terrapinsanity.com

Today’s Washington Post carries an AP report that book rental programs are struggling. Intended to help students lower the cost of accessing scholarly materials, rentals might cut the up-front expense of a student’s outright purchase of the same material, but with less flexibility and greater risk to the company, which (according to the present report) must make about three rentals of a given item in order to break even. The pace at which much of this content changes, however, narrows the window of demand for a given book’s edition, to the point that it is superseded before it gets close to profitability.

In other words, these services hit much the same wall as any other distribution mechanism for content.

Ebook options have not paid off for similar reasons. While these cost less as well, and don’t face such a high initial barrier to reach profitability for the vendor, selection of products is limited (not everything is available in electronic form) and students find they don’t have the same flexibility in use of the materials (highlighting, note taking and so on – not to mention the fact that many of these cease being available a fixed number of months after purchase, so good luck referring back to it in the future.)

Some complain that faculty are somehow frivolous in selecting materials, increasing the pace of change. This might be the case in rare instances, but generally does not ring true. Most faculty are so busy that we value any little bit of stability in our lives we can get. We learn pretty early on that gratuitously switching materials demands re-prep for the course. Even if only in part, that is overhead we know we can cut out in favor of advising, research and other duties. Most changes come from the companies simply not making old editions available.

And Maryland’s efforts to legislate the costs to lower levels? Per a new law of yesteryear, faculty are required to certify that we understand the impact of high book costs on students, but so far there is no evidence it has had any effect. And now that we think of it – there hasn’t been any recent sign that the campus is even tracking these certifications to report compliance. No savings to students, coupled with implementation costs for certifying compliance that now isn’t even being checked. Now that’s a law that generates a new generation of cynics.

And the headline reads “Four Stabbed In College Park Bar Fight“.

Remember, kids, only 20 more days to apply for early consideration in the class of 2015!

Ahh, the classic commute in. (Do we need to close Route 1 during rush hour for construction? Really? Again?)

The early confirmation that we are maintaining business as usual. (“Muggings continue …” on WBAL.)

The morning homily from leadership about our strong sense of community. (Responding to the deteriorating climate at sports events, Provost Nariman Farvardin confirms he has “bigger fish to fry…”)

The incoming president, Wallace Loh, announces his investment in our future. (How nice that he gets a press release and tax deduction for his donation. When the campus needs funds from the rest of us it just takes it in more furlough days. Loh must be awful special that he gets a decision to make.)

It could worse. It could be raining.

The WBAL headline is No letup in College Park Crime Spree, reporting on just that, the recent string of robberies and attacks that have been picking up.

The good news is that we have better relations between police and the community. Thanks to that swell welcome back party, doggonit, we feel good about safety on campus.

Those miscreants who are mugging students? Must not have been able to rap with officials at the event. Maybe we need another party.

Nothing says ‘rubber stamp’ better than leadership’s expectation that the campus senate will process several major proposals in one busy voting session on the 16th of this month.

Already on the agenda is the merger of two major colleges, Computer, Mathematical and Physical Sciences with Chemical and Life Sciences. Well, not a merger – a hostile takeover is more like it. CLFS has effectively ceased to exist, killed by fiat, and its units absorbed administratively into the regime of Steve Halperin, the CMPS Dean. This was a coup worthy of any good banana republic: no substantive reviews have been performed, no serious analysis of cost versus benefit produced, a vote of faculty and staff (that was not a secret ballot, and was overtly monitored by supervisors, with the obvious chilling effect) and the very first meeting at which faculty in one of the colleges could have voiced question or concern in open forum only occurred last week. Yes, after it all happened, and conveniently scheduled at the last minute during a time least populated by faculty about to return to campus for fall semester. What is so important that it must be implemented without a fair and open vetting of the issues among stakeholders? We’ll never know from the senate meeting, that’s for sure.

Add to the agenda approval of the new diversity plan. Let’s review: this plan has had a couple abortive attempts at advancing over the last year, each time panned by the community. We don’t envy the proponents this task – no question, this is a tough one to handle – but the solution now isn’t any better, which is, rush through edits they want, forget any new round of public vetting and slide it into a senate calendar packed with monkey business. [President Mote's announcement about this - sent in his name after we actually thought he was officially gone - is appended.]

