Education Policy Committee to Consider Six New Academic Degrees, Reports on Graduation Rates and Enrollment Projections at March 15 Meeting

ADELPHI, Md. (March 12, 2006) --- The Committee on Education Policy of the University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents will consider six new academic programs at its next meeting Wednesday, March 15. Also on the agenda are reports on enrollment growth, graduation and retention rates, and alcohol education programs. The meeting will begin at 9:30 am on the second floor, room 218, of the New Dining Hall at Coppin State University. Directions to the campus and a campus map are available at http://www.coppin.edu/welcome/directions.asp and http://coppin.edu/welcome/campusmap.pdf respectively.

Committee members will consider the following academic proposals:

  • Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Sciences at Coppin State University;
  • Bachelor of Science in Real Estate and Economic Development at the University of Baltimore;
  • Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems in Public Administration at Salisbury University;
  • Master of Arts in Conflict Analysis and Dispute Resolution at Salisbury University;
  • Bachelor of Science in Investigative Forensics at University of Maryland University College;
  • Bachelor of Science in Political Science at University of Maryland University College.

The committee will also hear the first status report on the progress of substance abuse prevention programs at various USM institutions. The report summarizes the findings of a system-wide council charged with looking into the best practices for combating alcohol, drug and tobacco abuse at all USM institutions. The regents will hear from a panel of student affairs representatives from three institutions, who will discuss the issue and answer questions.

Also on the agenda is a report on retention and graduation rates for first-time, full-time freshmen working towards a degree at system institutions. The report shows a gradual increase in four-year graduation rates, from 25 percent in 1989 to 37 percent in 2001.

The regents will also discuss enrollment projections for the next decade, when undergraduate enrollment is projected to grow by 35 percent system-wide. In addition, the committee will hear an update on the second phase of the "Effectiveness and Efficiency" plan, a major initiative to increase enrollment capacity, reduce costs, and fund quality. As part of the initiative, proposals such as a trimester calendar year and three-year undergraduate degrees are under consideration.

Access the full agenda for the board meeting at: http://www.usmd.edu/Leadership/BoardOfRegents/Agendas/ed031506.html.

Full agendas and background information will be available at the meeting. Sign language interpreters and/or other appropriate accommodations for eligible individuals with disabilities will be provided upon request. Please call 301.445.2756 (voice) or 301.314.7683 (TTY/ITT) to make special arrangements.

Contact: Liz O'Neill
Phone: 301.445.2719
Email: loneill@usmd.edu