David A. Balcom

The meeting featured administrative updates regarding scholarship programs for graduate students, capital funding and financial performance trends, and a naming proposal for the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences. Discussions were held on class attendance and administrative withdrawal protocols, with follow-up promised on wait-time policies for faculty. Survey results highlighting faculty concerns on topics such as department leadership, institutional equity, pay transparency, and workplace bullying were presented. Additional concerns addressed during the meeting included campus parking availability, malfunctioning infrastructure, and library reserve collection practices.

The meeting includes administrative updates regarding university initiatives and budget reports. The agenda features a presentation on innovation in teaching and learning. Standing committee updates will be provided, specifically regarding the communication committee's management of executive board position nominations. Additionally, time is allocated for general discussions, announcements, and addressing questions concerning upcoming curriculum deadlines.

Key discussions during the joint session of the Faculty Assembly and Faculty Senate included administrative updates from the President, such as the announced departure of Dr. Mock and the appointment of VP Jenkins as Vice President and Chief of Staff, leading to a search for a new Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Experience (EMSE). The President also provided an update on research capacity building efforts in partnership with the 1890 Foundation and Quality Education for Minorities (QEM). The Assembly formally approved three new academic programs: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering, and Master of Science in Construction Engineering and Management. Updates were provided on Promotion and Tenure review deadlines. Compliance discussions focused on Title II digital accessibility, emphasizing workshop completion, the April 24, 2026 deadline, and the required transition back to Respondus LockDown Browser from Verity for the Spring semester. The Council of University System Faculty reported ongoing concerns regarding budget cuts and proposed revisions to USM Bylaws Section C-7 concerning tenured faculty termination procedures, as well as efforts to establish a faculty bullying policy. An administrative update addressed institutional budget issues related to previously retracted settlement funds and the possibility of reallocation for Spring term support.

The meeting included administrative updates delivered by Senator Jim Mathias, highlighting significant university accomplishments such as five consecutive years of enrollment growth, the reinstatement of the Physician Assistant program, and progress on the new Agricultural Research Building. Discussions centered on the Promotion and Tenure (P&T) process, including clarifications on eligibility for serving on P&T committees and announcements regarding an upcoming P&T informational seminar. The Assembly formally approved the Master of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering program. A comprehensive update was provided on Title II Accessibility Compliance, detailing the April 24, 2026, deadline for instructional content accessibility and recommending the use of Panorama for compliance checks. Committee updates were minimal, with no reports from the Communication or Faculty Concerns Committees.

The first Faculty Assembly meeting of the academic year included administrative updates from the President, covering advocacy efforts related to federal policy changes affecting research grants (NIH, NSF, USDA) and international student visas, which were successfully addressed with Congressional assistance. The President also noted the celebration of the 135th anniversary of the second Morrill Act. A significant portion of the meeting detailed the development and successful pilot implementation of a new undergraduate student evaluation of teaching instrument, focusing on teaching excellence, course design, and inclusive learning, showing strong reliability scores. A session on faculty resources covered health insurance eligibility based on years of service for retirement, management of supplemental retirement accounts via a self-service website, and details regarding flexible spending accounts. The assembly also addressed Title II digital accessibility compliance, noting an upcoming webpage launch and the introduction of a new Accessibility Resource Course in Canvas. Announcements included safety concerns raised regarding campus parking and a query about the enforcement of the classroom no-show policy.