umces accreditation self-study report

UMCES Accreditation Self-Study Report

Institutional Self-Study, Presented to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, October 2015

AcronymsAAAC AcademicAffairsAdvisoryCouncilAOS AreasofSpecializationAL AppalachianLaboratoryARR AccreditationReadinessReportBEES Behavior,Ecology,Evolution,andSystematicsBISI TheBiologicalSciencesGraduateProgramBoR UniversitySystemofMarylandBoardofRegentsCBL ChesapeakeBiologicalLaboratoryESC EnvironmentalStatisticsCollaborativeESCO EnvironmentalSafetyComplianceOfficerFS UMCESFacultySenateFSU FrostburgStateUniversityGEC GraduateEducationCommitteeGFC UMCESGraduateFacultyCouncilGPILS GraduatePrograminLifeSciencesGSC UMCESGraduateStudentCouncilHPL HornPointLaboratoryIAN IntegrationandApplicationNetworkIMET InstituteofMarineandEnvironmentalTechnologyIVN InteractiveVideoNetworkLMRCSC LivingMarineResourcesCooperativeScienceCenterMEES Marine-Estuarine-EnvironmentalSciencesGraduateProgramMFR ManagingforResultsReportMHEC MarylandHigherEducationCommissionMOODLE ModularObject-OrientedDynamicLearningEnvironmentMOU MemorandumofUnderstandingNOAA NationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministrationNT Non-TenureTrackFacultyREU ResearchExperiencesforUndergraduates;MarylandSeaGrantProgramSAC StudentAdvisoryCounciltoMHECSC SteeringCommitteeSESYNC NationalSocio-EnvironmentalSynthesisCenterT-TT Tenure-TenureTrackFacultyUMB UniversityofMaryland,BaltimoreUMBC UniversityofMaryland,BaltimoreCountyUMCES UniversityofMarylandCenterforEnvironmentalScienceUMCP UniversityofMaryland,CollegeParkUMES UniversityofMarylandEasternShoreUSM UniversitySystemofMarylandUSMAI UniversitySystemofMarylandandAffiliatedInstitutions,LibraryConsortiumWG WorkingGroup

iv Executive summaryix CertificationStatement

1 Anevolvinginstitution1 Knowledge is our best natural resource1 History and overview3 The UMCES vision and mission

3 Graduate education4 Seeking accreditation

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Globallyeminentandlocallyrelevant,theUniversityofMarylandCenterforEnvironmentalScienceistheUniversitySystemofMarylandspremierenvironmentalresearchinstitution.

6 TheUMCESmissionandinstitutionalgoals6 Addresses Standard 16 Analysesandfindings7 Conclusions

8 Institutionalplanningandresourceallocation8 Addresses Standards 2 and 3 8 Standard 2: Planning, resource allocation,

and institutional renewal

9 Standard 3: Institutional resources14 Conclusions and recommendations

15 Buildinguponaninstitutionthatisefficient,transparent,and foundedonintegrity15 Addresses Standards 4, 5 and 6 15 Standard 4: Leadership and governance16 Standard 5: Administration

17 Standard 6: Integrity18 Conclusions and recommendations

20 Recruiting,retaining,andtrainingoutstandingstudents20 Addresses Standards 8 and 9 20 Standard 8: Student admissions and retention23 Standard 9: Student support services25 Conclusions and recommendations

27 Afacultycommittedtoexcellenceinteachingandmentoring27 Addresses Standard 1027 Standard 10: Faculty30 Leaders in environmental science32 Graduate student mentorship in

environmental science

33 Outreach and technology transfer33 The faculty enterprise35 Institutional support of faculty35 Conclusions and recommendations

47 Aninstitutioncommittedtoexcellence47 Addresses Standard 747 Implementing a culture of assessment48 Sustainability of the UMCES enterprise49 New dimensions: Assessment and the

accreditation process

49 Effectiveeducationprograms51 Looking forward51 Conclusions

37 Delivering,evaluating,andassessinghighqualitygraduateeducation37 Addresses Standards 11,13 and 1437 Standard11:Educationalofferings40 Standard 13: Related educational activities

43 Standard 14: Assessment of student learning46 Conclusions and recommendations

54 Sourcedocuments

UMCES

52 Conclusions,recommendations,andthepathforward52 Recommendations53 Path forward

UMCES Accreditation Self-Study Report 2015

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TheUniversityofMarylandCenterforEnvironmentalScience(UMCES)celebratesits90thbirthdayin2015.UMCEShasachievedsuccessandplaysaleadershiproleasapreeminentinstitutionengagedinresearchintheenvironmentalsciences.Uponreceivingauthorizationtobecomeadegree-grantinginstitutionintheUniversitySystemofMaryland(USM)in2013,UMCESinitiatedtheprocesstobecomeaccreditedbytheMiddleStatesCommissiononHigherEducation(MSCHE).UMCEScompletedtheApplicantPhaseandbecameaCandidateforAccreditationinNovember2013.TheSelf-Study,reportedherein,anditsevaluationbyMSCHErepresentthenextstepsintheevolutionofUMCESanditsaspirationtobecomeanaccreditedinstitutionintheUSM.

InstitutionalhistoryUMCESisrootedintheestablishmentoftheChesapeakeBiologicalLaboratory(CBL)inSolomons,MDin1925.TheadditionofLaboratoryUnitsinthe1960sand1970sledtotheestablishmentin1973oftheCenterforEstuarineandEnvironmentalScience(CEES)asaninstitutionwithintheUSM.TheinstitutionsnamewaschangedtoUMCESin1997toformallyrecognizeitsconnectiontotheUSM.Overtheyears,UMCESanditsfoundingLaboratoryUnitshaveearnedareputationforexcellenceandleadershipinconductingresearchontheenvironment,especiallyinvestigationsofcoastalecosystemsandtheirwatersheds.Thenewestcomponent,theInstituteofMarineandEnvironmentalTechnology(IMET),wasaddedin2010.TheMarylandSeaGrantProgram(MDSG)isadministeredbyUMCESonbehalfoftheUSM.TheIntegrationandApplicationNetwork(IAN)isanUMCESresourcethatcommunicatesscienceanditsapplicationslocallyandglobally.Withitsevolution,UMCEShasmadeincreasingcommitmentstograduateeducation.ParticularlynotableistheUMCESleadershipintheinter-institutionalMarine-Estuarine-EnvironmentalSciences(MEES)GraduateProgram.

SeekingaccreditationAchievingaccreditationwillbeanimportantmilestoneintheevolutionofUMCES.UMCESbegantheaccreditationprocessfollowingauthorizationbytheUSMBoardofRegents(BoR)in2012toawardgraduatedegreesinmarineandenvironmentalsciencesjointlywithotherUSMinstitutions.StatutoryauthorizationwasgrantedbytheMarylandGeneralAssemblyin2013.TheMSCHEapprovedtheUMCESAccreditationReadinessReport(ARR)inNovember2013andUMCESadvancedtoCandidacyallowingUMCEStoawarditsfirstjointgraduatedegreesinMEESwiththeUniversityofMarylandCollegePark(UMCP)inMay2014.PresidentDonaldBoeschappointedDr.EdwardHoudeandMs.EricaKroppasSelf-StudyCo-chairs.AnUMCESSelf-StudyDesignwasapprovedbyMSCHEinOctober2014andUMCESformallyinitiateditsSelf-StudyinNovember2014.

AnticipatingtheSelf-Study,theCo-ChairsappointedmemberstofiveWorkingGroups(WG)andaSteeringCommittee(SC)inearlysummer2014.TheSCandWGsdevelopedaSelf-StudyDesignandthenconductedtheUMCESSelf-Study,whichwascompletedinAugust2015.TheSelf-StudyfollowedtheMSCHEComprehensiveModel,addressingeachoftheCommissionsStandardsofExcellence,exceptStandard12(GeneralEducation),whichappliesonlytoundergraduateinstitutions.

MembershipofWGswasbroadlyrepresentativeoftheUMCEScommunityandincludedstudents,staff,faculty,andadministrators.Together,theSCandWGsconductedtheSelf-Study,followingMSCHEguidelinesandadheringtospecificchargesintheUMCESSelf-StudyDesign.

On22July2015,thedraftSelf-StudyReportwasprovidedtoPresidentBoeschandtheseniorexecutiveleadersofUMCESfortheirreview.ItalsowasmadeavailabletotheentireUMCEScommunityforreviewandrecommendations.ThereviseddraftwasprovidedtotheChancellorsOfficeoftheUSMon18August2015forreviewand

In the summer of 1919, a brand new graduate student, Reginald Truitt, carried a borrowed microscope to a creek north of Solomons Island, MD, a knob of land near the meeting point of the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay. In a cramped fishermans shack, he set up a makeshift laboratory, installed his microscope, and began studying oyster biology. By 1929, he helped persuade the Maryland governor and legislature to approve the first marine lab in Marylandtoday, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, UMCESthat would conduct ongoing scientific research on oysters and blue crabs and finfish. It is now the oldest marine lab on the Bay and one of the leading centers in the country for fisheries research.

Executive summary


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approvalandthenapprovalbytheBoR.AdraftoftheSelf-StudyReportwassenttotheMSCHEEvaluationTeamChair,Dr.NancyTargett,on17August2015forreviewpriortoherpreliminaryvisittoUMCESon2September2015.

Organizationandcontentoftheself-studyTheSelf-StudyispresentedinninechaptersthatareorganizedthematicallyaroundspecifiedMSCHEStandards.EachchaptercitesevidenceandprovidesexamplesofhowUMCEScomplieswiththeMSCHEStandards.

Chapter 1: Introduction and institutional profileThe90-yearhistoryandevolutionofUMCESaredescribed,includingitsemergenceasaleadingenvironmentalresearchinstitution.UMCEShasfourmajorLaboratoryUnitsthatarelocatedacrosstheStateofMaryland.GraduateeducationhasalwaysbeenafundamentalcomponentoftheUMCESmissionbutgainedprominencewiththe2012-13actionsbytheUSMBoRandtheMarylandGeneralAssemblythatenabledUMCEStobecomedegree-grantingandauthorizedtograntgraduatedegreesjointlywithotherpublicinstitutionsinMaryland,subjecttogainingaccreditationbytheMSCHE.AchievingthismilestonewillpositionUMCEStomaintainandimproveitsstandingasaleaderintheconductofresearchandgraduateeducationinenvironmentalsciences.

Chapter 2: The UMCES mission and institutional goalsAddressing Standard 1 (Mission and Goals).

ThemissionandgoalsofUMCESareclearlystated,periodicallyassessed,andadjustedorrevisedtoimprovetheinstitutionscapabilitiesinresearchandeducation,whilealsofulfillingitslegislativemandates.TheMissionStatementemphasizestheinstitutionsuniqueandbroadcharge,asdefinedbyLegislativeStatutesofMaryland,toconductacomprehensiveprogramtodevelopandapplypredictiveecologyforMarylandtotheimprovementandpreservationofthephysicalenvironment,throughaprogramofresearch,publicservice,andeducation.UMCEScontributestomeetingtheUSMsmissionandstrategicplangoalsby1)achievingnationaleminenceasoneoftheworldspremierresearchcentersfocusedonecosystemscience;2)uniquelyintegratingresearch,publicservice,andeducationrelatedtothesustainabilityoftheenvironmentandnaturalresourceswithafocusonMarylandandtheChesapeakeBayregion;3)leadingtheUSMsnationallyrankedgraduateprograminmarineandenvironmentalscience;4)recruitingandretaininganationallyandinternationallyprominentfaculty;5)attainingresearchfundingandprivatesupportinexcessofitsstatesupport;6)promotingeconomicdevelopment;7)conductingoutreachtostateandfederalagenciesandotherkeyconstituencies;and8)collaboratingwithotherhighereducationinstitutionsinMarylandinadvancedresearchandgraduateeducation.TheMissionStatementincludesthegoalofstrengtheningcapabilitiestopromotediscoveriesbysustainingandbuildingonfoundationalresearchstrengthsalongfourstrategicdirections:1)sciencetosupportecosystem-basedmanagement;2)multi-scaleenvironmentalrestoration;3)linkingobservingsystemsandforecastsfrommountaintosea;and4)regionalconsequencesofclimatechangeandvariability.ThemostrecentMissionStatement,approvedbytheBoRandtheMarylandHigherEducationCommission(MHEC)in2014,andtheStrategicPlan(2012)placegreatemphasisoninsuringthatUMCEScontinuesitsleadershipoftheinter-institutionalMEESGraduatePrograminenvironmentalandmarinesciences.

