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President Pattenaude welcomed university members back to campus at the annual
Faculty/Staff breakfast with the observation that he was optimistic
about the coming year. Despite challenges ahead and frustrations
of some of our plans, we continue to make progress, he said.
"It is critical," he said that we all "appreciate what we
have: good colleagues, a wonderful place to live, growing
strength and a rising reputation." To demonstrate his point
that the impact USM has on the region is gaining recognition,
he introduced advocates for USM who had joined the USM community
at the breakfast: Ken Ross, Bob Vitalius, Peggy Osher, and
Roz Bernstein.
Provost Wood reinforced the president's push to maintain
momentum, saying among the goals ahead this year are (1) identifying
centers of excellence as sites for investment, a process which
would include faculty participation; and (2) seeking ways
to enhance faculty development. He also said, "I applaud the
educational opportunities faculty are creating around types
of diversity."
After introductions to new faculty and staff, the president
continued his theme of progress. He said we had passed the
$21 million mark in our capital campaign. "We're on a roll,"
he said. "In a corporate world, we'd be getting praises and
raises. I can give praises," he continued, "and we're working
on the raises." But, he said, the shortfall in the state budget
has an impact on USM.
This year, he said, the state is short $200 - $250 million,
with a projection of a $300 - $500 million shortfall for next
year. The impact on USM so far, he said, has been the necessity
of meeting $1.5 million in employee health care costs, and
a general cut in our operating budget since May of $950,000,
(a loss of 2.5 percent). So far, we've met that loss by cutting
into our R&D funds and the operating budget, but we may need
to do more, he said. "2003-2004 does not look a whole lot
better," he noted.
"Sometimes," he observed, "it feels unfair." when we've been "working hard
and moving forward...." Nevertheless, he said, "we're not
helpless." He said we would continue our excellent admissions
work to increase the number of full-time and out-of-state
students who bring more revenue to USM, and we would continue
to develop the growth in off-campus education to adult learners.
He said we would like to build more housing to help USM attract
more traditional, full-time students, and we would also like
to participate in solving Portland's housing crunch.
We also are working with the Technical College System so
that we are in step with them as they move toward becoming
more of a community college system that can channel students
to us.
We are continuing to meet with Maine's Congressional delegation
about earmarks, and members of USM's Board of Visitors and
other advocates are talking to the new chancellor, state legislators
and gubernatorial candidates about the need to invest in USM.
He asked faculty and staff to maintain standards because
quality wins out; ensure a vibrant learning environment; and
be an ambassador by participating in the community. Additionally,
people on campus can consciously conserve energy and resources
and give feedback on the various initiatives underway.
He reaffirmed that there will be no layoffs and that we will meet our budget roll-backs through a process that includes open discussion and a long-term perspective.
The president's remarks can be viewed at: www.usm.maine.edu/pres/speech/
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