Expressing policy concerns

 At the University System of Maryland Board of Regents meeting Friday, a student representative from USM Student Council expressed concerns over the proposed film policy.

The USM Board of Regents also heard recommendations for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math initiatives at the meeting.

Policy on Use of Campus Facilities for Films Shown Purely for Entertainment Purposes

The proposed “Policy on Use of Campus Facilities for Films Shown Purely for Entertainment Purposes” for University System of Maryland schools wasn’t supposed to be a discussion item until mid-November, but that didn’t stop the topic from being brought up to the Board.

USM Student Council chair Brady Walker, from the University of Baltimore, voiced his concerns to the Board by explaining the stances that various student governments have taken.

Walker said the proposed policy has “put an unhealthy burden” on universities in the system. He said that the USMSC does not support any policy that has a negative impact on the student experience.

Policy implementation consistency continues to be a major concern for the council. The policy lacks guidelines, criteria for implementation, and clarity, according to Walker.

“[The policy]… and the long terms of the effects of the policy are very concerning to the council and its membership,” he said.

Board of Regents chairman Clifford Kendall said the Board was originally told they needed to submit a policy by Sept. 1.

He said there was a conscious decision to not make that decision until the students, faculty and staff are in agreement.

“I know that if there’s a pornography club, they’re not going to put it on their résumés,” Kendall said. “Companies today want employees with high moral standards, and this is so frustrating because we’re talking about the wrong thing for our system. But we have to deal with it.”

Student regent and Towson senior Sarah Elfreth said she looks forward to discussing the issue further with the Board and is pleased with the stances taken by various universities.

So far, each Student Government Association from the University of Maryland, Baltimore; University of Maryland, College Park; University of Maryland, Baltimore County; Salisbury University; and Towson University have passed resolutions on the issue of free expression on campus, according to Elfreth.

“The Board is still discussing the issue and will be holding a public meeting to determine our next step next month,” Elfreth said.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics recommendations

A new push for STEM goals is being recommended across Maryland system institutions. The Maryland Governor’s Task Force produced recommendations for Maryland schools to apply as a way to increase and promote STEM across the state.

“While all of the recommendations relate to the System, [some of them] have the USM as the primary actor,” Elfreth said.

Board of Regents treasurer Patricia Florestano voiced the recommendations as an information item to the Board.

Seven recommendations would call for increased STEM action at universities, including Towson.

One goal being proposed would triple the number of teachers in STEM shortage areas of study, according to Florestano. Another goal would increase the number of STEM graduates in Maryland by 40 percent, from the 4,400 graduates, by 2015.

“[The sixth recommendation] is to boost Maryland’s global competitiveness by supporting research and entrepreneurship,” Florestano said.

While Towson has been historically known as a teacher’s college, Elfreth is optimistic about the University’s ability to grow in many STEM aspects.

“I think Towson is in a great place, both in its mission and history as a teacher’s college, to be a major player, particularly in increasing the number of STEM teachers in the state,” she said.

The Board unanimously approved these recommendations, committing themselves to help accomplish the goals that were set from the Governor’s Task Force.

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