This is a news story covering the open Faculty Senate meeting at the University of Maine, Orono, from Wednesday, November 18th, 2009.
http://mainecampus.com/2009/11/19/umaine-administration-predicts-5-percent-tuition-increase/?ref=hp
UMaine administration predicts 5 percent tuition increase
Faculty Senate aggravated by software portal included in chancellor’s restructuring plan, calls its cost ‘ridiculous’
By Sara Breau
Posted on Thursday, November 19th, 2009, 2:08 am
Send a letter to the editor about this or any other article in The Maine Campus. The University of Maine Faculty Senate met Wednesday to discuss UMaine budget cuts they believe are having a negative impact on the university, resulting in decreased enrollment numbers and employee layoffs. Faculty also addressed the loss of public support in recent years and the need to raise awareness regarding the university and its future.
“With discussing any vision, the elephant in the room certainly is the economy and the challenges that we have as an institution, financial and otherwise. We’re not alone; institutions across the country are faced with this,” said UMaine President Robert Kennedy.
While faculty is working to soften the blow budget cuts are having on the university, the cuts are necessary for moving forward, Kennedy said. Janet Waldron, vice president for administration and finance, predicted at least a 5 percent increase in tuition and fees during the next four years.
These challenges have also led to cuts in faculty positions. Professor Tina Passman questioned the recent elimination of Angel Loredo’s position as Associate Dean of Students.
“We’ve had to cut one-third of staff and Student Affairs,” Dean of Students Robert Dana said. “One-third of our front line has been laid off, including Dean Loredo. This was one of the first noticeable blows to the student body, as far as budget cuts go.”
“We can’t survive without change. The challenge that we have is making some changes, but inevitably there will be some cuts that will negatively affect the institution,” Kennedy said.
Student Government Rep. Nate Wildes presented the General Student Senate’s research into the adoption of a new software portal at the university — an aspect of the chancellor’s restructuring plan, which the board of trustees approved Monday.
“It would cost $20 per student, per semester,” Wildes said.
Student Government is still gathering information regarding the implementation of the program.
“As current students at the University of Maine, our job is to consider what we think is a benefit for our current enrollment at the university, and I see it as a benefit,” Wildes said, concerning the Government’s position.
Some faculty are unsupportive of the proposition.
“The cost of this is completely ridiculous,” Sen. Craig Mason said. “Is it worth it to students to take away hundreds of scholarships from students each year? We need to consider the fact that these expenses add up and make a huge difference in the long run. Those of us with finance experience can see this.”
Mason went on to express that the adoption of a new software portal was not in the best interests of the university, and that students should re-think their opinion.
“Our intentions are to help the faculty and administration make this decision from the student’s point of view. We’re looking at what the decision-makers have on the table and are doing our best to give the public a student’s point of view about it,” Wildes said.
UMaine is the state’s only land-grant university and is also one of the top 100 research universities in the nation. Kennedy cited the need for unrivaled recognition for the university across the state to encourage public support.
“What this is about is the public perception of the University of Maine, and over the past five to 10 years, that has changed drastically. Our support has been declining,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy said a major goal for UMaine is to earn a place in the top 50 universities in the country.
“If we continue to do what we’ve been doing, I’m confident that we will achieve that. Many would argue that we are as good as or better than the universities on that list,” Kennedy said.
The senate discussed options for raising awareness about educational benefits for potential UMaine students. Passman suggested the university create an ad hoc response group to come up with new ideas to get the public involved, which would involve targeting high school students to generate interest in the university and offer information about the educational opportunities within the state.
“Is there some way of getting in the schools and getting data from kids? That’s our audience; that’s our market,” Mason said.
Sen. Janet Fairman suggested more data be presented to the public outlining the benefits of a UMaine education.
“Do we have objective data on what distinguishes the quality of our programs, such as graduate rates and other indicators we could use to differentiate the quality of our education?” Fairman asked. “There’s great data, but the public isn’t informed of it.”
UMaine faculty is working to create an image for the university that presents its benefit in comparison to other universities in the state, without portraying a competitive or conceited atmosphere.
“We need to talk about the quality that we have. Our quality is there, and we speak to it, but it has to be the quality that we project as in institution, not trying to say that we are better than the other institutions. That will not work in this state,” said Provost Sue Hunter.
Faculty also addressed the issue of Maine residents leaving the state to find education elsewhere.
“If programs aren’t here but they’re offered elsewhere, students will just go to the other University of Maine campuses, such as Machias or Fort Kent, or to Massachusetts or New Hampshire, where those programs are offered,” Mason said. “We need to provide data that students will leave the state of Maine to get education elsewhere.”
At the close of the meeting, the senate announced the New Challenges, New Directions, a program aimed at achieving long-term financial sustainability has been approved, and Hunter has been re-approved as Provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Faculty Senate
This article covers the second open Faculty Senate meeting of the year, October 21st, at the University of Maine at Orono.
