Updates on the Current Semester
Planning for a safe and rewarding experience for our university communities
The University System of Maryland (USM) welcomes students back to our campuses! For the current semester, most USM institutions will provide instruction through a combination of in-person classes and online learning. The plans developed by our universities reflect the USM’s unwavering commitment to educational excellence while placing the highest priority on the health and safety of students, staff, faculty, and the surrounding community. By working together with a sense of shared responsibility, our university communities can experience a rewarding semester.
USM Statements
January 13, 2021 Report from USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman to USM Board of Regents
November 13, 2020 Report from USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman to the USM Board of Regents
August 26, 2020 Statement by USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman: Special Meeting of Board of Regents
August 23, 2020 USM Statement on Monitoring and Responding to Anticipated Changes in COVID-19 Disease Progression, Fall 2020
August 22, 2020 USM Statement on COVID-19 Testing and a Remote Start to the Fall Semester at Towson University (TU)
July 30, 2020 USM Statement on COVID-19 Testing and Symptom Monitoring for Students and Employees Returning in Fall 2020
July 22, 2020 Statement by Chancellor Jay A. Perman on Why the USM Is Preparing for a Hybrid Instructional Model This Fall
June 19, 2020 USM Statement: University System of Maryland Freezes Tuition, Room & Board Rates for 2020-21 Academic Year
May 29, 2020 USM Statement: USM Institutions Plan a Fall Semester of Hybrid In-Person and Remote Instruction
May 26, 2020 Statement by USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman on Return-to-Campus and Return-to-Research Planning
View prior statements on the USM response to COVID-19
Return to Campus Plans
Each USM institution has developed a comprehensive campus plan for the semester that adheres to the guidance of the USM Return to Campus Advisory Group appointed by USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman, as well as local, state, and federal health regulations. These plans include information about health and safety policies, instructional delivery, the academic calendar, and other changes that have occurred on campuses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Online Learning
To reduce density and ensure social distancing in all campus settings, USM universities will offer academic instruction through a combination of in-person classes and online learning during the current semester. Our universities have refined their online course delivery with support from USM OnTrack, a new partnership between the USM William E. Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation and University of Maryland Global Campus, a global leader in online education. USM OnTrack has provided professional development, course design support, and new resources, such as adaptive courseware and virtual reality technology, to help our faculty create optimal online learning environments for the fall semester.
