Highlights of the May 11, 2000, meeting of the College Park Senate

  • Mark Leone (Anthropology) took over the reins as Senate Chair from William Walters (Chemistry) for the year 2000-2001.

  • Ellie Weingaertner (Grad Studies and Research) was elected as Chair-Elect for the year 2001-2002.

  • Other position holders: Senate Executive Committee - George Bean (Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics), Kent Cartwright (Department of English), Sarah Eno (Department of Physics), Paul Green (Department of Mathematics), June Hargrove (Department of Art History and Archaeology), George Helz (Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry), Thomas Regan (Department of Chemical Engineering); Staff - Dave Sumner (Office of Student Affairs); Graduate - Jason Shergur (College of Life Science); Undergraduate - Mark Tosso (College of Arts & Humanities).

  • It was proposed to establish a graduate program leading to an online Master of Life Sciences Degree. A motion ws made for approval of the proposal. The motion carried unanimously.

  • It was proposed to establish a Certificate in Asian-American Studies, essentially a "minor" that would attach to a BS program. A motion was made for approval of the proposal. The motion carried unanimously.

  • It was proposed to establish a permanent official UMCP lobby to Washington, DC, in the footsteps of our peer institutions. A motion was made to approve establishment of a UMCP governmental office in DC, appointment of a federal relations officer, and establishment of a campus-wide governmental affairs committee with senate representation. The motion carried with opposition.

  • The governmental affairs committee presented an informational report on the taxation of tuition assistance. Currently employers may provide up to $5,250 per year as a tax-free reimbursement for tuition---but only for undergraduate level courses. It was proposed that the administration support exemption of graduate student provided tuition from taxation. This is an example of an issue that the lobbyist (see 5 above) might pursue.

  • It was proposed that the campus plan of organization be amended such that senatorial responsibilities of each staff senator be considered a part of his/her official duties. After a great deal of lively discussion about the language used in the proposed amendment, a motion to adopt the amendment was received from the floor. There was more discussion at this point. A primary concern was the potential for diluting the discretion of supervisors to determine responsibilities of an employee. A motion was made to postpone the vote on the amendment. The motion was seconded---and there was further discussion. A vote was taken on the motion to postpone the vote on the proposed amendment. The motion failed. A vote was taken on the motion made to approve the proposed amendment. Motion passed with dissent.

    Bonnie Dorr & Don Perlis
    Senators, Department of Computer Science