Become the Next Student Regent

It's that time of year, already. Time to find my replacement! Here is some information that you might find useful:
Position Description
Application

Each year, students from across the system compete for the position. Here is a brief overview of the process:
1. Students express interest, contact Vice President of Student Affairs at their campus and compete in an "institutional" selection process, if there is more than one person interested
2. By November 26, the President of each institution must submit their nominee (maximum 1 candidate from each degree granting institution, maximum 11 candidates)
3. The USM Student Council interviews candidates on December 7, and will likely select the three top candidates. In the form of a letter, the names will be forwarded to Chancellor Kirwan.
4. Chancellor Kirwan will interview candidates, and barring no major concerns, will forward the USM Student Council's recommendations to the Governor's Office of Appointments (usually occurs in January)
5. The Governor's Staff reviews the nominees and makes a selection sometime between February and June 30th.

If you have questions about the process or the position, please feel free to contact me by phone (410) 294-8581 or by email joshmichael@umbc.edu.

Textbook Affordability Summit, November 24

The University System, in partnership with other higher education sectors, will host a Textbook Affordability Summit on November 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Colony Ballroom at the University of Maryland, College Park Stamp Student Union.

Click here to register.

Click her to read the flier.

Former USM student leader elected to prominent state role

Former USM Student Council Chair, Brian Bailey (UMBC '07), was recently elected to serve as the Chairman of the Baltimore County Democratic Party. Brian will serve as Chairman of the party for the remaining two years of the 2006-2010 term.

Brian had a celebrated tenure at UMBC and with student leadership in Maryland. He served as the Director of Community and Governmental Affairs for the UMBC SGA for three years, the Vice Chair of the USM Student Council (2005-2006), and as the Chair of the USM Student Council (2006-2007). He also interned as a lobbyist for Capitol Strategies, LLC. Additionally, he was heavily involved in Paula Hollinger's Campaign for Congress, District 3.

Expect to see Brian's name in coming years in decades in the forefront of Maryland politics...

Tuition Trends Up, Financial Aid to Fall

The College Board reported today on increases in tuition above rates of inflation. It explained that tuition has raised on average 6.4% at public four-year institutions. In response, the American Council of Education (ACE) stated that conditions are such that families should expect increases in tuition levels and decreases in financial aid, as highlighted in the Washington Post.

Maryland might be in a better situation than most states because of Governor O'Malley's expressed support for maintaining affordability at USM institutions.

HBCU Funding Report

The Commission to Develop the Maryland Model for Funding Higher Education, commonly referred to as the "Bohanan Commission" presented the final draft of the contracted report on funding for historically black colleges and universities (HCBUs) in Maryland. The four HBCUs in Maryland are University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, Coppin State University, Bowie State University, and Morgan State University. All but Morgan are member institutions of the University System of Maryland.

The report highlights studied undergraduate education, graduate education, and capacity of facilities within its report. Generally, the report found that HBCUs need more funding and support if they are to maintain their unique "dual mission" of 1) serving disadvantaged student populations, and 2) maintaining and expanding high quality academic programs. The report defines the standard of measure to me "similarity of outcomes," meaning that funding guidelines should be established to assist HBCUs to reach similar graduation rates, retention rates, and attainment levels.

After a cursory review of the report, I had a few concerns. First, I disagreed with the assessment that HBCUs should take the primary role in serving disadvantaged students, over community colleges (pages 6 and 7). We must ask whether students who are not ready for four-year college after high school should be remediated in public four-year institutions at a high cost, or at community colleges which are in the business of remedial and supplementary education. I do believe, though, that HBCUs play a prominent role in partnership with community colleges in serving disadvantaged students, possibly through expanded 2+2 program partnerships.

