Comments about: Task force seeks UMaine shakeup

The University of Maine System's seven campuses are competing with each other, rather than cooperating.

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None of Winthrop, ME
Jun 24, 2009 7:55 AM
I was thinking this morning even before seeing/reading this article that it is a shame that many/both private and public businesses (and UM is a business of sorts for sure both with its good points and its foibles) in this country are not capable of overseeing their own success at least financially (but the product of UM campuses is quite good from my perspective). So does this country need an overhaul to get leaders who are extraordinary enough to make a difference at the 'financial table' as well as at the 'educational performance" end of the table? Where is the public? Why is the public not reading and daring to comment constructively on the foibles of some business in this country/state who cannot seem to make without bailouts? The UM system seems to be on the right road with this report but will it take heed and be able to give itself oversight rather than 'bragging rights' as has been the scenario I've noted in the system since at least 1977? We'll see. Donald W. Beattie in Winthrop, MEreport abuse
None of Winthrop, ME
Jun 24, 2009 7:50 AM
Great article Matt.

I liked this assessment/partial by the chairperson:

"We simply can't afford to be all things to all people," said David Flanagan, the former Central Maine Power Co. chief executive who led the 12-member task force. "That's going to be tough, for sure, but that's the new reality of what the situation demands."

What strategic planning steps will be taken to reach this goal? Which objective? Which activities? Will these activities be practiced dilligently at the top (trustee level) and decisions made with respect to strategic/planning/budgeting by the trustees/chancellor and campus personnel to achieve/pursue these activities, objectives, goals? Who will give oversight to the Trustees and the entire UM system and campuse? Other than the trustees themselves, the chancellor, the presidents? Will it be the Legilsature and Governor? Will it be an independent and ongoing group like the one which made the recommendations in the first place? Don Beattie in Winthrop, ME.report abuse

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