Highlights of the College Park Senate meeting
on February 9, 2004
- The PCC has proposed to create a program of Academic Minors to
replace the university's current program of Academic Citations. Minors
could (but do not have to) be offered by any dept that can offer a major.
This seems to have plenty of advantages and no apparent disadvantages -
it does not require
creating
any
new programs,
and to have an academic minor listed on one's transcript is more readily
understandable to the outside world than an academic citations. The proposal
passed unanimously.
- An address was given by Barry Gossett, Chair of the Board of Trustees,
University of Maryland College Park Foundation - this is a different entity
from the University of Maryland Foundation. It was created
in July 2000 to be the campus's fund-raising arm, and currently has about
$150 million.
- An address was given by President Mote; here are some highlights:
- Private money is the reality to the key for future success (e.g., the
Foundation). The Foundation is a bank to invest money. The UM CP
Foundation is to raise
money for CP.
- State budget picture is relatively positive. USM proposed budget is flat
(same next year as this year.) State analyst proposed no cut. But $36M
increased cost (e.g., 2.5% merit raise) needs to be covered. 9.1% resident
tuition increase, 7.6% non-resident increase, should raise $22M of $36M.
Several bills fiddle with this. Frosh bill restores some of previous cuts,
but limits tuition increases. How they will play out? Not known until April.
BioScience building to start July 2004. Tawes project delayed another year.
- Here are a few notes from the question-and-answer session at the end of
the address:
- Q: What is “merit?” – Will there be guidelines as
to what merit is for raises? A: 1.6% salary raise is outside merit
pool. 2.5% pool for merit.
- Q: Since merit is unfunded, staff may have
to be
laid
off to balance it? A: There is a $36M gap, which has to be covered.
In 9/2002
there were 19,300 employees on campus (including students). 9/2003
18,400. Now about 18,100. Too early to predict what will happen
by April 10th.
- Q: Terrapin pride day tomorrow. What is it? A: 10am-2pm tomorrow
in Annapolis in Miller Office Bldg. Speak to legislators.
Dana Nau & Marv Zelkowitz
