Council of University System Faculty
CUSF Meeting of June 9, 2008
Note: These are
the original, unedited minutes, subject to revision and approval at the
September 19, 2008 CUSF meeting.
CUSF General Body Meeting Minutes |
Coppin
State University, Dining Hall |
Monday,
June 9, 2008 |
CUSF Members Present (19):
Joyce Shirazi (UMUC, Secretary), Deloris James (UMUC), Sharon Fratta-Hill (UMUC),
Bill Chapin (UMES), Emmanuel Onyeozili (UMES), Joyce Currie Little (TU), Zane
Berge (UMBC), John Collins (UMBI, Chair), Rosemary Jagus (UMBI), Rodger Harvey
(UMCES), Alcott Arthur (CSU, At-Large), Paul Flexner (SU), Mike Garner (SU),
Dave Parker (SU), Monika Gross (BSU), Joan Langdon (BSU), Rahim Ashkeboussi (FSU),
Kim Rotruck (FSU), Gerry Wojnar (FSU)
Guests:
Dr. Reginald S. Avery (CSU, President), Irv Goldstein (USM, Senior Vice
Chancellor, Office of Academic Affairs), Joe Vivona (USM, Vice Chancellor,
Office of Administration and Finance), Jim Sansbury (USM, Associate Vice
Chancellor,
Call to Order
John Collins called the meeting to order at
10:00 am. Alcott Arthur introduced the President of Coppin State University,
Dr. Reginald S. Avery, who welcomed CUSF to CSU.
USM Budget Report
John Collins introduced Joe Vivona, USM
Vice Chancellor. Joe Vivona discussed the handout attached in Appendix I –
University System of Maryland, Presentation to Council of University System
Faculty. He noted that it will be very difficult to expand the tuition
remission program. However, the government is forced to pay attention to what
the legislature wants to do. Irv Goldstein noted that Hagerstown became an
issue and that PJ Hogan’s organization of the faculty emails was very
helpful. The fact that faculty from other institutions sent in emails was
helpful. He added that although we may not feel it this year, perhaps we will
the next year. Based on CUSF questions Joe Vivona added that the tuition
freeze has served us well and that it is great politics for the universities.
Yet, by law there is no tuition freeze. Tuition increases impact how much
additional funding we get in Annapolis. Joe Vivona also noted that the
legislature is current regarding the cost of going green. The budget
increased by 2% per year for climate change costs. USM tries to convince the
state to isolate enrollment growth. Isolated enhancements come through
enrollment growth. There was also discussion about 10-month pay versus
12-month pay.
Faculty Benefits
John Collins introduced Jim Sansbury, who gave
us a handout. The handout is attached as Appendix II – Draft Tuition
Remission Survey Results - Dependents. Jim Sansbury asked CUSF if it is the
feeling of the group that tuition remission should be unconditional. He added
that if the dependents are under 24 years old, then there is no limit,
however. Some of the CUSF comments were as follows: 1) the benefit seems to be
going where it should be used; 2) by limiting it to the tax codes, we are
limiting the benefits; 3) this policy is counter to part time work. There was
also a question regarding the eligibility of children of retirees. Jim
Sansbury responded that they are covered. Based on other questions from CUSF
regarding the erosion of benefits over the last 10 years and if they will
return, Jim Sansbury discussed the details. Jim Sansbury noted that he does
not think that the benefits will ever come back the way they were, which was
merely his opinion. However, regarding new healthcare for spouses, USM is
trying to do something to address it. There is legislation from 2006 that is
already drafted. They will consider making it a legislative priority. Mike
Garner added that USM decides enrollment funding and that we have to more
accurately project enrollment growth and project our budgets from that.
LUNCH
Minutes
The May 2008 CUSF Meeting Minutes were
approved.
CUSF Newsletter
Deloris James reported on the status and
details the new CUSF newsletter. The newsletter wording regarding the CUSF
website was discussed at length. John Collins presented a new paragraph about
the CUSF website for insertion, instead of the paragraph presented by Deloris
James. Emmanuel Onyeozili suggested that CUSF hire a webmaster. Dave Parker
made a motion to use Deloris James’ current wording for the newsletter. Paul
Flexner seconded, and CUSF voted to approve the motion to use Deloris James’
wording for the newsletter.
Bill Chapin made another motion to accept the
newsletter as it is, and to leave other changes for the fall. Gerry Wojnar
seconded the motion, and CUSF voted to approve the motion to accept the
newsletter as it is and to leave other changes for the fall.
Other Business
Kim Rotruck thanked Rahim Ashkeboussi for his
dedication to CUSF, as it was his last meeting. Joyce Currie Little spoke, as
well, because it was her last CUSF meeting.
Bill Chapin presented John Collins with a gift
from CUSF and thanked him for a wonderful year serving as the CUSF Chair.
Gavel Transfer
John Collins gave the gavel to Bill Chapin, the
CUSF Chair-elect and John Collins noted that he will not call meetings this
summer.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at approximately 1:00 pm.