030 Action Plan started in 2019 and, collectively, we have accomplished many of its goals. Over the past year, 2030 co-leads Jennifer Haas and Suzanne Boyd, along with executive sponsors Chancellor Mone, Senior Vice Chancellor Van Harpen, and I reviewed what’s been completed, what remains to be done, and what efforts have become integrated into our operations. After gathering feedback from a variety of stakeholders including the University Committee, the Academic Staff Committee, the University Staff Committee, and the Student Association leadership, plus the nearly 100 participants of the January 2024 Academic Affairs Administrative Summit, we are close to unveiling a refresh of the 2030 Action Plan that serves as the foundation to UWM’s strategic actions.

This refresh includes redirecting the original eight action teams toward four broader pillars or commitments that reinforce UWM’s mission and vision. The executive sponsors have identified a team of three to four sponsors for each of the commitments. Rather than creating static teams, we envision much of the work of UWM’s more than 3,000 employees will contribute to at least one, if not many, of the commitments.

Commitment to Students’ Academic and Personal Journeys, focused on

advancing student success and closing equity gaps,
innovating curriculum for student success and workforce needs, and
stabilizing enrollment through coordinated recruitment and partnerships.

Commitment to Positive Employee Experiences, focused on

fostering an inclusive workplace environment that supports employee success.

Commitment to Research, Innovation, and Community Impact, focused on

advancing impactful research and innovation, and
partnering with community organizations and community members.

Commitment to Fiscal Sustainability and Economically Anchoring Southeastern Wisconsin, focused on

leveraging financial resources to meet strategic goals,
optimizing philanthropy, and
planning and creating a sustainable physical and virtual infrastructure.

The four commitments are interconnected and foundational to the health and success of UWM. Commitment sponsors are in the process of developing strategies and metrics to set benchmarks and gauge success moving forward. We anticipate sharing updates of the final refresh plan at governance group meetings before the end of the year.

Appreciations

I appreciate Jake Luo (Public Health) who received two CTSI BERD Methodology Innovation awards for pioneering research in artificial intelligence and machine learning for healthcare applications. Dr. Luo’s collaborations with MCW researchers highlight the importance of interdisciplinary partnerships in tackling complex healthcare challenges. Congratulations, Jake!

Much appreciation to three members of Professor Ryo Amano’s (Mechanical Engineering) research team who were featured in a Spectrum News story this week. Doctoral students Kada Kada and Asma Khasawneh, and postdoctoral researcher Ahmad Abdel Hadi demonstrated their method of reducing damage to turbines and making hydroelectric power more efficient. Well done, scientists!

I appreciate Christine Wolf (Global Studies) whose review of the book, “The Great Upheaval: Higher Education’s Past, Present, and Uncertain Future,” was published in the April 2024 issue of the NAFSA: Association of International Educators Global Studies Literature Review. Congratulations, Christine!

Mission Moments

Avik Chakrabarti (Economics) was recognized by award-winning entrepreneur Roy Dietsch as an educator going “above and beyond” not only to “help forge a positive path” but also to allow a “vision.” See the moving recollection.

Important Updates: Dean Searches

Zilber College of Public Health
Campus visits for the Zilber College of Public Health Dean candidates concluded yesterday. A reminder that confidential surveys to gather feedback on each finalist are available online and will close at 11:45 p.m. on Monday, April 22.
College of the Arts and Architecture
We will host three finalists on the UWM campus for the position of Dean of the College of the Arts and Architecture beginning next week. Details about the candidates, position, campus visits, and open forums are available on the CAA Dean Search website. Access to finalist CVs will require logging in with UWM credentials. Campus visit schedules will be posted as soon as they are available.

Special Announcement

The Inclusive Excellence Champion Award (formerly DEI Champion Award) honors and showcases people who have made outstanding contributions to increasing a sense of belonging and inclusion at UWM. All current faculty and staff members are eligible. One award of $1,500 (pre-tax) will be made to an individual through a payment processed by UWM’s payroll unit. Nomination materials should be combined into one PDF and emailed to Vice Chancellor for DEI Chia Youyee Vang (vangcy@uwm.edu) by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, May 30. More information.

Advancing 2030 Plan Priorities

Student Success

A final FAFSA Completion Assistance Day will be held on Thursday, April 25 from 12-3 p.m. Students are encouraged to visit any of the Multicultural Student Centers, MAVRC, or the Inclusive Excellence Center for FAFSA assistance. There will be free pizza and opportunities for prizes for all students who attend. Contact Isabella Virrueta (virruet2@uwm.edu) with questions.
UWM Student Caregivers in Higher Education Survey will provide UWM with an understanding of the caregiving population on campus and how to create a more inclusive environment. Students who have ANY caregiving role are encouraged to participate in completing a survey on their experiences as a student caregiver at UWM.

Curricular Innovation

The AI Task Force invites the UWM family to hear about its work on Wednesday, May 1 at 10 a.m. in the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center or remotely via Teams. The task force, made up of students, faculty, and staff, is working hard to capture the applications of AI that are happening on our campus now and recommend even more applications that can help all of us in our work. Come share your experiences and ideas to help the task force shape its recommendations and report.

Inclusion and Diversity

Join the Universities of Wisconsin Caregiving Taskforce for a special presentation on “Academic Motherhood: A Mixed-method Review of the ‘Child Penalty’ for Women of Color in STEM” from Dr. Erin Winterrowd (Regis University) on Friday, April 26 from 1-2:30 p.m. Registration.
Women’s and Gender Studies at UWM is celebrating 50 years and everyone is invited to the celebration! On Tuesday, April 30 from 3-4:30 p.m., a panel of WGS alumni will discuss their career path and offer advice for current undergraduate and graduate students, followed by a reception from 5-7 p.m. Both events will take place in the UWM Student Union Ballroom A.

Workforce and Community

TechTraining will offer “Collaborating with Teams,” on Tuesday, April 23 at 10 a.m. Topics will include creating a team, chatting with your team, sharing files with your team, and meeting virtually with your team. All TechTraining courses are free and held through Teams Live Events, no registration necessary. Click here to join.
UWM Physical Therapy students will provide FREE physical therapy screening and treatment for aches, pains, and strains on Monday and Tuesday, April 29 and 30. Call 414-229-3360 for scheduling or email the PT Program at woodburn@uwm.edu. Appointments not guaranteed until confirmed. Max 12 participants.
The Center for Student Experience and Talent (SET) is looking for volunteers for its Summer Job Fair, featuring both on- and off-campus employers, on Thursday, May 2 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom. Lunch will be provided for all volunteers. Sign up.