Present: David Parker (Chair, SU), Martha Siegel
(Past Chair, TU), E.W. Chapin (Vice Chair, UMES), John Collins (Secretary,
UMBI), Patricia Alt (At-Large, TU), Bill Stuart (At-Large, UMCP), Alcott
Arthur (CSU), Rahim Ashkeboussi (FSU), Kim Rotruck (FSU), Paul Flexner
(SU), Bobbi Adams (SU), Joyce Currie Little (TU), Lee Richardson (UB),
Steven Jacobs (UMB), Joyce Tenney (UMBC), Zane Berge (UMBC),
Rosemary Jagus (UMBI), J. Court Stevenson (UMCES), Denny Gulick (UMCP),
Joyce Shirazi (UMUC), John Gustafson (UMUC), A. Delores James (UMUC)
Guests: Arthur Johnson, Provost, UMBC; Theresa Hollander, Associate
Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, USM
Dr. Parker called the meeting to order at approximately 10:00am. He
introduced Dr. Johnson who welcomed the group, and was warmly welcomed in
return. It was noted that Dr. Johnson was one of the founding members of
CUSF, and served as CUSF Chair in 1991-1992. Dr. Johnson made some remarks
and led a discussion on various topics. He talked about the unexpected,
pending USM budget cuts. He said that the Spellings Report on higher
education was not as bad as had been feared. He handed out copies of a
NASULGC (National Association of State Universities and Land Grant
Colleges) report on voluntary accountability. Dr. Stuart asked how USM
will deal with the latest budget cut. The resulting discussion included
several anxious questions about budget cuts. The latest cut seems unfair,
especially in view of USM’s recent Effectiveness and Efficiency efforts.
An added difficulty is that no tuition increase will be allowed this year.
There was a general discussion of several academic issues of current
interest. A question on the possible outcomes of the Morgan vs. MHEC
lawsuit was referred to Ms. Hollander, who mentioned the Hogan Commission
and the possibility of a special session of the General Assembly. Dr.
Johnson left the meeting at 10:55am.
The proposed schedule of CUSF meetings for 2007-2008 was discussed and
agreed to with a few minor changes. The new schedule will be posted on the
CUSF web site.
At 11:05am, Dr. Alt led a discussion of possible changes in the Regents
Faculty and Staff awards ceremonies. Various possibilities were
considered. It was agreed that improvement was needed, but it seems likely
that no significant changes can be made next year. Dr. Alt was applauded
for her work on the 2007 faculty awards. Dr. Alt will not be returning to
CUSF next year, and Dr. Jagus will be asked to take charge of the 2007
awards.
At 11:12am, Dr. Parker talked briefly about CUSF procedures to review
complaints of violations of USM and Institutional policies. The appeals
committee for next year will consist of Joel Cohen (UMCP, Chair), Alcott
Arthur (CSU) and Jay Zimmerman (TU). Dr. Parker expressed a hope that
there would be no new appeals next year.
At 11:15am, Dr. Parker called on Ms. Hollander to talk about the USM
budget situation. She said that there will likely be a special session of
the Maryland General Assembly in October. Current attention is on the
Hogan Commission to Develop the Maryland Model for Funding Higher
Education. It was noted that Morgan President Richardson is the only voice
of the HBIs on the Hogan Commission. There was a general discussion on
strategies for budget negotiations. Dr. Parker said that we ought to have
some new information on the state of the budget negotiations in time for
the June 15 CUSF meeting. It is hoped that Senator Hogan and Joe Bryce
(Senior Policy and Legislative Advisor to Governor O’Malley and former
USM Associate Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations) will be helpful
to USM. The budget discussion ended at 11:40am.
The minutes of the May 16, 2007 CUSF meeting were approved without
changes.
Dr. Parker asked everyone to help with the transition to a new CUSF
chair. He asked for suggestions on agenda items for 2007-2008.
The meeting adjourned for lunch at noon and reconvened at 12:20pm.
After lunch, Dr. Richardson presented a report on textbook prices. He
made some recommendations on things faculty could do to help. Drs. Gulick
and Siegel contributed to the discussion. It was agreed that the textbook
issue needs more attention next year. Dr. Collins noted that none of the
CUSF standing committees has this on its agenda. This discussion ended at
12:45pm
Next, Dr. Parker asked Dr. Siegel to talk about flexible tenure. She
agreed to propose something for next year.
Dr. Collins introduced the topic of System-wide sharing of USM campus
library resources. A lively discussion ensued. Ms. Tenney and others noted
that sharing of library resources is very expensive. Dr. Stevenson noted
that UMCES has access to the UMCP libraries, but this costs hundreds of
thousands of dollars per year. Dr. Collins suggested that an ad hoc
committee be formed to work on this issue next year. Suggested members of
this committee were Joyce Tenney (UMBC), Pat Cossard (UMCP), Court
Stevenson (UMCES) and Rose Jagus (UMBI).
The meeting adjourned at approximately 1:30pm |