Jessica Chittams

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.

The Faculty Assembly meeting covered several administrative and academic topics. Key discussions included institutional responses to federal disruptions, contingency planning for ICE visits, and strategies to counter the projected enrollment cliff through enhanced international and graduate recruitment. Campus safety preparations for Homecoming were also addressed. Administratively, the cancellation of planned furloughs was confirmed due to positive financial progress, and updates were provided on the Walking Trail Project and ongoing campus parking enforcement issues. A significant portion of the meeting focused on faculty classroom safety, procedures for handling disruptive student behavior both inside and outside the classroom, and the need for clear, university-wide protocols involving Campus Police and Student Conduct. Additionally, detailed overviews were provided regarding the Transitional Terminal Leave (TTL) Policy for tenured faculty and the process for applying for faculty sabbatical leave, including eligibility, deadlines, and compensation structures. Committee updates noted that the Communication Committee has a new Chair-Elect, and the Academic Committee is seeking volunteers to reestablish quorum. System-wide initiatives regarding AI policy development were also discussed.

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore's Student Success Strategic Plan is a comprehensive initiative to create a supportive and empowering environment for students to achieve their educational goals. It outlines four key priorities: enhancing comprehensive student support services, building community and a sense of belonging, optimizing student-focused operations and academic policies, and recognizing faculty, staff, and students. The plan endeavors to elevate the overall student experience by fostering a culture of excellence, recognition, and inclusivity, with specific goals to improve graduation, retention, and persistence rates by 2028.