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Highlights of the November 6, 2003, meeting of the College Park Senate

1. Two proposals from PCC were discussed:
   • Proposal to establish an area of concentration in Japanese in the existing MA program in Second Language Acquisition and Application. Proposal claimed no impact on existing programs. Passed.
   • Proposal to establish an MA and a Graduate Certificate in Jewish Studies. Additional resources to be provided by the Meyerhoff Center for Jewish Studies. Passed.
2. Provost William Destler talked on "Progress and priorities in the face of budgetary challenges." State funding dropped $54M and had to self-support an additional $17M (e.g., increased costs of health benefits). Regents added $39M in tuition of which $11M is for increased student aid. Thus $71M-$28M = $43M budget reduction this year.
   • Self support units contributed 5% of their revenue to cover some of this shortfall.
   • State-mandated units (e.g., cooperative extension) did not share in increased tuition, and hence took a larger share of the cut.
   • About 45 individuals were laid off without obtaining a new university position

   Six committees set up to look at future of university (See minutes for October 16 meeting).

   Budget request for FY05 limited by state to same amount as this year. State may try and cap tuition increases, but if not compensated by increased state support, it would be a disaster for the university. University needs to do better fund raising. We should be raising $150M-$200M/year. Last year was the best to date at $80M.

   This year the University has 50 programs and 17 departments rated in top 15 of their field, up from 35 only 2 years ago. Six-year graduation rate, previously 63%, now is over 70%. Administration committed to working within these constraints to improve the university.

Marv Zelkowitz