USMSC Minutes
Frostburg State University
October 18, 1998

Welcome from Frostburg University given by Jess and Brian.
In attendance were: Troy Talbot (BSU), LaSonia King, (CSU), Jess Aiken (FSU),
Antonio Hayes(FSU), Kasey Schneider (SSU), Andy Rittler (SSU), Mike Berlin (UMBC), Lateef Clemencia (UMES), Aprille Williams (UMES), Anthony Savia (UMUC), Mia Murthy (Chair), Susan Woda (Student Regent), Joan Marionni (Chancellor's Liaison).
Campus Updates
- In the future, we will keep them issue-oriented and include only those events pertinent to the council.
- FSU
-Welcome to Antonio Hayes, the new Frostburg rep. Homecoming was this weekend, which included a 2 room dance (w/alcohol!), Centennial Cabaret, Delta Ki lip sync contest, Black Student Alliance, SGA Community Cleanup, MPHC Step Show, Bobcat Goldwaith, Otis Ray and the Nights, and speaker, Dr. Maya Angelo. They also just spent $32,000 on a new bus system. And as we all heard, they were dedicating the room next door to their first African American Professor.
- Coppin
-Just held their 2nd Annual Evening Under the Stars, which campaigned to raise money. They just reached their one million dollar mark! Coppin's Student Activities Director is currently under investigation for reasons unknown to the student body. The students have not been able to allocate money to clubs because of this situation. The SGA has had low turnout for SGA elections and they are currently looking to impeach the SGA President. Midnight Madness just wrapped up! They are constructing new dorms and the students are working to obtain access to the new Tawes Building. Currently, student groups are not allowed to hold meetings and events in this new "student" building.
- UMUC
-They lost a lot of administrators due to early retirement option and "other" reasons, The administration is a little "chaotic" right now with people in interim positions, including the President. They are currently conducting a President Search. UMUC is expanding their Annapolis campus/site and is working on a joint program with Anne Arundel, Montgomery, and PG Community Colleges.
- UMBC
-Michael was "accosted" about the Microsoft deal and the Student Regent position! The campus is "abuzz" with the Microsoft deal. There is a housing shortage on campus. UMBC is constructing a mew Physics Building with a telescope on the roof.
- UMCP
-They just celebrated Homecoming. UMCP is holding a Retention Retreat on Wed., Oct. 21, with 200 of the top administration from all over campus to provide some insight into the student retention issue.
- SSU
-They are currently conducting a Provost search to replace Provost Creighton. They, also, lost faculty and staff due to the Early Retirement Program. The kiosks used to advertise student events were taken down, which left students with limited advertisement resources. The SGA is participating in National Make a Difference Day by giving Halloween picture frames to residents of an area nursing home. The SGA is also working on the "Camden Compact" to work with area residents, the mayor, and area college students to improve relations.
- UMES
-The campus is mourning the death of a student who fell asleep and died in an accident. The campus just celebrated Parents Weekend and Coronation of Mr. and Miss UMES, and Breast Cancer Month. A unique student organization, the Sign Language Choir, performed at Homecoming and Lateef performed a solo! Parties on campus have been restricted to only one guest, wristbands to identify over 21 students, events can only last until 2am, and only one party per weekend. Students are responsible for their guest, also. Their new gym will be completed in the Spring and the new student center is finished. The campus police have become petty with parking tickets.
- BSU
-On October 30, Admiral Larson and the USM Task Force will be at BSU to discuss system issues with Bowie. They, also, just celebrated Homecoming. They just held a Scholarship Gala to raise money. They reported security problems with bad lighting on campus. However, fraternities and sororities are conducting escort services on campus to combat the situation.
Officer Reports
Mia Murthy, Chair
Proposal from National Guard
- The National Guard currently receive up to 25% off fees.
- The proposal would increase the discount to 50%.
- Only uniformed officers would be eligible for this discount.
- The Presidents are looking into this proposal.
MBRE Initiative
- A group of business people want to require that applicants produce high school transcripts to be considered for a job. They feel that this would increase the value of a high school degree.
