Press Release

Board of Regents Approves New Technology Standard

The University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents approved a new standard for information technology (IT) for all USM institutions at its meeting on April 7 at Bowie State University. The new standard, which will go into effect following a comprehensive survey of institutional needs to be completed in June, has a targeted goal for all students in the USM to have access to a computer 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Another goal is for every student to have access to appropriate software and electronic learning materials related to course assignments, and for students, faculty and staff to have full-time access to the Internet. Computer training and technical support will be emphasized at each campus, and the institutions' technology plans resulting from the standard will explicitly address the need for periodic updating of hardware and software. The unique nature of the IT standard will allow the campuses to interpret it to best meet their missions and constituencies.

The Board also approved the installation of catering and concession equipment for the University of Maryland, College Park's new arena project for $1.5 million. College Park also received approval to change the scope, funding and financing plan for the computer science addition to the A.V. Williams Building, part of the A. James Clark School of Engineering. Plans call for the addition of new space to accommodate the rapid rise in the number of computer science students as well as future industrial partnerships.

New courses were approved for several institutions: From Towson University, a master's degree in Applied Gerontology, a master's in Nursing, a post baccalaureate certificate in Nursing Education, an applied doctorate in Occupational Science, bachelor of arts/bachelor of science in Earth Space Science, and bachelor of arts/bachelor of science in Geology; from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), a bachelor's degree in Financial Economics; from College Park, a master's degree in Second Language Acquisition and Application; and from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, master's degrees in Criminology and Criminal Justice. A proposal for a new bachelor of science program in statistics at UMBC also was approved by the Regents.

The Board also codified new policies pertaining to professional librarians and professional and/or research leave for faculty members engaged exclusively or primarily in library services; part-time faculty engaged exclusively or primarily in library services; and appointment, rank and tenure of faculty to accommodate professional librarians.

Contact:

Chris Hart
Phone: 301/445-2739
Pager: 301/507-2316
E-mail: chart@usmd.edu