MHEC Approves UB’s Plan to Become Four-Year University
February 15, 2006
Contact: University Relations
Phone: 410.837.5739
In a unanimous vote, the Maryland Higher Education Commission today approved a revised mission statement submitted by the University of Baltimore, enabling the University to return to four-year undergraduate status. UB forwarded the proposal to help meet the state’s growing enrollment demands in a way that is both cost-effective and focused on high-quality academic programs. Current plans call for freshmen to be admitted in fall 2007.
The initiative already received approval from the University System of Maryland Board of Regents, which originally asked UB what it could do to meet the demand as part of its Effectiveness and Efficiency Project. The E&E Project is an ongoing effort to ensure that the USM institutions are operating in a way that maximizes their potential to serve the citizens of Maryland. It has already saved the state millions of dollars, and continues to generate ideas for improving the college experience for thousands of students.
“We appreciate the support that MHEC’s commissioners, the Board of Regents, Chancellor Kirwan and the higher education community have provided for this initiative,” said UB President Robert L. Bogomolny. “We look forward to once again welcoming freshmen and sophomores to our campus. This decision comes at a time when increasing numbers of traditional-aged students in Maryland seek affordable, quality public education. We’re pleased that UB can now do its part to help meet this critical state need.”
UB is uniquely positioned to provide educational opportunities to Maryland’s rapidly expanding number of young, college-ready students. With its current population of nontraditional students, many of whom are working adults studying at night, the campus has the capacity to accommodate additional students during regular daytime hours. UB’s focus on practical, professional education is structured to meet the state’s workforce demands. Finally, it has a long history of accessibility and affordability, as well as a loyal alumni base of some 40,000 graduates, a large majority of whom have remained in Maryland.
"The vote today by the Maryland Higher Education Commission paves the way for UB to play a critical role in helping the University System of Maryland meet its increasing enrollment demand," said USM Chancellor William E. Kirwan. "This action will further enable the system and the state to fulfill their shared commitment to providing affordable access to excellent higher-education opportunities."
Founded in 1925, UB was originally a four-year institution until it became part of the USM in 1975. UB’s new freshman program will reflect the University’s current focus, and will be designed to prepare students in business, pre-law, technology, public affairs and applied liberal arts. It is expected that many of these students will come from Baltimore City and the five surrounding counties.
The University of Baltimore is a member of the University System of Maryland and comprises the School of Law, the Yale Gordon College of Liberal Arts and the Merrick School of Business.