Faculty Senate prepares for swine flu
By Sara Breau
Posted on Thursday, October 22nd, 2009, 3:38 am
The University of Maine Faculty Senate met Oct. 21 to discuss the availability of H1N1 virus vaccines, university policy on doctors’ notes and absences and an idea to introduce a new online portal to the UMaine online system.
Faculty members also discussed University of Maine System Chancellor Richard Pattenaude’s visit to campus, scheduled for Oct. 28. Students and faculty members are encouraged to attend the open forum as Pattenaude, along with other members of the system board of trustees, discuss their plans for the future of the university.
“There are major changes facing us at this university,” said Senate President Judy Kuhns-Hastings. “Come prepared with questions.”
Sen. Stuart Marrs offered to clarify the confusion regarding the university’s policy on student absences and the requirement of doctors’ notes.
“Regarding faculty inquiries, the associate provost’s office concurs with the CDC [Center for Disease Control] recommending that doctor’s notes not be required due to H1N1,” Marrs said. Despite this recommendation, professors are given the final decision on documentation for absences.
“What we’re suggesting is that we not burden the doctors with writing notes if there is an H1N1 outbreak, but we are not at that point now,” Marrs said.
Sen. Kathryn Slott asked if there was a set date for when the H1N1 vaccine will be available for students.
“Nov. 9 and 10, presuming the vaccine gets here. Students can even start signing up for it now,” said Vice President of Student Affairs Robert Dana. Faculty members can go to Cutler Health Center the following week to receive the vaccine.
The university is also considering the implementation of a new online portal that would allow users access to multiple resources at once, while providing more user-friendly service than PeopleSoft.
“The portal is a Web-based tool that would have one specified for students, one specified for faculty,” said John Gregory, executive director of UMaine’s Information Technologies department. “It would bring all the resources that you need together, that’s one component of what a portal would do. It would make PeopleSoft easier to use and more accessible, and would also allow for single sign-ons where you can click a button and go there, you don’t need to log in each time. It would be a convenience. Most universities have some sort of portal, so we’re behind in that regard.”
Sen. Roy Turner asked about the cost of the portal and how this would effect the university’s budget and raised concerns regarding security measures.
“How it would be funded has not been discussed yet. My understanding is the decision [to adopt the portal] will be made before the end of the fall semester,” Gregory said. “Most universities use some sort of security device that monitors the network. There haven’t been a great deal of problems with security, but it is a valid concern.”
The expense of implementing the portal also caused concerns among faculty members.
“I guess the basic question is why are we looking to spend more money when we’re going to have less of it to spend with all the budget cuts we are having?” asked Slott.
Vice President for Administration and Finance Janet Waldron offered another perspective.
“The origin from the system’s perspective is that people are going to remember the problems with PeopleSoft and how user unfriendly it was. Priorities and expenditure needs have changed, and that may be more the context for the discussion around the portal,” Waldron said.
The senate discussed concerns of duplication throughout the UMaine campus and other system members. Questions have been raised about whether there are duplicate programs and courses being offered at different UMS campuses, which is something the universities have made efforts to avoid.
“In the task-force report, the charge that there is too much duplication across the University of Maine System is incredibly vague,” said Sen. James Warhola.
“The reality is no one is envisioning us doing anything differently,” said Provost Susan Hunter.
Toward the end of the meeting, the senate briefly addressed declining enrollment.
“I met with the other university land-grant presidents, and they are facing the same issues. Many other universities are in the same boat; it’s across all institutions, public and private. Given the decline of student enrollment this fall, we’re very focused on that and trying to help that,” said UMaine President Robert Kennedy. “We need to remember the importance of this institution to the state. We’re looking ahead and trying to decide the focus, the strengths of the institution and the mission. This is very much a point of discussion, and I think we’re forced into having these discussions right now because there is no alternative.”
http://mainecampus.com/2009/10/22/faculty-senate-prepares-for-swine-flu/?ref=hp
Faculty Senate prepares for swine flu
By Sara Breau
Posted on Thursday, October 22nd, 2009, 3:38 am
The University of Maine Faculty Senate met Oct. 21 to discuss the availability of H1N1 virus vaccines, university policy on doctors’ notes and absences and an idea to introduce a new online portal to the UMaine online system.
Faculty members also discussed University of Maine System Chancellor Richard Pattenaude’s visit to campus, scheduled for Oct. 28. Students and faculty members are encouraged to attend the open forum as Pattenaude, along with other members of the system board of trustees, discuss their plans for the future of the university.
“There are major changes facing us at this university,” said Senate President Judy Kuhns-Hastings. “Come prepared with questions.”
Sen. Stuart Marrs offered to clarify the confusion regarding the university’s policy on student absences and the requirement of doctors’ notes.
