Academic Staff Assembly Minutes 03-09-2026
Approved 04-13-26
ACADEMIC STAFF ASSEMBLY MEETING MINUTES
272 Bascom Hall
Monday, March 9, 2026
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Interim Provost John Zumbrunnen called the meeting to order at 3:31 p.m.
Guest: Brent Plisch, University of Wisconsin–Madison Police Department Chief of Police
With a focus on organizational culture and through a strategic planning process the University of Wisconsin–Madison Police Department (UWPD) created a new mission statement, a new vision, and a new set of core values. This effort included input from all members of UWPD and the campus community. UWPD’s core functions include field services, instigative services, special services (i.e., campus/athletic events, training, K9, mounted equipment/logistics, Lake Rescue and Safety, etc.), support services (i.e., budget, HR, IT, and wellness), and professional standards and planning (i.e., access, video and infrastructure security, emergency management, records and accreditation).
UWPD had several key accomplishments in the previous year, including supporting campus event planning and safety presence, advancing diversion programs, and meeting with each dean on campus to discuss opportunities to better serve their school, college, or division. UWPD is the only organization in the state that has triple accreditation through the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group, the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, and the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.
The BadgerSAFE app is UWPD’s communication and safety tool. The app offers access to campus resources and support services, delivers crime alerts, and includes a direct call feature to contact UWPD. Anyone can download BadgerSAFE from their phone app store. For more information, visit uwpd.wisc.edu/staying-safe/badgersafe/.
UWPD provides active threat training. To request an in-person training or to access the online training, visit uwpd.wisc.edu/staying-safe/active-threat-response-guide/.
UWPD uses the Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) camera system. Prior to implementation, UWPD evaluated multiple vendors. They also waited to implement the system until the proper security protocols were in place. Flock cameras are used strictly as an investigative tool and not for proactive or continuous monitoring. Since its implementation on campus, the system has helped solve several serious crimes. Access to Flock within UWPD is restricted to nine individuals. External access is limited to Wisconsin law enforcement agencies. Federal agencies and out-of-state law enforcement agencies are prohibited from accessing the data. All searches require a documented reason and a case number. The system may not be used for immigration enforcement or reproductive rights investigations. All access is logged and audited to ensure compliance. UWPD maintains a strong audit process and any misuse of the system would result in removal of access. UWPD provides continual review and improvement of its policies and systems, including Flock. As contracts approach expiration, UWPD evaluates whether the system is meeting expectations and providing sufficient value.
Guest: Joshua Schiffman, Employee Assistance Office Director
UW–Madison employees have access to two employee assistance options: the Employee Assistance Office (EAO) and LifeMatters. Both offer similar services, including short-term counseling and support (five sessions per issue per year), consultation and facilitation, critical incident and grief response, and training and presentations. EAO is able to customize presentations on topics of importance for groups on campus. LifeMatters provides additional services where they can help locate service providers (e.g., plumbers, child care, elder care, etc.). EAO and LifeMatters services are free and confidential. These services can be utilized on work time without a loss in pay. Employees and individuals living in an employee’s household are eligible to use services provided by EAO and LifeMatters.
EAO has recently expanded its services to include an additional counselor and an increased focus on wellness. During Fiscal Year 2024-2025, 72% of EAO clients were academic staff, with most visits related to personal concerns. EAO is located in the WARF building and parking is free for clients. For information about EAO and LifeMatters, visit eao.wisc.edu.
Guest: John Zumbrunnen, Provost
ACT 15 stipulates minimum credit requirements for instructional academic staff and faculty. Meeting this requirement is a shared responsibility. Provost Zumbrunnen reported on the draft UW–Madison teaching workload policy. The campus policy is consistent with Regent Policy Document 20-25 and UW System Administrative Policy 200-Interim 03. The policy lists the minimum teaching workload expectations established by Act 15. It also includes definitions and outlines exceptions as well as credit hour equivalences. Academic divisions will need to develop their own policies and procedures for implementing the campus level policy. Academic divisions may allow departments to create their own policies and procedures.
Automatic Consent Business
The Academic Staff Assembly minutes of Monday, February 9, 2026, were approved.
Reports/Updates
Academic Staff Executive Committee (ASEC) Chair Alissa Ewer presented the ASEC report. Beginning this week, the Operational Excellence Advancement Program (OEAP) will host deep dive sessions focused on individual OEAP workstreams. Upcoming sessions will focus on position management and travel and expense audit. For more information on the deep dive sessions please visit the OEAP website: finadmin.wisc.edu/oeap/. Chair Ewer reminded the Assembly that the registration deadline for the Academic Staff Institute is Wednesday, April 1. Over the past month, ASEC met with deans across campus to learn about their strategic priorities, approaches to engaging academic staff, and collaboration with their respective Committee on Academic Staff Issues.
Academic Staff Professionals Representation Organization (ASPRO) Board President Jenny Dahlberg presented the ASPRO report. ASPRO is seeking to increase its membership. President Dahlberg encouraged Assembly members to join ASPRO to support its advocacy efforts for academic staff. ASPRO is tracking several bills including, Assembly Bill 446/Senate Bill 445 relating to consideration of a certain definition of antisemitism and Assembly Bill 757/Senate Bill 751 regarding the appointment of certain employees of the University of Wisconsin System and faculty governance. ASPRO opposed these bills.
Assembly Standing Committee Slates (ASA #862)
Nominating Committee Co-chair Kelly Krein presented the 2026 election slates for the Academic Staff Assembly Standing Committees. No nominations were added to any of the slates from the floor. The petition process for adding candidates to the slates will be sent out after the Assembly meeting.
Nominating Committee Slate (ASA #863)
ASEC Chair Alissa Ewer presented the 2026 election slate for the Nominating Committee. No nominations were added to the slate from the floor. The petition process for adding candidates to the slate will be sent out after the Assembly meeting.
Resolution on Mass Surveillance at UW–Madison (ASA #864)
District 457 Alternate Dan Fitch moved approval of ASA Document #864. Motion seconded.
District 472 Representative Andrew Turner moved to amend clause ten to include “and biometric collecting.” Motion Seconded. District 524 Representative Edith Chen moved to refer the resolution to ASEC. Motion seconded. Motion to refer the resolution to ASEC not approved. Amendment not approved.
District 330 Representative Michelle Miller moved to amend the resolution by striking clause eleven. Motion Seconded. District 300 Representative Barret Elward moved to amend clause eleven to replace “any such contracts be canceled, as they have in recent days in the City of Verona, Wisconsin” with “the cancellation of UW–Madison’s contract with Flock and that other contracts with surveillance technology companies be reviewed.” Motion seconded. Secondary amendment approved. Primary amendment to strike clause eleven not approved.
Vote on main motion as amended. Approved.
Meeting adjourned at 5:37 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Mallory Musolf, secretary of the academic staff