USM Regents Adopt Resolution in Support of Revenue Enhancements for Higher Education

ADELPHI, Md. (October 19, 2007) - The University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents has adopted a resolution in support of Governor O'Malley's proposal for a revenue enhancement dedicated to higher education. The board took this action during its October 19 meeting at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) when USM Chancellor William E. Kirwan brought the resolution to the board.

The resolution calls on state leaders to support the governor's proposal and "to enact revenue enhancements as long-term investments dedicated to advancing our state and in particular to advancing our state's higher education institutions."

"Accessible and affordable public universities are vital to the citizens of the state and play an essential role in support of Maryland's economic leadership," said USM Chancellor William E. Kirwan. "Creating a revenue enhancement dedicated to higher education will help the state meet the demands of growing college enrollments, maintain affordability, and foster the quality that keeps Maryland on the leading edge of the knowledge economy."


RESOLUTION OF THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF MARYLAND

BOARD OF REGENTS IN SUPPORT OF STATE OF MARYLAND

REVENUE ENHANCEMENTS DEDICATED TO HIGHER EDUCATION

(Approved by the Board of Regents, October 19, 2007)


WHEREAS, a strong public higher education system-serving as the intellectual and economic engine for our state, and the ladder of opportunity for our citizens-is vital to the State of Maryland; and

WHEREAS, as the state's public higher education system, the University System of Maryland (USM) contributes significantly to the intellectual, economic, social, and cultural well-being of the State of Maryland, and, in classrooms, laboratories, in the public and private sectors, public schools, and communities, advances quality of life statewide; and

WHEREAS, USM institutions enroll more than 140,000 students annually; graduated nearly 28,000 students in FY 2007, many of whom entered the region's workforce; have an estimated 400,000 alumni living in Maryland; and attract nearly $1 billion in external contracts and grants annually in support of leading-edge research and related activities; and

WHEREAS, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, members of the Maryland General Assembly, the University System of Maryland, and the citizens of Maryland share the goals of excellence, access, and affordability for the state's colleges and universities; and,

WHEREAS, in working to resolve the State of Maryland's $1.7 billion structural deficit, Governor O'Malley has proposed revenue enhancements dedicated to advancing our state; and,

WHEREAS, if approved, this proposal would include enhancements dedicated to higher education, marking the first time that the State of Maryland has enacted such dedicated funding, and recognizing that stable and predictable investments in higher education better position our colleges and universities to meet state needs consistently;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Regents of the University System of Maryland supports revenue enhancements dedicated to higher education; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Board of Regents encourages our state's leaders to enact revenue enhancements as long-term investments dedicated to advancing our state and in particular to advancing our state's higher education institutions; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT the Board of Regents expresses its appreciation to Governor O'Malley and the Maryland General Assembly for their work to help ensure that the University System of Maryland, and all sectors of Maryland higher education, can continue to fulfill the goals of excellence, access and affordability, and thereby help ensure the state's future growth and prosperity.

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