Academic Staff Executive Committee Minutes 10-01-2026
Approved 10-08-26
ASEC Agenda
Thursday, October 1, 2026, 1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
260 Bascom Hall; Zoom
Members present: Richard Barajas, Molly Censky, Aaron Crandall, Alissa Ewer (chair), Eunsook Jung, Nancy Kujak-Ford, Diane Stojanovich, and Nola Walker
Members absent: Hanna Blazel
Guests: Milda Aksamitauskas, Rob Cramer, Dan Fitch, Sue Fritts, Jen Oasen, Karen Massetti-Moran, Brent Plisch, Carmen Romero- González, Mondira Saha-Muldowney, Kari Sasso, Jason Whitney, and Scott Wildman
The meeting was called to order at 1:31 p.m.
Automatic Consent Business
The minutes of September 24 were approved.
General Reports
ASEC Chair Alissa Ewer reported on the recent meeting focused on Hostile and Intimidating Behavior (HIB). Participants discussed proactive measures to address gaps as well as the development of a flowchart to outline the current HIB process and identify what gaps exist. At the Big Ten Staff Advocacy meeting, representatives from each institution present provided updates on current activities and initiatives at their respective campus. Common themes included identifying efficiencies and reducing costs to combat budget shortfalls. In general, enrollment is strong across Big Ten institutions.
Secretary of the Academic Staff Mallory Musolf thanked ASEC for signing up to staff the academic staff governance table at the Employee Benefits and Resource Fair on October 8 from 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. in Varsity Hall at Union South. Table assignments will go out to participating ASEC members tomorrow.
Liaison Reports
Diane Stojanovich reported that the Wisconsin Public Media (WPM) Committee on Academic Staff Issues discussed the Academic Staff Assembly and ASEC. They also discussed the WPM leadership structure.
Diane Stojanovich reported on the first meeting of the Universities of Wisconsin Shared Governance Representatives for the 2026-27 academic year. There was an update on the Universities of Wisconsin presidential search. Members of the Universities of Wisconsin Administration presented on policy development as well as the role of advocacy and shared governance.
Eunsook Jung reported that the Districting and Representation Committee reviewed a list of undistricted staff members for district assignment. The committee will review the teaching specialist group at its next meeting.
Nola Walker reported that the Campus Planning Committee (CPC) discussed the 2025-26 CPC annual report.
Guest: Brent Plisch, University of Wisconsin–Madison Police Department (UWPD) Chief of Police
UWPD is focused on modernizing emergency management and safety infrastructure. Recruitment, retention, employment development, and succession planning remain significant priorities. The Police Advisory Council has been paused due to low and inconsistent participation. UWPD is seeking more effective methods of engagement with shared governance and the broader campus community. UWPD has engaged the Office of Strategic Consulting to assist in developing more effective engagement processes. Emerging technologies, including surveillance systems and AI-enabled tools, continue to be areas of active discussion and evaluation.
Guest: Rob Cramer, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration
Higher education is navigating significant change and uncertainty. Operational excellence is a critical strategy for managing external pressures. The Operating Model Prototype and Position Management projects within the Operational Excellence portfolio are guided by the principle of delivering a simpler, more consistent administrative experience for schools, colleges, and divisions across the institution.
Based on feedback from the LinkUW team, LinkUW Phase II implementation will be paced to protect service quality.
Guests: Karen Massetti-Moran, Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer, Alisha Arnold, Executive Director of Total Rewards, Sue Fritts, Executive Director of Talent Management, and Carmen Romero- González, Executive Director of Employee Experience and Culture, Office of Human Resources (OHR)
OHR’s priorities this year are driven by its strategic plan and aligned with the campus strategic framework, with a shared focus on supporting HR professionals and improving the employee experience. The OHR leadership team outlined the key priorities and initiatives for the Total Rewards, Employee Experience and Culture, and Talent Management portfolios.
Business
- October Assembly Agenda – for vote
ASEC discussed the resolution that will be presented for vote at the October Assembly meeting. Motion to approve the October Assembly agenda (Kujak-Ford). Seconded. Approved.
- Topics for next ASEC meeting guest
VCSA: Office of Strategic Communication structure; internal communication; shared governance engagement
Meeting adjourned at 4:04 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Mallory Musolf, secretary of the academic staff