Josh Michael for SGA Senate!

UMBC students - I have spent the last year representing you (and students from across the USM) as the USM student regent and am excited to serve you in the SGA Senate next year.  Working with student leaders across Maryland this year, I see the potential for what the UMBC SGA can do for you.  Here's what I would like to do:

• restore mission and professionalism to the SGA
• prioritize advocacy in the operation of the SGA
• establish concrete outreach plans to return the SGA to UMBC students

I have been involved on campus a fair amount, as well as in student advocacy in the state:

• Student Regent, University System of Maryland (2008-present)
  
• Student Commissioner, Maryland Higher Education Commission (2007-2008)
  
• UMBC Representative/Ex-Officio Member, University System of Maryland Student Council (2006-present)
  
• Director of Community and Governmental Affairs, UMBC SGA (2007-2008)
  
• Assistant Director of Community and Governmental Affairs, UMBC SGA (2006-2007)
  
• Volunteer in Baltimore City schools (Fall 2006 - Winter 2007)
  
• Member of the UMBC Honors College
• Member of the UMBC Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program
• Brother of Pi Kappa Phi (2007 - present)
• Studying Political Science and Secondary Education, to graduate in Spring 2010
  

Visit my facebook page to learn more.  

Elections will take place through Blackboard Monday to Wednesdsay (April 20-22).  Vote through this link. If you have difficulty voting, send me an email at joshmichael@umbc.edu or call me at (410) 294-8581 and I will ensure that you have the opportunity to vote.

Please leave comments and questions.  Thanks!

Student Costs in Higher Education

"How much does it cost to go to college?"  Too many of us have simply looked at the "tuition" dollar and assumed that was it.  Yet, those of us in school know this is only the beginning.  And the next question most of us ask is "where does our money go?"  So, here are some answers!

Costs in Higher Education:

• Tuition (UMBC - $6484 in-state/$9500 state for in-state students/$15216 out of state) - This money is used to operate the university function.  This means most everything besides the student union, athletics, residential life, and dining services.  Out-of-state students see the real cost of tuition, while in-state students receive a hefty "supplement" from the state government that goes directly to the university.
• Mandatory Fees (UMBC - $2296) - Everyone pays the same for this.  These fees help pay for non-primary functions, such as transportation, athletics, and student activities.  It also helps repay debt service for non-primary buildings on campus, such as the student union and other facilities.  
• Room (UMBC - 5500 for a dorm room) - Room costs pay for residential life facility use and for programming.  Prices range on the availability of amenities like a kitchen, bathroom, etc.  Also, the status of a single room can also cost more.  Apartment style is usually the most expensive option.
• Board (UMBC - 3460 full meal plan) - Means plans can cost a lot for students.  Students can purchase smaller plans, but here is the full cost of food if one chooses to eat on campus.
• Lab Fees - Lab fees vary, but usually occur more in science and technology courses.  
• Textbooks (Average $1000 per year) - Textbooks.  They cost a lot (although check out this policy  that I helped pass through the USM to lower the cost.)  Again, this cost depends on discipline.  Some courses can get away with more inexpensive options, while others cannot.  100 level courses often have the most burdensome selections with bundles and many supplemental materials.
• other institutional costs ( a range) - This can include transcript fees, graduation fees, lost books, parking tickets, student event tickets, etc.
• Total cost - for an out-of-state student, costs reach close to $35,000.  For in-state students, they reach about $20,000.

So there's the breakdown.  It's a lot of money, but the pot is sectioned off for sure.  Thoughts on cost?

Smoking on Campus

It's hard to walk on any college campus and not run into a cloud of cigarette smoke.  It's something that most of us come to accept.  There are always certain entrances, walkways, and patios that non-smokers simply avoid.

But recently, university officials in Maryland have taken a stand on a number of campuses to regulate public smoking.  UMBC and College Park both endorsed plans that limit smoking on campus.  In the case of UMCP, individuals are not allowed to smoke indoors or within 15 feet of any building entrance.  at UMBC, students cannot smoke within 20 feet of a building entrance, and are restricted in common areas like Academic Row and on the Commons Patio.  These policies are met with modest and ineffective enforcement methods.

In recent months, university officials have stepped up their game.  Citing second-hand smoke and "butt" littering and driven by the stigma of smoking, officials hope to make their campus more attractive for visitors and prospective students.  Last year, the Towson Administration rejected a regulatory plan that would permit smoking only at certain areas on campus.  Instead, the Administration called for a completely "smoke-free" campus.  The administration is in the process of "recieving feedback" from students on the idea.  Students have expressed to me that these sessions have been more informative than conducive to conversation and discourse.