Will senator push back and demand some serious involvement in these fundamental questions? Or meekly serve as the rubber stamp that leadership obviously seeks? We’ll know soon enough.

Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:00:54 -0400 (EDT)
From: “President C. D. Mote, Jr.”
To: “University of Maryland Community”:;
Subject: UM Diversity Strategic Plan

Dear University of Maryland Family:

I am very pleased to announce that the Diversity Strategic Plan
Committee has completed its work on the plan, Transforming Maryland:
Expectations for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion. Diversity at
the University of Maryland is a cornerstone of our excellence, adding
value to our educational, work and social environments. Creating
environments that are rich in diversity, inclusive and supportive of all
members of our community enriches our campus exponentially.

In order to cultivate diversity even further, the diversity strategic
plan outlines goals and strategies to which the University commits
itself. Maintaining working and learning environments in which all
members of our community can flourish is the essence of the plan and I
am confident it will be achieved.

The University is grateful to the Diversity Strategic Plan Committee,
led by Dr. Robert Waters, and to the hundreds of campus members who
contributed their inputs. The diligence with which the plan was crafted
is apparent. The Senate Executive Committee has forwarded the plan to
the University Senate for consideration at its September 16th meeting.

Our vision for the next decade is to be a model diverse community of
learning, exploration and self examination. I am confident that we have
the commitment, the people and now the plan to realize this vision.

Yours sincerely,

C. D. Mote, Jr.
President

********************

This note was authorized for distribution to
University of Maryland Community by:
President C. D. Mote, Jr.

Our regular reminder of where faculty and staff fit into the food chain arrived this morning, in the form of the appended notice that we need to stay the heck away during football. Not their words but the message is clear enough. This means our grad students who have parking passes here will shortly get a notice to ensure they move their vehicles on game days else be towed to make room for tailgaters. (Leadership to students: We’d love for you to do research on how to cure cancer or solve world hunger, but only if it doesn’t interfere with a bitchin’ party.)

Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:45:50 -0400 (EDT)
To: “Campus Community”:;
Subject: 2010 Football Parking and Quickbus Information

August 31, 2010

Dear Campus Community:

Welcome to the 2010-2011 school year! Periodically throughout the fall semester, the University of Maryland football team will play at Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium, which will result in parking modifications. This year, six Saturday home games are scheduled. The first home game against Morgan State will be held on Saturday, September 11th at 6 p.m.

If you are planning to travel to campus during these event days, please consider using Quick Bus to avoid the traffic congestion. You can take the Quick Bus from the College Park Metro Station to Lot Q, which is very near Byrd Stadium. It runs every 20 minutes three hours prior to kick-off and every 10 minutes two hours prior to kick-off from the College Park Metro station to Lot Q. Quick Bus also runs back to the College Park Metro Station from Lot Q for one hour after the game.

Quick Bus is also available from lots 4, 9, and 11 and Mowatt Lane Garage to Lot Q on a more limited schedule.

Please refer to the following specific instructions for game day parking:

Academic Commitments – UMCP Faculty/staff and students with classes or other documented academic commitments on this day, who do not possess a campus permit or parking registration, may call the Department of Transportation Services at (301) 314-PARK to make arrangements.

The Department of Transportation Services will provide those UMCP faculty/staff and students with classes or other documented academic commitments on game day Saturdays, who do not possess a campus permit or parking registration, a one-day, temporary surface lot permit for Regents Drive Garage valid on game day Saturdays only.

Permits will be available at the Department of Transportation Services located in Regents Drive Garage. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:15 a.m. – 4 p.m. Documentation will be required and includes a UID, a printed schedule of classes or a letter from an academic advisor or professor. Documentation must be presented to staff at the main lobby desk. All are encouraged to secure the permit as early as possible. Students should check with professors to determine if arrangements have already been made.

Faculty/Staff Permit Holders – With some exceptions, faculty/staff permit holders on campus for any academic commitments WILL have full access to their assigned parking areas. Any faculty/staff permit holder having difficulty accessing their assigned areas may call (301) 314-7262 for immediate assistance.

Lot C, FF, JJ, MM, Q, SD*, and Z permit holders will receive e-mail notifications with specific instructions for game day parking.

Resident Student Parking Registrants – Resident student parking registrants including resident lots 2, 4, 6, 11, and 19 WILL have full access to their assigned lots on game days. Resident student parking registrants are NOT required to move their vehicle for any reason prior to or during the game.