“Regarding faculty inquiries, the associate provost’s office concurs with the CDC [Center for Disease Control] recommending that doctor’s notes not be required due to H1N1,” Marrs said. Despite this recommendation, professors are given the final decision on documentation for absences.
“What we’re suggesting is that we not burden the doctors with writing notes if there is an H1N1 outbreak, but we are not at that point now,” Marrs said.
Sen. Kathryn Slott asked if there was a set date for when the H1N1 vaccine will be available for students.
“Nov. 9 and 10, presuming the vaccine gets here. Students can even start signing up for it now,” said Vice President of Student Affairs Robert Dana. Faculty members can go to Cutler Health Center the following week to receive the vaccine.
The university is also considering the implementation of a new online portal that would allow users access to multiple resources at once, while providing more user-friendly service than PeopleSoft.
“The portal is a Web-based tool that would have one specified for students, one specified for faculty,” said John Gregory, executive director of UMaine’s Information Technologies department. “It would bring all the resources that you need together, that’s one component of what a portal would do. It would make PeopleSoft easier to use and more accessible, and would also allow for single sign-ons where you can click a button and go there, you don’t need to log in each time. It would be a convenience. Most universities have some sort of portal, so we’re behind in that regard.”
Sen. Roy Turner asked about the cost of the portal and how this would effect the university’s budget and raised concerns regarding security measures.
“How it would be funded has not been discussed yet. My understanding is the decision [to adopt the portal] will be made before the end of the fall semester,” Gregory said. “Most universities use some sort of security device that monitors the network. There haven’t been a great deal of problems with security, but it is a valid concern.”
The expense of implementing the portal also caused concerns among faculty members.
“I guess the basic question is why are we looking to spend more money when we’re going to have less of it to spend with all the budget cuts we are having?” asked Slott.
Vice President for Administration and Finance Janet Waldron offered another perspective.
“The origin from the system’s perspective is that people are going to remember the problems with PeopleSoft and how user unfriendly it was. Priorities and expenditure needs have changed, and that may be more the context for the discussion around the portal,” Waldron said.
The senate discussed concerns of duplication throughout the UMaine campus and other system members. Questions have been raised about whether there are duplicate programs and courses being offered at different UMS campuses, which is something the universities have made efforts to avoid.
“In the task-force report, the charge that there is too much duplication across the University of Maine System is incredibly vague,” said Sen. James Warhola.
“The reality is no one is envisioning us doing anything differently,” said Provost Susan Hunter.
Toward the end of the meeting, the senate briefly addressed declining enrollment.
“I met with the other university land-grant presidents, and they are facing the same issues. Many other universities are in the same boat; it’s across all institutions, public and private. Given the decline of student enrollment this fall, we’re very focused on that and trying to help that,” said UMaine President Robert Kennedy. “We need to remember the importance of this institution to the state. We’re looking ahead and trying to decide the focus, the strengths of the institution and the mission. This is very much a point of discussion, and I think we’re forced into having these discussions right now because there is no alternative.”
http://mainecampus.com/2009/10/22/faculty-senate-prepares-for-swine-flu/?ref=hp
Thursday, October 1, 2009
ROTC recruitment
A story about the push to recruit more ROTC members at campuses across the nation and the demand for more 2nd lieutenants.
http://mainecampus.com/2009/10/01/rotc-seeks-to-increase-recruitment/
ROTC seeks to increase recruitment
By Sara Breau
Posted on Thursday, October 1st, 2009, 1:28 am
ROTC programs on campuses nationwide are making an effort to increase the number of students participating in the military program and especially the number of second lieutenants produced each year. The University of Maine is no exception.
“The army as a whole has a large officer campaign program going on,” said Major James A. Karcanes, an assistant professor of military science at UMaine. “The army, for the first time in its history, is actually campaigning and recruiting for officers because we’re trying to increase our officer strength in the army and ROTC produces 75 percent of the army’s officers.”
This effort is occurring at ROTC programs across the nation. Paul Kotakis, spokesman for the U.S. Army Cadet Command, said in an interview with Mercury News that they are being asked to produce more second lieutenants.
The increased demand for second lieutenants is prompted by the army’s efforts to boost its overall numbers. A more pressing answer can be found by looking overseas.
“Because of the operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and multiple deployments, a number of officers are getting out. The army is also trying to increase their overall numbers by roughly 40,000, and we need an increase in officers to go with that. But yes, there have been a lot of junior level officers getting out after their service requirement so we’re trying to fill in that gap,” Karcanes said.
The UMaine has about 75 people in the program, some of whom participate from other campuses, including University of Maine at Augusta, University of Maine at Farmington, University College of Bangor, Thomas College and roughly 20 members who operate from Husson University.
“I think it’s a good opportunity for students to experience what it’s like to be in the armed forces, plus it gives them an opportunity to become leaders,” said third-year environmental law student Thomas Conley.
While the reasons for joining ROTC differ depending on the individual, there are some key factors that influence the majority of participants, according to Karcanes.