I also was struck by the expectation that HBCUs serve as both access and high quality institutions. From my perspective, most all other institutions fall on the spectrum of access and high-quality, atleast across Maryland. In other words, top-notch academic programs in Maryland are often housed at more rigorous institutions such as UMCP, Salisbury, and UMBC. More access oriented institutions, such as Frostburg, UMUC, and UB (undergrad), focus more on supporting students in their academic tenure. I question whether delineation of focus for HBCUs might be a more worthwhile approach. In other words, should not Morgan and UMES focus on high rigor academic programs, and Bowie and Coppin focus more on broad access, or some other more fitting arrangement..

Another issues of concern to me in the report is the lack of conversation about the political and decision-making structure of higher education in Maryland. The report highlights a lack of strategic planning for Morgan in the State (page 19), but makes no mention of its independent governing structure outside of the University System of Maryland. The report also neglects to address the lack of political independence of the "coordinating arm" of higher education, in which the Secretary of Higher Education reports directly to the Governor and not the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

Finally, I found the lack of detail regarding specific funding levels surprising. While some mention is found in the appendix of funding levels from the state and from tuition, the lack of study on this issue is concerning. The premise of the report is that more money is needed to make outputs more equitable; yet, the report simply assumes that more money will solve the problem. The report talks very little of the impact that increased funding has had on HBCUs in advancement over the past two decades. Possibly such an analysis would lead to meaningful suggestions as to how much more money is needed to raise outcomes at HBCUs.

For those interested in learning more about what the Supreme Court has to say on these issues, check out US. v. Fordice (1992) (full text / Oyez Summary). Also, see the article highlighting the report in the Baltimore Sun today.

Students consider more affordable options for college

The Christian Science Monitor highlighted in an article today that 6 in 10 potential college students are considering more affordable options for college. Also, 14% of surveyed students are focusing on a 2-year college route because of the economy, and 16% are abondoning the idea of attending college for the time being.

How as the economy affected your decision on coming to college or persisting in your enrollment? How about your friends?

Student Response to Slots

Students across the USM are responding in a variety of ways to representative student groups taking positions on Referendum Question 2 on the Maryland ballot authorizing slots.

• The Towson Towerlight highlighted student discontent from the Black Student Union and other groups in a recent article.
• The Diamondback highlighted in an article today the inaction, despite action by other student groups, of the UMCP SGA.
• The Retriever Weekly highlighted the SGA's action in an article and opinion piece.
  
• The UMBCUnderground Blog discussed the SGA's position a few days ago in a post discussion 
• The USM Student Council endorsed the referendum (6-1-4) in a letter to Chancellor Kirwan.

In general, student groups have been split, about 2/3 in support, and 1/3 in opposition.  Many have felt uneasy supporting a position either way and would have preferred to take no position (as did UMCP SGA).  Others felt a strong obligation to take a stand.

Has any of this impacted your vote on question 2?

Oakland Project Approved at UMCP

The Board of Public Works reconsidered and approved a "public", on-campus housing project called Hall. The complex will house around 650 students, who will mostly be underclassmen. The rooms will be in traditional residential hall style.

Funding for the project comes from UMCP's "cash-on-hand" fund balance. The USM has made it a practice to not approve such expenditures, but made a compromise with UMCP on this specific project. UMCP is concurrently pursuing other "public-private" and private housing arrangements to deal with the housing shortage. The complex will cost, in total, around $80 million.

Briefly, here are the different types of residential living funding arrangements:

• public- completely funded by state dollars; management is run by the University, usually through Residential life
• public-private partnership- the university divides responsibilities with a third party, including funding of the project, management of the construction,ownership of the land, and management of the building and property
• private- all matters controlled and operated by a third party

The approval by the Board of Public Works was covered by WTOP news in an article today.

