Minutes 12 March 2025
Attendance
Present:
Senators: Allison Gardner, Amanda Klemmer (President), Amber Roth, Aaron Putnam, Colleen Marzilli, Danielle Levesque, Derek A. Michaud, Elizabeth Payne, Ellen Hostert, Esther Enright, Glenda Pereira, Ivan Manev, Jack Buttcane, Jay Wason, Jean Henri Akono Ada, Jennifer Perry, Jesse Kaye-Schiess, Jianjun Hao, Jonathan Barron, Karen Beeftink, Kathryn Slott, Kelly Jaksa, Liliana Herakova, Manuel Woersdoerfer, Matt Hawkyard, MJ Sedlock, Nils Haentjens, Paula Drewniany, Roberto Lopez-Anido, Sabrina DeTurk (Secretary), Sarah Lindahl, Sudarshan Chawathe, Timothy Bowden, Timothy Waring, Todd Zoroya (Vice President), Will Manion, William Nichols, Sara Lello, William Otto
Guests: Andrea Gifford, Adam Kirkland, Debra Allen, Diane Rowland, Ellen Weinauer, Gabriel Paquette, Hannah Carter, James Ward IV, Jason Charland, Jeffrey St. John, Joan Ferrini-Mundy, Kody Varahramyan, Michelle Rogers, Scott Marzilli
Absent:
Senators: Alexis Foster, Bashir Khoda, Benjamin L. King, Bill DeSisto, C. Matt Graham, Craig Mason, Cynthia Isenhour, Garret Lee, Keith Berube, Lee Karp-Boss, Mahdi Al Badrawi, Peter Van Walsum, Phillip Dickens, Robert Rice, Rosemary Smith, Seth Campbell, Shannon McCoy, Steven Kimball, Susan Smith, Tingting Ye
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 3:06pm.
Welcome and Updates
- Sabrina DeTurk (Secretary) read the land acknowledgement.
- The chair announced that March 14 is the deadline for ordering commencement regalia. She invited all present to volunteer for commencement as a way to affirm and support the campus community and mentioned a particular need for marshals.
- It was announced that the women’s basketball team will be competing in the championship on Saturday for the first time in 21 years. Those present recognized this accomplishment with applause.
Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs: Jeffree St. John
- In his opening remarks, Vice Chancellor (VC) Jeffrey St. John acknowledged the time constraints of the present meeting and offered to communicate openly, transparently, and directly with any faculty who may have additional questions during department meetings or other venues. He then gave an update on the 90-credit applied bachelor’s degree programs.
In a meeting with the Board of Trustees (BOT) in September 2024, the University of Maine System (UMS) presented and encouraged consideration of a small pilot for a 90-credit degree program. After the initial presentation, there were several rounds of revision and additional meetings with the BOT in November and January. The System has since received five proposals from various System universities. Five programs is the maximum allowed by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) for this pilot. All five programs are now in the “intent to plan” phase. By design and explicit restriction, these 90 credit degree programs will only be available to adult students. There is an enrollment safeguards document that is intended to ensure only adult degree completers can enroll. The newly developed resource page is designed to answer other common questions about these programs and the process by which they will be implemented. UMS needs to provide a pathway for a four year degree if Adult learners decide to participate in this. The VC encouraged the Senate to continue providing feedback, and clarified that summer 2026 would be the earliest these five programs would launch.
The Chair opened the floor for questions:
Q: Esther Enwright asked if the VC could share the assessment plan for the pilot with faculty.
A: The VC answered that he would be happy to do so at the appropriate time.
Q: Paula Drewniany asked the VC if the 90-credit degree programs would remain open only to adult learners in future iterations.
A: The VC responded that this is still at a very early stage, with many unknowns. He said it is too early even to say whether there will be additional offerings until the first five have been assessed.
Q: The Chair raised concerns about the proposed nomenclature for these 90-credit degree programs and said it is important that a clear distinction is made between these programs and the standard 120-credit bachelor’s degree. She expressed specific concerns discussed in previous Faculty Senate meetings about the use of the word “applied,” adding that this word already has associations for certain other disciplines and programs. If the word “applied” were to develop a negative connotation as a result of the 90-credit degree programs, that could potentially have adverse consequences for existing programs.