Chapter 3: Institutional planning to achieve mission and goalsAddressing Standard 2 (Planning, Resource Allocation, and Institutional Renewal) and Standard 3 (Institutional Resources).

UMCESiscontinuouslyengagedinpolicyplanningandimplementation,aswellasseekingtoimproveitseffectivenessastheprimaryinstitutionwithintheUSMchargedwithconductingresearchandgraduateeducationintheenvironmentalsciences.UMCESdevelopsstrategicplansperiodically.Itconductedself-studyin1993and2004and


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UMCES scientists test monitoring equipment to detect and survey whales and dolphins along the Mid-Atlantic coast and provide information that can minimize effects of offshore energy development.

wasexternallyreviewedtoobtainguidanceonstructureandprocessestosustainandimprovetheinstitutionscapabilities.EvidencepresentedinthisSelf-Studyindicatesthattheeffectiveplanning,managementandsupportstructuresofUMCESareinclusive,transparent,responsiveandadaptive.

OversightbytheUSMBoRalsoregulatestheplanning,allocation,andbudgetingprocessesinUMCES.TheExecutiveandAdministrativeCouncilsofUMCESmeetinalternatemonthstoaddressinstitutionalplanningandresourceallocation.ThefacultyofUMCESparticipatesintheplanningandbudgetingprocessesthroughitsFacultySenate(FS)andGraduateFacultyCouncil(GFC).GraduatestudentsparticipatethroughtheUMCESGraduateStudentCouncil(GSC)andviastudentmembershipontheFSandGFC.UMCESunderstandsthatitssustainabilitydependsonmaintaining,renovating,andupdatingfacilitiestocontinuetoattractandsupportthehighestqualityleadership,faculty,studentsandstaff.Soundmanagementofstateappropriations,growthinsponsoredprojects,anddevelopmentofdiversityoffacilitiesandprogramscontributetothestrengthsofUMCES.

Chapter 4: Building upon an administration that is efficient, transparent, and founded on integrityAddressing Standard 4 (Leadership and Governance), Standard 5 (Administration), and Standard 6 (Integrity).

TheleadershipandadministrativestructureofUMCESeffectivelyguidestheinstitutiontoconductitsmissionsuccessfully.UMCESisasmallinstitutionwitharelativelyflatadministrativestructure.APresident,ChiefofStaff,fourVicePresidents,andfourLaboratoryDirectorsconstitutethecoreofadministrativeleadership.OfficesofBusinessAdministration,FacilitiesAdministration,HumanResources,InstitutionalAdvancement,andResearchAdministrationandAdvancementprovideeffectivecoresupportattheinstitutionalandindividualLaboratorylevels.Theexistingleadershipserveswiththeoverallconfidenceofthefaculty,staff,andstudentsandhasbeenresilientinadaptingtochangingpoliticalandeconomicrealitiesthatinfluencehighereducationinstitutionsinMarylandandthroughoutthenation.ThePresident,VicePresidents,andLaboratoryDirectorsaresubjecttocomprehensiveinstitutionalreviewbyfacultyandstaffonafive-yearbasis.TheUMCESAdministration,likethoseofotherinstitutionsintheUSM,isguidedbythebroadpoliciesoftheUSM.PoliciesandprocedureswithinUMCESareconsistent,transparent,andappropriateforthesizeandmissionoftheinstitution.PolicieswithintheUSMandinUMCESprotectintellectualfreedomandprojectanopenandtransparentorganizationalstructure.SharedgovernanceinUMCESisactiveandinvolvesallconstituencies.UMCESstrivestobefair,equitableandethicalinallofitsactivities.ThischapterdescribesproceduresandpoliciesthatinsureandreaffirmthatUMCESconductsitsbusinessandpridesitselfbyoperatingwithintegrity.

Chapter 5: Recruiting, retaining, and training outstanding studentsAddressing Standard 8 (Student Admissions and Retention) and Standard 9 (Student Support Services).

UMCESfacultymembersparticipate,teach,andadvisestudentsinfourUSMgraduateprograms:theinter-institutionalMEESProgram,theGraduatePrograminLifeSciences(GPILS)attheUniversityofMarylandBaltimore(UMB),theBiologicalSciencesGraduateProgram(BISI)atUMCP,andprogramsinAppliedEcology&ConservationBiologyandWildlife&FisheriesBiologyatFrostburgStateUniversity(FSU).UMCESfacultymemberscurrentlyadvise85graduatestudents,mostofwhom(>90%)areenrolledintheMEESProgram.UMCESisthedominantinstitutionwithintheinter-institutionalMEESProgramintermsofenrolledstudentsandawardeddegrees.EnrolledUMCESstudentshavehighretentionandgraduationsuccessrates,andreasonabletimestocompletionofdegrees.NearlyallUMCESstudentsarefinanciallysupportedonfellowshipsorresearchassistantships.UMCESinformsprospectivestudentsaboutopportunitiesforgraduatestudyandgraduateprogramsprimarilythroughitsonlinepresence,includingitsEducationat-a-Glancewebpages.


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Numerousstudentsupportservicesareprovidedatseverallevels(USM,UMCP,UMCES,andindividualUMCESLaboratories).Manytraditionalservices(e.g.,counseling)areprovidedbylargerpartnerinstitutionsintheUSM.Whileeffective,manyserviceswouldbenefitfromreviewandclarification.TheGSCismeaningfullyengagedindeliberationswiththeUMCESAdministration,FS,andGFCtoassurethatsupportofgraduatestudentsisahighpriority.TherecentlyestablishedandevolvingOfficeoftheUMCESVicePresidentforEducationisbecominganimportantsourceofsupportforstudentsandfaculty,includingfellowshipprogramsandinformationmanagement.

Chapter 6: A faculty committed to excellenceAddressing Standard 10 (Faculty).

In2014,theUMCESfacultywascomprisedof74highlyqualifiedProfessors,AgentsandLibrarians.ExceptfortheLibrarians,allholdthePhDdegree.Facultylinesaredesignatedtenure-tenuretrack(T-TT)andresearch(NT),withteachingresponsibilitiesmostlybornebytheT-TTfaculty.BothfacultylinesinUMCESplaystrongmentoringroles,andthusbothareimportanttothedeliveryofgraduateeducation.AllUMCESfacultymembersareexpectedtodevelopstrongresearchprogramsintheenvironmentalsciences.ThescientificleadershipandsuccessofUMCESfacultymembersareevidentacrossthediversedisciplinesinenvironmentalscience.Numbersinfacultylinesandrankshaveshiftedovertheyears.RetentionofproductivefacultymembershasresultedinacoreoffullProfessorssincethe1990sthatconstitute>50%oftheT-TTfacultynumbers.Duringthepast25yearsthenumbersofNTresearchfacultyincreasedfrom6(11%)in1990to22(31%)in2015.AnincreasingnumberandpercentageoftheUMCESfacultyarewomen[5(9%)in1990to22(31%)in2015].

Well-developedpoliciesintheUSMandinUMCESguidefacultyappointment,promotion,andtenure.Annualevaluationsofproductivityareconductedfromportfoliosofperformanceinwell-defineddimensionsofscholarship:scientificdiscovery,integration,application,andeducation.UMCESfacultymembershavelowteachingworkloads;however,theyhaveleadershipresponsibilitiesinstudentadmissions,curriculumdevelopment,andthesis/dissertationsupervision.UMCEScanimproveitspracticesfornurturingandmentoringperformancebyitsyoungfacultymembers.Thereisaneedtobetterdefineexpectationsforteachingresponsibilitiesbyfacultymembers.

Chapter 7: Delivering, evaluating, and assessing high-quality graduate educationAddressing Standard 11 (Educational Offerings), Standard 13 (Related Educational Activities), and Standard 14 (Assessment of Student Learning).

GraduateprogramsandeducationinUMCESarecomprehensiveinscope,providingcontentandrigorsufficienttoenablestudentstocompletedegreeprogramsinatimelyfashionandtodevelopsuccessfulcareersfollowinggraduation.Thegraduateprogramsaredesignedtoprovidein-depthtrainingin:1)theconductoforiginalscientificresearchthatleadstodiscovery;2)theintegrationorsynthesisofscientificinformation;and3)applicationofscientificknowledgetosolvereal-worldproblems.AllUMCESgraduatestudentsmustconductindependentthesisordissertationresearch.TheprincipalinvolvementofUMCESingraduateeducationisthroughtheinter-institutionalMEESGraduateProgram.AnewcurriculumforMEES,onethataddressestheneedforbreadthinmodernenvironmentalsciences,hasbeendeveloped,withmajorcontributionsbytheUMCESfaculty,andisnowproposedforimplementation.

GraduateprogramsandcoursesarefullyavailabletostudentsateachofthefourUMCESLaboratories.Theinstitutionhasinvestedheavilyininter-activevideo(IVN)technologytoprovidestudentswithasynchronous,distanceeducationexperiencethatovercomesthedistributednatureofitsLaboratories.LibraryresourcesatUMCESandUSM-wideareequallyavailabletoallstudents.UMCESprovidesitsstudentswithopportunitiesforprofessionaldevelopment,includingopportunitiestocommunicateandworkwithenvironmentalprofessionalsingovernmentagencies,citizenscientists,andthepublic.


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UMCESevaluatesandassessesitseducationalprogramsatmultiplelevelsandiscommittedtostrengtheningthosepracticeswhileadheringtoassessmentprotocolsinplacefortheMEESProgramandtheGraduateSchoolatUMCP.ThenewrevisionstotheMEESCurriculumserveasaprimeexampleofanon-goingcommitmenttoensurestudentlearningoutcomesaremet.UMCESemploysarangeofformativestudentassessmenttoolsinalleducationprograms,includinghomeworkexercises,courseprojects,andformalwrittenandoralexaminations.UMCESalsoemploysarangeofsummativeassessmenttoolstoensurethatcoursecurriculahaveappropriatecontentandareeffectivelytaught.Withitsnewdegree-grantingauthority,UMCESmustincreasinglyberesponsiblefordefiningandmaintainingUMCES-specificeducationalstandards,particularlythosethatqualitativelyandquantitativelyintegrateitsinternalassessmentandevaluationprocedures.

Chapter 8: An institution committed to excellenceAddressing Standard 7 (Institutional Assessment).

ThesuccessofUMCESislargelyattributabletoitsdedicationtoplanning,evaluationandassessmentsconductedinitsadministrative,researchandacademicprograms.Inthisregard,theMissionStatementandStrategicPlanarereviewedregularlyandrenewedtoseizeopportunitiesandrespondtoidentifiedneeds.AsaninstitutionintheUSM,UMCESadherestothebroadstrategicplansandpoliciesoftheUSM,whileoperatingunderitsownspecificplansandpolicies.ThequalitativeandquantitativeproceduresofassessmentsconductedattheUSMandUMCESlevelsaredescribed.Intheplanningandbudgetingprocesses,assessmentsareconductedatboththeUMCESandLaboratoryUnitlevels,insuringthatprogramsareeffectiveandequitable.Performancesofadministratorsandfacultymembersareregularlyreviewedandassessed.AssessmentofinstitutionaleffectivenessisfacilitatedbythetransparencyofoperationsinUMCESandbythecommitmenttosharedgovernanceinwhichadministrators,faculty,staffandstudentsareincludedinplanningandevaluationprocesses.AssessmentofacademicprogramsinwhichUMCESfacultymembersteachandmentorgraduatestudentsoccursatmultiplelevelsbecauseUMCESparticipatesininter-institutionalgraduateeducationwithintheUSM.Thereisopportunitytoenhanceandimproveassessment,especiallytheassessmentofeducationaloutcomes.Inthisregard,theOfficeoftheVP-EducationinUMCESplaysanimportantroleindevelopmentofpolicyonfacultyinvolvementinteachingandinadvocacyfornewassessmentapproachestoaidevaluationofteaching,learningoutcomes,andtheoverallsuccessofgraduateeducation.