Commuter Student Parking Registrants – Commuter student parking registrants including commuter lots 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, and SDG will be directed to Regents Drive Garage, Mowatt Lane Garage, or Terrapin Trail Garage on game days. Access to Lot 1 will be restricted after 6 p.m., the Friday evening before each game. Access to lots 4, 6, 9, 11
and SDG will be restricted after midnight the Friday evening before each game. Any vehicles remaining in these areas after midnight, the Friday evening before each game, are subject to ticketing and relocation. Commuter student parking registrants are expected to utilize free parking either at Regents Drive Garage (RDG), Mowatt
Lane Garage (MLG), or Terrapin Trail Garage (TTG) on game days. Parking for student registrants in Regents Drive Garage will be limited to Lot 5 on the roof of the garage.

Campus Permit Holders or Registrants Attending the Game – As always, any Faculty/Staff campus permit holder or Student parking registrant attending the game may park free of charge at Regents Drive Garage. Parking for student registrants in Regents Drive Garage will be limited to Lot 5 on the roof of the garage. Space is limited.
The overflow areas will be Mowatt Lane Garage (MLG) or Terrapin Trail Garage (TTG). Campus permit holders/parking registrants attending the game are expected to utilize these free areas.

Parking for those Without a Permit or Registration – The largest unaffected/free campus areas on game days include lots C2, K, L, or any campus meter. Anyone may park for free at the College Park Metro station and take the shuttle.

Permit holders who are planning to visit the campus on a Saturday should refer to the following home game schedule:

2010 SCHEDULE
Date Opponent/Event – Time
09/11/10 vs. Morgan State – 6:00 PM
09/25/10 vs. Florida International – TBA
10/02/10 vs. Duke – TBA
10/30/10 vs. Wake Forest (Homecoming) – TBA
11/20/10 vs. Florida State – TBA
11/27/10 vs. North Carolina State – TBA

If you require additional information or have questions, please feel free to call 314-PARK or visit our Web site at http://www.transportation.umd.edu. We appreciate your patience and cooperation.

Go Terps!

Sincerely,
Department of Transportation Services

********************

This note was authorized for distribution to
University of Maryland Community by:
Dr. Linda Clement, Vice President, Division of Student Affairs

It was a summer with most of the crew off to the four corners, but time to get revved up for a new semester. Well, almost. This morning’s traffic coming in to campus was nothing you would call revved up. Classic. And funny, we never missed it for being away since May. Only 20 minutes to get from the Route 1 construction across from McDonalds and into a parking place on campus. Great use of staff and faculty time there, folks!

Yeah, already counting down the days to Christmas break…

Sad news this morning, and unexpected to many, of the passing of Jeff Huskamp who served the community as VP and CIO on the College Park campus. Jeff did a good job in what is surely a tough role, and he was uniformly well liked. We reproduce below the announcement as circulated.

Date: Fri, 28 May 2010 10:59:51 -0400
From: Sapienza Barone
Subject: Service for Jeff Huskamp

Dear Friends:

Our friend and colleague Jeff Huskamp, Vice President and Chief Information Officer at the University of Maryland, passed away peacefully at home on May 27, 2010. He was surrounded by his loving family.

A memorial service celebrating Jeff’s life will be held on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. in the Memorial Chapel, Regents Drive, University of Maryland, College Park. The service will be followed by a reception hosted by President Dan Mote and his wife Patsy in the president’s residence (One Presidential Drive, College Park, MD 20740). The Huskamp family will also welcome friends in their home on Tuesday evening (305 Reserve Gate Terrace, Silver Spring, MD 20905).

Parking for friends coming from off-campus will be available in front of and on the side of the Chapel. Additional parking will be available in the Regents Drive parking garage (http://www.cvs.umd.edu/visitors/parking.html).

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the:
Jeffrey C. and Sandra W. Huskamp Endowed Bioengineering Scholarship
or
Jeffrey C. and Sandra W. Huskamp Endowed Computer Science Scholarship

Checks made payable to the “UMCPF” may be sent to:
University of Maryland College Park Foundation
4511 Knox Road, Suite 205
College Park, MD 20740-3380

Cards may be sent to:
Mrs. Sandra Huskamp
305 Reserve Gate Terrace
Silver Spring, MD 20905

Sandra extends her profound gratitude to everyone in the University community who has been so supportive and helpful to Jeff and to her during these very difficult few months.