“They want to serve the country in some capacity, or they’re drawn to the military lifestyle. The biggest thing is leadership opportunities. They’re going to gain leadership and management skills that can help them in any job, even outside the military,” Karcanes said.
Another incentive for potential members is the assistance ROTC can provide with college expenses. This year, the UMaine ROTC program awarded six full-year scholarships, which covered all student expenses except for room and board. Contracted cadets also receive a monthly stipend of $300 to $500, as well as a $1,200 book allowance.
“We have two different types of cadets,” Karcanes said. “Those who are just participating in the program — they’re enrolled, but they haven’t signed paperwork to commit that once they graduate and are commissioned they’ll come in the army.” Then there are cadets who have signed a contract making a commitment to serve time in the army. “Anyone that receives a scholarship has to contract. Roughly half of our 75 are contracted, so we know they’re going to be getting commissioned.”
Members of ROTC participate because of a variety of incentives, but the major factor is what campuses nationwide are working toward: producing officers.
“ROTC worked out for me mainly because I’m in college right now — it was more college money and I also want to be an officer,” said second-year computer science student Adam Hanson. “The officer’s point is to administrate the military and to keep it running. ROTC gives you a lot of options once you get out. When you complete ROTC you’re a second lieutenant, which is an officer rank, and there’s a lot of respect for that. Basically that carries over to the rest of your life. Anyone who sees that is going to know that you can handle stress, you can work with people and basically, for any job I can imagine, it’s going to look good.”
Hanson enlisted in the military at the age of 17 and is a member of the ROTC program at UMaine.
“If you plan the military out to work with you, then it will and it will be one of the greatest choices you ever make. But if you don’t do that, and you kind of just go by what other people say and wing it then you’re going to end up making a wrong choice,” Hanson said.
Those participating in ROTC have said it carries over to other aspects of their student life.
“One of the best things about ROTC, in my opinion, is that there is huge emphasis on grades. Obviously along with teaching leadership skills, the other main focus is grades and finishing college. I know that for me, if I was not in ROTC, my grades would not be as good as they are now,” said ROTC member Steven Hansen. “It is definitely worth joining and becoming an officer in the Army. Aside from the financial benefits and knowing you have a guaranteed job when you graduate, you get the feeling of knowing you are part of something greater.”
About 33 percent of UMaine’s ROTC cadets are also members of the Maine National Guard. Members of the ROTC staff will be present at the UMaine football game Oct. 3 to speak with interested students about the program.
“The best thing is to come talk to us in person and we can find out if they meet the criteria,” Karcanes said. Major Darryl Lyon is the enrollment officer and works out of the ROTC office located in the field house.
http://mainecampus.com/2009/10/01/rotc-seeks-to-increase-recruitment/
ROTC seeks to increase recruitment
By Sara Breau
Posted on Thursday, October 1st, 2009, 1:28 am
ROTC programs on campuses nationwide are making an effort to increase the number of students participating in the military program and especially the number of second lieutenants produced each year. The University of Maine is no exception.
“The army as a whole has a large officer campaign program going on,” said Major James A. Karcanes, an assistant professor of military science at UMaine. “The army, for the first time in its history, is actually campaigning and recruiting for officers because we’re trying to increase our officer strength in the army and ROTC produces 75 percent of the army’s officers.”
This effort is occurring at ROTC programs across the nation. Paul Kotakis, spokesman for the U.S. Army Cadet Command, said in an interview with Mercury News that they are being asked to produce more second lieutenants.
The increased demand for second lieutenants is prompted by the army’s efforts to boost its overall numbers. A more pressing answer can be found by looking overseas.
“Because of the operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and multiple deployments, a number of officers are getting out. The army is also trying to increase their overall numbers by roughly 40,000, and we need an increase in officers to go with that. But yes, there have been a lot of junior level officers getting out after their service requirement so we’re trying to fill in that gap,” Karcanes said.
The UMaine has about 75 people in the program, some of whom participate from other campuses, including University of Maine at Augusta, University of Maine at Farmington, University College of Bangor, Thomas College and roughly 20 members who operate from Husson University.
“I think it’s a good opportunity for students to experience what it’s like to be in the armed forces, plus it gives them an opportunity to become leaders,” said third-year environmental law student Thomas Conley.
While the reasons for joining ROTC differ depending on the individual, there are some key factors that influence the majority of participants, according to Karcanes.
“They want to serve the country in some capacity, or they’re drawn to the military lifestyle. The biggest thing is leadership opportunities. They’re going to gain leadership and management skills that can help them in any job, even outside the military,” Karcanes said.
Another incentive for potential members is the assistance ROTC can provide with college expenses. This year, the UMaine ROTC program awarded six full-year scholarships, which covered all student expenses except for room and board. Contracted cadets also receive a monthly stipend of $300 to $500, as well as a $1,200 book allowance.