Chapter 9: Conclusions, recommendations and path forwardTheSelf-StudyconfirmedthatUMCESdoeswhatitsaysitwilldoinstrivingtoachieveitsmissionandinimplementingitsstrategicplan.UMCESiscompliantwiththeStandardsofExcellenceoftheMSCHE.Itisaneffectiveandefficientresearchinstitutionwithanimportantinvestmentingraduateeducation.UMCESpridesitselfinbeingatransparentorganizationinwhichfaculty,staff,andstudentsparticipateopenlyinsharedgovernance.Theinstitutionreviewsandassessesitspoliciesandproceduresonaregularbasisandrevisesitsmissionstatementandstrategicplanaccordingly.BasedonfindingsintheSelf-Study,tenrecommendationsarebroughtforwardthatUMCESwillseektoaccomplishinthenextonetofiveyears.TheUMCESAdministrationmustbevigilanttoassurethatallLaboratoryUnitscontinuetobewellsupported,fiscallyresponsibleandabletomaintainfacilitiesnecessarytobepreeminentintheenvironmentalsciences.AlreadyaleaderoftheMEESGraduateProgram,UMCESmustassertleadershipinboththeimplementationandconductofanewlyrestructuredMEESCurriculumandwillimmediatelyworktoinstituteandimplementimprovededucationdeliveryandassessmentprocedures.


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Created in 2014, the UMCES seal is based on a bas relief stone sculpture that is over the doorway of Beaven Hall on UMCES founding laboratory, the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory. It has the elements of water, seagrasses, crabs, oysters, fish, and oak leaf, representing all of the UMCES Laboratories and their areas of study.

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HistoryandoverviewTheUniversityofMarylandCenterforEnvironmentalScience(UMCES)is90yearsoldin2015.UMCEStracesitsorigintothefoundingoftheChesapeakeBiologicalLaboratory(CBL)inSolomons,MDin1925.Assuch,CBListheoldestpermanent,state-supportedmarinelaboratoryontheeastcoastoftheUnitedStates.TheevolutionofUMCESasanacademicinstitutionwithintheUniversitySystemofMaryland(USM)istracedintheMilestonesforUMCEStablebelow.UMCESconsistsoffourLaboratoryUnitsdispersedacrossMaryland.However,itisadministeredasasingleinstitutionoftheUSM.

UMCEShasevolvedsignificantlysincethe1970s.TheCenterforEnvironmentalandEstuarineStudies(CEES)wasestablishedin1973andincludedCBL,theAppalachianLaboratory(AL)andtheHornPointLaboratory(HPL).TheUMCESnamewasadoptedbylegislationin1997.TheMarylandSeaGrantCollege(MDSG)

Chapter 1 An evolving institution

hasbeenadministeredthroughUMCESsince2000.Recentexpansionin2010addedelementsoftheInstituteofMarineandEnvironmentalTechnology(IMET)toUMCES.EachadditiontoUMCEShasaddeddiversityanddepth.ThediversityofdisciplinesandthepresenceofLaboratoryUnitsacrossMarylandhaveallowedUMCEStogainregionalrecognitionwhileconductinghighlysuccessful,inter-disciplinaryresearchandeducationprogramsinenvironmentalsciencesthataregloballyeminentwhileresponsivetotheneedsofthecitizensofMaryland.

Milestones for UMCESForthepast53years,UMCEShasoperatedasaninstitutionwithinwhatisnowtheUniversitySystemofMaryland(USM).UMCEShasarichtraditionofconductingexcellentresearch,education,andpublicoutreachrelatedtonaturalresourcesandtheenvironment,fulfillingexpectationsexpressedinitsenablinglegislation.TheadministrativestructureofUMCESand

KnowledgeisourbestnaturalresourceTheUniversityofMarylandCenterforEnvironmentalScienceunleashesthepowerofsciencetochangethewaysocietyunderstandsandmanagestheenvironment.Ourscientistsconductcutting-edgeresearchtosolvetodaysmostpressingenvironmentalproblemsandtotrainthenextgenerationofscientiststoguideourstate,nationandworldtowardamoresustainablefuture.

19251941196119731997200020102013

Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (CBL) estalbished (Solomons, MD).

A brief synopsis of the evolution of UMCES.

Natural Resources Institute (NRI) created to incorporate the previously independent Department of Research Education into the University of Maryland (legislative act). Appalachian Laboratory established (Frostburg, MD).

Department of Research and Education created as independent state agency (legislative act). CBL included in the Department.

University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (legislative act to change name).

UMCES awarded its first MS and PhD degrees, jointly with the University of Maryland College Park.

UMCES celebrates its 90th anniversary.

Center for Environmental and Estuarine Studies (legislative act, 1975), Horn Point Laboratory established (Cambridge, MD). Two NRI Laboratories closed.

Maryland Sea Grant College Program (College Park, MD), a partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, placed under UMCES administration.

Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology reorganized as partnership among UMCES, University of Maryland Baltimore County and University of Maryland, Baltimore (Baltimore, MD).

UMCES authorized to award joint graduate degrees and post-baccalaureate certificates (legislative act). UMCES initiated actions to gain accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and was granted Candidate status in November 2013.

20142015

Chapter 1

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itsinstitutionalconnectiontotheUSMareillustratedinFigure1.1.UMCESoperatesunderthelawsofMarylandascodifiedinboththeNaturalResourcesArticle1 2 3

andtheEducation

Article4 5toconductacomprehensiveprogramtodevelopandapplypredictiveecologyforMarylandtotheimprovementandpreservationofthephysicalenvironment,throughaprogramofresearch,publicservice,andeducation.

UMCESisthesmallestofthetwelveUSMinstitutionsintermsoffacultyandstaffandexpenditures.InMay2015,UMCESincluded48tenuredandtenure-trackfacultymembers,22researchfacultymembers,twoagents,twolibrarians,and13researchsupportfaculty(doctorallevelappointments,non-faculty).ThetotalnumberofUMCESemployees,excludinghourlyemployeesandgraduatestudents,was265inMay2015.Thenumbersofgraduatestudents

Governor Larry J. Hogan, Jr.

Board of RegentsUniversity System of Maryland

Robert L. CaretChancellor

Donald F. BoeschPresident

University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

Chief of StaffDavid A. Nemazie

Appalachian Laboratory

Eric Davidson

Chesapeake Biololgical Laboratory

Thomas Miller

Horn Point LaboratoryMichael R. Roman

Institute of Marine and Environ. Technology

Russell Hill

Maryland Sea Grant College

Fredrika Moser

AdministrationErica H. Kropp

EducationEdward D. Houde

Institutional AdvancementDavid A. Balcom

Science ApplicationWilliam C. Dennison

Figure1.1.AdministrativestructureofUMCESwithintheUniversitySystemofMaryland.TheAdministrationincludesfourVicePresidents(Administration,InstitutionalAdvancement,Education,andScienceApplication).FourLaboratoryDirectorsandtheDirectorofMarylandSeaGrantCollegecompletetheadministrativeleadership.

(MSandPhD)intheMarine-Estuarine-EnvironmentalSciences(MEES)6GraduateProgram,theprimaryhomeofUMCESgraduatestudents,hasrangedfrom71to116intheperiod2002-2014,andnumbered79atthebeginningofacademicyear2014-15.UMCESdoesnotformallyengageinundergraduateeducationalthoughundergraduatementoringandoutreachactivitiesareimportantactivitiesateachoftheLaboratories.

Althoughgeographicallydistributed(Figure1.2),UMCESisadministeredasasingleinstitutionoftheUSM.EachofitsfourLaboratories(Figure1.1)hasaDirectorwhoisresponsibleforfacultyandscientificstaff,facilitiesoperations,andfiscaladministration.TheUMCESCenterAdministrationislocatedprimarilyinCambridgeandoperatesunderthePresidentandVicePresidentsforAdministration,Education,InstitutionalAdvancement,andScienceApplications.TheOfficeoftheVicePresidentforEducationislocatedatCBLinSolomons.TheVicePresidentforInstitutionalAdvancementislocatedattheIMETsiteinBaltimore.TheMarylandSeaGrantProgram(MDSG)andDirectorarelocatedinCollegePark.AdditionalprojectsupportofficesareinAnnapolis.ThePresident,VicePresidentsandLaboratoryDirectorsareresponsibleforoversightandcoordinationoftheLaboratories,includinggraduatestudents,andrepresentationtotheUSM.TheUMCESPresidentisamemberoftheCouncilofUniversitySystemPresidents,withresponsibilities

Figure1.2.UMCESisageographicallydistributedinstitutionoftheUniversitySystemofMaryland.ItsLaboratoryUnitsandOfficesarelocatedacrossthestate.

Institute of Marine and Environmental

Technology

Chesapeake Biological Laboratory

Maryland Sea Grant

Appalachian Laboratory

UMCES Center AdministrationHorn PointLaboratory

delegatedbytheBoRandChancellorthatareequivalenttothoseofPresidentsoftheotherUSMinstitutions.

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmStatutesText.aspx?article=gnr&section=3-401&ext=html&session=2015RS&tab=subject5http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmStatutesText.aspx?article=gnr&section=3-402&ext=html&session=2015RS&tab=subject5http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmStatutesText.aspx?article=gnr&section=3-403&ext=html&session=2015RS&tab=subject5http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmStatutesText.aspx?pid=&tab=subject5&stab=&ys=2015RS&article=ged&section=10-101&ext=html&session=2015RShttp://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmStatutesText.aspx?article=ged&section=12-104&ext=html&session=2015RS&tab=subject5http://www.mees.umd.edu/

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TheUMCESvisionandmissionUMCESisaresearch,education,andserviceinstitutionoftheUSMandaworldleaderintheconductofscienceincoastalenvironmentsandtheirwatersheds.ThevisionofUMCESistocontinuallyimproveinstitutionalcapabilityasaleaderinenvironmentalscienceandgraduateeducation.TheCentersfacultyadvancesknowledgethroughscientificdiscovery,integration,application,andteachingthatpromotesacomprehensiveunderstandingofourenvironmentandnaturalresources,helpingtoguidetheStateandworldtowardamoresustainablefuture.AstheresponsibleinstitutionforadministrationoftheMDSGandcollaborativeprogramswithotherinstitutions,UMCESleads,coordinates,andcatalyzesenvironmentalresearchandgraduateeducationwithintheUSM.

TheUMCESMissionandinstitutionalgoals,elaboratedinChapter2,areframedonastatutorymandate1 2 3toconductacomprehensivescientificprogramtodevelopandapplypredictiveecologyfortheimprovementandpreservationofMarylandsphysicalenvironment.Thismissionisaccomplishedthroughresearch,education,andpublicservice.

UMCESfacultymembersadvise,teach,andserveasmentorstograduatestudentsenrolledindegreeprogramswithUSMinstitutions,particularlythroughtheUSM-widegraduateMEESProgram,inwhichUMCEShasaleadingrole.UMCESalsodeliversitsservicesthrough1)environmentalscienceeducationprogramsforK-12studentsandteachers,2)pertinentandtimelyinformationtothegeneralpublicanddecisionmakers,3)technologytransfertoindustries,and4)collaborationwiththeMDSG.

