Meeting Actions
At a meeting of the Board of Trustees on November 15-16, 2009 at the University of Maine System, the Board approved the following actions:
Acceptance of Minutes. The following minutes were approved as presented:
Sept. 14, 2009 – Board of Trustees Meeting & Board Committee Meetings
October 5, 2009 – Investment Committee Meeting
Confirm Student Representatives to the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees approved the appointments of the Faculty and Student Representatives to the Board of Trustees, as presented.
Approval & Implementation of the New Challenges, New Directions Plan – The University of Maine System and the Future of Maine. The Board of Trustees approved the following resolution:
Resolution
Whereas the State of Maine in enduring a large and difficult financial downturn; and
Whereas state revenues are not projected to return to 2008 levels for several years; and
Whereas the University of Maine System has seen its State E&G appropriation decrease by nearly $7 million from its highest point, in spite of the continuing support for the University of Maine System by the Governor and the State Legislature; and
Whereas the University of Maine System experienced a negative financial impact of over $16 million in FY09 due to the global financial crisis; and
Whereas the University of Maine System has already made reductions to its operating budget of $19.1 million in FY09 and an additional $18 million in FY10; and
Whereas it is essential to achieve financial sustainability in a strategic and system-wide manner; and
Whereas it is the fiduciary responsibility of the Board of Trustees of the University of Maine System to ensure the academic integrity, fiscal health, and affordability of the seven Universities that comprise the System;
It is therefore resolved that:
The Board of Trustees endorse the actions and goals presented in the Final Report and Implementation Plan of the New Challenges, New Directions Initiative – The University of Maine System and the Future of Maine incorporating the Chancellor’s Transmittal Letter of November 12, 2009 and charges the Chancellor to implement the plan with all deliberate speed.
Appointment for Trustee Approval. The Board of Trustees approved the appointments to positions at or above the level of Dean or equivalent or with tenure as recommended by the Chancellor, as follows:
Susan J. Hunter, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, UM
Awarding of Academic Degrees. The Board of Trustees of the University of Maine System authorized the awarding of degrees during Commencement ceremonies for the 2009-2010 academic year to those students fully recommended by the appropriate faculties and the president of the respective institutions and/or divisions of the University of Maine System.
UM Academic Program Proposals. The Board of Trustees approved the conversion of the Counselor Education, Literacy, Educational Leadership, and Higher Education Ed.D. programs to Ph.D. programs and approve the creation of a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Maine.
Proposed Changes to Board Policy # 703 – Tuition and Fees. The Board of Trustees approved the proposed revision to Board Policy # 703, as submitted.
Annual Financial Report FY2009. The Board of Trustees approved the FY2009 Annual Financial Report.
Establishment of the Correll Presidential Chair in Energy, UM. The Board of Trustees approved the establishment of the Correll Presidential Chair in Energy at UM.
Establishment of the Correll Professorship in Early Literacy, UM. The Board of Trustees approved the establishment of the Correll Professorship in Early Literacy at UM.
Acceptance of a Gift of Real Estate, UMA. The Board of Trustees accepted the generous donation of the Gannett Building located at 331 Water Street, Augusta to be used in support of the University of Maine at Augusta mission subject to approval by the Chancellor and the Executive Committee of the Board after a review of the final cost estimates and upon recommendation by University Counsel.
Expansion of Historic District, UM. The Board of Trustees authorized the University of Maine to forward its Historic preservation nomination form to the Maine Historic Preservation Commission for consideration by the Commission, and if favorable action is taken, to authorize the advancement of the nomination to the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, for official action.
Process Development Center Infrastructure Improvement Project, UM. The Board of Trustees approved the Process Development Center Infrastructure Improvement Project, with a total equipment budget of approximately $1,977,425.
Date of Next Meeting. The next meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held on January 11, 2010, at the University of Maine System Office in Bangor.