- USMSC Membership Agreement
- Every member at the meeting signed and turned in the agreement.
- The purpose is to outline the member's role in the council and to make sure that this is understood.
- The buddy system was outlined to all members. Refer to the sheet that Mia passed out.
- Refer to the FAQ sheet that Mia handed out.
- Susan, Student Regent, is a direct link to getting our ideas to the Board of Regents.
Susan Woda, Student Regent
- USM Legislative Task Force
- Admiral Larson is the head of the Task Force designed to study the 10 years of USM history and evaluate the effectiveness of the system.
- The report must be finished by January 1 and they will be visiting your schools soon. See the list of dates that Susan passed out.
- To testify, please submit 50 copies of double spaced, stapled testimony and you are allowed to speak for 5 minutes only. This is a great opportunity for the Task Force to get student perspective. E-mail Susan if you would like to do this and look at "Why a System" on the web page for suggestions.
- Susan gave out a fact-filled packet for your enjoyment. Please look it over and discuss this within your institutions.
- The agreement would be for 3yrs, possibly four. This proposal would not be a campus agreement. The enrolled student would own the rights for the programs as long as you are a student. Logistics are still in the proposal phase.
- TA/GA Training/Requirements
- Find out what your institutions' requirements and training programs are for T.A.s and G.A.s. find out student concerns. Also find out if there are any Faculty Development Programs.
- Student Regent Selection Process
- The new deadline is November 23rd for applications.
- Hold interest sessions at your school. Put ads in your newspapers and have Susan come down to talk about the position.
- We will be talking about the interview process at the next meeting.
Kasey Schneider, Vice-Chair
- This remains an important factor as there are a few members who have missed two meetings already.
- If you cannot make a meeting, it is your responsibility to get a hold of Kasey immediately. She requires a week notice of events that will prevent you from attending. If something unexpected happens that day, you must notify me ASAP. If you have car trouble or can't find a ride, my pager number is 410-380-5339 and my cell phone number is 1-443-253-0333. I will be glad to pick you up. Please arrange rides a week in advance. If you are having trouble arranging for a state car, please let me or Mia know.
SSC Reports
Mike Berlin (UMBC) is still trying to get in touch with his "buddy".
Andy Rittler (SSU) organizing Annapolis 101 with Senator Komenda.
Tony Savia (UMUC) has a meeting with John Martin that week to discuss the USM $750 million campaign and how we can help him.
Steve Moglia (UB) was not present.
Kelly Newsome (UMCP) was not present
Jessica Aiken (FSU) has a meeting with Paul Sweet this week.
- The National Science Foundation had an increase in spending by 2 million. They are working on funding schools.
- The National Higher Ed. Act was signed by the President; there is a section that deals w/binge drinking on campuses.
- Colleges should change their culture.
- Create a Task Force to make recommendations.
- Students should have maximum opportunities to live in alcohol-free environments.
- There should be zero tolerance for underage drinking and drug abuse. Legal action should be taken.
- Colleges should adopt a policy of eliminating alcoholic beverage related
- sponsorship of on-campus activities and limiting on-campus advertisement and promotion
- of alcoholic beverages.
- Create a "town/gown" alliance w/local businesses.
LaSonia King (CSC) Detailed how to work w/your SGA and President's office. Make sure you utilize these important offices! Get the word out about USMSC-what we are and what we do!
Comments For the Good of the Council
- Please e-mail LaSonia your school's newspapers' phone #s, editor-in-chief's name, and their address. Please also e-mail any local media information.
- Don't forget to forward your Microsoft Report to Susan.
- The next meeting will be held at Bowie State University on November 8, 1998 at 12 noon.
- Mike Berlin, Jess Aiken, and Andy Rittler will not be in attendance due to another event for Maryland Student Legislature.
****Quote of the Day****
"Students are the masters of the obvious."!!!!!
--Susan Woda
*Note* October minutes prepared by Kasey Schneider, USMSC Vice-Chair
