III Periodic
Review of Centers (Academic
Policy 100.o)
Senate Recommendation
A.
Written Report Summary:
1. Purpose: The Flathead Lake Biological Station is dedicated
to teaching ecology and adding to the scientific understanding of ecology
through basic and applied research. Scientists at the Flathead Lake Biological Station strive
for discoveries that advance understanding of natural and cultural inter-relationships
in an ecosystem context. We test hypotheses about how and why animals and
plants are distributed within landscapes at various spatial and time scales and
how productivity of organisms is controlled by complex, often non-linear,
biogeochemical processes. FLBS research is focused on freshwater: rain, snow,
lakes, ponds, reservoirs, rivers, floodplains, wetlands, groundwaters
and watersheds.
2. Objectives:
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To conduct basic and applied
research in ecology, with emphasis on freshwater |
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To train graduate students for
professional and teaching careers |
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To provide field ecology courses
for college students, K-12 teachers, and natural resource professionals |
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To provide scientific data,
interpretation and outreach to help resolve environmental problems and inform
public policy locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally |
3.
Activities: The Station offers an outstanding
summer academic program for advanced undergraduate and graduate students. Researchers
and students live and study together. FLBS
offers numerous workshops and seminars which are all self supporting.
4. Other organizations involved:
5.
Reporting line: Research Administration; Relationships with academic units: Division
of Biological Sciences is FLBS’ home for academics and peer review. The New
Direction document proposes
6. Similar programs: none
7. Budget:
a. 1. Current faculty and percentage of
time: There are 5 faculty on site and
22 visiting.
Current staff: 13 staff and
various seasonal temporary employees
2. Need and cost for new faculty: The New Direction document requests an
increase in base budget to fund four soft-money FLBS faculty positions at
.66FTE to meet union guidelines for tenure-track salary basis. Commensurate increases in staff support
positions are also requested, with new staff positions in accounting and
maintenance. This will cost $300,000 annually. Long –term operations will be accomplished
with internal funding and will not be a legislative request.
3. Need for other personnel:
b. Use of University Resources:
1.
2. Technology infrastructure: not
clear
3. Facility and space: Students and visiting faculty live in cabins along the lake shoreline or in a
winterized dormitory. The grounds are home to
several full-time residents including the director, visiting research staff and
a caretaker who live with their families in homes and apartments on the station
grounds. Students and faculty dine together in the Prescott Center, a commissary and meeting
complex. Four laboratory buildings house the inside course work and
specia
The New Direction document proposes three
new facilities: Scientific Visua
c. Source of Funding:
B. Review and Approval Process
2. The Faculty Senate through its Chair,
Review in
terms of Scope as stated in academic policy 100.0
To provide instruction, scholarship, or service to the
University, state or world by: (1) focusing attention on an area of strength
and/or addressing a critical issue, or (2) facilitating collaborative,
multi-disciplinary endeavors to combine resources from several programs or
institutions to address issues of common interest.
Review in terms of the
University’s mission.
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Comments:
This is an important center with ongoing and far reaching capacities. It has
become a significant resource for knowledge production.
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Does
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Is
the relationship with academic units beneficial? Very beneficial to students at
many levels as well as researchers throughout the world. They provide courses
and short programs to a variety of groups and individuals.
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Is
the program revenue neutral or does it consume more resources than it
generates? If so, is the use of University resources justified? Yes. How they
will make the changes in facilities etc. is certainly a question to be
considered. However, the information provided indicates much will be from their
efforts. They have been successful grant
seekers.
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Is the entity making progress toward objectives?-Yes. They continue to grow and
provide significant new knowledge as well as dissemination of knowledge.
Recommendation: Continue
Justification: This is an important center that fulfills an
important niche area. It has long-term significance to The University of
Montana-Missoula.