Welcome to the University System of Maryland Student Council

The University System of Maryland Student Council (USMSC) is one of four councils established during the restructuring of higher education in Maryland in 1988. The USMSC represents the over 166,000 students in the University System of Maryland's 12 institutions and 3 regional higher education centers.

Created to advise the Chancellor, the USMSC derives its authority from the Board of Regents. The primary function of the USMSC is to advise the Chancellor, Board of Regents, and elected officials on issues, matters, and policies having a direct bearing on students and student affairs in the USM.

The Council has, in the past, provided input on issues ranging from tuition policy to SAT score reporting and academic advising. In keeping with its proactive nature, the Council will propose new policies and policy changes to both the Chancellor and the Board of Regents, as well as review other proposed plans. Among the specific responsibilities of the USMSC is the recommendation to the Chancellor each year, for transmittal to the Governor, of a group of nominees for the position of USM Student Regent.

Each degree-granting institution in the USM has two representatives on the USMSC. The USMSC meets monthly throughout the school year, and its meetings rotate among system campuses. The meetings function as a network for sharing ideas and concerns of general interest to students. The Council transmits to the Chancellor its majority and minority views on behalf of its constituent student bodies. Thus, helping to ensure that the USM leadership is aware of students' perspectives and responsive to students' concerns and issues.