“We have two different types of cadets,” Karcanes said. “Those who are just participating in the program — they’re enrolled, but they haven’t signed paperwork to commit that once they graduate and are commissioned they’ll come in the army.” Then there are cadets who have signed a contract making a commitment to serve time in the army. “Anyone that receives a scholarship has to contract. Roughly half of our 75 are contracted, so we know they’re going to be getting commissioned.”
Members of ROTC participate because of a variety of incentives, but the major factor is what campuses nationwide are working toward: producing officers.
“ROTC worked out for me mainly because I’m in college right now — it was more college money and I also want to be an officer,” said second-year computer science student Adam Hanson. “The officer’s point is to administrate the military and to keep it running. ROTC gives you a lot of options once you get out. When you complete ROTC you’re a second lieutenant, which is an officer rank, and there’s a lot of respect for that. Basically that carries over to the rest of your life. Anyone who sees that is going to know that you can handle stress, you can work with people and basically, for any job I can imagine, it’s going to look good.”
Hanson enlisted in the military at the age of 17 and is a member of the ROTC program at UMaine.
“If you plan the military out to work with you, then it will and it will be one of the greatest choices you ever make. But if you don’t do that, and you kind of just go by what other people say and wing it then you’re going to end up making a wrong choice,” Hanson said.
Those participating in ROTC have said it carries over to other aspects of their student life.
“One of the best things about ROTC, in my opinion, is that there is huge emphasis on grades. Obviously along with teaching leadership skills, the other main focus is grades and finishing college. I know that for me, if I was not in ROTC, my grades would not be as good as they are now,” said ROTC member Steven Hansen. “It is definitely worth joining and becoming an officer in the Army. Aside from the financial benefits and knowing you have a guaranteed job when you graduate, you get the feeling of knowing you are part of something greater.”
About 33 percent of UMaine’s ROTC cadets are also members of the Maine National Guard. Members of the ROTC staff will be present at the UMaine football game Oct. 3 to speak with interested students about the program.
“The best thing is to come talk to us in person and we can find out if they meet the criteria,” Karcanes said. Major Darryl Lyon is the enrollment officer and works out of the ROTC office located in the field house.
Windpower Project
A news story about a wind power project of the coast of Maine. Highly involved is UMaine professor Habib Dagher.
http://mainecampus.com/2009/09/24/um-researchers-blow-life-into-wind-power/
UM researchers blow life into wind power
By Sara Breau
Posted on Thursday, September 24th, 2009, 1:18 am
Students at the University of Maine will soon have the opportunity to be involved in a test project that, if successful, would make Maine the first state in the U.S. powered by deep water wind-power energy.
The project involves a joint effort by members of UMaine and the state Department of Conservation to develop test sites for wind turbines in deep water locations off the coast of Maine. The wind turbines will be tested to prove they can generate energy from the high power ocean winds in a way that will be healthier for the environment than current energy sources. If successful, the plan would also reduce energy costs for Maine residents.
“Maine is more susceptible than anywhere in the country to the rising cost of fuel,” said UMaine Civil and Structural Engineering Professor Habib Dagher. “The average Maine family is paying $10,000 per year in energy costs.”
Dagher is leading the efforts of more than 60 doctorate-holders and their student assistants involved in the effort. Energy analyst Charlie Maxwell predicts fuel costs will rise to $20 per gallon by 2020.
“Should we get ready for this scenario or should we remain complacent? We need to get the state of Maine ready for the future. We have no choice,” Dagher said.
Maine pays some of the highest energy costs in North America at $15 to $20 per kilowatt hour. The need for nuclear energy could be eliminated through the use of wind, which would provide enough energy to power the entire nation if the wind turbines could be placed in the proper areas, according to Dagher. Wind power would also be healthier for the environment by decreasing CO2 emissions.
“There are 17 tons of CO2 emissions put out per person in the state of Maine each year. From an economic standpoint, it makes sense to reduce CO2 emission,” Dagher said.
To harness the wind power and create energy, windmill-like turbines would float on the water, secured to the ocean floor. The turbines would capture the high-power ocean wind and use it as an energy source.
“There are 40 nuclear-power-plants-worth of wind within 50 miles of the coastline,” Dagher said.
The wind turbine test sites would be constructed offshore, far enough so as not to be visible from the shoreline. The turbines are 500 feet tall from water level to tip, but if placed 20 miles off shore they would be unseen from the shoreline because of the Earth’s natural curvature, according to Dagher.
“We want to make this happen, all while protecting the beauty of the state of Maine,” Dagher said.
The plan is intended to boost the economy not only by using a more efficient source of energy, but by creating jobs. Dagher predictes 15,000 permanent jobs will be created if the plan is approved, citing the need for environmental scientists, oceanographers, machinists and other experts needed to make the project a success.
The wind power plan is a proposed opportunity for Maine to establish itself as one of the leaders in the country as far as innovation and practicality.
