The U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration (MARAD) announces a meeting of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Advisory Council (Council). During the meeting, the USMMA leadership will provide an update on programs and priorities, including governance, sexual assault and sexual harassment prevention, academics, culture and diversity, and facilities and infrastructure.

DATES:

December 6, 2024, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST.

Written statements to be considered during the meeting must be received via email to USMMAAdvisoryCouncil@dot.gov no later than November 29, 2024. Requests for accommodations for a disability must be received via email by November 28, 2024.

ADDRESSES:

The meeting will be held in-person at USMMA. Meeting location and access information will be posted no later than November 29, 2024, on the Council's website, along with other general information, at www.maritime.dot.gov/​outreach/​united-states-merchant-marine-academy-advisory-council. Requests to attend the meeting must be received by November 28, 2024, and permission will be based on space available. Requests will be taken as they are received until available spaces are full.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

The Council's Designated Federal Officer and Point of Contact, Mary Grice, 202-366-4264 or via email to USMMAAdvisoryCouncil@dot.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

The Council is established pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 51323. The Council operates in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C. ch. 10.

The purpose of the Council is to provide independent advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) on matters relating to the USMMA, including in the areas of curriculum development and training programs; diversity, equity, and inclusion; sexual assault prevention and response; infrastructure maintenance and redevelopment; midshipmen health and welfare; governance and administrative policies; and other matters.

Agenda

The meeting agenda will cover, but is not limited to, the following proposed topics:

1. Welcome and opening remarks.

2. Public comments.

3. Interim Recommendations and Workplan for Final Report.

4. Administrative items.

Public Participation

This meeting is open to the public and will be held at the Academy. The U.S. Department of Transportation is committed to providing equal access to this meeting for all participants. If you need alternative formats or services because of a disability, such as sign language, interpretation, or other ancillary aids, please contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.

Any member of the public is permitted to file a written statement with the Council. Written statements should be sent to the Designated Federal Officer listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section provided above by no later than November 29, 2024.

Only written statements will be considered by the Council; no member of the public will be allowed to present questions or speak during the meeting unless requested to do so by a member of the Council.

(Authorities: 46 U.S.C. 51323; 5 U.S.C. 552b; 5 U.S.C. ch. 10; 41 CFR parts 102-3.140 through 102-3.165)