University System of Maryland Board of Regents
September 9, 2005
Minutes of the Public Session
A. Chairman Nevins called the meeting of the University System of Maryland Board of Regents to order at 9:37 a.m. on Friday September 9, 2005 at the University of Maryland University College. Those in attendance were: Chairman Nevins, Regents Florestano, Gill, Houghton, Hug, Johnson, Kelly, Mandel, Mitchell, Pettit, Pevenstein, Riley, Rosapepe, and Willcher; Chancellor Kirwan, Vice Chancellors Goldstein, Schwab and Vivona; Assistant Attorneys' General Goedert and Short; Presidents Battle, Boesch, Bogomolny, Hunter-Cevera and Ramsay; Interim President Allen; institutional representatives Dr. Wylie and Mr. Porcari (UMCP), Mr. Leberknight (TU), Dr. Buchanan (Salisbury), Dr. Johnson (UMBC) Dr. Ramsey (Bowie), and Dr. Holden (UMES); Ms. Ryan, members of the press and others.
Chairman Nevins officially introduced and welcomed new Regents Frank Kelly and Joel Willcher.
B. UMUC Interim President Nick Allen welcomed Regents and others to the meeting. He stated he is honored that he was asked to serve as interim president. Dr. Allen disseminated a UMUC fact sheet outlining "UMUC's Role in Providing Access to Higher Education for Marylanders." (copies on record).
Chairman Nevins thanked Dr. Allen and commended all the system presidents for their extraordinary response to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. He then thanked former Board Chairman Cliff Kendall for his work on the Board.
C. Committee of the Whole
Highlights of Chancellor Kirwan's Report:
Chancellor Kirwan then discussed the process for developing institutional four-year business plans.
(The Chancellor's PowerPoint is on file with the minutes.)
Chairman Nevins emphasized the importance of Chancellor Kirwan's presentation in two important areas -- growth and quality. He stated another key part of this initiative is the continuing E&E efforts.
D. Staff Awards - Chairman Nevins and Chancellor Kirwan presented the following awards:
Extraordinary Public Service to the University or to the Greater Community
Exempt staff: Ruth Baker, Salisbury University
Nonexempt staff: Carolyn Pritchett, University of Maryland, Baltimore
Exceptional Contribution to the Institution and/or Unit
Exempt staff: Sharon Biederman, University of Maryland University College
Nonexempt staff: Dawn Johnson, Salisbury University
Outstanding Service to Students in an Academic or Residential Environment
Exempt staff: Vaughn P. White, Salisbury University
Nonexempt staff: Linda Dalo, University of Maryland, College Park
Chairman Nevins stated that Salisbury is represented in all three categories and congratulated Salisbury for this extraordinary accomplishment. He thanked and congratulated all of the awardees for their contributions, as well as the employees and staff at all USM institutions.
E. Reports of the Councils
1. Council of University System Presidents - President Bogomolny.
Presidents thanked the Regents for their support of the institutional efforts to address the Hurricane Katrina tragedy. At the presidents' recent meeting, Chancellor Kirwan updated presidents on the process for presidential evaluations. There was also a brief discussion of the OCR agreement that terminates at the end of the year. Chairman Nevins stated that the Board will develop a process for more interaction with the presidents at board meetings. President Bogomolny reiterated the importance of enhancing the communication and relationship between the Presidents and Regents.
2. Dr. Siegel presented a report of the Council of University System Faculty. A written report was included with the board materials distributed in advance of the meeting. Dr. Siegel stated that the faculty members care about the quality of our institutions. One thing that indicates that we work well as a System is the E & E process. She expressed some concerns about the Dashboard Indicators. Dr. Siegel stated that the Council is also working with some of their colleagues at the Gulf Coast schools affected by the hurricane.
Regent Kendall responded to Dr. Siegel's comments about the Dashboard project. He said that the subcommittee is working to address her concerns, and that he feels that the project is part of a long-range accountability plan and is a "work in progress."
3. Council of University System Staff - Mr. Hill. A written report was submitted with the board materials distributed in advance of the meeting. Mr. Hill announced the members of the CUSS executive committee. Mr. Hill mentioned the Council's concerns on health care costs. He also outlined three major goals for the year.
4. University System Student Council - Mr. Aragon introduced three students attending the meeting, Otis Dupree, Secretary and Treasurer of the USMSC from BSU, Andrew Rose, Student Government Association President, UMCP and Devin Ellis, Chief of Staff, Student Government Association, UMCP. He announced the first meeting of the Student Council will be this Sunday and Regents are invited to attend any meetings during the year. Regent Florestano asked that a schedule of meetings be distributed.
Regent Willcher thanked Mr. Aragon for being so proactive on behalf of students, and Chairman Nevins encouraged the Student Council to work with (Student) Regent Willcher.
Resolution: Hurricane Katrina Draft #2
Chairman Nevins read the Resolution on Hurricane Katrina. The resolution provides that no affected student be financially disadvantaged in paying for their education; that financial assistance and scholarship support be available; that there be flexibility in bill payment; and that counseling and support be provided.
Chancellor Kirwan stated that the intent of the Resolution is to allow each institution to review students on a case by case basis.
Resolution moved by Regent Hug; seconded by Regent Pettit; unanimously approved.
F. Finance Committee Regent Pevenstein
Regent Pevenstein stated this is an information item that Chancellor Kirwan addressed in his report to the Board.
The bonds to be issued total $61.5M for current Capital Projects previously authorized by the Board of Regents. Regent Florestano moved, Regent Finan seconded, unanimously approved.
Regent Pevenstein explained that this item is being considered for formal board approval after it had received advance authority in July because of the time-sensitive nature to preparing the fields for spring 2006 use. It involves two projects, which previously were approved - relocation of student athletic fields and the construction of a new softball field. Regent Florestano moved. Chairman Nevins seconded, unanimously approved.
This is a 5-year contract of $7M, which provides a minimum of 45% minority business participation; it replaces an existing contract that was competitively bid. Regent Florestano moved, Regent Houghton seconded; unanimously approved.
G. Report of Committee on Organization & Compensation: Regent Finan presented the report on behalf of Regent Mitchell who is attending the meeting via conference call. Regent Finan stated that at the June 22, 2005 board meeting seven MOU's were approved in executive session:
H. Committee of the Whole
I. The meeting was adjourned at 11:08 a.m.
Audiotapes of the meeting are on file in the Office of the Board of Regents