EvolutionUMCESiscommittedtoperiodicallyundertakestrategicplanningtoguideandimproveitsresearchandeducationprograms.Fourstrategicplanswereproducedsince1993.EachofthePlansaddressedemergingissuesinenvironmentalscienceandhighlightedopportunitiesforUMCEStodemonstratescientificleadershipwhileseekingsolutionstoproblemsintheChesapeakeBaywatershedandaroundtheworld,includingtheglobaloceanandpolarregions.The2004PlanFrom Vision to Reality7wasdevelopedinconjunctionwithcomprehensiveandcriticalself-study,andwasreviewedfavorablybyanExternalExaminingCommittee8.The2012StrategicPlanFocus on the Future9buildsonthestrengthsofUMCESandincludesfivefocusareas:1)GenestoEcosystems;2)HumanWelfare;3)EnergyChoices;4)WaterSecurity;and5)GlobalReach.

TheadditionofcomponentsoftheInstituteofMarineandEnvironmentalTechnology(IMET)toUMCESin2010wasasignificantstepintheevolutionofUMCES.IMETisapartnershipamongUMCES,UniversityofMaryland,BaltimoreCounty(UMBC)andUniversityofMaryland,Baltimore(UMB).UMCEStraditionallyhasexcelledincollaborative,cross-disciplinaryscience.WiththeadditionofIMET,thecapabilityofUMCEStoconductresearchinmolecularbiologyandbiotechnologywasenhancedandopportunitiesforcollaborationhavegreatlyexpanded.

GraduateEducationUMCEShasbeeninvolvedineducationformostofits90-yearhistory.Intheinstitutionsearlydays,effortswerefocusedentirelyonresidentialsummerprogramsaimedatundergraduatestudentswhotookcoursestaughtbyfacultyvisitingCBL.Abrochurefrom1932,onlysevenyearsaftertheinstitutionsfounding,listscoursesinInvertebrates,EconomicZoology,Protozoology,Embryology,AnimalEcology,PaleontologyandZoologicalProblems,whichweretaughtbyfacultyfromCBL,UMCP,GoucherCollegeandtheJohnsHopkinsUniversity10.Thecoursesdidnotrepresentacoherentgraduateprogram;creditforthecourseswasarrangedbytheparticipatingstudentsandtheirhomeinstitutions.Thesesummercoursescontinueduntilthe1970s.

Forthefirst53yearsofitshistory,theinvolvementofUMCESingraduateeducationwasinformal.UMCESbecameformallyinvolvedwiththeimplementationbytheMarylandStateBoardforHigherEducationoftheMEESPrograminOctober197811.TheUMCESfacultynowplaysamajorroleinsuccessfuladvising,teaching,andmentoringofgraduatestudents,primarilyinMEES.AlthoughearlierstudentsandgraduatesdonotformallycarrytheUMCESinstitutionalsealontheirdiplomas,theycarrytheimprimaturoftheUMCESfacultyintheirtraining,theirresearchactivities,andultimatelyintheirprofessionalcareers.

Sincethelate1970s,graduatestudentsadvisedbyUMCESfacultymembershavereceivedMSandPhDdegreesfromoneofthedegree-grantinginstitutionsoftheUSM.In2013,UMCESwasgrantedauthoritybytheMarylandGeneralAssembly(HouseBill268)12toawardgraduatedegreesinmarineandenvironmentalsciencesjointlywithanotherpublicseniorhighereducationinstitutionandawardpost-baccalaureatecertificates[Md.CodeAnn.Com.Law3-403(a)(8)]13.ThismilestonelegislationfollowedseveralbilateralagreementsbetweenUMCESandUMCP14.ThestepsincludedauthorizationbytheUSMBoRforUMCEStoseekaccreditationthroughtheMiddleStatesCommissiononHigherEducation(MSCHE).AnAgreementbetweenUMCESandUMCPdefinesthejointdegreeprogram15.

UMCESLaboratoriesandfacultyadvisorsprovidedtheacademichomefor85graduatestudentsinthe2014-2015academicyear.StudentsadvisedbyUMCESfacultymembersmaybeenrolledinfourgraduateprogramsintheUSM:1)theinter-institutionalMEESProgram6(Figure1.3)administeredthroughtheGraduateSchoolandCollegeofComputer,Mathematical&NaturalSciences(CMNS)atUMCP16thatpresentlyincludes79studentsfromUMCES(46%ofthetotalnumberofMEESstudents);2)theBiologicalSciencesGraduateProgram(BISI)17atUMCPwith1UMCESstudentin2014-2015;3)theGraduatePrograminLifeSciences(GPILS)18,administeredbytheUniversityofMarylandBaltimorethatpresentlyhas3UMCESstudents;4)theAppliedEcologyandConservationBiology,andWildlife&FisheriesManagementtracksleadingtotheMSdegreeintheBiologyDepartmentatFrostburgStateUniversity19thatincluded2UMCESstudentsinthe2014-2015academicyear.

ThevastmajorityofgraduatestudentssupervisedbytheUMCESfacultyhavebeenenrolledintheMEESProgramthroughwhich98PhDand140MSdegreesunderUMCESsupervisionhavebeenconferredsince2002.Inearlieryears(1978-2001),274

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degrees(110PhDand159MS)wereawardedtoMEESstudentssupervisedbyUMCESfacultymembers.Historically,MEESdegreesawardedtoUMCESstudentswereconferredthroughtheGraduateSchoolofUMCP20.

AsaCandidateforaccreditationbyMSCHE,UMCESmayawarddegrees.UMCESawardeditsfirstdegrees,jointlywithUMCP,inMEESinMay2014.IntheperiodMay2014throughMay2015,UMCESawarded9PhDand14MSjointdegreestostudentswhomatriculatedintheMEESGraduateProgramandwereadvisedbyUMCESfacultymembers.

SeekingaccreditationWithitsrecentauthorizationtograntdegreescametherequirementthatUMCESbeaccredited.Accordingly,theaccreditationprocesswasinitiatedwiththeMSCHE,UMCEShasanopportunitytostrengthen,expand,andimproveitscommitmenttoeducation.Overtime,UMCESanditsfacultyhavecometoplayanincreasinglyimportantroleingraduateeducationwithintheUSM.TheDirectorofthehighlyregarded,system-wideMEESProgram

MEESProgram

VP for Education

UMCES Graduate Faculty Council

UMCES Graduate Student Council

CBLFaculty &Students

HPLFaculty &Students

ALFaculty &Students

IMETFaculty &Students

UMB UMCP

UMCES

UMES UMBC

isatenuredUMCESfacultymember.UMCESfacultymemberschairorco-chairallbutoneofthesixAreasofSpecialization(AOS)inMEES21andteachthemajorityofcoursesinMEES.In2013,UMCESinitiatedtheprocesstoseekaccreditationbyMSCHE.PreparationofitsAccreditationReadinessReport(ARR)22 allowedUMCEStobeginacriticalevaluationandassessmentofitscompliancewithMSCHEs14StandardsofInstitutionalExcellence.UponfavorablereviewoftheARR,UMCESwasadvancedtoCandidacybyMSCHEinNovember2013.UMCESinitiatedtheself-studyprocessin2014anditsSelf-StudyDesign23 wasapprovedbyMSCHEinOctober2014.TheSelf-StudywascompletedinAugust2015.ItrepresentsworkandcontributionsbyalargeandrepresentativesegmentoftheUMCEScommunityandacommitmentbytheinstitutiontobuildonitsstrengthswhiledemonstratingtheconstantimprovementsexpectedofanaccreditedinstitution.

Nature and scope of the self-studyAsaCandidateinstitutionseekingaccreditation,UMCESwasrequiredtoadopttheMSCHEComprehensiveModelforitsSelf-Study.Allofthe14StandardsofExcellence,exceptStandard12(GeneralEducation),whichappliestoundergraduateinstitutions,areaddressedtodemonstratehowUMCEScomplieswiththeStandardsandtoconfirmtheinstitutionscommitmenttoimprovementofperformanceandcontinuanceofexcellenceasUMCESmovesforwardasanaccreditedinstitution.

Inspring2014,PresidentDonaldBoeschappointedEdwardHoude,VicePresidentforEducation,andEricaKropp,VicePresidentforAdministration,asCo-ChairsoftheUMCESSelf-StudyandSteeringCommittee.TheSelf-StudywasconductedunderthedirectionandoversightofaSteeringCommittee(SC)24

appointedinsummer2014byPresidentBoeschandtheSCCo-Chairs.The17-memberSCconsistedofUMCESadministratorsandfaculty,representativesoftheUSMBoR,USMAdministration,andclientswhobenefitfromresearchandeducationconductedbyUMCES.Theyareleaders,strongcontributors,andfacilitators,whoarecommittedtoadvancingthemissionofUMCES.TheSCmettwiceduringtheSelf-StudydesignphaseandcontributedregularlyinoversightandreviewingcapacitiesthroughouttheSelf-Study.

Fiveworkinggroups(WGs)25,broadlyrepresentativeofthefaculty,administration,andstudentsinUMCES,conductedtheSelf-Study.TheWGswereorganizedinthematicareasdefinedbyselectedMSCHEStandardsofExcellence.ThechairofeachWGalsosatontheSCtoensureaccountabilityandprovideeffectivecommunicationamongWGsandthebroaderUMCEScommunity.ThefiveWGsandthematicareasare:

WG1.InstitutionalPlanningandResourceAllocation(MSCHEStandards1,2,3,and7)

WG2.BuildingUponanAdministrationthatisEfficient,Transparent,andFoundedonIntegrity(MSCHEStandards4,5,and6)

WG3.Recruiting,Retaining,andTrainingOutstandingStudents(MSCHEStandards8and9)

WG4.AFacultyCommittedtoExcellence(MSCHE Standard10)

Figure1.3.ThestructureandorganizationofeducationwithinUMCESanditsfourLaboratoryUnits.TheMarine-Estuarine-EnvironmentalSciences(MEES)Programisamulti-institutiongraduateprogramcentrallyadministeredthroughtheGraduateSchoolattheUniversityofMaryland,CollegePark(UMCP).OtherinstitutionsparticipatinginMEESincludetheUniversityofMaryland,BaltimoreCounty(UMBC),theUniversityofMarylandCenterforEnvironmentalScience(UMCES),theUniversityofMarylandEasternShore(UMES),andtheUniversityofMaryland,Baltimore(UMB).

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WG5.Delivering,Evaluating,andAssessingHigh-QualityGraduateEducation(MSCHEStandards11,13,and14).

EachWGconsistedof10-14memberswhoinitiatedtheirworkinfall2014.WGChairscommunicatedbyconferencetelephoneandinteractivevideo,andmetregularlywiththeSCCo-ChairsthroughouttheSelf-Study.TheWGmembershipincludedasubstantialfractionoftheUMCESfaculty,staffandstudents,insuringthatallvoiceswereheard.TheWGsreportedtotheSC,submittingprogressreportsinFebruaryandApril2015.Tofacilitateconnectivity,someWGmemberswereassignedtomorethanoneWG.

ThedraftSelf-StudywascompiledfromindividualWGreportsinMay-July2015thatweresubmittedtotheSCforitsreview,edits,andcompilation.ThroughouttheSelf-Study,theSCCo-ChairsreportedregularlytoUMCESfaculty,administration,andstudents,seekingcommentsandrecommendations.ThedraftSelf-StudywaspostedtotheUMCESwebsiteon22July2015fortheentireUMCEScommunitytoreadandsubmitcommentsforconsiderationandpotentialincorporationintothefinalreport.TheSelf-StudywassubmittedtotheUSMOfficeoftheChancellorandtotheBoRon18August2015forreviewandapprovalbeforesubmittaltoMSCHE.

ASelf-Studypage26wasinstalledontheUMCESwebsitetofacilitatedocument-sharingandtodevelopanelectroniclibraryofciteddocumentspresentedassupportingevidenceintheSelf-Study.TheSCCo-ChairsandWGChairsreportedregularlyontheSelf-StudytotheUMCEScommunityatLaboratoryUnitfacultymeetings,townhallmeetings,ExecutiveCouncilmeetings,AdministrativeCouncilmeetings,andatannualFacultyConvocationsheldinMay2013(initiatingtheaccreditationprocess),May2014(Self-StudyPlanning)andMay2015(completingtheSelf-Study).

