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A lively session of the General Student Senate took place with a performance by the University Singers and a speech by University of Maine System Chancellor Richard Pattenaude, who answered questions regarding rising tuition, UMaine’s flagship identity, recruitment of potential students, FirstClass and the university’s future.
The chancellor began by applauding the strong leadership that exists at the university through President Robert Kennedy and Vice President for Student Affairs Robert Dana. Both Kennedy and Dana were present at the senate meeting.
He began by explaining “New Challenges, New Directions,” a policy being implemented by the UMaine system to address the economic downturn.
“We are in the middle of unusual, unprecedented times,” Pattenaude said. “Ten months ago no one could have predicted where we are today.”
The chancellor hopes to strengthen the university, maintain affordability and increase efficiency.
Sen. Nate Wildes began the question-and-answer session by asking the chancellor to pledge to a tuition cap. The chancellor did not directly answer Wildes’ question and did not make a pledge in regard to the tuition cap.
Sen. Rachel Schiffman raised a question about teachers on campus: “I don’t see the connection. If there is a raise in tuition then shouldn’t that mean our professors are teaching us more?” Schiffman asked. “TAs are teaching instead of professors, and we shouldn’t have to settle for a TA.”
The chancellor responded, “The faculty here has been affected less here than in other categories of work,” Pattenaude said. “We have hit the faculty less than other parts of the institution . we’ve been trying to protect the core.”
Sen. James Lyons asked the chancellor about the consolidation of the university system.
“Since 2005, the seven-campus model has been codified and statuted. However even in good economic times, this has been a matter of debate,” Lyons said. “Do you see any discussion taking place at the system level or in Augusta regarding change with this?”
The chancellor responded, “I’m committed to the fact that if you visit [other campuses] you understand the essential nature of those communities to the people that live there . and maintaining educational services in those places.”
A question was raised about retaining potential students from in state along with stronger recruitment for out-of-state students. The chancellor said that recruiting efforts have been doubled at high schools both in and out of state. He also noted developing partnerships with community colleges and high schools.
Sen. Zach Jackman asked about the priority in regard to making cuts within the system. “We are potentially facing [a] FirstClass cut, and I was curious how tuition is going up but having programs cut at the same time,” Jackman said.
The chancellor established that the FirstClass system is a campus decision to cut, not a Task Force decision.
“We try to keep your costs down so you can be here . we never raise tuition more than the minimal amount,” Pattenaude said.
The chancellor ended by reiterating his support in senate and would be “more than happy” to address the student senate once more if invited.
Debate arose over the Board of Trustees (BOT) Representative Elections in the new business portion of the meeting. The person nominated as the representative will voice student concerns to the BOT and act as a liaison between the student body and the BOT. After Kennedy narrowed the selection of potential candidates from 14 to three, senate had the final say in who was elected.
Sens. Ben Goodman and Brian Harris and non-senate member Rebecca Dyer – nominated by the academic and administrative policy committee – were the final potential candidates. After expressing why they would be the most effective if elected and answering other questions raised by senators, the senate asked them to leave the room so the senate could make a final decision.
Wildes moved to have senate in executive session, which allows only senate members to be present during the discussion. After heated debate, the motion failed and executive session was not executed. Senators then voiced concerns and opinions about who would make the best representative.
After a ballot vote, Dyer was selected as the BOT Representative.
Sen. Tim Smith said, “I’m not going to endorse any particular person; we want to outreach to people who are not typically involved in Student Government,” Smith said.
Jackman said, “Ironically, I would like to openly throw my support for Goodman. I think you need to look at it from the basis of qualifications, and he’s qualified. He knows what he’s doing, and I definitely think he would be a great representative.” Jackman said.
Sen. Chuck Hastings said, “I work close with him [Goodman], and my only concern with him is that he might be too busy for it. Sen. Harris, I think, is very qualified as well … they all have their ups and downs.”
Wildes began, “I have a few problems with this; Rebecca Dyer should have never been nominated in the first place because of the length of the term.” Dyer is graduating in May 2010. “Considering Brian, he’s very dedicated and very effective, but Ben is also these as well. I think I’m leaning toward Goodman at this point,” Wildes said.
Sen. Alexander Ortiz said, “Any of the three of them would do a great job. Rebecca well represents herself within her leadership positions and she is incredibly driven. She’s honest and very true. You get a lot of people out there who are trying to pad resumes, but I can say that everything she does, she does to her fullest, and I think her fullest is the best for this position.”
Sen. Jonathan Pelletier discussed the changes placed in the Fogler Library due to students voicing their concerns. The library added more table space on the third floor and added 49 power strips throughout the building. Also, Pelletier discussed changing the hours of the Wallace pool to accommodate students who wish to have more flexible hours to swim.
During the club presentation portion of the meeting, the University Singers showed their appreciation for the senate’s sponsorship of their annual spring tour by preforming “Amor De Mialma.”
Six resolutions passed to allocate $4,400 to UM Cheerleading, $1,801 to Kappa Kappa Psi, $1,439 to the Orono Student Nurses Association, $1,500 to the Student Women’s Association, $1,126 to Tau Beta Sigma and $1,200 to the UMaine Woodsmen’s Team.
In the new business portion of senate, two non-senator members, Seamus McGrath and Joseph Pelletier, were nominated to the Fair Election Practices Commission uncontested.
Ian Miller was sworn into senate during the meeting.
Bangor Daily News