UPDATE From: President Richard L. Pattenaude
Number 3, November 2003
> Transfer Agreements Signed With
SMCC, YCCC
> Somali Elders Thank USM
> Glickman Library Completion on Track
> In My Travels
In October, USM and Southern Maine Community College signed
a formal transfer agreement to ensure students a smooth transition
from two- to four-year academic programs -- without changing
current academic standards. The guaranteed admission agreement
offers successful graduates of the community college's Associate
of Arts Advantage (AAA) programs guaranteed admission with
junior status to many USM programs. This is a huge step in
expanding educational opportunities for Maine people and part
of a distinctive, yet complementary, role between our two
institutions as we work to improve educational attainment
for Mainers. York County Community College also will be participating
in this program, with a transfer agreement to be signed in
November. For more information, see our press
release.
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USM's efforts on behalf of Maine's refugee community were
applauded last week when Portland Somali elders gathered at
the Gorham campus to honor USM's Center for Workplace Learning.
Citing the importance of the Center's language and college-prep
programs, which are offered at work sites around Portland,
the elders thanked CWL staff for helping "people realize successful
careers, [and] putting many talents to use in the workplace."
One of the Center's most innovative and important initiatives
is its Newcomer Extended Teacher Education Program, which
helps immigrants and refugees with bachelor degrees become
qualified to teach in the K-12 system -- where they are invaluable
resources for schools and the multicultural students they
serve. My thanks and admiration go out to Cullen Ryan and
the rest of the CWL staff for developing programs that respond
so fully to the needs of this growing community.
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Amid the sheet rock, insulation, and scaffolding currently
decorating the Glickman Family Library, one thing never changes:
the incredible ocean views from the libraryês seventh floor.
It's getting easier to imagine students there enjoying the
stacks, study areas, and the Great Reading Room overlooking
Back Cove. I am pleased to report that construction of the
top three floors is on schedule, with project completion slated
for spring 2004. Take a look at a wonderful Web
photo album of the construction's progress.
^top
In My Travels
Nearly 500 people from across Maine's business and university
communities participated in a powerful discussion about leadership
at the USM Business School's 2003 Executive Forum last week.
Leadership expert Ron Heifetz, who gave the keynote address,
said something that has stayed with me: "Most sustainable
change builds upon history. It's not a matter of starting
from scratch, but about sifting through what's precious and
what no longer serves." As we approach the necessary, though
daunting, process of refashioning USM into a more sustainable
university for the 21st century, I think it's important to
consider these words. We are likely to experience a period
of irresolution before we find new models for working, teaching,
and partnering with the community. Nonetheless, I have real
confidence in the USM community to meet these challenges --
a confidence built on our history as a place where diverging
viewpoints and values are treated with respect.
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