Intended outcomes of the self-studyBeyondservingtodemonstratethatUMCESiscompliantandworthyofaccreditationbyMSCHE,theSelf-StudyprovidedafoundationuponwhichUMCESwillmaintainandstrengthenitsleadershiprolein1)conductingenvironmentalresearch,2)applyingsciencetosolveenvironmentalproblems,and3)deliveringhigh-qualitygraduateeducation.TheSelf-Studypresentedanopportunityforin-depthself-evaluationandassessmentofpolicies,procedures,andcommitmenttoachievingexcellence.Additionally,outcomesoftheSelf-StudyhaveprovidedguidanceforUMCESinsettingaspirationalgoals.

Intendedoutcomesincluded:

1. DemonstrationofcompliancewiththeapplicableMSCHEStandardsofExcellence.

2. EngagementoftheUMCEScommunityandsupportersinthereviewandassessmentofpolicies,practices,andproceduresemployedtoachieveexcellenceinresearch,applicationsofresearch,andgraduateeducation.

3. EvaluationofinstitutionaleffectivenessanddemonstrationthatUMCESisachievingitsmissionthroughsuccessfulimplementationofitsstrategicplan.

4. Identificationofactionstosustainandimproveperformanceoftheinstitution,includingrecommendationsforadditionalornewassessmentprocedures.

http://moodle.umces.edu


6

The UMCES mission and institutional goals

AnalysesandfindingsUMCEShasstrivedtocarryoutitsbroadmissionasdefinedbyLegislativeStatutesunderthelawsofMarylandascodifiedinboththeNaturalResourcesArticle(Md.CodeAnn.Com.Law3-401and3-402and3-403)1 2 3andtheEducationArticle(Md.CodeAnn.Com.Law10-101and12-104)4 5toconductacomprehensiveprogramtodevelopandapplypredictiveecologyforMarylandtotheimprovementandpreservationofthephysicalenvironment,throughaprogramofresearch,publicservice,andeducation.UMCEScontributestomeetingthelegislativemandatesoftheUSMinnumerousways27including:achievingnationaleminenceasoneoftheworldspremierresearchcentersfocusedonecosystemscience;uniquelyintegratingresearch,publicservice,andeducationrelatedtothesustainabilityoftheenvironmentandnaturalresourcesofMarylandandtheChesapeakeBayregion;leadingtheUSMsnationallyrankedgraduateprograminmarineandenvironmentalscience(i.e.,MEES);recruitingandretaininganationallyandinternationallyprominentfaculty;attainingresearchfundingandprivatesupportinexcessofitsstatesupport;promotingeconomicdevelopment;conductingoutreachtostateandfederalagencies;andcollaboratingwithotherhighereducationinstitutionsinMarylandinadvancedresearchandgraduateeducation.UMCESplaysakeyroleinadvancingknowledgeinsupportofMarylandsinternationalreputationforprogressiveenvironmentalmanagementandsustainableeconomicdevelopment.Asaninstitution,UMCEShasrecognizedtheneedtoperiodicallyreassessitsmissionandgoals,consistentwiththelegislativecharterandmandates.TheBoardofRegentsapprovedthemostrecentmissionstatementin201427.

TheUMCESinstitutionalMissionStatementrequiresandhasreceivedtheapprovalofboththeBoRandtheMarylandHigherEducationCommission(MHEC).BoththeMissionandGoalsStatementandunderlyingStrategicPlanincorporatetheinstitutionalexpectationsoftheUSMandthecognizantStateauthorities.Inaccordwithitslegislativemandate,theMarylandStatePlanforPostsecondaryEducation28,andtheUSMStrategicPlan29,theUMCESMissionStatementoutlinesspecificinstitutionalobjectivesandoutcomes.

TheprocessofamendingandupdatingtheMissionStatementisinitiatedbythePresidentofUMCES.DraftsareprovidedforreviewbytheUMCEScommunitythroughtheestablishedshared

governancerepresentationonthePresidentsExecutiveCouncilandAdministrativeCouncil(asdefinedinChapter4)beforethedraftMissionStatementgoesforwardtotheUSMforreviewbytheChancellorandbeforebeingsubmittedtotheUSMBoRforitsconsiderationandapproval.Lastly,theMHECreviewsmissionstatementsforconsistencywiththestateplan.UpdatingofthemissionstatementisrequiredbyMHECatleasteveryfouryears.

Graduateeducation,whileimportantinUMCESformorethanthreedecades,isbecominganincreasinglyprominentpartoftheUMCESmission.Actionsin2012bytheChancellor30andBoR31,andbytheMarylandLegislatureinits2013session12,haveauthorizedUMCEStoawardgraduatedegreesinmarineandenvironmentalsciencesjointlywithotherpublicuniversitiesinMarylandandtoawardpost-baccalaureatecertificates.

TheMissionspellsoutfivebroadgoals27anddescribeshowUMCESwillassessmeasuresofprogress.Thesebroadgoalsrelatetobothexternalandinternalcontextsandconstituencies:

ContinuetostrengthenUMCEScapacityforscientificdiscovery;

ContinuethedevelopmentofUMCEScapacityforintegrationandapplicationthroughtheIntegrationandApplicationNetwork(IAN)32andtheNationalSocio-EnvironmentalSynthesis(SESYNC)33;

BuildontheUMCESsuccessingraduateeducation,includingleadershipoftheMEESprogram;

ExpandtheroleoftheUMCESandtheMarylandSeaGrantCollege34inenvironmentaleducationandawarenessofMarylandsschoolchildrenandcitizens;

SupporttheleadershipoftheUMCESfacultywithinthescientificcommunityandadvanceenvironmentalscienceandtranslationalresearchwithintheUniversitySystemofMaryland,theState,theChesapeakeBayregion,andthenation.

UMCESisworkingactivelytoaddressthesebroadgoals.AnexampleofhowUMCESisaddressingthegraduateeducationgoalisillustrative:

Build on UMCES success in graduate education, including leadership of the MEES Program6. WorkingwithotherinstitutionsparticipatingintheUSM-wideMEES

Chapter 2

Addresses Standard 1Standard1:MissionandGoals.The institutions mission clearly defines its purpose within the context of higher education and indicates who the institution serves and what it intends to accomplish. The institutions stated goals, consistent with the aspirations and expectations of higher education, clearly specify how the institution will fulfill its mission. The mission and goals are developed and recognized by the institution with the participation of its members and its governing body and are used to develop and shape its programs and practices and to evaluate its effectiveness.

Cha

pter

2

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Program,UMCEShastakenaleadingroleinupdatingandreformingtheexistingprogramandcurriculum(seeChapter7)tomeetchangingsocietalandscientificneeds35 36,tocompetemoresuccessfullyforthemostqualifiedstudents,andtoprovideexpandedopportunitiesforcontinuingprofessionaleducation.Progress,asdefinedintheMission,willbemeasuredby:

a.effectivenessinleadingthereformoftheMEESProgramandimprovingitsnationalranking;

b.strongerqualificationsofenteringgraduatestudentsandgreaterprofessionalsuccess(awards,placement,etc.)ofdegreerecipients;and

c.establishmentofasuccessfulprogramforcontinuingeducationforenvironmentalscienceprofessionals.

ThereformoftheMEESProgramiswellunderway(seeChapter7).TheUSM-wideCurriculumCommitteehasdevelopedproposedcurriculumchangesthatareresponsivetoadvancesinenvironmentalsciences,academicstrengthswithintheUSM,currentandfuturesocietalandenvironmentalchallenges,andshiftsinareasofinterestofgraduatestudents.

RefiningandimprovingthemissionandgoalsofUMCESaresharedactivitiesbyadministrationandfaculty(seeChapter4).ThefacultysinputisinsuredthroughstronginvolvementofitsFacultySenate(FS)37 38andGraduateFacultyCouncil(GFC)39 40insharedgovernanceandinplanningforthefutureofUMCES.StudentmembershipontheFSandGFCinsurethatgraduatestudentshaveastrongvoiceinadvisingUMCESonitsmissionandgoals.

StrategicplanningaccompaniestheongoingprocessofrefiningtheMission.UMCESrecognizestheneedtoplanstrategicallyandhasproducedthreestrategicplansinthepasttwodecades(199341,20047and20129).Theadministrationandfacultyworktogethertodevelopstrategicplans,implementthem,andperiodicallyevaluatesuccess.EachofthethreestrategicplansinthepasttwodecadeshasidentifiedthecriticalandemergingneedsforresearchinenvironmentalsciencesrequiredtomaintaintheexcellenceandnationaleminenceofUMCES.Consistentwiththethemesthatareprominentineachofthestrategicplans,theneedsforinvestmentsinfaculty,facilities,andresourcesareclearlyexpressed(seeChapter3).Inthisregard,itisnotedthattheMissionofUMCESexpandedin2010withtheadditionofIMET,anactionthatstrengthenedcapabilitiesofUMCESinmolecularbiologyandbiotechnology.

TheMissionsgoalsandobjectivesaremostclearlydefinedandexpressedintheStrategicPlan.ThemostrecentStrategicPlan(2012)9placeshighpriorityonachievinggoalsandmaintainingtheinstitutionscorevalues.Byconductingcutting-edgeresearchintotodaysmostpressingenvironmentalproblems,UMCESisdevelopingnewideasandsolutionstohelpguideourstate,nation,andworldtowardamoreenvironmentallysustainablefuturewhiledevelopingnovelapplicationstoenhancenewcommercialenterprises.AmongtheobjectivesintheStrategicPlanistheaspirationofUMCEStodevelopnon-degree,professionaltrainingandcertificateprogramsinthemarineandenvironmentalsciences.TrainingandinspiringthenationsnextgenerationofenvironmentalscientistsisfundamentaltotheworkofUMCES.

TheStrategicPlanfurtherstatesthatUMCESexecutesitsmissionwhileholdingtheseCoreValues:

Commitmenttoenvironmentaldiscovery,integration,application,andeducationthatepitomizesourinstitutionalresponsibilitytoservesociety.

Adherencetothehigheststandardsofacademicindependenceinthepursuitofdiscoveryandknowledge.

Engagementintranslationalscienceinpartnershipwithscientificcolleagues,otherunitsintheUSM,agenciesandstakeholders.

Responsivenesstotheneedsofcolleagues,sponsors,governments,andstakeholders.

Maintenanceofanatmosphereofegalitarianismwithnobarriersbasedonstatusandauthority,enhancingsharedgovernanceandacommitmenttodiversity.

ConclusionsTheMissionofUMCESandgoalscontainedinthatmissionareclearlystated,periodicallyevaluated,andadjustedorrevisedtoimprovetheinstitutionscapabilitiesinresearchandeducation,whilealsofulfillingitslegislativemandatesasaninstitutionwithintheUSM.ThemostrecentMissionStatementandStrategicPlanplacegreatemphasisoninsuringthatUMCEScontinuesitsleadershipoftheinter-institutionalMEESGraduatePrograminenvironmentalandmarinesciences.Nevertheless,theMissionStatementandStrategicPlanacknowledgetheneedforevaluationandpossiblerestructuringofMEEStostrengthentheprogram,recognizingtheshiftingdemandsforinterdisciplinaryeducation,newmodesofeducationdelivery,anddevelopmentofnewcurriculatofulfilltheUMCESmission.

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Chapter 3 Institutional planning and resource allocation

Standard2:Planning,ResourceAllocation,andInstitutionalRenewalUMCESiscontinuouslyengagedinplanningandimplementingpoliciesandseekingtoimproveitseffectivenessastheprimaryinstitutionwithintheUSMchargedtoconductenvironmentalresearchandgraduateeducationintheenvironmentalsciences.TheadministrativestructureofUMCESandtheinstitutionsongoingplanningprocesses,developmentofperiodicstrategicplans,self-study,andexternalreviewprovideguidanceonneedsandfeedbackonstructureandprocessesthatleadtosuccess.