On Earth Day this year, President Barack Obama delivered an address at an Iowa wind turbine factory regarding the plan.
“The nation that leads the world in creating new energy sources will be the nation that leads the 21st century global economy,” Obama said.
Some UMaine students agree the plan should focus on benefiting Maine.
“I guess the plan sounds like a good idea, as long as the power isn’t sent to New Brunswick like the wind turbines that were built in Mars Hill and then resold back to us,” said fourth-year kinesiology and physical education student Sam Tweedie.
Meetings will be held in towns near the potential test sites to familiarize and involve the communities with the efforts before the test site construction begins.
“There are informational meetings coming up where members of the public will likely speak out on the issue,” Steve Bodnar said in an e-mail. Bodnar is a writer for Seacoast Online, a Web site charting the project’s progress.
The public has voiced approval and concerns about the plan.
“Firstly, I have concerns about the effects on the natural ecosystem by establishing wind turbines in the ocean. Assuming they take great care to maintain the ecosystem, they definitely should try it. Nuclear power is not a good option because of the risks not only to the ecosystem but the human population as well,” said fourth-year sociology student Benjamin Andersen.
http://mainecampus.com/2009/09/24/um-researchers-blow-life-into-wind-power/
UM researchers blow life into wind power
By Sara Breau
Posted on Thursday, September 24th, 2009, 1:18 am
Students at the University of Maine will soon have the opportunity to be involved in a test project that, if successful, would make Maine the first state in the U.S. powered by deep water wind-power energy.
The project involves a joint effort by members of UMaine and the state Department of Conservation to develop test sites for wind turbines in deep water locations off the coast of Maine. The wind turbines will be tested to prove they can generate energy from the high power ocean winds in a way that will be healthier for the environment than current energy sources. If successful, the plan would also reduce energy costs for Maine residents.
“Maine is more susceptible than anywhere in the country to the rising cost of fuel,” said UMaine Civil and Structural Engineering Professor Habib Dagher. “The average Maine family is paying $10,000 per year in energy costs.”
Dagher is leading the efforts of more than 60 doctorate-holders and their student assistants involved in the effort. Energy analyst Charlie Maxwell predicts fuel costs will rise to $20 per gallon by 2020.
“Should we get ready for this scenario or should we remain complacent? We need to get the state of Maine ready for the future. We have no choice,” Dagher said.
Maine pays some of the highest energy costs in North America at $15 to $20 per kilowatt hour. The need for nuclear energy could be eliminated through the use of wind, which would provide enough energy to power the entire nation if the wind turbines could be placed in the proper areas, according to Dagher. Wind power would also be healthier for the environment by decreasing CO2 emissions.
“There are 17 tons of CO2 emissions put out per person in the state of Maine each year. From an economic standpoint, it makes sense to reduce CO2 emission,” Dagher said.
To harness the wind power and create energy, windmill-like turbines would float on the water, secured to the ocean floor. The turbines would capture the high-power ocean wind and use it as an energy source.
“There are 40 nuclear-power-plants-worth of wind within 50 miles of the coastline,” Dagher said.
The wind turbine test sites would be constructed offshore, far enough so as not to be visible from the shoreline. The turbines are 500 feet tall from water level to tip, but if placed 20 miles off shore they would be unseen from the shoreline because of the Earth’s natural curvature, according to Dagher.
“We want to make this happen, all while protecting the beauty of the state of Maine,” Dagher said.
The plan is intended to boost the economy not only by using a more efficient source of energy, but by creating jobs. Dagher predictes 15,000 permanent jobs will be created if the plan is approved, citing the need for environmental scientists, oceanographers, machinists and other experts needed to make the project a success.
The wind power plan is a proposed opportunity for Maine to establish itself as one of the leaders in the country as far as innovation and practicality.
On Earth Day this year, President Barack Obama delivered an address at an Iowa wind turbine factory regarding the plan.
“The nation that leads the world in creating new energy sources will be the nation that leads the 21st century global economy,” Obama said.
Some UMaine students agree the plan should focus on benefiting Maine.
“I guess the plan sounds like a good idea, as long as the power isn’t sent to New Brunswick like the wind turbines that were built in Mars Hill and then resold back to us,” said fourth-year kinesiology and physical education student Sam Tweedie.
Meetings will be held in towns near the potential test sites to familiarize and involve the communities with the efforts before the test site construction begins.
“There are informational meetings coming up where members of the public will likely speak out on the issue,” Steve Bodnar said in an e-mail. Bodnar is a writer for Seacoast Online, a Web site charting the project’s progress.
The public has voiced approval and concerns about the plan.
“Firstly, I have concerns about the effects on the natural ecosystem by establishing wind turbines in the ocean. Assuming they take great care to maintain the ecosystem, they definitely should try it. Nuclear power is not a good option because of the risks not only to the ecosystem but the human population as well,” said fourth-year sociology student Benjamin Andersen.
