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Joint Statement from Board of Regents Chair James L. Shea and Chancellor William E. Kirwan

Adelphi, MD (November 21, 2012) Questions have been raised about the process by which the University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents convened in closed session to discuss the University of Maryland, College Park’s (UMCP’s) move from the ACC to the Big Ten. This board is the governing body of the 12-institution USM; UMCP is the system’s flagship.

Under current USM policies on intercollegiate athletics, UMCP’s move to the Big Ten did not require the approval of the USM Board of Regents. However, it was important to both the university and the system that the Board of Regents deliberate on a move of such significant magnitude.

With the advice and counsel of the Office of the Attorney General, the board convened in closed session and voted to endorse the university’s application to the Big Ten. 

Some also are reporting that the USM Board of Regents is not allowed to vote in closed session. That is inaccurate. The Maryland Open Meetings Act does not preclude public boards from taking action in closed session.

We sincerely regret that the need to deliberate and consider endorsement of the application to move to the Big Ten within a given timeframe has led some to believe that the USM Board may have violated the process by which public boards are allowed to convene in closed session. The board takes its public responsibility seriously and, in continued consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, is vigilant of its processes and procedures.

-USM-

Contact: Anne Moultrie
Phone: 301.445.2722
Email: amoultrie@usmd.edu

University System of Maryland
3300 Metzerott Road
Adelphi, MD 20783-1690, USA
301.445.2740