Dear Colleagues:

In my letter of March 21, 2011, I said I would update you on developments regarding the Senate of Maryland's proposal to develop a plan to merge the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) and the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP).

I am pleased to report that the Maryland General Assembly's budget instead directs the University System of Maryland's Board of Regents to study the pros and cons of merging UMB and UMCP. I am delighted that the legislature has given the responsibility to the Board of Regents.

I am overwhelmed by the extraordinary support shown to our great university. We continue to move forward and will maintain the momentum and enthusiasm engendered by our strategic planning. I am proud of your hard work and I thank you for your commitment to the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Sincerely yours,

Jay A. Perman, MD
President