Beat Topic News Story
This is a news story done for my CMJ 237 class, where we're working on our beat topics. I chose the faculty senate and will continue to cover their meetings for the Maine Campus throughout the semester. Somewhat dry, but informational about what UMaine leaders are up to.
http://mainecampus.com/2009/09/24/faculty-senate-gets-upset-stomach-over-campus-dining/
Faculty Senate gets upset stomach over campus dining
By Sara Breau
Posted on Thursday, September 24th, 2009, 1:16 am
The University of Maine Faculty Senate met Sept. 23 to discuss dining services, funding and H1N1 prevention tactics.
Senate member Kathryn Stott addressed dining service availability and convenience to students.
“Why are parts of the Marketplace closing during the evening, when students would likely be there?” Stott asked.
Campus Dining has adjusted dining halls’ hours. An example is Wells Commons, which closes at 2 p.m. on Friday afternoons. Stott suggested long lines in the Memorial Union and at the marketplaces are an inconvenience that is pushing students to dine off campus. Janet Waldron, vice president of administration and finance, said auxiliary enterprises have attempted to keep dining user friendly while adjusting to the suffering economy.
“A part of the issue as we renovate is we’re seeking to alleviate pressure on the Marketplace at noon, but this isn’t working because students aren’t going to the dining halls,” Waldron said.
Faculty is working to devise a plan to encourage students to utilize each of the dining facilities.
“We have to consider cost of operation when deciding whether to keep dining venues open,” Waldron said.
Senate also discussed the quality of dining options. Tina Passman, chair of academic affairs for the senate, mentioned the inconvenience that students in evening classes face in trying to find dining.
“We want students to maintain a good relationship with the library,” Passman said, stating that walking across campus to get to a dining hall during winter does not encourage library attendance. “And there’s no ‘grown-up’ food,” Passman said. Senate members agreed to further examine the situation for solutions.
“We’re very willing to explore other possibilities,” Waldron said.
University President Robert Kennedy talked about funding issues and the restructuring of the University of Maine System’s pricing formula. He said members of the faculty are working with the senate’s executive committee to find solutions to the financial challenges UMaine currently faces.
“The overall funding formula may change,” Kennedy said.
Robert Dana, vice president of Student Affairs, presented his plans for helping UMaine students at risk from emotional or social problems. Dana said about 470 first-year students are considered “high risk” due to academic, social or emotional factors.
“We need to work on reaching out to them,” Dana said. He urged professors to watch for cues that students may be struggling to adjust academically or socially.
The senate also addressed the possibility of an H1N1 outbreak on campus and preventative actions the campus could employ. Wayne Maines, director of safety and environmental management, educated faculty members about plans formulated to prevent occurrence of the swine flu or to contain it if an outbreak occurs. Students and faculty members are encouraged to get a seasonal flu shot, available at Cutler Health Center or through private health care providers. There is a shortage of flu shots this year, according to Maines.
“We asked for 1,500 doses and received 600,” Maines said. This number is still up from last year.
An H1N1 Emergency Response Center has been established. The center adheres to CDC guidelines and is working to educate students about preventative measures that can be taken to help prevent an H1N1 outbreak at UMaine. Primarily, individuals are encouraged to employ simple sanitation techniques such as frequent hand washing. Maines asked that anyone who thinks he or she may be exhibiting H1N1 symptoms stay home from work or school or remain in his or her dorm room if they are a campus resident and to get tested for the virus. Students should also alert university officials if they have confirmed cases of H1N1. Maines recommended individuals get the H1N1 vaccine when it comes out in November. He is organizing a clinic at UMaine that would potentially run for two days: Nov. 9 and 10.
“We plan to have 10 stations set up,” Maines said, citing the fieldhouse as a potential location for the temporary clinic.
Maines said approximately 300 vaccines could be administered per hour, though supplies will be limited. Should an outbreak occur on campus, affected students will have the option to wait it out off campus or be contained to their dorm rooms to avoid spreading the virus to others.
“There are detailed plans in the event an outbreak occurs,” Maines said. These would include increased cleaning of the dorms and specific containment guidelines.
Toward the end of the meeting, the senate majority voted to pass a motion to amend the Faculty Senate presidential term of service. A motion was also passed to set proposed Faculty Senate goals for committees for the 2009-2010 academic year.
http://mainecampus.com/2009/09/24/faculty-senate-gets-upset-stomach-over-campus-dining/
Faculty Senate gets upset stomach over campus dining
By Sara Breau
Posted on Thursday, September 24th, 2009, 1:16 am
The University of Maine Faculty Senate met Sept. 23 to discuss dining services, funding and H1N1 prevention tactics.
Senate member Kathryn Stott addressed dining service availability and convenience to students.
“Why are parts of the Marketplace closing during the evening, when students would likely be there?” Stott asked.
