Dear University of Maryland community:

Today, the Board of Regents, after many months of study, concluded that the disadvantages of a merger between our University and the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) outweigh the advantages.

I am happy to inform you that, instead of a merger, the regents have endorsed the concept of creating the University of Maryland Strategic Alliance. The alliance will provide an exciting 21st-century framework for collaboration between our two great universities, something I have espoused since the early days of my presidency. I thoroughly endorse the regents’ decision.

As you know, I am a proponent of collaboration, and this alliance will enhance our opportunities with UMCP and the other University System of Maryland (USM) institutions. I look forward to working with President Loh and Chancellor Kirwan to develop a detailed plan by the end of March.

For more information, please see the statement from the USM Board of Regents. I will be in touch with you again as more details emerge.

Sincerely yours,

Jay A. Perman, MD
President