University of Maryland University College Regarding the Administration Response 15 October 2004 Dear Colleagues, As you know, last month we sent a petition to the UMUC administration. Nearly 200 instructors had signed it, and additional signatures were forwarded later. Here you will find the response from Provost Nick Allen. It is gratifying to read that the administration appreciates instructors' thoughtful comments and concern for the future of the University. The response from Dr. Allen contains some positive signs of responsiveness from the administration. There are also very important matters raised in the petition where it appears that the administration at this point does not intend to modify policy. However, the policies in question (standard syllabi, course modules in DE courses, the use of standard exams, and the teaching evaluation forms) were all made, so far as we can determine, without significant faculty input. These teaching-related policies affect us most directly and yet we have had essentially no say in their development. Dr. Allen invites us to continue the dialogue (in Europe, at the Oct. 23 faculty meeting) and promises to work with the overseas directors and our faculty representatives. It is obvious that the administration considers the reaction of the faculty important, perhaps particularly in light of the upcoming Middle States Association accreditation review. The global Faculty Advisory Council (FAC) represents the faculty to the administration in Adelphi. Therefore, we encourage you to communicate your views on issues of educational policy, compensation, and working conditions directly to our faculty representatives and to your academic directors, area directors and other administrators, as well. The e-mail address for the Faculty Advisory Council is facgov@umuc.edu. An election for new representatives is going on now, and you should hear shortly who has been chosen to represent your area. A second petition, to reinforce opposition to educational policies made without consulting faculty, is included below and can be found here. If you are in sympathy with these sentiments, I hope you will add your name. Sincerely, Debra Rosenthal, Ph.D. Collegiate Professor Government and Politics, Sociology, Philosophy Faculty Advisory Council e-mail: facgov@umuc.edu webmaster