March 30, 2016

To the University Community:

This morning, the University of Maryland Strategic Partnership Act of 2016 passed out of the House of Delegates with amendments. The bill now goes back to the Senate for further consideration.

The University System of Maryland (USM) released the following statement this afternoon supporting the new version of the legislation: “The University System of Maryland supports the Strategic Partnership Act of 2016, after recent amendments that simultaneously maintain an enhanced partnership between UMCP and UMB and ensure that each institution has a single president who can respond to the needs of that institution and its surrounding region. The USM believes that the legislation now can build on the strong foundation of MPowering the State and support the mission of the remaining USM campuses that serve the majority of students in the system.”

While an official copy of the bill is not yet available, UMB leaders and I have read it. Our interpretation is that this version effectively formalizes the strategic partnership that exists between UMB and the University of Maryland, College Park; enables each institution to continue executing its missions and serving its constituents; and clarifies the autonomy of both campuses and both presidents.

As soon as the amended version of the bill becomes available to the public, I’ll share it with you, and I’ll update you as the legislation makes its way to the governor.

Sincerely,

Jay A. Perman, MD
President