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Trustees approve several new academic programs, capital projects and a renaming; votes at a glance
Summary
During the meeting trustees approved new degree programs (including a BS in Medical Laboratory Science and an MS in Homeland Security), authorized multiple capital expenditures and approved renaming the Maine Center as the Alphonse Exchange. The consent agenda passed; several academic approvals drew some opposition.
At the September meeting the University of Maine System Board of Trustees approved multiple academic programs, authorized capital expenditures and approved a formal renaming for the Maine Center. The items below summarize each formal action recorded in the meeting record (motions, movers/second, and outcomes as read on the record). Where the transcript recorded opposition or abstentions those are noted.
Votes at a glance
- Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (UMA & UMPI): The board "accept[ed] the recommendation of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee and approves the bachelor of science in medical laboratory science at the University of Maine at Augusta and the University of Maine at Presque Isle." Motion: moved by Trustee Martin; seconded by Trustee Michaud. Outcome: Approved (voice vote recorded as "Motion passes").
- Master of Science in Homeland Security (UMFK): The board accepted the committee recommendation and approved the MS in Homeland Security at the University of Maine at Fort Kent. Motion: moved by Trustee Michaud; seconded by Trustee Martin. Outcome: Approved (voice vote recorded as "Motion passes").
- Associate of Arts in Human Services (UMPI, competency‑based): The board approved the program, after committee discussion. Motion: moved by Trustee Kane; seconded by Trustee Martin. Outcome: Approved; on the record the vote recorded "4 opposed" and "1 abstention" but the motion carried.
- Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education (UMPI): The board approved the proposed BS at UMPI. Motion: moved by Trustee Mitchell; seconded by Trustee Kane. Outcome: Approved; the transcript records "2 opposed" and "1 abstention."
- Master of Arts in American Studies (UMPI): The board approved the MA in American Studies at UMPI (competency‑based). Motion: moved by Trustee Michel; seconded by Trustee Kane. Outcome: Approved.
- Lease renewal — Cellco Partnership (Verizon) at Alfond Stadium (University of Maine): The board authorized the University of Maine to enter a five‑year lease (with four optional five‑year renewals) with Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon for cellular infrastructure space at Alfond Stadium; final terms subject to system treasurer and general counsel review. Motion: moved by Trustee Michaud; seconded by Trustee Kane. Outcome: Authorized.
- Memorial Gym roof replacement (University of Maine): The board authorized spending up to $1,000,000 for replacement of two roof sections over Memorial Gym. Motion: moved by Trustee Michel; seconded by Trustee Kane. Outcome: Authorized.
- Powers Hall building envelope repairs (University of Maine at Machias): The board authorized spending up to $1,800,000 to repair masonry/water infiltration issues at Powers Hall; funding sources cited included the 2018 bond and state small campus appropriations. Motion: moved by Trustee Mushel; seconded by Trustee Kane. Outcome: Authorized.
- Maine Center (Portland) renovations: Trustees approved increasing the authorized renovation budget for the Maine Center (now the Alphonse Exchange) up to $9,600,000 (congressional directed spending, state funds, philanthropy and Maine Center operational funds). Motion: moved by Trustee Michaud; seconded by Trustee Kane. Outcome: Authorized.
- Renaming Maine Center to "Alphonse Exchange": The board granted an exception to the naming policy and authorized the renaming. Motion: moved by Trustee Michaud; seconded by Trustee Kane. Outcome: Approved.
- Consent agenda (meeting minutes and HR/Labor items): Motion to approve consent agenda carried.
Record, movers and procedure notes: Most motions were presented by committee chairs and moved and seconded by trustees as recorded on the transcript. The meeting used standard voice‑vote procedure ("All those in favor? Opposed? Abstentions?") and the clerk recorded outcomes; several academic items drew recorded opposition and abstentions but nonetheless passed by majority vote as reflected in the transcript.
Ending: Trustees approved the listed programs and authorizations; some items noted board debate and recorded opposition/abstentions on the record. Several trustees asked for a broader system discussion about online competency‑based education and cross‑campus coordination prior to future program proposals, and staff committed to providing earlier notice of forthcoming academic proposals to the Academic and Student Affairs committee.
