Welcome from Chancellor Carlos Santiago
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has reached a pivotal moment.

To fully achieve our fundamental missions of access and research, we must stop and ask where we envision our institution to be intellectually and spatially as we move forward in the 21st century.

It is clear that UWM cannot serve the people of Wisconsin, create tomorrow’s work force and be the catalyst for regional economic growth if we continue to be confined to our existing 93-acre campus. This space is inadequate in quantity and quality to meet current and future demands for research, instruction and student services. The increased density has also at times exacerbated our relations with the residential neighborhoods surrounding our campus. We are too many people, doing too much, in too little space.

In response to these challenges, I have—in consultation with many key constituents—proposed a way forward for the growth of UWM through a master planning process. Key components include providing space to accommodate planned growth in the form of regional campuses, as well as establishing partnerships with other institutions whose missions complement and reinforce those of UWM. Our university is well positioned to go forward given its recognized strengths and current opportunities.

The process will critically examine UWM’s current and future needs, while at the same time recognize past strategic planning efforts that have steered the university in a positive growth direction. The master planning effort is expected to take approximately two years and will be comprehensive and inclusive. We will seek input from stakeholders far and wide, including UWM faculty, staff, students and alumni; neighbors of the current east side campus and potential satellite locations; and the people of the city and county of Milwaukee, and state of Wisconsin.

There is a great need for this process to be successful, and I look forward to what we will learn, develop and implement in the months ahead.

Carlos E. Santiago
Chancellor