This weekend, St. Mary’s College of Maryland President Jane Margaret O’Brien issued the following letter to the college community, detailing upcoming events and important decisions made by the college Board of Trustees:

 The fall semester is rapidly coming to a close, with final exams scheduled for next week.  We’ve again had a busy and productive semester.  The faculty continues to plan for implementation of the new core curriculum in August 2008, featuring new first year seminars and more internships, service learning, and study abroad opportunities.  Goodpaster Hall is rapidly nearing completion and will open fully for use in January. 

 Construction at the St. John’s site, new student services building, and the River Center continues.  The Board of Trustees also deliberated to study alternatives and to respond to community criticism about the placement of the Rowing Center.

 The Board of Trustees met on December 1, beginning with a reception honoring Trustee Emeritus Tom Waring.  Tom has been an enthusiastic supporter of the College and our diverse student body, doing so much for us and yet constantly asking how he can do more.  His passion for this essential characteristic of St. Mary’s was reflected in his actions as a trustee and continues through his ongoing personal philanthropic commitment.  Tom established an endowed scholarship fund for students with need, a global fund to help our students in educational studies afford the opportunity to teach in The Gambia, and a county scholarship program that makes St. Mary’s accessible to students in each of the southern Maryland counties. Through these initiatives Tom Waring’s generosity has touched the lives of hundreds of students over the past twenty years.  We were thrilled to unveil his portrait that identifies Tom as a key contributor to the College.

 The Board reviewed and approved eleven faculty sabbatical requests for the upcoming academic year, updated librarian evaluation procedures, and revised two financial policies.  The Board also approved the 2007 financial audit.  Once again, the auditors have confirmed that the College has sound financial and accounting practices.  The Board also approved two new trustee candidates, Richard D’Amato and Arthur “Lex” Birney.  D’Amato formerly served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates and as legislative counsel in the U.S. Congress.  Birney is chief executive officer of The Brick Companies in Edgewater, Maryland.  He is a strong supporter of the College’s environmental initiatives.

 Tuition, fees, room and board were also considered for the 2008-2009 academic year.  The Board approved increases of 5% for tuition, fees, and room charges.  Board plans will increase by an average of 3%.  Total cost for an in-state student living on campus will rise 4.7%.  The Board continues to stress the need for affordable tuition to guarantee access to all.

 Two facilities items were reviewed.  Following extensive discussion, the Board decided to maintain the current location of the Rowing Center.  The decision highlighted concerns for safety and functionality and considered in some detail the concerns of the community.  The Board also directed the creation of a Capital Design Advisory Council (CDAC) to include faculty, students, staff, and members of the community.  The CDAC will review upcoming construction projects and serve as a vehicle to gain widespread input early in the planning process.  The Board also approved the creation of a new trustee committee on community relations to encourage more communication and better understanding between the College and it surrounding community.

 Finally, the recently concluded legislative session succeeded in closing the state budget deficit through a combination of new taxes and budget reductions.  The College’s operating and capital budgets remain intact and we do not expect any major changes as a result of the special session.

 I wish you a joyful holiday season and the best of health and happiness in the New Year.