Assessment Team Meetings

As part of our review of research, creative, and scholarly activity, a six-member team from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) conducted a series of interviews at USM during the period March 6 th to 9 th 2005. Team members were:

• Al Teich , Director of Science and Policy Programs, AAAS
• Ed Derrick, Director of the Research Competitiveness Program, AAAS
• Frank Calzonetti, Vice Provost for Research, Graduate Education and Economic Development, The University of Toledo
• Chris Hill, V ice Provost for Research, George Mason University
• John Owens, Vice President for Research at Boise State University
• David Prior, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at University of Wisconsin-Superior

During the months of January and February the site team (EJ Lovett, Nancy Martz , and Claire Collins) conducted interviews with each of the Deans, many faculty, researchers, leadership, and research infrastructure. There were broad themes that evolved during our interviews. We shared these themes with the Assessment Team to increase their familiarity with the institution and its people. We noted key areas identified during the site team's interviews either by the USM groups themselves or by their colleagues.

The Assessment Team interviewed a cross-section of university research, creative, and scholarly activity over two days on-site. Within the next 6 to 8 weeks, the Assessment Team will prepare a report of their observations and recommendations on programmatic, financial, and administrative issues related to research, creative, and scholarly activity at the university.

The site team will continue its meetings with groups of faculty and staff into the spring as the university considers the observations and recommendations of the AAAS Assessment Team and the broad context provided by the site team.

We sincerely thank all of you who rearranged your schedules, traveled between campuses, and ignored the snowstorm to meet with us.

EJ Lovett, Claire Collins, and Nancy Martz