OversightbytheUSManditsBoR42alsoservetoguidetheplanning,allocation,andbudgetingprocessesinUMCES.ThefacultyofUMCESparticipatesintheplanningandbudgetingprocessesthroughanengagedFS38andGFC40.GraduatestudentsareparticipatingthroughtheUMCESGSC43andstudentmembershipontheFSandGFC.AnnualFacultyConvocations44 highlightcriticalissuesfacingUMCESandareaplatformtoinitiateorimplementneededchangesinproceduresorpolicies.TheExecutiveandAdministrativeCouncils(asdefinedinChapter4)ofUMCES45meetbi-monthlyonalternatemonthstoaddressinstitutionalplanningandresourceallocation46 47.

Focus on the futureUMCESseekstoachieveitsmission27andgoalsthroughsoundplanningandtheefficientandeffectiveuseofallocatedresources.Strategicplanningisanongoing,importantprocess.DevelopmentofstrategicplansisinitiatedbythePresidentbutisdevelopedwithfullinvolvementoftheExecutiveCouncil,AdministrativeCouncilandFS.In2004,UMCESconductedaSelf-Study48,hostedanExternalReview8andissuedaStrategicPlan7.Thatplan,From Vision to Reality,servedtodirectUMCESforsevenyears.TheupdatedMissionStatementof201427andthelatestStrategicPlan(2012),Focus on the Future9,provideaclearandconciseplanforUMCEStonotonlycontinueitstraditionalroleinconductingenvironmentalresearchandeducation,butalsocommitsitselftoextenditsreachtonewandemergingareas.FivetopicsforFutureFocusinsupportofscientificdiscovery,integrationandapplicationareidentifiedinthenewplan:

GenestoEcosystems:understandandapplygeneticregulationofkeyecologicalprocesses.

HumanWelfare:supportresilientecosystemsandhumanhealthacrosstheland-oceancontinuum.

EnergyChoices:evaluateandcommunicatetheenvironmentalopportunitiesandconsequencesofenergyproductionalternatives.

WaterSecurity:understand,evaluateandreducetheenvironmentalconsequencesofthedemandforwaterforagricultural,industrialandhumanuse.

GlobalReach:enhancethecapacityforinternationalcollaborationandtrainingaroundtheworldtodevelopexpertiseinenvironmentalresearch,applicationandmanagement.

OverthepastdecadeUMCESbuiltuponitsprominentreputationinmarineandestuarinescienceandgainedprominenceinwatershedscienceandecosystem-basedsciencetosupportresourcemanagement.Lookingforward,UMCESwillstrivetobecomeevenmoreinterdisciplinaryandwillincreasecapabilitiesandcollaboratemoreeffectivelyinthesocio-economicdisciplinestocomplementitsstrengthsinthenaturalsciences.

The2010incorporationoftheIMETpartnershipisoneexampleofhowUMCEShasstrategicallystrengtheneditsresearchandeducationalportfolio.TheadditionofIMETaddedastrongresearchelementintheareaofmolecularbiologyandtechnology,butalsostrengthenedUMCESwithrespecttoimpactonfosteringeconomicdevelopmentthroughresearchinnovation49.AgoodcaseandexampleisthethrivingentrepreneurialprogramforgraduatestudentsunderanawardfromtheRatcliffeFoundation(alsoseeChapters5and7)50 51.

Mostrecently,inresponsetobothresearchandeducationdemands,UMCESestablishedanEnvironmentalStatisticsCollaborative(ESC)52atitsChesapeakeBiologicalLaboratory.Thisnewinitiativeoffersstate-of-the-arteducationinenvironmentalstatisticstoUMCESgraduatestudentsandstatisticalexpertisetofacultyresearchersandpartnersinthescientificandnaturalresourcesmanagementcommunity.

AddressesStandards2and3Standard2:Planning,ResourceAllocation,andInstitutionalRenewal.An institution conducts ongoing planning and resource allocation based on its mission and goals, develops objectives to achieve them, and utilizes the results of its assessment activities for institutional renewal. Implementation and subsequent evaluation of the success of the strategic plan and resource allocation support the development and change necessary to improve and to maintain institutional quality.Standard3:InstitutionalResources.The human, financial, technical, facilities, and other resources necessary to achieve an institutions mission and goals are available and accessible. In the context of the institutions mission, the effective and efficient uses of the institutions resources are analyzed as part of ongoing outcomes assessment.

Chapter 3

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http://www.usmd.edu/regents/http://www.umces.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/II300UMCES.pdfhttp://www.umces.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/III710UMCES.pdfhttp://www.umces.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/III711UMCES.pdfhttp://www.umces.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/2015%20Convocation%20Agenda%20Draft%20LPS.pdfhttp://www.umces.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/I6001UMCES.pdfhttp://www.umces.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/UMCES%20Administrative%20Council.pdfhttp://www.umces.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/UMCES%20Executive%20Council.pdfhttp://www.umces.edu/mission-statementhttp://www.umces.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/MEESSelfStudy.pdfhttp://www.umces.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/External%20Review.pdfhttp://www.umces.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/2004%20Vision%20to%20Reality%2C%20Strategic%20Plan.pdfhttp://www.umces.edu/mission-statementhttp://www.umces.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/UMCES%202012%20Strategic%20Plan%20Executive%20Summary.pdfhttp://www.umces.edu/imethttp://www.umces.edu/imet/story/2014/jun/30/ratcliffe-foundation-grant-supports-imet-entrepreneurial-leadership-programhttp://imet.usmd.edu/about/entrepreneurshipprograms.htmlhttp://www.umces.edu/cbl/environmental-statistics-collaborative

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PresidentBoeschnotedThenewEnvironmentalStatisticsCollaborativereflectsourcommitmenttoprovideourstudents,facultyandpartnerswiththebestpossibletoolstostudyandsolvetheworldspressingenvironmentalchallenges.ThenewESCisresponsivetotheUMCESMissionandsupportstheStrategicPlanthatchargesUMCEStoprovideactionablesciencetothecitizensofMarylandandtofederalandotherpartners.

AuthorizationtoseekaccreditationthroughtheMSCHEhasstimulatedeffortsbyUMCEStotakealeadingroleinplanningforrevitalizationoftheMEESGraduateProgramandfordevelopmentofplanstorestructureMEESanditscurriculum(seeChapter7)53.UMCESisnowactivelyengagedinplanningforanimprovedandexpandedroleingraduateeducationwithitsparticipationontheinter-institutionalMEESAdministrativeCouncil54,itsleadershiponthecurrentProgramCommitteeofMEES55anditsstrongpresenceontheMEESCurriculumRestructuringCommittee35.

Decision-makingprocessesandauthorizationarereferencedanddocumentedintheUMCESPoliciesandProcedures56andspecificallyintheUMCESPolicyonOrganization57.ThesepoliciesexplicitlydocumenttherolesoftheUMCESFS38andtheUMCESGFC40insharedgovernanceandinplanninganddecision-making.

UMCESplacesstrongemphasisonfacilitiesmasterplanning.TheUMCEScurrent10-yearplan,2012-202258,isineffectwithascheduledfive-yearreviewandupdatein2017.MasterplanningisconductedbytheUMCESAdministrationwithinputfromtheUMCESExecutiveandAdministrativeCouncils.TheprocessincludestheinvolvementoftheUMCEScommunityateachLaboratoryandadministrativesite,andincludesobtainingfeedbackfromfacultyandstaff,fromTownHallmeetings,andannualFacultyConvocations.TheoverallvisionoftheMasterPlanrecognizestheextraordinaryvalueofthediverseLaboratoryUnitsandfacilitiesthatsupportresearchandeducationeffortsinUMCES.

UMCESconductsanannualinstitutionalassessmentofkeygoals,objectivesandperformancemeasuresinitsManagingforResultsreport(MFR)59submittedtotheUSMforinclusionintheStateBudget60.Completionofthisreportisanothertoolforongoinginternalassessment.RequiredbytheDepartmentofManagementandBudgetforallstateagencies,theMFRcategoriesusedbyUMCESincludegoalsandmeasurementsofextramuralsupport,numberofpeer-reviewedpublicationsproducedbyUMCESfaculty,averageGREscoresofincominggraduatestudentsunderthedirectionofUMCESfaculty,K-12teachingtraining,andpercentilerankofUMCESexpendituresperfacultymemberascomparedtoCarnegieIResearchUniversities.CompletingtheMFRreportprovidesopportunityfortheUMCESadministrationtoevaluatereporteddatainadifferentcontext.Itcoversaperiodoffourfiscalyearsthatincludethetwomostrecentyearsofactualnumbersandtwoout-yearsofestimates,whichestablishon-goinggoals.

WhenadditionalStatefundsabovebasebudgetwereappropriatedinFY2014,theallocationrequiredthatUSMinstitutionsdevelopperformancemeasurestoassesstheeffectiveuseoftheseenhancementfundstowardfulfillinginstitutionalmissions.Withthesignificantstatebudgetcutsthispastyearandfocusondevelopingnewstrategiesforachievinganddemonstratingimprovedcostefficienciesandeffectiveness(discussedlaterinthisChapter),furtherstudyoftheimplementationofperformancebasedfundingappearstohavebeenputonholdbythestate.USMinstitutions

mustcontinuetoreportonaccomplishmentsbasedontheFY14enhancementsandcompleteMFRs(citedabove),whicharereviewedandanalyzedinternallybytheStateofMarylandExecutiveBranch(DepartmentofBudgetandManagement)andalsobytheLegislativeBranch(DepartmentofLegislativeServices).

Standard3:InstitutionalResources

Analyses and findingsTheUMCESbusinessmodelislargelybasedonannualStateOperatingappropriationsandrestrictedandunrestrictedfundsfromgrantsandcontracts.AnnualappropriationsfromtheStaterequireconstantevaluationandassessmentoffundedprogramsbyinstitutionsintheUSM,includingUMCES.Whilethesourcesoffunding,inparticularfromsponsoredprojects,fluctuatefromyeartoyear,theoverallbudgetofUMCEShasgenerallyincreasedovertime.TheUMCEScapitalbudgetisfundedbytheStateandisbasedonthesuccessofrequestsforcapitalinvestmentstotheUSMBoRandultimatelytheGovernorandGeneralAssembly.Facilitiesarestateoftheartandmeetcurrentlyanticipatedneeds.Asnewbuildingscomeon-linetheStategenerallyincreasestheoperatingbudgetaccordingtotheestimatedutilityandmaintenanceneedsofthenewfacility.Currently,UMCESisreplacingaresearchbuildingwithsea-watercapabilitiesatCBL.Anotherfacility(InformationandCommunicationsServicesBuildingatCBL)isslatedforappropriationofplanningfundsinFY2017withintheGovernorsCapitalImprovementProgram.

UMCES,asaninstitutionwithintheUSM,isanagencyintheStateofMaryland.Stateappropriations,otherthansalary,constitutelessthanhalfoftheannual,directfundingsupporttoUMCES.TheGovernorandtheMarylandGeneralAssemblyannuallydeterminetheStatesallocation,basedonrecommendationoftheBoR.TheStateofMarylandBudgetBookismadepubliclyavailableattheendofthecalendaryearandrepresentstheGovernorsproposedbudgetpresentedtotheGeneralAssembly,whichconveneseachyearinmid-January.TheUMCESbudget,aspartoftheUSMbudget,isincluded.TheFY2016budget,asitwasproposed,canbefoundintheBudgetBook,VolumeIII,pages242-24361.TheactualstateappropriatedbudgetissetbytheGeneralAssembly.Bylaw,itmayonlybeequaltoorlowerthanthebudgetpresentedbytheGovernor.ActualoperatingrevenuesforFY2015(Figure3.1)andmostyearsarederivedprimarilyfromextramuralcontractsandgrants(44%),StateofMarylandappropriations(47%),andothersources(9%).

