The Tennessee Board of Regents held its scheduled meeting Dec. 4, but did not formally approve a proposed new business model as stated in a memorandum sent to state colleges on Nov. 20.
Fliers posted around campus announced a protest against TBR Chancellor Charles W. Manning for the "radical new 'Business Model,'" and called for students to join their fight at the Murphy Center for graduation on Dec. 13 at 12:00 p.m., where Manning is slated to be a speaker.
In a memo sent to TBR presidents, Manning disclosed several policy changes that would constitute a new business model for colleges statewide. In response, the MTSU Faculty Senate voiced concerns about the sweeping changes in a letter sent to TBR, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, TBR faculty sub-council and the MTSU faculty.
According to board spokeswoman Mary Morgan, TBR decided on Thursday that any discussion by the board would have to be overseen by the academic affairs committee, though none of these issues were actually addressed at the meeting. Morgan also affirmed that the process is still in the works, and that it will certainly involve presidents and representatives from campuses.
In an e-mail sent to faculty, Stephanie Taylor, assistant professor of recording industry, stated, "[The] board agreed to lift [the] tuition cap so that students would be charged for each hour they take. No more flat price for 12 hours and up, with hope to end 'course shopping' and help students needing specific courses at overcrowded institutions."
Taylor also wrote, "[The] board deferred action on furloughs until further discussions at campus level with faculty. [The] board expects [Gov. Phil] Bredesen to offer guarantees that pensions of furloughed faculty would not be affected. [The] board plans to act in a special meeting sometime before Jan. 15."
Taylor's e-mail did not specify the specific date of the meeting.
Manning could not be reached for comment.
Be the first to comment on this article!