Campus Leaders Tackle Accessibility and Classroom Efficiency at UWM Meeting

At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Physical Environment Committee meeting on Nov. 20, leaders addressed pressing issues related to accessibility and classroom utilization. Held at 8:30 a.m. via Microsoft Teams, the conference revealed that UWM classrooms are falling short of the 67% seat occupancy benchmark set by the UW System, with utilization rates dropping to just 56% this fall. 

The discussion highlighted the challenges of managing post-pandemic enrollment trends, upgrading aging facilities, and improving campus accessibility with limited funding.

Accessibility emerged as a recurring theme, with committee members citing urgent concerns such as non-ADA-compliant signage and malfunctioning automated doors in key buildings. Leaders explored solutions to address these gaps while navigating the financial constraints of maintaining compliance standards.

Classroom Utilization Struggles

Mike Priem, director of Campus Planning, presented a report detailing current utilization trends. He noted a significant decline in the average hours classrooms are used each week and emphasized a mismatch between available spaces and current demand. Specifically, medium-sized classrooms (60–100 seats) are experiencing shortages, while smaller rooms are underutilized.

To address these disparities, Priem suggested working closely with the registrar’s office to review scheduling practices and align classroom assignments with evolving enrollment patterns. He also encouraged a data-driven approach to optimize room use and improve efficiency.

The drop in usage represents the first major decline in classroom utilization since 2010, reflecting the lingering impact of the pandemic on student enrollment and campus activities.

Balancing State Funding and Local Needs

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the challenges of securing state funding for renovations. Two key projects in the 2025-2027 budget include the Kenwood IRC basement renovation for the physics department and the overhaul of Lapham Hall’s outdated lecture space.

While these upgrades promise to enhance learning environments, budget constraints remain a critical hurdle. Priem revealed that the university’s annual $150,000 allocation for classroom technology and general maintenance is stretched thin across 150 classrooms. 

“That’s about $1,000 per room per year,” Priem said. “It’s a tight budget that requires creativity and prioritization.”

Committee members also debated the trade-offs between large-scale construction projects and incremental upgrades. Some advocated for focusing on high-impact renovations, like adding modern instructional technology to heavily used classrooms, while others emphasized the need for smaller improvements to address widespread accessibility issues. These differing priorities underscored the complex balancing act UWM faces in meeting both immediate and long-term needs.

Additionally, committee members discussed the importance of effectively communicating these challenges to the UW System and state legislators. 

By making a strong case for increased support, the university hopes to secure more funding in future cycles to address both academic and infrastructure needs.

Accessibility Takes Priority

Accessibility emerged as another pressing concern. Jeb F Willenbring, a faculty member from the Mathematical Sciences department, raised a poignant issue about the lack of braille signage on the fourth floor of the EMS building. 

“And it’s just, ironically, every single floor of the EMS building appears to have Braille on the doors and raised lettering except the 4th floor, and I might be the only person in the building that actually reads braille,” Willenbring said. 

Priem reassured attendees that improvements were underway, with plans to address this by year’s end. However, he acknowledged that the campus’s $50,000 annual signage budget limits the speed of such upgrades.

These issues will be further explored during a campus-wide accessibility walk-through scheduled for December 11. Committee members also discussed the challenges of addressing accessibility issues across older buildings on campus, many of which were constructed long before current ADA standards. 

Looking Ahead

Despite these challenges, committee members expressed optimism. Plans for new projects, including the demolition of outdated buildings like the Physics Building and Chemistry Building, are moving forward. These efforts aim to modernize the campus while addressing diverse student needs.

The committee emphasized the importance of collaboration among campus departments, state representatives, and the student body to ensure future projects align with both immediate and long-term needs. As a step toward achieving these goals, members committed to engaging with the UWM community for feedback on classroom design, accessibility improvements, and technological upgrades.

Aiming to prioritize sustainability in all renovation efforts. This includes integrating energy-efficient systems and materials into new constructions and upgrading existing spaces to reduce the university’s carbon footprint. Such initiatives not only address pressing environmental concerns but also create cost savings that can be reinvested in other campus priorities.

As UWM faces the dual challenges of financial constraints and increasing demand for accessible and efficient spaces, its leaders remain committed to progress.

To learn more about the discussions and plans, go to Physical Environment Committee (PEC) – Secretary of the University.