Administratively,UMCESisarelativelyflatorganizationwithawell-developedcooperativeandcollaborativerelationshipwithotherinstitutionswithinUSM,particularlywithUMCP,UMBandUMBC.UMCEShasbeeneffectiveandefficientinitsbudgetprocessesandallocations,inpartbecauseoftheflatstructureofthisrelativelysmallinstitutionthathasnoSchools,Deans,Departments,orDepartmentChairs.

UMCEShasnoseparateGraduateSchoolorBursarsOffice,bututilizesthoseofficesatUMCPforsupportofgraduateeducationinUMCES.AlthoughUMCESdoesnotdirectlygeneratetuitionincomefromgraduatecoursesitsfacultyteachesintheMEESProgram,UMCESreceivesan85%tuitionreturnfromUMCPforthecoursecreditstaughtbyUMCESfacultymembers.This

http://www.umces.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/A%20VISION%20FOR%20MEES%2020150222_0.pdfhttp://www.umces.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/Framework3_MEES.pdfhttp://www.mees.umd.edu/program-committeehttp://www.umces.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/TaskForceRepMEES_0.pdfhttp://www.umces.edu/about/consolidated-policieshttp://www.umces.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/I600UMCES.pdfhttp://www.umces.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/II300UMCES.pdfhttp://www.umces.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/III710UMCES.pdfhttp://www.umces.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/Summary_Master_plan_2012.pdfhttp://www.umces.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/MFR%20from%20MD%202016%20Budget%20Book%20-%20footnote75.pdfhttp://www.dbm.maryland.gov/budget/Documents/operbudget/2015/proposed/unsysmd.pdfhttp://www.umces.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/FY2016%20Gov.%20Proposed%20Budget%20from%20MD%20Budget%20Book-footnotes79%2680.pdf

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allocation,madeeveryyear,isusedbyUMCESexclusivelytoenhancegraduateeducation.Currently,apercentageofthetuitionreturn(20%)isallocatedtosupportoperationsoftheOfficeoftheVicePresidentforEducation;theremainder(80%),basedoncoursecredits,isallocatedtotheLaboratoryresponsiblefordeliveringthosecredits.ThemostcurrentUMCESmemorandumonthedistributionofthosefundsisprovidedhere62.Belowisachartofthissourceofincomeforthelasttenyears(Figure3.2).

fortechnologytransferand,forIMET,anMOUwithUMBforbothInstitutionalAnimalCareandUseCommittee(IACUC)andEnvironmentalHealthandSafety(EHS)atthatparticularsite.NotonlydoesthisallowUMCEStooperatewiththemostcurrentandsophisticatedtechnologysupportwithoutreplicatingthecost,butitalsominimizestheadministrativestructureandimprovesourcompliancestrengthandaccesstoexpertise.And,thesecollaborationsandpartnershipsarenotstagnant;UMCESiscurrentlycollaboratingwithUMCPonimplementationofasophisticatedcontractandgrantbillingandaccountsreceivablesystemtoreplacethenowoutdatedsystem.InothersectionsofthisSelf-Study(seeChapter1),theMOU(June2012)14andAgreement(December2012)15inplacebetweenUMCESandUMCPaddressingGraduateSchoolandMEESProgramsupportaredescribed.TheadministrativestructuresinplaceandtheagreementsminimizeduplicationofservicesandcostsintheMEESProgram.

SharingresourceshasaidedUMCESinsuccessfullymaintaininghighlevelsofinstitutionalproductivity,includingincreasedefficiencyandeffectiveness,duringtherecentchallengingtimesofreducedbudgets.Aneffectiveinstitutionalplanningandassessmentprocessisinplacewiththeannualbudgetprocess,MFR,efficiencyandeffectivenessreviewandinitiatives.UMCESalsomanagestosupportprofessionalstaffwithintheorganizationbythecreativeandeffectivearrangementofsharingpositionsbetweenCenterAdministrationandsomeoftheLaboratories.Inoneexample,theUMCESChiefInformationOfficerisalsotheDirectorofITforHPLandotherITpersonnelalsoareshared.AnotherexampleisthatofaSeniorResearchAdministratorwithintheUMCESOfficeofResearchAdministrationwhoislocatedatALandhasaroleinitsbusinessoffice.

Allocating resourcesUMCESisdedicatedtocontinuethecarefulassessmentsandanalysisthatsupporteffectiveuseofresources.UMCESmustcontinuallyassessneedstoallocateresourcesinsupportofitsfourLaboratorieslocatedacrosstheStateofMarylandtoinsurethatitsmissioniseffectivelycarriedoutandinitiativesintheStrategicPlanareimplemented

SignificantresourceshavebeencommittedbyUMCESinthepastyeartoplanandimplementitsefforttoseekandapplyforaccreditationthroughMSCHE,includingtheestablishmentoftheOfficeoftheVicePresidentforEducation63.BudgetplanningandallocationofresourcestosupportgraduateeducationthroughtheOfficeoftheVP-Educationareimprovingtheconduct,supportandmanagementofgraduateeducationwithinUMCESanditscoordinationwiththeMEESProgramandGraduateSchoolontheUMCPcampus.TheOfficeoftheVP-Educationalsohasplayedakeyroleinleadingandmanagingtheaccreditationprocess.

AcurrentinitiativeoftheUSMBoRisaformalEffectivenessandEfficiency2.0plan,knownasE&E2.064.ThisisacriticalnewphaseintheUSMlegacyofeffortstoshareresourcesandthusyieldsavingsandcostavoidancewhileenhancingquality.UndertheE&E2.0Initiative,theUSMisexploringsuchpracticesasstreamliningprocurementpoliciesandpractices,expandingtheuseofanalyticstoolstoimprovestudentsuccess,andsupportinginnovativeandeffectiveUSMbusinesspractices.UMCES

FY 2015 Revenues

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Figure3.1.UMCESOperatingRevenueforFY2015.Asdepicted,morethanhalfoftherevenueisfromsourcesotherthanStateofMarylandappropriations.

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Shared resourcesUMCESutilizesvariouslevelsofservicesfromUMCPforpayroll,time-keepingandhumanresourcesinformationandprocessingsystems,bursarsoffice,on-linetravelauthorizationandreimbursement,travelandprocurementcards,procurementandaccountspayable,andfixedassetandinventorysystems.UMCEShasMOUsinplacewithUMCPforitsInstitutionalReviewBoard,withtheUniversityofMarylandBaltimoreCounty

http://www.umces.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/MEES%202015%20letter%20REVISED.pdfhttp://www.umces.edu/sites/default/files/MOU%20betweeen%20UMD%20and%20UMCES.pdfhttp://www.umces.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/UMCES-UMCP%20agreement%20signed_22dec12.pdfhttp://www.umces.edu/ed-updateshttp://www.umces.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/EE2_0_Plan%20%281%29.pdf

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participatesinthisinitiativeandhasformedanE&Eworkinggroupcomprisedofbothbusinesspersonnelandfacultymembers.Thegoalistoreviewnotjustthebusinessofficeprocessesbutalsothoseprocessesthatinvolvefacultyandstudents.

UMCESoperatesfacilitiesdispersedthroughouttheStateandhasembarkedonseveralinitiativestobecomemoreefficient.Initiativesincludetheexpansionandeffectiveuseofaninteractivevideonetwork(IVN)system65;sharedstaffwhoworkUMCES-wide;theextensiveuseofanelectronicproposalroutingsystem;andreductioninthetotalnumberoffleetvehicles.

Recruitment of outstanding faculty and staffFaculty:ResearchareasfornewfacultyrecruitmentareguidedbytheStrategicPlan9.FacultyrecruitmentisinitiatedateachLaboratorybytheDirectorandbyfacultyduringfacultymeetingsandapprovedbythePresident.Facultypositionsareadvertisednationallyandinternationally.AsearchcommitteethatincludesfacultyrepresentativesfromatleasttwoUMCESLaboratoriesevaluatescandidatesandmakeshiringrecommendations(alsoseeChapter6).

Recruitmentofkeyadministrators:InadditiontomembersoftheAdministrativeCouncil,theadministrativestaffwithinCenterAdministrationandtheLaboratoryBusinessOfficeshavebecomeincreasinglyprofessionaloverthelasttwodecades.Vacanciesinadministrativepositionsinvolvesearchcommitteesthat,likefacultysearches,oftenincluderepresentativesfromotherLaboratories.

Sponsored projects ExtramuralfundingthroughsponsoredprojectshasalwaysbeenanessentialelementoftheUMCESbudget.Newawardsofcontractsandgrantshavebeeninthe$20-24milliondollarrangeoverthepast6years(withaFY10spikeattributabletofederalfundingduetheAmericanRecoveryandReinvestmentAct)andcontinuetoholdsteadyinspiteofthereducedfederalbudgetsingrantprogramsandincreasednationalcompetitionforresearchgrants.Themajorityoftheresearchfundingisfromthefederalgovernment,butthereisasignificantfractionfromstateagenciesandagrowingamountfromprivatesources.Figure3.3providesan11-yearpictureofUMCESextramuralfunding.

AsaffirmedinChapter6,theUMCESfacultyisstronglyentrepreneurialinpursuingfundingopportunitiesfromdozensofagencies,andisadepttoshiftsinthefundinglandscape.AchartinChapter6(Figure6.5)showsthediversityofresearchsponsorsthatreflectsthediversecapabilitiesofUMCESfacultymembers,afactorcontributingtofiscalstabilityofUMCES.

TheUMCESFacilities&AdministrativeRate(F&A,a.k.a.indirectcost)forfederalgrantsandcontractsis53%ofModifiedTotalDirectCosts(MTDC),whichrecognizesthecostsofoperatingourspecializedfacilities,e.g.,researchvessels,experimentalhatcheriesandseawaterfacilities.UMCESnegotiatestherateagreementwiththeDepartmentofHealth&HumanServices,itscognizantauditagency.UMCEShasapolicyoffullcostrecoverywhenbudgetingforsponsoredresearchorservices,andproceduresforexceptions,includingareducedrateof39%MTDCforawardsfundedbythestateofMaryland.TheUMCESLaboratoriesarelocatedindifferentregionsofthestateandeachisresponsibleforitsutilities,facilities

maintenance,andadministrativecosts.AlloftheF&ArecoveriesareallocatedbacktotheLaboratoriesthatgeneratedtheincome.ThisprovidesmajorincentivesaswellasbudgetingflexibilitytoeachLaboratory.

DevelopmentAlongwithotherUSMinstitutions,UMCESisparticipatinginthenextSystem-widecomprehensivecampaign.Eachinstitutionwillsetitsspecificgoalsandprogrammaticpointsoffocusforthecampaign.UMCESisbeginningtheplanningprocessforthiscampaignthatwilllikelyfocusonresearchinnovationandgraduateeducation,particularlythegenerationofendowedandnon-endowedresourcesforgraduatestudentsupport.Suchendowmentshavebecomekeymetricsinassessingthestrengthofuniversities.Theyareafactorindetermininganinstitutionsbondratingandgeneralfinancialhealth.UMCEShasanendowmentof$2.1million,whichincludesrecentlycompletedfundraisingfortheFrance-MerrickFoundationEndowedProfessorship66.Thisendowment,nowat$1.6million,willprovidestart-upfundingforaCenter-widefacultypositioninsustainableecosystemrestoration.

Thescopeandspecifictargetsforthecomprehensivecampaignhavenotbeenfullyvetted,butareasonableprojectionoftheUMCESgoalfortheseven-yearcampaignwillbeatornear$25million.ThislevelisthreetimesthatassignedtoUMCESinthelastcampaign,whichwasamodest$8million.AstrongfocusonsupportforgraduateeducationdovetailsnicelywiththeUMCESefforttoobtainfullaccreditationstatusandwillbetterpositionUMCEStoattracttheverybeststudents.Moreover,asuccessfulfundraisingcampaignwillbetterprepareUMCEStoaddresstheuncertaintiesofstatefundinginlightofshrinkingextramuralfederalagencysupportforresearch.

