Presidents Advisory Team
Minutes
October 16, 2001
1.
Introduction of Bryce Stump – President Dudley-Eshbach
President Dudley-Eshbach introduced The Daily Times features reporter, Bryce
Stump, to members of the team.
Mr. Stump is doing a feature article on a day in the life of President Janet DudleyEshbach. The article will be in the October 21st Sunday edition of the newspaper.
2.
Local Community Reaction to the University
President Dudley-Eshbach brought her concerns to the committee about a letter to the
editor that appeared in The Daily Times on Sunday, October 14, 2001. The letter was
written in response to the President’s letter to the editor about withdrawing her
petition to change the name of the road leading to the University from Route 50 from
Beaglin Park Drive to “University Boulevard.” The writer of the letter was upset
over what he considered a pompous attitude on the part of the University in how it
deals with the local community. It was noted that usually a community of this size
shares a symbiotic relationship with its higher education institution. President
Dudley-Eshbach asked the team members for feedback on why this negative attitude
towards the institution exists.
The following comments were offered as possible reasons:

Approximately 10 percent of citizens of Wicomico County and the City of
Salisbury hold degrees from institutions of higher education. The national
average is approximately 30 percent. It could be that the community is not
higher-education oriented.

In the past, and compared to other higher education institutions, Salisbury
University has operated separately from the local community. To a large
extent, the University doesn’t take advantage of city services such as the
Greater Salisbury Committee. The community thinks that the University
stands on its own.
The following comments were offered as possible solutions to remedy the negative
image and to make the campus and University more accessible/available to the larger
community.
Local Community Reaction to the University (con’t)
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October 16, 2001
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
Have upper level University officials appointed as active members on
community boards, such as Salvation Army and YMCA.

Offer more activities that are open to the public, such as ballet classes and
cooking classes. This would lessen the perception that the University is being
“snobbish.”

Make more campus events free to the public. Pick a month and advertise all
the events that have free admission for the community.
It was noted that Public Relations has begun a new advertising campaign aimed at
recruiting new students. This includes television commercials, radio spots on local
stations, newspaper ads, and billboards. There is also an ad on the side of city buses
in Ocean City. The theme is “Think Salisbury.” The idea is that this will remind
local students and visitors that there is a competitive university located right here.
3.
Collective Bargaining – Richard Pusey
There have been recent communications to the campus community about the status
of collective bargaining. Richard Pusey noted that Governor Glendening has
appointed members to the Higher Education Labor Relations Board. This Board will
oversee the collective bargaining process at the 16 State public higher education
campuses. The Board is currently working with the campuses to define their
collective bargaining units and establish procedures for the supervision of elections
of union representatives for employees and the universities. Salisbury University
currently has one union representative (MCEA) petition to represent non-exempt
employees. Richard said that another union representative will most likely file for
representation. He anticipates that an election will be held mid- to late December.
However, it may be held as late as January. More information will be forthcoming.
Look for updates from the Human Resources office and from the University System
of Maryland.
4.
U.S. News & World Report/Funding Information– President Dudley-Eshbach
President Dudley-Eshbach noted that Salisbury University made the U.S. News &
World Report’s list of top ten public higher education institutions in the northeast
U.S. News & World Report/Funding Information– President Dudley-Eshbach
(con’t)
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October 16, 2001
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for the fifth year. Salisbury University is the only University System of Maryland
institution in the top tier.
President Dudley-Eshbach noted that the institution is in danger of falling out of the
rankings next year, largely due to funding levels that are below other institutions in
our classification. She said that the institution ranked 164th out of 170 institutions for
financial resources. The institution was able to counter this low score with high
ratings on graduation and retention, student profiles, and reputation among other
institutions. It is important that high scores in areas such as SAT scores and GPAs
not fall, as we concentrate on lifting other scores.
President Dudley-Eshbach will meet with U.S. News & World Report editors soon to
familiarize them with our institution and to discuss how they determine rankings.
5.
Communication and Capital Projects – President Dudley-Eshbach
There have been some concerns on campus about communication from
administration on the progress of capital projects. President Dudley-Eshbach asked
the team for suggestions on improving this communication. The following
suggestions were offered:

Have a column in campus newsletters and publications that describe the
progress of capital projects.

Have a monthly campus-wide email from the President updating progress.

Continue with fireside chats and include information on updates of capital
projects.

Continue to provide updates at University Forum meetings.
o Schedule a Forum meeting that includes President and Provost on the
agenda to give an update.
o Schedule a special Forum meeting just for capital projects update.
Have an “open mike” session to open up questions from the audience.
Communication and Capital Projects – President Dudley-Eshbach (con’t)
o Public Relations have a ½ page advertisement in The Daily Times
every month. Updates on capital projects could be included in this
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section.
o Create a web page dedicated to all capital projects.
It was noted that the Forum meetings and presidential emails were the most favored
options.
6
Strategic Plan: Next Steps – President Dudley-Eshbach
President Dudley-Eshbach said that, in the Spring of 2002, the institution will be
reviewing the Master Plan. It is important to determine the direction of where the
institution will want to go and the vision for the University. This may require that
the Strategic Plan be revised and goals and aims reviewed.
The President will work with the long-range academic committee next week to
prepare them for the task ahead.
7
Open Discussion
President Dudley-Eshbach opened the meeting to any issues or questions that Team
members may have. The following items were noted:

Faculty members had concerns about General Education and the perceived
lack of input in the new building that will replace Caruthers.

Senate members had concerns about Collective Bargaining, PMPs
(Performance Management Process), and the grievance policy.

President Dudley-Eshbach announced that Anthony Jemison, Esq. has been
hired as the Special Assistant to the President for Diversity Initiatives. Mr.
Jemison is an SU alumnus. He will begin his new duties on December 1,
2001.
Open Discussion (con’t)

Dr. Buchanan noted that the University is currently undergoing 31 or 32
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faculty searches with 13 new PIN lines. The new PIN lines will be replacing
contractual positions. Advertising for these positions will include a general
advertisement in Hispanic Outlook, Black Issues, and The Chronicle of
Higher Education. This advertisement will list the schools and the available
positions and then refer them to Human Resources website.
8.

Dr. Buchanan noted that Search Committees have been formed for the three
Dean searches and an email will be forthcoming listing committee members.

Dr. Buchanan indicated that the University is actively seeking one or more
doctoral programs. The first program targeted is a Doctor of Education. He
is currently reviewing the long-term investments over time and costs
involved.

Dr. Buchanan noted that a committee on the Faculty Senate is currently
working on the policy of intellectual property. The deadline for our policy
draft to the System Office is early December, however, a final policy will not
be adopted until the Board of Regents completes the guidelines for the USM
policy.

Dr. Carol Williamson noted that the Student Affairs office is working on an
Emergency Response Plan in light of the tragedy of September 11th and
Anthrax incidents.

Dr. Williamson asked for feedback from the campus on the combination of
Homecoming and Family weekend. This is the first time that the two events
have been combined. It allowed the institution to utilize resources without
duplication.

Mr. Al Mollica updated the team on the Alumni Drive currently underway.
He thanked Dr. Buchanan for his email to the campus asking them to donate.
This is a stronger campaign than has been used in the past to try to urge
deans, faculty, and staff to make the leap to contribute even a small amount to
their university.
Adjournment