Henry Ford Estate and Grounds transfer approved by Board of Regents

As some of you may have known, the Henry Ford Estate and its grounds have been given to the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House (tax exempt non-profit private ownership).  You can view the official press release here: http://www.umd.umich.edu/fullstory/article/University_unites_with_Ford_House/ 


The University will retain much of the land surrounding the Estate, but it looks like everything from the Rose Garden and Jensen's Meadow Southward will be part of the new ownership (see the University Action Request to the regents here ), with exception to the forested areas.

I honestly didn't know what to do with the news as there was very little information in all publications that would clarify how the grounds would be used and apportioned.  I found it contentious, not so much because of the sale, but because very few people knew about it until after the deal was made.  Several students and I would have at least appreciated knowing what it would be used for, and what the terms of agreement would be as we've been regular visitors to the forest--it's open to the public and the field biology class regularly uses it as their classroom.  That's why the grasses in Jensen's Meadow grow out every summer, it makes a great example for early ecological succession.  It's also a fair example of how you can get a lawn space to look good without intensive treatment.

But there's some great news!  I just realized that we can at least find out what went into the terms by requesting to see the contract via the Freedom of Information Act.  (I'll tell you how this crossed my mind in another post)

However, it doesn't make the University's procedures any different from before unless new policies are adopted to inform faculty, staff, and students about major exchanges like this.  All organizations benefit from engaged membership, and UM-Dearborn especially stands to do so.  Having short or late notice of these events minimizes the opportunity for participation, and many if not most students don't know how to engage the process even if they are interested and available to do so.

I guess I'd be aiming for something akin to shareholder's rights... we pay the school every semester, and it would seem reasonable that we should be allowed the opportunity to have a say in what happens to the educational assets of the community (campus and beyond--the estate and forest are open to the public).  Also, we'll bear the institution's name for the rest of our lives as attendees and graduates so we certainly do have some kind of stake in its future as its representatives.

The second thing I'd like to see is a comprehensive guide to the University Administration and their general roles online and in print issued to every student at orientation or as part of the student handbook.  Most students don't understand what the Provost, Deans, Vice Chancellors and Chancellor do.  However, some do know when there are gaps in their educational experience, and can concisely articulate their insights given the appropriate point of contact.  It might even save Ombuds services some time.


First things first, anyone else interested in reading up on the contract with me?

You can view all Board of Regents meeting minutes here: http://www.regents.umich.edu/meetings/04-10/index.html

[edit 12 July 2010]  There will be a Board of Regents meeting this Thursday the 15th  at 3:00 pm.


Thanks to Ken Kettenbeil, UM-Dearborn Director of Communications, for his clarification, sharing the Regent's minutes, and link to the press release.  Anyone interested in the status of the Henry Ford Estate are encouraged to reach the Office of University Relations:

PHONE: 313-593-5518
The Office of University Relations
Room 1040, Administration Building
University of Michigan-Dearborn