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Highlights of the College Park Senate meeting on December 11, 2006

1. East Campus Redevelopment Initiative by Vice President John Porcari
   • Plan to lease 36 acres near Paint Branch pkwy to developers
   • Town center-style development with restaurants, apartments, a major hotel
   • Reserves 450 residential units for graduate housing
   • Requested preliminary proposals from commercial developers
   • Goal to select developer by July 2007
   • Still evaluating whether development is financially feasible
   • Web page here

2. Report of the Chair (Professor Jim Gates)

   Faculty can demonstrate they care for student welfare by submitting their textbook orders on time (so students can obtain textbooks more cheaply)

3. Senate Human Relations Committee
   • Passed Proposal for Access to Campus Based Privileges to include domestic partners
   • Seen as a small step towards full domestic partner benefits (which requires action by University Board of Regents)
   • Motion to amend proposal to include retired/emeritus faculty failed

4. Questions and Answers by President Mote
   • University will change itself to adap to results of elections
   • New governor and team will be strongly university-oriented
   • Both Maryland senators also supporters of University of Maryland
   • Freshmen tour will bring newly-elected state delegates to campus
   • Goal is to encourage all people living in Maryland to respond positively to higher education
   • Senator Hogan chairing 30-people panel to establish funding model for higher education in Maryland
   • Budget process is complex and unlikely to include bond-raising ability
   • Maryland is 3rd wealthiest state, but ranks in low 40s in support to higher education

Chau-Wen Tseng