Board of Regents to Consider New Tuition Policy

December 3, 2003

 

Board to Consider New Tuition Policy and

Proposal to Create Business School at Bowie State University

Adelphi, MD - The University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents will consider a recommendation to require USM institutions with undergraduate programs to develop four-year tuition plans. This recommendation is one of several developed by the University System of Maryland Tuition and Fee Task Force, appointed by USM Chancellor William E. Kirwan in October 2002.

The board will consider the task force's final report and recommendations at its rescheduled public meeting to begin at 9:15 am Friday, December 12. The meeting will be in the Terrace Lounge of the Student Union, University of Maryland, Baltimore, 621 W. Lombard St.

At the public hearings sponsored by the tuition task force during the past year, speakers expressed the need for tuition predictability. Institutional four-year plans would help to ensure some level of predictability, according to the group's report. Other task force recommendations include a proposal to link expected state appropriations and funding guidelines to enrollment and efficiency targets. Task force members included students, parents, administrators, and regents.

In other business, the board will consider a proposal to create a business school at Bowie State University. Currently, BSU has a Department of Business Administration, Public Administration and Economics. Elevation of the department to "school" status will enhance educational resources for existing and future students in Prince George's County, according to BSU officials. The proposal also notes that business programs at the University of Maryland, College Park, are at capacity. Bowie's new school "will provide an excellent alternative resource for students, particularly minority students, who have the ability to excel . . . but not the opportunity to attend the University of Maryland, College Park," says BSU President Calvin Lowe.

Also at Friday's meeting, the board will present its annual Regents' University System Staff Awards. These awards recognize staff members who have made exceptional contributions to their organizations, students, and their respective institutions.

Informational items on Friday's board agenda include: fall 2003 enrollments, quarterly review of capital improvement projects, and FY 2003 external funding.

The full agenda and background information will be available at the meeting. The agenda is also available on line . 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.

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