2008 Woodie Awards
The president's office has overspent its budget by an average of $388,000 every year for the last four years, according to financial reports. Office supplies, paper - all those line items added up. But the way the system worked, it never really mattered. Realistically, prior to 2007, there was no "real" budget in place to be overspent. When a department at an institution like USM doesn't have practical, transparent accounting practices, it's prone to develop a "structural deficit," said James O'Brien, the administrative assistant for the president's office. A structural deficit, he says, occurs when financial responsibilities of the department grow, but its budget stays the same.
Whether religious or not, many students have walked by the interfaith chaplaincy office on the Portland campus. In case any were wondering what goes on inside the little white building, it's more than just a campus church. The chaplaincy aims at "supporting religious and spiritual life in all of its expressions" and continues to do so through the education of beliefs, values and ethics. The office supports a variety of religions and faiths and student, including the Baha'i, Christian, Jewish, Intervarsity (evangelical Christian), Muslim and Pagan associations, clubs and fellowships. For those looking for a place to reflect, students and faculty members can visit "A Space Apart," a room located in the interfaith office on the Portland campus, next to Payson-Smith. The chaplains encourage anyone to visit, meditate or pray there. The chaplains - recognized leaders for each represented group or faith -- meet monthly to plan events, which include "fish bowl" topics that model how to engage in dialogue with others who may not share your beliefs. This semester, the team of associate chaplains has created a series of programs designed to discuss topics such as sex and sexuality, money and the environment. Reverend Andrea Thompson-McCall is the USM interfaith chaplain, also serving as director of the office of community service and civic engagement.
In an attempt to eliminate USM's debt, which has risen to the latest figure of $8.2 million, the university implemented a hiring freeze which, to date, has removed nearly 60 positions and $2.7 million from the institution and its budget. The administration is using the hiring freeze as a mechanism that allows for review of every position that opens up, and lets them decide if the job is central enough to the university's mission to rehire.
Cuts are coming. But the general feeling among USM's professional staff is that 'we're grown-ups, we can take it.' Looking toward July 1, on which date many of them might be losing their jobs in USM's effort to cut nearly $7 million from next year's budget, they're wishing only to be given time to prepare for the worst, rather than be left in the dark.
Faculty salaries and benefits make up about 51 percent of USM's budget. That's upwards of $50 million that the university can't really touch when it looks to cut nearly $7 million from next year's budget to start moving USM back into the black. Tenured faculty are almost guaranteed to keep their jobs, barring legal complaints, and both full and part-time faculty are protected by their respective unions.
USM reports show the money to pay classified staff has shifted from state-appropriated funds to grants, gifts and fundraisers. The use of state funds to pay classified employees has been halved in the last three years. The money allotted by the state -- along with tuition revenues -- has decreased university-wide, forcing the university to decide between cutting positions or finding new ways to back the paychecks of classified staff.
Two former students were convicted last month for their involvement in one of the '06 bomb threats. While they serve 30-day sentences, police are closing in on a male suspect who allegedly phoned in the threat. Erin Grade, 20, of Rockland, and Geneva Benner, 20, of Thomaston, were sentenced at separate hearings in March.
When you talk to Selma Botman about budgets and 26 programs and community and university morale, her eyes glaze over. It's not that she isn't interested, and she's certainly articulate - it's just that autopilot has kicked in. Botman is moving into the USM president's house in Gorham on July 1 to begin her new role as USM's queen bee - but in the meantime, she's still working out of the City University of New York's chancellor's office, which means that she isn't yet immersed in the daily goings-on of USM.
Everyday on cable news networks across the globe stock tickers are showing more red. The "almighty dollar" is doing little to earn its title as it drops in value, and the already cash-strapped state of Maine is sharpening the budgetary machete for a new round of cuts.
USM lost an important member of its staff when IT director Keith Witherell passed away unexpectedly last Tuesday. Witherell, who was 49, had been with USM since the mid '90s, when he was hired to teach computer courses in the School of Business. Witherell eventually left the classroom for the IT help desk, and was promoted to the position of IT director in 2006.
This summer, one USM alum is taking a gamble that he hopes will land him in Washington, D.C. But the trip is more than just a few states away. Political science graduate and Springvale resident Tom Ledue is taking on Maine congressman Tom Allen in the Democratic Party primary this July.
Trade is the world's oldest form of commerce, but in today's capitalist society, it has taken a back seat to the monetary system of exchange. But in Portland, thanks to The Trade Exchange, barter is back, and it's better than ever. Located on Center Street in Portland, The Trade Exchange acts as a bartering middleman, facilitating trade between area businesses by setting up a credit-based system through which members can exchange goods and services.
Three students sit in the back corner of the room, laptops in front of them. As two more amble over, somebody whips out a power strip from their backpack, allowing all five to plug their computers into the nearest outlet. Two begin playing "World of Warcraft", while others simply check their e-mail and surf the web.
Three alumni of different decades are being featured this month at the Area Gallery in Portland's Woodbury Campus Center. The show, "Drawn to Abstraction," features various levels of abstract art. Featured are Wolcott Dodge, '86, Sean Hasey, '97, and Ryan Wight '07.
Taurus April 21-May 20 Hot Pepper You are a bit proud of yourself for a minor accomplishment this week. Stay tuned in and remember there are still hurdles ahead of you, and while you may feel relieved, it is important to keep your eyes on the prize. This week, give your teacher an apple if you'd give them a hot pepper on ratemyproffessor.