Budget Cuts Finalized; $35.4 million cut for USM

Governor O'Malley brought a final list of budget cuts to the Board of Public Works today.  Among cuts, the Governor cut the state contribution for the University System of Maryland by 1.5%, totalling $15.6 million.  Notably, the USM also recieved a $20 million cut from its general fund.  Other cuts in Higher Education include:

• Community College Local Aid- $8.2 million
• Maryland Higher Education Commission Operations and Scholarships- $8.9 million

The USM saw greater than expected cuts; but in relation to other departments and the USM's share of the discretionary budget, the USM fared relatively well.  These cuts are part of a nearly $300 million budget cut proposal, as highlighted in an article in The Sun.

Budget Woes in Maryland

Budget revenues are down in the state as a result of a faltering economy, and so the Governor is considering mid-year fiscal 2009 budget cuts. Governor O'Malley will propose approximately $300 million in budget cuts. The Sun has highlighted a list of these possible cuts.

The Sun reported that the USM will receive about $30 million in cuts, $10 million from the base operating budget and $20 million from the "cash-on-hand" fund balance. Community colleges are set to receive $16.3 million and independent colleges will receive a 25% cut of state funds of 8.4 million.

While it seems like the USM is taking a significant cut, we are fairing well in the broad picture of cuts. The USM encompasses 22% of "unrestricted funding" of the state budget, and will only take about 11% of total cuts.

Of course, the Governor may very well propose additional cuts beyond these estimates tomorrow in his final proposal, considering the recent decline in the economy. Also, revenue estimates may be down again later this year--we should embrace to consider further midyear budget cuts down the road.

On a related note, the Chronicle of Higher Education has written a story about the USM's unique strategy of cutting the fat in the budget and increasing efficiencies through the Effectiveness and Efficiency Initiative. Legislators have commented that this strategy has increased their trust and confidence in budget proposals from higher education.

Presidents of USM institutions will be faced with tough decisions after tomorrow when the first round of budget cuts are approved.

**Also note an article in the Diamondback highlighting a report from the Department of Legislative Services yesterday, which recommended that policymakers seriously reconsider another tuition freeze.

Salisbury SGA Reaches out to Students

The Salisbury SGA has brought back "What do you want Wednesdays" in which members reach out to students across campus to hear about their concerns and thoughts (highlighted in a story in The Salisbury Flyer). The SGA carts around students to class while talking to them about their opinions. What other creative ways to your campuses reach out to students?

USM Student Council Meeting 10/12 Meeting

The USM Student Council met Sunday 10/12. Council members considered a number of issues. Here is also my report, highlighting a number of pressing issues. Here is a highlight of the meeting:

• Election of Officers- David Walker (Bowie), Chair; Brady Walker (UB), Vice Chair; Scarlett Corso (UB) Secretary/Treasurer
• The Council discussed whether or not to take a position on the slots referendum, and ended up supporting the initiative 6-1-4. Leadership will draft a letter to the Chancellor to express the opinion of students.
• Brady Walker (UB) plans to develop a "platform" for the Council on various issues to enhance advocacy efforts.
• Michael Castello (UMBC) is working with Don Spicer and Andy Clark from the USM to proactively address issues on filesharing.
• The Council discussed issues of diversity and plans to research how campuses address diversity conflicts and what resources are available for students.
  

Here is a brief excerpt from my report, highlighting the current fiscal position for higher education in Maryland:

The Governor will propose mid-year budgets cuts (FY09) to higher education to the Board of Public Works this coming Wednesday, October 15. The Sun reported that cuts might amount to $30 million, with $10 million from the operating budget and $20 million from the general fund balance. The Governor aims to cut $423 million from this year’s budget on Wednesday to make up for lower than expected tax revenues. This cut could expand before Wednesday, and we might very well see more mid-year budget cuts down the line in FY09. The decision on the slots referendum will likely impact the Governor’s cuts in coming months.

Planning for the FY10 operating budget has begun. The Department of Budget and Management has planned for a 6.4% increase in state fund support and a 4% increase in tuition. These numbers will undoubtedly change in coming months as policymakers get a better handle of projected tax revenues.

Please post any comments or questions and I will be sure that I find you the answer.

