A task force established to look into the operations of the University of Maine System released a draft report last week that criticizes the system for wasteful spending and a lack of coordinated agenda and calls for a management shakeup. The task force found that University leaders failed to keep tuition down in the past few years and have been disinclined to change their policies and practices.  They further argue that these problems are the cause of the system’s $43 million deficit. 
 
Some of the proposed changes the task force recommended include eliminating duplicated courses at individual campuses and better coordinating recruitment of students and faculty.  The task force also suggested that the system’s Chancellor be given more centralized power to be the go-to person to push state leaders to adopt a long-term plan to revitalize the state’s economy. The university’s role would be to provide an educated workforce needed in a new economy.
 
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