Dear Members of the Towson University Community:
On Wednesday, the Maryland General Assembly concluded a three-day special session to complete work on a revenue package to avoid more than $50 million in cuts to the University System of Maryland. The cut to USM is $5.3 million with another $5 million to USM reserves. There is no new money in the budget.
The legislative and executive branches have reaffirmed their commitment to keep Maryland’s public universities affordable, accessible and of the highest quality even in a challenging economy.
As a result of your calls to legislators and their commitment, a significant tuition increase was avoided. Countless other difficult decisions that would have adversely impacted staffing and programs were also avoided. A 2% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for faculty and staff was approved to start in January 2013.
Our two major capital projects for FY2013 were approved for funding by the Maryland General Assembly during the 90-day session. Design and construction of the pedestrian walkway over Osler Drive and planning funding for the Smith Hall renovation and addition for the Fisher College will move forward on time.
I want to thank all of the students, faculty, staff and alumni who took the time to contact the Governor and legislators to advocate for Towson, the University System, and our ability to deliver our very best to our students.
Although the session has concluded our work must continue as responsible stewards and passionate advocates of excellence in higher education.
President Maravene Loeschke
Read other recent messages from the president here: {http://www.towson.edu/president/message.asp}.