Facilities planning and renewalTheUniversityofMarylandCenterforEnvironmentalScienceoperatesworld-classresearchfacilitiesatitsfourlocationsacrosstheState.Theseinclude:specially-designedlaboratorieswithadvancedinstrumentationtoundertakechemistryandbiologyexperimentsandanalyses,includingDNAsequencing

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andadvancedmolecularandisotopicmeasurements;seawatersystemsformaintenanceofandexperimentationwithmarineandaquaticorganisms;extensiveshellfishandfinfishaquaculturefacilities;greenhouses;computationalandgeographicinformationsystems;thestate-of-the-artresearchvesselRachel Carson;andautomatedenvironmentalobservingsystems.

UMCESplansandallocatescarefullytoinsurethatithasthecriticalresourcesandfacilitiestoachieveitsmission.AMasterPlanhasbeenimplementedfortheperiod2012-202067.Astate-of-the-artreplacementbuildingforanUMCESseawaterlaboratory(Figure3.4)isunderconstructionandscheduledtobecompletedbywinter2015.

Theseprojectswillalsocontributetoreducedenergyuseandareinherentlysupportiveofasustainabledesignapproachinthattheymayincludere-purposingofexistingspacestoextendtheusefullifeofexistingmaterialsandreduceoverallgreenhousegasemissions.Itisrecognizedthatstate-of-the-artfacilities,thatarealsoflexible,supportUMCESinattractingandretainingexcellentfacultyandstudents.

Important resourcesSpecial facilities and programs Research fleet

UMCESoperatesaResearchFleetthatisthebackboneoftheinstitutionscoastalscienceresearchprograms,providingscientistswithaccesstotheChesapeakeBay,itstributaries,andthecoastalocean.Home-portedatCBLinSolomons,theresearchfleetconsistsof16boatsandsmallvesselsstationedatCBLandHPL.ChristenedinNovember2008,theR/VRachel Carson(Figure3.5)istheflagshipoftheUMCESfleet70.Thisspeciallydesigned,state-of-the-artresearchvesselsupportsawidevarietyofestuarineandcoastaloceanographicresearchprojects.TheCarsonsshallowdraft,configuration,andversatilitymakeherwellsuitedforestuarineandnear-coastalresearch.

Figure3.4.ArchitectsdrawingoftheTruittBuilding.ThisbuildingwasunderconstructionatthetimetheSelf-StudyReportwaswritten.

TheUSMBoRcapitalbudgetplanforthenext10years68includesfundingforcontinuedconstructionandgrowthofUMCES.Theplanproposescapitalprojectsthat,throughtheirprogramofspacesandstrategiclocationoncampuses,willbetterconnecttheresearchandteachingelementsinUMCES.Itplacesapremiumondevelopingpurpose-builtspacesontheLaboratorycampusestohelpfostercollaborationthatiscriticaltocross-disciplinaryresearchandtraining,ahallmarkofUMCES.Itisguidedbyoverallsustainabledesigns,continueddevelopmentandexpansionofITinfrastructure,andisexpectedtostrengthenpublicoutreachandeducationalprogramsbyprovidingtheenhancedandimprovedfacilities.

OneofthestatedprioritiesoftheChancellorandBoRoftheUSMistomaintainanadequateannualinvestmentinthemaintenanceandrenewalofcapitalassets.CurrentUSMprogramsandpoliciesareintendedtoreduceanexistingbacklogofdeferredmaintenanceandhelprestoreamanageablebalancebetweenthedetrimentalimpactoftime,weatheranduseonfacilitiesandadequatespendingtocombattheirdeterioration.Thisfund,whilenotyetatthelevelsetbytheBoRduetobudgetconstraintsandcutsinrecentyears,isrecognizedasaprioritytoprotectandmaintainfacilitiesandisastandardpartoftheUMCESbudgetrequesteachyearasamandatorycostofservicesincrease69.

UMCEShasfacilitiesrenewalfundstoupgradeexistingfacilitiesavailablefrombothagrowingoperatingbudgetlinepursuanttotheBoRpolicyreferencedaboveandbondfundsavailablethroughcapitalfundsmanagedcentrallybyUSM.Eveninyearswithbudgetcuts,UMCEShasmanagedtomaintainahealthyfacilitiesrenewalfundanditisplannedtoprovideupgradingofexistingfacilities.

Figure3.5.The81-ftResearchVesselRachel Carson.

Integration & Application Network (IAN)

Creativewaysofsynthesizingdata,communicatingresultsanddevelopingsolutionsarebeingpioneeredatUMCES,usingestablishedandemergingtechnologies.Inthisregard,theIntegrationandApplicationNetwork(IAN),underthedirectionoftheVicePresidentforScienceApplications,isaunitwithinCenterAdministrationthatprovidesinnovativewaysofprovidingresearchinformationtodecisionmakersandstakeholders71.IANwasinstitutedbyUMCESin2002tobridgethegapbetweenscienceandmanagement.Itpresentlyhasaprofessionalstaffof25persons.TheexpertiseoftheIANresourceincludessciencecommunicationservices72,environmentalreportcardproduction73,andtrainingandcapacitybuilding74.Thecombinationofscienceintegrationwithscienceapplicationisapowerfulapproachtoaddressenvironmentalproblems,allowingscientiststomovebeyondidentifyinganddocumentingproblems,andprovidingopportunitiestosolvethem.

http://www.umces.edu/master-plan-full-reporthttp://www.umces.edu/research-discovery/research-fleethttp://www.usmd.edu/BORPortal/Materials/2015/FB/20150619/C-fy2017cip.pdfhttp://www.usmd.edu/regents/bylaws/SectionVIII/VIII1010.htmlhttp://ian.umces.edu/http://ian.umces.edu/work_with_us/science_communication_services/http://ian.umces.edu/ecocheck/report-cards/http://ian.umces.edu/work_with_us/training_and_capacity_building/

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Maryland Sea Grant

MarylandSeaGrantCollege(MDSG)34,whichisadministeredbyUMCESfortheUSM,iscommittedtoscientificsynthesisandtranslatingresearchtomultipleaudiences.FundedbytheNationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministration(NOAA)andtheStateofMaryland,MDSGispartofanetworkof33university-basedSeaGrantprogramsnationwide75.

TheMDSGprovidesfundinginsupportofmarineandenvironmentalresearchconductedbyscientistsatMarylandinstitutions.For26years,ithasconductedanNSF-fundedResearchExperienceforUndergraduates(REU)programwithUMCESLaboratoriesandfacultymembersservingashostsandmentors,respectively.MarylandSeaGranthasproducedaseriesofvideosandbooksthatservetosynthesizeandcommunicatescientificresultsonissuesrelatedtoChesapeakeBay.Inaddition,itsChesapeake Quarterly76publicationanddynamicwebsiteprovideregularupdatestothebroadercommunity.SeaGrantextensionagentsworkattheinterfaceofscienceandthecommunityandtheyhavebeeninstrumentalinpromotingunderstandingandamorescientificapproachtoresourcemanagement.

Library resources

ThefirstlibraryinUMCESwasinstitutedatCBLin1934,mainlywithdonationsfromDirectorReginaldTruittandstaff.InadditiontotheCBLLibrary,whichistheprimarylibraryresourceinUMCES77,thereisalibraryatHPLandtherearesmallercollectionsoflibraryresourcesattheotherLaboratories.LibraryfacilitiesinUMCESalsoaredescribedinChapters5and7ofthisSelf-Study.TheadventofpartneringwithotherUSMinstitutionshasremovedtheimbalanceofavailabilityoflibraryresourcesamongLaboratories.Now,allUMCESpersonnelhaveaccesstothesametraditionalandelectronicholdingsthroughpartnershipswithotherUSMinstitutions78.AspartoftheUSMAILibraryConsortium79UMCESFaculty/Students/Staffhaveaccesstoover6milliontitlesandnearly10millionitemsthroughasharedcatalogandhold/recallprocess.Therevolutioninelectronicjournalsubscriptionsoverthelastquartercenturyhasfurtherenhancedaccesstolibraryresources.UMCESnowhasdirectaccesstoover24,000journaltitles.Atypicalmonthshowsusageat7,507look-upsand5,472clicksthroughtofulltext.AproposedUMCESfacility,anInformationCommonsBuildingtobesitedatCBL,isslatedforplanningfundsinFY2017shoulditbeapprovedwithintheStatesCapitalBudget.

The Alliance for Coastal Technologies (ACT)

LocatedatCBL,thisisaNOAA-fundedpartnershipofresearchinstitutions,resourcemanagers,andprivatesectorcompaniesdedicatedtofosteringthedevelopmentandadoptionofeffectiveandreliablesensorsandplatforms80.ACTiscommittedtoprovidingtheinformationrequiredtoselectthemostappropriatetoolsforstudyingandmonitoringcoastalenvironments.Prioritiesincludesupportingtransitionofemergingtechnologiestooperationaluse;maintainingadialogueamongtechnologyusers,developers,andproviders;identifyingtechnologyneedsandnoveltechnologies;documentingtechnologyperformanceandpotential;andprovidingtheIntegratedOceanObservingSystem(IOOS)withinformationrequiredforthedeploymentofreliableandcost-effectivenetworks.

The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC)

UMCP,incollaborationwithUMCESandResourcesfortheFuture,competedsuccessfullywithsomeofthenationsmostprestigiousuniversitiesfortheNSFsnationalcenterforsynthesisinenvironmentalsciences.SESYNC33isnowwellestablishedinAnnapolis,co-locatedwithanUMCESoffice.SESYNCprogramssupportthesynthesisofnaturalandsocialscienceinaddressingproblemsoftheenvironment.Promotingfundamental,discovery-drivensynthesisresearchthatcontributestoactionablescienceiscentraltoSESYNCsmission.SESYNCpresentsopportunitiesforUMCEStoexpanditsownsyntheticactivities,rangingfromtheregionaltotheinternationalscale.

Aquaculture Research Center

TheAquacultureResearchCenter(ARC)isanextensivecultureandholdingfacilityattheColumbusCenterinBaltimore81wheretheIMETLaboratoryislocated.ARCisan1,800-square-meter,state-of-the-art,environmentallyresponsiblefacilitythatprovidesexcellentexperimentalcapacityforresearchwithmarineorganisms.Itisacompletelycontained,recirculatingsystemwithsophisticatedbiologicalfiltrationandlifesupportsystemsthatenablesafeandefficientre-useofwater.

Oyster Cultivation and Research Facility

ThelargestculturefacilitiesintheworldfortheEasternOysterarelocatedatHPL82.TheJonesOysterCulturefacilityproduceslarvaloystersforuseinresearch,restorationandeducationalprograms.ItandanextensivesettingfacilityonthewaterfrontatHPLprovidesoundscienceforusebyresourcemanagersandhavebeeninstrumentalinimprovingoysterculturemethodology.UMCEShasbecomealeaderinhatchery-basedoysterproductionandrestoration.Researchersworkcooperativelywithpartners,theOysterRecoveryPartnership83andMarylandDepartmentofNaturalResources,Federalsponsors,andotherstoimproveproductionmethodsandlearnhowtorestoretheoysterresourcetoChesapeakeBay.

Analytical services

TheBioAnalyticalServicesLaboratory(BASLab)84atIMETprovidesservicesthatincludeDNAsequencing,plasmidpurification,andgenotyping.TheBASLabservesprimarilyscientistsatIMET,butalsooffersitsservicestoinvestigatorsworkingatotherUSMinstitutionsandoutsideentities.Analyticalservices,includingnutrientanalysisandotherwaterqualityservicesareavailablefromfacilitieshousedatCBLandHPL85 86.Thesefacilitieshousestate-of-the-artinstrumentationandprovideservicesforUMCESfaculty,otherUSMfaculty,andoutsideentities.

Lean state budgetTheUSMandUMCESreceivedbudgetincreasesforcostoflivingandmeritadjustmentsinFY2013andFY2014,althoughthefundingclimatehasbeenleaninthepastde