Campus Dining has adjusted dining halls’ hours. An example is Wells Commons, which closes at 2 p.m. on Friday afternoons. Stott suggested long lines in the Memorial Union and at the marketplaces are an inconvenience that is pushing students to dine off campus. Janet Waldron, vice president of administration and finance, said auxiliary enterprises have attempted to keep dining user friendly while adjusting to the suffering economy.
“A part of the issue as we renovate is we’re seeking to alleviate pressure on the Marketplace at noon, but this isn’t working because students aren’t going to the dining halls,” Waldron said.
Faculty is working to devise a plan to encourage students to utilize each of the dining facilities.
“We have to consider cost of operation when deciding whether to keep dining venues open,” Waldron said.
Senate also discussed the quality of dining options. Tina Passman, chair of academic affairs for the senate, mentioned the inconvenience that students in evening classes face in trying to find dining.
“We want students to maintain a good relationship with the library,” Passman said, stating that walking across campus to get to a dining hall during winter does not encourage library attendance. “And there’s no ‘grown-up’ food,” Passman said. Senate members agreed to further examine the situation for solutions.
“We’re very willing to explore other possibilities,” Waldron said.
University President Robert Kennedy talked about funding issues and the restructuring of the University of Maine System’s pricing formula. He said members of the faculty are working with the senate’s executive committee to find solutions to the financial challenges UMaine currently faces.
“The overall funding formula may change,” Kennedy said.
Robert Dana, vice president of Student Affairs, presented his plans for helping UMaine students at risk from emotional or social problems. Dana said about 470 first-year students are considered “high risk” due to academic, social or emotional factors.
“We need to work on reaching out to them,” Dana said. He urged professors to watch for cues that students may be struggling to adjust academically or socially.
The senate also addressed the possibility of an H1N1 outbreak on campus and preventative actions the campus could employ. Wayne Maines, director of safety and environmental management, educated faculty members about plans formulated to prevent occurrence of the swine flu or to contain it if an outbreak occurs. Students and faculty members are encouraged to get a seasonal flu shot, available at Cutler Health Center or through private health care providers. There is a shortage of flu shots this year, according to Maines.
“We asked for 1,500 doses and received 600,” Maines said. This number is still up from last year.
An H1N1 Emergency Response Center has been established. The center adheres to CDC guidelines and is working to educate students about preventative measures that can be taken to help prevent an H1N1 outbreak at UMaine. Primarily, individuals are encouraged to employ simple sanitation techniques such as frequent hand washing. Maines asked that anyone who thinks he or she may be exhibiting H1N1 symptoms stay home from work or school or remain in his or her dorm room if they are a campus resident and to get tested for the virus. Students should also alert university officials if they have confirmed cases of H1N1. Maines recommended individuals get the H1N1 vaccine when it comes out in November. He is organizing a clinic at UMaine that would potentially run for two days: Nov. 9 and 10.
“We plan to have 10 stations set up,” Maines said, citing the fieldhouse as a potential location for the temporary clinic.
Maines said approximately 300 vaccines could be administered per hour, though supplies will be limited. Should an outbreak occur on campus, affected students will have the option to wait it out off campus or be contained to their dorm rooms to avoid spreading the virus to others.
“There are detailed plans in the event an outbreak occurs,” Maines said. These would include increased cleaning of the dorms and specific containment guidelines.
Toward the end of the meeting, the senate majority voted to pass a motion to amend the Faculty Senate presidential term of service. A motion was also passed to set proposed Faculty Senate goals for committees for the 2009-2010 academic year.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
About Me
Hi everyone! My name is Sara Breau and I'm a third-year student at the University of Maine at Orono. I'm double-majoring in Journalism & Psychology, and considering a minor in Business. I love to write news stories. My passion is, unfortunately, in an area of journalism that will likely not have many jobs available by the time I graduate. I'm sticking with my interests however, and have faith that something will work out for me if I continue to pursue an education that will prepare me for a career in journalism.
I love to read, almost as much as I like to write! Psychology fascinates me, and I'm a geek in that I'll spend hours on the internet or in the library reading articles from psychological journals or in used bookstores perusing old, outdated psychology books that aren't even entirely accurate anymore.
One of my biggest goals this year is to get more of my writing published. I've written a couple articles for my hometown newspaper, but other than that I've just written off and on for the Maine Campus since my freshman year here at UMaine.
This is a little about me, my purpose as a student, and what makes me tick!
I love to read, almost as much as I like to write! Psychology fascinates me, and I'm a geek in that I'll spend hours on the internet or in the library reading articles from psychological journals or in used bookstores perusing old, outdated psychology books that aren't even entirely accurate anymore.
One of my biggest goals this year is to get more of my writing published. I've written a couple articles for my hometown newspaper, but other than that I've just written off and on for the Maine Campus since my freshman year here at UMaine.
This is a little about me, my purpose as a student, and what makes me tick!
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