Board of Regents to Vote on Student Misconduct Policy, Energy-Saving Initiatives and Three New Academic Programs

ADELPHI, Md. (February 7, 2006) – The University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents will vote on proposed changes to the student misconduct policy, (formerly referred to as the resolution on student riots), vote on major energy-saving initiatives, and decide on three new academic programs at its next meeting Friday February 10. The meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. in Chesapeake Room 1 in the Student Union at Towson University (TU). Parking is available at the Union Parking Garage. A campus map and directions are available at http://wwwnew.towson.edu/main/maps/.

In February 2005, the regents voted to revisit board policy on appropriate disciplinary action for students who engage in misconduct related to USM events, notably disturbances following athletic games. For the past year, board members have met with numerous academic officials and solicited input from student groups representing all USM institutions. The resulting policy change before the regents would authorize the campus judicial system at each USM institution to resolve cases of student misconduct, without having to rely on the criminal court system.

Friday's agenda also includes the following:

  • a request from the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) to solicit proposals for the supply of electricity to all USM institutions. The strategy of purchasing electricity as a consortium rather than individually by institution has resulted in major cost savings for USM in the past.
  • authorization request from UMCP to solicit bids competitively to purchase natural gas. The resulting contract(s) would be made available to other System institutions at their discretion.
  • approval for UMCP to solicit proposals for Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) equipment and service, new technology which allows the transmission of voice through the Internet. The university anticipates long-term savings through reduced operating costs.

Board members will also vote on three new academic programs: a bachelor's degree in the management of aging services at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, (UMBC); a master's in forensic science at Towson University (TU); and a doctorate in nursing practice at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB).

In addition to the agenda items mentioned above, the regents will also discuss workforce development issues with Gino J. Gemignani, Chair of the Governor's Workforce Investment Board. Gemignani will address emerging trends in the workforce, and discuss with regents USM's role in educating and training future workers. In addition, board members will hear from four USM councils: the presidents, faculty, staff and student council.

Access the full agenda for the February 10 meeting at: http://www.usmd.edu/Leadership/BoardOfRegents/Agendas/fb021006.html. Full agendas and background information will be available at the meeting. Sign language interpreters and/or other appropriate accommodations for eligible individuals with disabilities will be provided on request. Please call 301.445.2756 (voice) or 301.314.7683 (TTY/ITT).

Contact: Liz O'Neill
Phone: 301.445.2719
Email: loneill@usmd.edu