USM Student Council Endorses Slots Referendum

The USMSC voted yesterday to endorse the slots referendum by a vote of 6-1-4. Each institution has one vote, and all voting institutions were represented. Representatives discussed for a good while whether or not the Council should take a position on the referendum. A number of institutions, including UB, UMB, UMBC, and Towson, had spoken at length with institution-based student governments and expressed those viewpoints at the meeting. Other student representatives relied on informal conversations with students on campus.

The USMSC Leadership will communicate the opinion of the Council in a letter by next week.

Towson SGA Endorses Slots

The Towson SGA endorsed the slots referendum Tuesday night. The Towson Towerlight covered the decision in an article today. The Towerlight also published an Op-Ed piece speaking out against the decision.

I had the opportunity to attend the SGA meeting and was impressed by the discourse of the SGA. The final vote was 17-8. The USM Student Council will consider a similar resolution this coming weekend.

Competitive Contracting for Food at Campus Events

It seems like a small issue, but many of our student fees go to purchase food for campus events. The UMBC SGA recently purchased ice cream for an event to watch the Vice Presidential debate. The UMBCUnderground blog picked up the story, examining the cost of the food provided, totaling $450. I inquired on the post to see if the SGA looked into other alternatives:

Should we not question the actual expenditure by the SGA? Members of the food contract review committee worked hard during the selection process of Chartwells to ensure that student groups could go outside of the on-campus food provider for food at events. In other words, should we be upset with Chartwells because they have high prices, or be upset with the SGA for not looking outside Chartwells? Maybe the price for Chartwells will subside if student groups choose other providers…

While I have raised the issue in this specific case at UMBC, the broader issue addresses whether student groups on campuses actually have the opportunity to pursue competitive alternatives for food contracting. UMBC's previous contract with Sodexho prohibited groups from serving food on campus from outside food providers. Bowie State students are currently participating in a review of their food contract and considering a provision allowing student groups to look outside their food provider for food at events.

What policy exists on your campus? Have you had any experience with ordering food from your on-campus food provider? Other thoughts?

from the DBK...Clean Coal: A Down and Dirty Affair

Check out this article on Clean Coal written by Matt Dernoga, a sophomore at UMCP.

I was very disappointed with vice presidential candidates Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) and Gov. Sarah Palin (R-Alaska) when they were asked about "clean coal" in their debate last week. Both candidates voiced their support for clean coal, and Biden even denied he had ever stated there was no such thing as "clean coal." Neither of these responses startled me. Both presidential candidates Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) have repeatedly talked about "clean coal" at their rallies as part of their energy plans...

UMBC SGA Endorses Slots Referendum

Last night, the UMBC Student Government Association voted to endorse referendum question 2 for the upcoming election, supporting the restricted use of slots in Maryland. The legislation outlines that funds from slots will be used to fund education in Maryland, including up to $150 million in higher education construction dollars each year. Also, the Higher Education Investment Fund funded through the Corporate Income Tax, bringing in about $55 million to higher education each year, will only be retained if slots pass. If the referendum fails, those dollars will be dumped into the general fund. Six of the nine Senators voted for the resolution, none opposed, and three abstained from the vote.

The resolution preludes an expected vote by the USM Student Council at its upcoming meeting on October 12. On a related note, the Towson student government association will consider a similar resolution this evening at their 5pm meeting.

Becoming a Teacher in USM Schools

Yesterday, the Board of Regents Education Policy Committee reviewed and endorsed the Teacher Shortage Task Force Report 2008. Regent Florestano co-chaired the task force. Issues addressed in this report are close to home for me because I am enrolled in a teacher certification program at UMBC, but the issues addressed have broad effects on each of us and our future.

