Dianne Taha

This Campus Modernization Plan outlines the United States Merchant Marine Academy's strategic direction for physical development over a 10-year horizon. It aims to provide a safe, secure, and sustainable campus environment, develop adaptable and modern real property, preserve historic character, and enhance the institutional legacy. The plan's vision is to create facilities that attract future leaders, support holistic development, and serve as a center of excellence for maritime innovation.

The meeting addressed key issues concerning the Academy's funding, operations, and accreditation. Discussions included a proposed charter amendment to formalize agenda-setting practices, the election of a vice chair, and updates on congressional resource allocation, specifically highlighting concerns about potential funding reductions. Significant attention was given to the Academy's upcoming Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) accreditation process, addressing past deficiencies and outlining ongoing efforts to improve student support, governance, and resource allocation. The meeting also covered updates on infrastructure projects, including Samuels Hall and Fulton/Gibbs Halls, and the need for additional staff and resources. Discussions included the importance of greater autonomy for Academy leadership, the athletics program's needs, admissions updates, and the Academy's efforts to improve diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The role of the EMBARC program in ensuring mariner safety was also highlighted, along with the need for improved technology and infrastructure.

The Board of Visitors meeting covered administrative instructions, opening remarks, board business (minutes, charter, report, next meeting, elections), a USMMA update focusing on strategic priorities (infrastructure, education program, institutional culture, governance, leadership & accountability, communications & relationships, and athletics), a regimental update, and the superintendent's departure. Significant discussion points included infrastructure assistance from DOT/MARAD, using direct hire authority to fill project manager and contracting officer representative positions, and ongoing COVID-19 impacts on education, including base knowledge deficits and the implementation of a three-split academic program. The meeting also addressed institutional culture, including sexual assault awareness and prevention initiatives, and governance, leadership, and accountability updates.

The meeting addressed key issues concerning the Academy, including a significant budget increase for FY 2018, concerns about ongoing sexual assault and sexual harassment issues, and the national security implications of a shortage of merchant marine officers. Discussions included the Academy's five-year strategic plan, critical infrastructure projects, and the 75th-anniversary celebration. The Superintendent's briefing covered strategic planning, a new mission statement, and the Academy's vision to become a Center of Excellence for maritime innovation. Updates were provided on sexual assault and harassment prevention and response efforts, infrastructure projects, the incoming Class of 2022, Sea Year, and the 75th-anniversary events. The meeting also included discussions on curriculum development, including cybersecurity and International Safety Management (ISM) Code training, and the status of Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) training.

The meeting focused on the state of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the 2015 Advisory Board Report to the Secretary of Transportation. Discussion included the Academy's implementation of the Secretary's recommendations, a self-study review for re-accreditation, the President's Fiscal Year 2016 Budget request, critical infrastructure improvements, and the need for reliable cash flow for ongoing projects. The meeting also addressed the status of a sexual assault and sexual harassment study, the composition of the Board of Visitors, faculty-student relations, student concerns regarding faculty access and instruction methods, faculty and student retention, the accreditation process, and graduate placement in industry.