AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A task force examining the functions and structure of the University of Maine System is calling for the system to \”act as a union (of universities) and not as a confederation.\”

Officials said draft recommendations would improve the coordination of distance-education opportunities, make credit transfers easier and promote a greater integration of programs among Maine\’s separate universities and the Maine Community College System.

A draft report was posted on line Tuesday at www.maine.edu/UMSTaskForceDraftReport.

The task force was created through a trustee-approved initiative called \”New Challenges, New Directions.\” The initiative\’s objective is to identify more than $42 million in cost-savings or new revenues over the next four years.