While some of us may not attribute or success to our K-12 teachers, most would agree that we would not be in college had we not recieved a quality education in elementary, middle, and high school. Our families rely on good schools, and our State relies on a constant pipeline of well-educated children. So what's the current problem?
- in 2005, Maryland colleges trained only 33% of newly hired teachers in Maryland
- 50% of teachers leave after five years in the profession
- recruitment of a new teacher costs public schools on average $78,750
- 50% of students who graduate from teacher education programs never teach

The USM controls much of the pipeline of teachers. And while much support is needed from the State, our institutions control the capacity and direct incentives for students enrolling in teacher education programs.

Here are some notes that I took when reading the report:

Other questions:

- What are target goals for teacher production and retention? Who makes these targets if we do end up making them?

- What are the qualifying scores of nearby states for Praxis I & II? What is the data that is driving recommendation number two? Are students not passing tests coming from our programs? It seems like we can maintain high standards if we simply train and support more of our teachers.

- What are funds used for in PDS partnerships?

- What “career-advancement” steps exist for teachers who chose to stay in the classroom? Are these adequate?

- Are any programs providing training for urban classrooms as to better prepare teachers for the unique challenges specifically in many schools in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Prince George’s County?

Incentives: The report seemed light on recommendations for specific salary-based incentives. I am wondering how much consideration should be given to incentives for teachers who teach at Title I schools and teachers who teach in high-needs subject areas.

Data: I am so glad that this was brought up. A major problem beyond the data we do not have is who reviews the data that we do have? And what actions are made upon these. For instance, who tracks the number of graduates that are produced from each school? How are these incentivized?

Teacher Education Programs: Being in a teacher preparation program, I have seen so many individuals drop out of the program. While I am mostly versed in education at UMBC, I have some concerns about policies and procedures that seem to be broad-based:

- Site-based learning has become a critical part to earlier parts of education coursework, but transportation and time has become an issue for students; students do not have the time built into their schedules to perform these service hours and also sometimes do not have transportation.

- Students are very frustrated when they pay full tuition during their Phase II internship and are working full-time. Further, many faculty encourage students not to work outside of teaching and explain that they should “save up.” At the very least, universities should explore tuition remission during the Phase II semester.

- Schools should review when students are recruited to begin teacher education courses. At some schools, students are “discouraged” from taking education courses until, at the earliest, their sophomore year. Teacher education must get on the “map” for students in planning, and their must be opportunities for students to jump on the teacher bandwagon early.

- Because teacher education plans are so rigid, review of the schedule of courses should be had at each institution to ensure that students can take courses in both the spring and fall semesters. Additionally, it should be considered whether Phase I can be moved to the spring and Phase II to the following fall.

Where do we go from here? How do we recruit more teachers? What would convince you to enter a teacher education program and then become a teacher?

Congress Kind of Saves Internet Radio

I don't know how many people use Pandora, but I find it to be an excellent music streaming service. It's an outgrowth of the Music Genome Project, an undertaking to figure out what properties link different kinds of music together to better understand both music and our genre tastes. The idea is pretty simple - put in an artist you like, and Pandora creates a radio station based around that and similar artists. If you like a song, they provide links to online stores like iTunes and Amazon so you can buy it. Seems like a pretty decent idea - allowing people to listen only to music they like while exposing them to new artists they might not otherwise have discovered. I know I've discovered a number of excellent artists this way.

Not content with the free promotion, the music industry has been trying to get Pandora to pay exorbitant royalty fees each time a song is played. Of course, with the number of songs a service like Pandora is playing at any given time, the costs quickly go through the roof. This demand from the music industry has threatened to kill Pandora and other similar music streaming services.

In an effort to save themselves, Pandora has been in negotiations with the music industry to pay not per-song royalties, but a percentage of their overall profits. It seems like a lousy deal, but it might just be enough to save the service. Unfortunately, the deadline to "pay up" was approaching faster than the talks, a plight that was recently delayed by an act of Congress. Far from settling anything, the Webcaster Settlement Act of 2008 gives them more time to reach a decision. Let's hope the music industry can stop shooting itself in the foot long enough to reach a deal with these valuable 21st century services. In the meantime, enjoy Pandora.