A: The VC stated that there are limited options. It might have been ideal to create a new degree type, but this would have required approval by the legislature, which could take up to two years to secure. The “applied” designator was selected as an alternative, though the VC said adding the words “90 credits” to the degree title is another option under consideration. He invited faculty to continue providing feedback, especially with regard to the “intent to plan” documents. (These documents are accessible via Faculty Senate folders but remain unlinked here for access reasons.) - Update on the UMS-MCCS transfer agreement (Transfer ME)
Last summer, President Dave Daigler from the Maine Community College System (MCCS) and the UMS Chancellor signed a global transfer agreement called “Transfer ME,” which is based on faculty-developed and faculty-approved articulation agreements. An 8-month review was recently completed of all articulation agreements on record at UMS and MCCS to eliminate ones that were outdated/expired. There are a total of 148 current articulation agreements that the Provosts can access via a newly created dashboard and send out to Deans and Associate Deans. The VC added that UMS contacts MCCS students after they complete 30 credits of their associate degree to identify pathways for transfer to a program offered by UMS. - Academic framework for micro-credentials
The VC summarized prior feedback from faculty and staff (including from Craig Mason) that he had received on micro-credentials. Based on this feedback, an academic framework document is being developed by a team of faculty and professional staff (led by Claire Sullivan) to show how micro-credentials are traced to specific faculty in specific departments or schools. This framework document will be shared with UMS Provosts and the VC by the end of this semester. The document will be refined by VC and Provost input and may be released, likely by September. Once available, the VC said he would share the document with the Chair for distribution to the faculty.
The Chair opened the floor for questions:
Q: Esther Enright asked whether more resources could be shared with faculty regarding micro-credential outcomes.
A: The VC said he would send resources to the Chair for distribution to the Faculty Senate.
New Business
Approval of minutes from 2/12/25 Faculty Senate meeting
The Chair asked for a motion to approve the minutes. The minutes were approved with 1 abstention.
Questions of the administration
- General questions for the administration:
The Chair mentioned that many faculty have noticed a decrease in storage on their respective Google Drives, which occurred without notification. MJ Sedlock clarified that she inquired about this issue as well and was informed that if more than 20 GB was already being used, the storage limit would be scaled accordingly. In addition, she was told that as more storage was needed, the ceiling would be increased. Tim Waring shared that the storage limitation might be linked to a Google Group with a name that represents the volume of storage you have been allocated. He advised against deleting that group, as that appears to be what determines what amount of storage the user is allocated in Drive.
Ellen Weinauer read an email from the IT department regarding the new storage quota policy from UMS. The VC said he had not been included on any related communications and that he would do some research and follow up. - Update on promotions and tenure: Associate Provost (AP) Gabe Paquette said that the BOT voted to confer tenure on 24 faculty and that 23 had moved from assistant professor to associate professor. In addition, 6 faculty were promoted from associate professor to professor. AP Paquette then shared some summary statistics of these faculty members’ accomplishments that led to the promotion and tenure decisions. He said that an announcement of the names of the faculty will be made soon. Deans and the faculty members themselves have already been notified.
Federal actions discussion
General context:
University of Maine (UM) President Joan Ferrini-Mundy began her remarks by stating that there has been a tremendous amount of activity coming out of Washington since the new Administration took office in January, including executive orders, agency-specific guidance, letters and guidance documents, and guidance from government offices. The subject of these actions and documents has varied widely, ranging from Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to athletics to offshore wind. Many of these actions and documents bear relevance to UM. UMS has been tracking developments and posting updates here.
The UM President recommended beginning by reading original documents, not just the interpretations of these documents, which can be confusing and overwhelming. These actions and documents are being reviewed three times per week by groups at the System level. At UM, there are two groups that meet to review developments, including the Federal Actions Stakeholder Team (FAST) that discusses federal actions and the Grants Review Team (GRT) that discusses questions from funded private investigators.
UM specific matters include a notification that the Sea Grant project would be terminated. UM is now confident that this grant will be reinstated after continued work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The other matter is the recent United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Announcement on March 10 that funding to UMS would be paused. Funding has since been restored as of the evening of March 12.
The Chair opened the floor for questions:
Q: Jay Wason (member) asked whether graduate students would get paid at the end of the month.
A: The UM President said she was not sure.
Q: Jen Perry asked whether it makes a difference if a student is on capacity grants (e.g., MAFES or Cooperative Extension) versus competitive funding.
A: Jake Ward provided some general information about both funding types, stating that capacity grants are funded on an annual basis and matched 1:1 by non-federal dollars. These funds may be used to cover a temporary gap in federal funding, but Jake said we do not know enough information right now. Jake mentioned competitive funds, as well as a third type of funds called pass-through funds that are received by the state of Maine and passed through to UMS. Pass-through funds may be okay depending on the interpretation of the directive. He ended by saying things are complex and that there are not clear answers at this time.