At UMBC, the Residential Life staff stepped up their game and overran the regulations in the policy.  They outlined designated smoking areas for students and forced ResLife staff to enforce the policy.  UMBC student Paula McCusker fought back, and successfully repealed the expanded interpretation of the Non-Smoking Policy.  She tells about her experience on her blog.

CNN highlighted  in 2007 trends in "smoke-free" campuses in an article.

The issue raises quite a question for student and campus leaders.  Consensus has seemed to develop on the need to regulate smoking somewhat to protect those who choose not to smoke.  Secondhand smoke has proven harmful, and it's simply unpleasant to walk through a cloud of cigarette smoke.

But to what extent should it be regulated?  One of the major challenges is the lack of enforcement of such policies.  Who is to police smoking?  Some have suggested campus police and security, but don't they have more important things to be monitoring?

I believe students should have the right to smoke.  And, if they live and work on a USM campus, we must find a way to accommodate to their needs and desires.  At the same time, we must find ways for others on campus to be able to avoid smoke clouds.  The best way to do this is to establish a realistic and respectful plan that allows students and community members to smoke in designated areas that are covered for the rain and snow in heavy-traffic parts of campus and allows students to smoke freely in less-trafficked parts of campus, away from building entrances.  Without these accommodations, smokers will return the campus community with the same disrespect afforded to them.  And the identified problem will remain.

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...

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?

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.

USMSC - First Impressions

Like Brian, Sunday was my first experience attending a USMSC meeting. I'd had the opportunity to hear a lot of the news from my fellow UMBC students who were involved in the council last year, so it was exciting to be a part of it myself. It's refreshing to be a part of a group of students from across the state who care about continuing to improve our higher education system.

There are a number of important issues that we are going to be making decisions about in the next few months. Most of the technical details have already been posted here by Josh, so I'd like to talk a bit about the directions I think the council should go.

The issue of slot machines in Maryland has been controversial for years. This November, we'll be voting on a constitutional amendment to allow their placement in several specific locations across the state. Some of the money earned from the slots will be diverted to support higher education. While passing this agenda item via constitutional amendment seems a little extreme, I am in favor of the idea. Currently Maryland residents who wish to gamble this way are forced to travel to other nearby states to do so, bringing their dollars with them. I'd like to see that money be kept in-state, especially when we can use the income to support things like higher education. We might even be able to attract residents from other states to spend their money here, especially at races like Preakness. The bottom line for me is that if people want to gamble, they will - if not here, then with our neighbor states. Instead of funneling that money to them, let's keep it here and use it for worthy causes.

The issue of lowering the drinking age has gotten a bit misinterpreted. What Brit Kirwan and others are supporting is honest, scientific discussion on drinking age limitations and their effectiveness at preventing alcohol-related problems in young adults. We all have our personal opinions on which way the law should go, but the truth is that the only way to settle the discussion is with research. Let's bring some science to this argument in the hope of moving forward in a knowledgeable manner.

It's going to be an exciting year - I'm looking forward to it!

UMB/UMBC Shuttle

For nearly twenty years, a shuttle line has run from the downtown UMB campus to the UMBC campus in Catonsville, stopping at the Rolling Road Park and Ride in between. A variety of members from each campus use the service, including students participating in classes, research, and teaching.

Late last month, UMB considered discontinuing the funding for the program. After a number of students and community members spoke out on the issue, UMB decided to continue the service at least through the Fall 2008 semester. UMB administrators have concerns that the original purpose of the service is being neglected, because more UMB staff and faculty seem to be using the line than students.

In my view, a transportation service for students from UMB to UMBC cannot be discontinued--too many of our students right now rely on the service to enhance their academic experience, and many more should be doing the same through greater collaboration between the two institutions. Possibly, UMB and UMBC can work together to reform who can ride the shuttle and limit ridership only to students. But eliminating the service now or in four months would not be wise.

Should you have further concerns on this issue, feel free contact officials at either campus:
UMB- 410-706-6603 or 410-706-1216
UMBC- transit@umbc.edu

If interested in taking the shuttle, check out the route schedule.

What are your thoughts? Do you think your transportation fees should help support this service?

U.S. News and World Report: UMBC on the Rise

US News and World Report published its annual rankings of colleges and universities today. New to this years rankings, a number of institutions have been ranked for their progress and growth within their category and labeled "up-and-coming." UMBC ranked fifth in the report for up-and-coming national universities.

University of Maryland, College Park moved up a spot in overall rankings for national universities to 53. University of Maryland, Eastern Shore maintained its prominent stature as a leading historically black institution at 28 in its category.

To see all rankings, review the U.S. News and World Report College Rankings 2009.