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Last April, the University of Maine System’s administrators toured the seven campuses with hopes of gaining approval for their strategic plan, which was originally planned to commence next fall. This April, the board of trustees faces two legislative actions which would limit the ability of the board to implement that plan.
The strategic plan, drafted in the fall of 2003 and published in March 2004, seeks to improve the financial status of the system by combining campuses with other campuses in the system and with campuses in the Maine Community College System. The most debated element of the plan is the merger of the University of Maine at Augusta campuses with the University of Southern Maine and Maine Community College Systems.
Before the Legislature this week came two bills concerning UMS. The first, Legslation Document 1055, sponsored by Sen. Scott Cowger, D- Kennebec County, requires that UMS seek input from parties, including administration and faculty members from campuses and colleges as well as municipalities and the Maine Community College System, that are affected by a major policy decision. The second bill, LD 1241, sponsored by Sen. Elizabeth Mitchell, D- Kennebec County, reads, “The trustees may not finally adopt or implement any plan to reorganize the academic or administrative structure of the university.”
“There has been some concern that the voices have not been heard by the people in the system about the convergence of the strategic plan,” said Sen. Elizabeth Schneider, D-Orono.
The legislative actions were made not to limit the authority of the BOT, but to ensure that the best interests of the state were served.
“The board of trustees has been faithful to its charge and to the expectations established for it,” said Charles Johnson, chair of the BOT, at a hearing before the Educational Committee last Tuesday. “We maintained that fidelity in the development of our 2004 strategic plan initiative. Contrary to certain statements that have been made, ours was an open process.”
Johnson cited that the board, which was created to “minimize the tug-of-war involving political and parochial interests” for the universities, would be unable to serve public interests under the LD 1241.
Rep. Arthur Lerman, D- Augusta, addressed the members of the Education Committee
“Ultimately, it is the Legislature that is responsible for holding the board of trustees accountable,” he said.
UMS Chancellor Joseph Westphal spoke before the committee. He said the legislation would prove to be very “costly, overly bureaucratic and damaging” to the System’s ability to recruit and retain students, faculty and staff. He cited increasing costs of energy and health care, coupled with cuts and de-appropriations topping $15 million as the reasons for the creation of the plan.
“It places substantial burden on the system and its universities to expand their revenue sources and base in recognition of the financial challenges facing Maine’s policy-makers and taxpayers,” Westphal said.
After the hearing on Tuesday, Education Committee members will hold a workshop session to debate the legislation before deciding to adopt or reject the bills. The adoption of LD 1241 will not determine whether or not the Strategic Plan will be implemented. However, it will determine who will be able to make that decision, the BOT or the Legislature.