Q: Allie Gardner asked a general question about which communication channels/platforms (e.g. UM email, Slack, etc.) should be considered “public.” She also asked whether there is any way that faculty can communicate with other faculty privately.
A: The UM President said it would be helpful to speak directly with general counsel on this to receive guidance. She said all emails should be treated as public, which is something Jake Ward affirmed. Jake Ward added that his email has been “FOIA’d” (i.e. retrieved via the Freedom of Information Act) many times in his 34-year employment history at UMS. He encouraged all faculty to consider not just which email (personal or professional) they are using, but also which email or communication channel is being used by the person with which they are communicating.
The UM President stated that there is an investigation underway by the Office of Civil Rights in the USDA, which is focused on Title IX in athletics at UMS. Information about this investigation was made public on March 11 and more info can be found online. The investigation is still pending.
Changing subjects, the Chair mentioned that some faculty have been contacted by news outlets and have expressed concern that faculty have not been trained about what they should say and should not say. The UM President advised forwarding all related questions to Sam Warren and to CC John Diamond. Esther Enwright cautioned that even email exchanges about an interview can be quoted by a reporter in an article. The UM President affirmed that media training for some faculty who want it might be a good idea down the road. A commenter online mentioned that the faculty fellows program in the Rising Tide Office used to offer media training.
Q: Raising another point from a concerned faculty member, the Chair asked whether USDA funds could be used to pay undergraduate students who worked from March 1 until March 11 when notification of the funding pause was received.
A: Jake Ward replied that notice had been received on Monday, March 10, which UMS is treating as the effective start date. Jake clarified that payments had been received on Monday night, so the timing of things is a bit uncertain.
Q: Jay Wason asked for additional guidance about making offers to graduate students for next year.
A: The UM President said a statement on this coming very soon. She added that there is a need for an external funding strategy that takes the current federal administration’s new priorities into account.
Q: Jen Perry noted that current graduate students are concerned about being able to pay their bills.
A: The UM President asked what would be helpful to students in the absence of clear answers. Senator Perry noted that they want to know how bad things could get. She also asked who to contact about trying to make adjustments to cover students as long as possible; Jake said those questions can be forwarded to him and the Grants Review Team.
Q: Juan Romero asked whether undergraduate students being paid by USDA grants should stop working.
A: UM President clarified that there has been no directive to stop work for undergraduate students yet, but that this could change soon. Jake Ward added that he advised against bringing any new undergraduate students on.
Q: Juan Romero then said that some industry partners may be willing to temporarily fund student positions during the funding pause, and he asked about the best way to facilitate this.
A: Jake Ward said an account could be set up and to contact him. The UM President commented about the need to ensure equity in these types of situations.
The Chair then invited Associate Provost and Dean of the Cooperative Extension (CE) Hannah Carter and Dean Diane Rowland to address the assembly. Hannah Carter said that CE is still open for business and is having similar conversations as the Faculty Senate. They are working through trying to make a plan to support people and continue their work.
Dean Diane Rowland said that the Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station (MAFES) is open as well and working; like CE, they are working to answer questions and define a path forward.
Conversation then returned to funding for undergraduate students. Allie Gardner said she had received a different message regarding undergraduate students working on USDA grants and had been told that these students should be furloughed. The UM President replied that UM is following similar processes as other universities, reiterating the importance of compliance with investigations underway.
The UM President added that the looming government shutdown will raise another set of issues. She reassured the assembly that UM teams are watching this with our federal partner in government relations. Jake Ward noted the excellent communicativeness of the Maine delegation.
The UM President gave a brief history of the last government shutdown and how it affected UMS. She said that historically there has always been the understanding that when the shutdown is over, the funding will come back. In this case, she said we have not seen that yet from this administration.
Q: A senator online asked about getting back pay for graduate students doing work on their theses, assuming funding is only resumed after graduation.
A: Jake Ward and the UM President said they do not have an answer at this time and that they will look into it.
Q: There was another question online about whether there were any financial resources for graduate students impacted by funding freezes to aid their groceries, bills, rent, etc.
A: The UM President answered that the foundation may have a fund for this and directed the questioner to Chief of Staff Michelle Rogers.
Kathryn Slott commented that layoffs and cuts at the Department of Education (DOE) are impacting faculty and students in the humanities and social sciences. The UM President asked that information about grants being terminated or paused be sent to Jake Ward.
The Chair concluded by stating that this is a good forum to pass information along to networks but suggested finding a way to meet again (even informally) before the next open senate meeting in April. The UM President said she would welcome another forum.
Committee on Committees – Esther Enright
No report.