Thanks, Sapienza

Today’s news from Montgomery County Public Schools is that next year they won’t penalize (academically) students who rack up unexcused absences from classes. (Today a sufficient number of cuts will result in a failure of the course.)

This news is just swell (not) for College Park, where many MCPS students already make faculty nuts with their expectation of consideration. You see, the county also has a forgiveness policy for students – they can always get a do-over on graded material, for example, and there is always “make up” credit available.

The standard business model learned by students from this system is to never study in advance of a test, since that risks wasting effort on things you don’t need to know. Instead, take the test, tank it but then use it as a guide for what to study for your do-over. If that doesn’t work, then go bleat to the teacher and you get more credit for doing some indeterminate ‘stuff’ later.

What a big surprise when these students land in freshman classes here, where professors strive for excellence in all students, but who know students are free to fail. Final exams are, like, final and all that.

We already deal with drama and grief from students who have yet to learn that lesson in life. How much more special it will be dealing with these students when they’re taught that they need not even show up either.

The long-time campus practice of assuming a compliant supine position in response to any state political need has never served us well, and only invites more sexploitation by officials who direct UM to expend resources in support of important state projects (by which they mean the officials’ own political priorities.)

Then came the Purple Line.

State planners want to drive a dagger through the heart of campus, splitting it in two. Have you seen the plans to run a Metro line through campus? Here, let’s remind you. The engineer’s rosy artwork shows true peaceful co-existence between students and trains. Check out the proposed route.

Any engineer who plans on cozy day-to-day interaction between campus pedestrians and trains has either never tried to drive across this campus or is simply delivering made-as-instructed solutions for political masters. There is no other place in the metro system that co-mingles foot, bike and train traffic like this – it is all controlled access, which is exactly how it will have to be implemented in College Park. It is not a trolley! We will get two campuses out of the deal – University of Maryland at North Side and University of Maryland at South Side.

Go ahead. Visualize graduations at Reckord Armory, as families must time their post-commencement conversations and photos to work around the metro schedule with trains running 40 yards away. Let’s serve as a nature preserve for outsiders to drive through every 10 minutes and gawk at the natural flora and fauna of campus. Be sure to charge parents top dollar for their kids to live in St Mary’s Hall, and feel proud that this real estate will be the closest housing to any metro stop in the system – every Dad is sure to feel happy to know his daughter is highly accessible to everyone in the DC-metro area.

And never mind noise, impact on laboratories, dividing our sense of community (at a time when more than ever we need one-ness) and crime. Yes, crime. Long-timers in the region know that no metro station has ever gone in without a direct skyrocket in crime. Metro is a teleportation device. Today when you drive onto campus late at night you will get screened by security. (Good!) Metro will by-pass this by the trainload. And for what? Nobody asserts this will be good for campus – it will be to get the political cost down for officials to pander to neighboring communities.

And this returns us to our “supine” observation at top. Campus officials have proposed a closure of Campus Drive – in great part the Purple Line path through campus – starting next month and lasting the summer. The idea just got blasted by community feedback, as reported in the DB this morning. What’s the campus game?

Dangerous, that’s what, but there is no safe political route at this point. The test closure could let UM stake out a “we’re going pedestrian-only, you’re too late” position. That doesn’t matter to politicians who know that the day-to-day problems will come only years after they have moved on. Trains are a mixed use of space that would not be compatible nor safe but that will be someone else’s problem. What’s more useful in a closure is that this raises visibility within the community, alerting everyone to changes in our future. (Changes are in our future.) News of the Purple Line has yet to stir reaction around campus, so maybe once Campus Drive is closed it will get everyone’s attention. Then they can be invited to visualize what this space would be like without cars but with barriers and trains.

In the end, nothing but more questions. The closure could go poorly with lots of negative feedback – and there goes the campus argument that this must be protected as pedestrian-only space. The closure could go well, which could artificially buoy state planners’ arguments that their proposed bifurcation of campus would not by itself have much negative impact.

Even under the the best of circumstances, campus officials would need to fight hard in order to protect our sense of community and campus integrity. Years of being toadies to Annapolis will only make this fight harder.