Maryland's Public System of Higher Education

Adelphi, MD - Two committees of the University System of Maryland Board of Regents are scheduled to meet next week. The Committee on Education Policy will meet at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 21, at the University of Maryland, Baltimore . The meeting will be in the Terrace Lounge of the Baltimore Student Union, 621 West Lombard Street.

The Committee on Finance will meet at 9:45 a.m. Thursday, January 22, at the University of Maryland, College Park. The meeting will be in the Margaret Brent Room (room 2112) of the Stamp Student Union.

Topping the Education Policy Committee's agenda are two new program proposals. One is for a doctoral program in applied information technology at Towson University, designed to meet the demand of IT professionals who want to expand their knowledge base and technical skills while working full-time.

The second proposal is for a master's program and a post baccalaureate certificate in Jewish Studies at the University of Maryland, College Park. These options are designed to offer students broad, interdisciplinary graduate-level training in the field.

The Education Policy Committee also will review the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) review report on Coppin State College. MSA requires institutions to complete periodic review reports every five years to maintain accreditation. The current evaluation of Coppin notes the institution's significant progress in several areas, including strategic planning, information technology, recruitment and retention of students, and improved graduation rates.

At its meeting Thursday, January 22, the Finance Committee will continue its review of enrollment trends at USM institutions. Fall 2003 enrollment at USM was up 2.1% (2,600 students) over fall 2002, with 60% of the growth at the undergraduate level. Graduate and first-professional enrollment grew 3%. Over the past 10 years, USM enrollment increased 20%. Today, the university system is serving nearly 21,000 more students than it did in fall 1993.

Finance Committee members also will consider a request to increase the budget for the Stamp Student Union renovation and addition at the University of Maryland, College Park, by $2.5 million for a total authorization of $57, 550,000. If approved, the university will draw the additional funds from its Union Facilities Renewal Plant Account.

Other Finance Committee agenda items include the 2003-2013 Facilities Master Plan for Salisbury University and a new dining services contract for Frostburg State University.

Full agendas and background information will be available at both the January 21 and the January 22 committee meetings. 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.

Phone: 301/445-2722
E-mail: amoultrie@usmd.edu