UPDATE From: President Richard L. Pattenaude
Number 9, June 2006
> University System Budget
> Positive Results Highlight HR Survey
> Talbot Lecture Hall Dedicated
> Faculty-Student Team Featured in Science
> A Valued Colleague
> Thank You!
University System Budget
In the closing days of the recently completed legislative session, the Governor and Leadership proposed an additional $4.2 million for the University of Maine System. The Appropriations Committee endorsed the proposal, and the full Legislature approved it shortly before adjournment. The additional $4.2 million to the System, though not a fiscal silver bullet, certainly will relieve a lot of pressure at both the campus and system levels. I want you to know that I hear and appreciate concerns about rising health care costs, lack of contracts, and the impact they have on the personal and professional lives of our faculty and staff. I can't be more specific while contract talks are under way, but the additional appropriation helps move us toward closure on contractual issues.
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Positive Results Highlight HR Survey
Late last year, Human Resources undertook a campus-wide survey, asking faculty and staff to rate their experiences with various HR departments. I'm pleased to note that overall results were positive but there are issues we need to address. To its credit, HR has reviewed the feedback and is prepared to address several areas, among them the Web site and phone response. My thanks to HR Director Kathleen Bouchard, Vice President for HR and Planning Judy Ryan, and the entire staff. For complete results, go to http://www.usm.maine.edu/hrs/surveysummary/index.htm.
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Talbot Lecture Hall Dedicated
If you have not yet had a chance, drop by the new Gerald E. Talbot Lecture Hall (formerly Luther Bonney Auditorium). The newly renovated hall, complete with a permanent exhibit highlighting Jerry's work, is a tribute to his significant political and social contributions, while providing a first-rate academic and community forum. http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/news/state/060602talbot.html.
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Faculty-Student Team Featured in Science
The Friday, June 2 edition of Science magazine included an article on USM Professor David Champlin and his students, who are part of a project that has uncovered a hormone that starts metamorphosis in caterpillars. This research, done in conjunction with colleagues at the University of Washington and in Japan, could lead to a better understanding of how hormones can control growth in humans. This has implications for development of anti-cancer agents; long-term effects of infant malnutrition; stem cell research and regenerative medicine. It's especially noteworthy that David has provided undergraduate
students the opportunity to experience this level of high-quality research. More information is available at http://www.usm.maine.edu/mcr/news/releases_0506/champlin.htm
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A Valued Colleague
I was saddened to learn of Professor John Jaques' death. As you may have heard, he died in South Portland late last month. John, a graduate of Bowdoin and Columbia, was one of the first faculty members hired for what was then Portland Junior College. During the next 36 years, he served in various administrative positions, and as a professor of English. His family requested that donations could be made in his memory and sent to USM Advancement Services, PO Box 9300, Portland, 04104.
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Thank You!
As the warm, summer weather finally moves in, I recall one of the best parts of working in Maine-living here during the summer months! Thank you all for the work done during the 05-06 school year. This year presented challenges, but once again USM's faculty and staff rose to those challenges with grace and ingenuity. I wish you all a safe, wonderful summer, whether you are teaching, conducting research, staffing offices or traveling.
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