FGC Rep – Bill DeSisto:
Five 90-credit Applied Bachelor’s Degree Programs are at the Intent to Plan stage. Feedback is solicited with a deadline of April 3. Programs are: Applied Business Management (UMFK), Applied Psychology (UMPI), Applied College Studies (UMM), Applied Public Administration (UMA), and Applied Liberal Studies (UMPI).
Academic Affairs Committee – Dee Nichols and Allie Gardner
- Motion forthcoming on Changes to the Core: Categories, Outcomes, and Policies (will be introduced at the upcoming elected members meeting on March 26).
- Motion forthcoming on Approving Changes to Catalog
- Motion forthcoming on Supporting the UPCC Process for new courses with Core Designation
- Motion forthcoming on Supporting Process for Accreditation Process for Early College – Process for Faculty Standards related to teaching Early College Course at High Schools.
Reviewing Student Government’s Request for Syllabus Repository
Environment Committee – Elizabeth Payne and Tim Waring
No report.
Finance and Institutional Planning Committee – Henri Akono
- Met with administration on Friday 2/21/2025
- Enrollments (VPE Kevin Coughlin): positive news; as of 194 days before the start of the fall 2025 semester: total applications are up by 1.3%; total admitted undergraduates are up by 0.6%, and total matriculated students are up 15.1%; note that our deposit is currently $175. There are some challenges driven by free tuition at community colleges across the country; enrollment management is devising strategies to mitigate the negative impact on UMaine enrollments. Some work is being done with various other cabinets to establish a new process that would lead to a sensible drop for non-payment. UMaine’s discount rate is around 40%, but the bottom line bill is lower at UMaine relative to other schools that offer higher discount rates.
- SRE_IG research infrastructure (VPRDGS Kody): needs for more data has also been identified by this group; 3 surveys are planned or being conducted; 1 of the surveys will focus on faculty and senate leadership is aware and potentially will be involved; questionnaire is designed to be comprehensive.
- Academic planning and strategy (EVP & Provost John Volin): discussed the impact of executive orders on the academic enterprise; positioning of UMaine locally relative to schools like Husson and closing of their pharmacy program; reiterated support from Provost’s office for faculty/college proposals that can help UMaine attract students from those schools.
- Questions and answers: involved various discussions about tuition at UMaine; differential tuition vs. other models; how much of the differential tuition goes to the college vs. the central budget; among others. Key point: while UMaine’s discount rate might seem lower than that of other schools, the net tuition bill is lower than that of most competing schools that offer higher tuition discount rates upfront, because of a lower tuition rate.
- Revising the Motion about Re-examining the structure of UMaine research enterprise to include language that incorporates current events such as the potential impact of executive orders in the narrative.
- Next FIPC meetings: regular on Thursday 3/13 and with admin on Friday 3/28.
Research and Scholarship Committee – Danielle Levesque and Ben King
- The committee execs met with the VPR on the 27th and the full committee is scheduled to meet with him and members of the University Research Council on the 12th. We discussed solutions for potential funding gaps as well as plans to help connect faculty with research related resources.
Environment Subcommittee – Tim Bowden
No report.
Library Advisory Committee – Jonathan Barron
The committee met with Dean Daisy Singh on March 6. We discussed current funding priorities, staffing, and issues pertaining to acquisitions.
Program Creation and Reorganization Review Committee – MJ Sedlock
- New proposal for PCRRC Policy is underway
- Timeline Goals:
- 3/26 – Provide to committee and Provost’s Office for review
- 4/9 – Provide to Faculty Senate for review
- 4/23 – Official Senate discussion at Elected Members meeting
- 5/7 – Approval motion for vote
BOT Rep – Ivan Manev:
The BOT met on March 10 here in Wells.
- Our motion to include a report from the faculty representative as a standing item on the BOT agenda was supported by the USM Faculty Senate. I forwarded it to BOT, together with my short report (5 bullet points). Chair Riley confirmed receipt and encouraged me to participate in discussions, which I did, on the topic of 90-credit degrees.
- The Board approved a revised Policy 212 on free speech, academic freedom and civility.
- Enrollment across the system is down 2% from last year, but still higher than the prior 3 years (2021-23). “2025 is on track to be a very successful recruitment season.”
- The Board approved tenure applications as presented: 54 total, incl. 24 from UMaine.
- FY26 budget presentations will take place in the FFT committee for a full day on March 19. Additional FFT meetings on the budget will be held on April 16 and 20, and the budget will come to the board for a vote on May 18. All these meetings will be broadcast in a webinar format.
Information and Technology Committee – Sudarshan Chawathe
No report.
Adjourn
It was moved and seconded to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 4:31pm.