MARYLAND OFFICIALS FORMULATING ADVISORY BOARD TO ADDRESS HBCU ISSUES
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Posted By: Catalina Deossa on July 12, 2024 State officials in Maryland are currently developing regulations for a newly established committee tasked with overseeing the approval process for new academic programs at state universities. The committee, named the Program Review Process Advisory Council, is expected to be formed this fall and will play a pivotal role in enhancing how the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) evaluates and approves proposals for new programs. The Advisory Council was created in response to recent state legislation aimed at improving transparency and fairness in the program approval process within Maryland's higher education system. This legislative action follows a contentious decision by MHEC in June 2023 to allow Towson University to introduce a new business analytics degree. The decision faced opposition from Morgan State University, one of Maryland’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), which argued that the new program would duplicate offerings already available at their institution. Criticism of the decision intensified as alumni and supporters of Maryland’s HBCUs raised concerns that it violated a $577 million settlement reached in 2021 to address longstanding disparities in funding and program duplication among the state's HBCUs, including Bowie State University, Coppin State University, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Emily Dow, Assistant Secretary for Academic Affairs at MHEC, explained that while the exact size of the Advisory Council has not yet been determined, its composition is likely to include individuals such as college and university presidents, provosts, and other campus administrators. One of the primary responsibilities of the council will be to review and recommend improvements to the process by which academic programs, particularly those offered online and targeting out-of-state students, are approved. Dow emphasized the importance of community representation and transparency in the council's operations, stating that the development and execution of new processes should involve input from various stakeholders to ensure fairness and inclusivity. Proposed bylaws outlining the council's structure and responsibilities are scheduled for review by MHEC on July 24. Following approval, the commission plans to solicit nominations from individuals interested in serving on the council, with the inaugural meeting anticipated to take place by the end of September. The initiative reflects broader reforms within MHEC under the administration of Governor Wes Moore, who appointed Sanjay Rai as MHEC Secretary in April 2023 and subsequently made significant changes to the commission's board of commissioners in July of that year. These changes signal a renewed commitment to equity and student-centered outcomes within Maryland's higher education system. Overall, the establishment of the Program Review Process Advisory Council represents a significant step toward ensuring a fair and transparent process for evaluating and approving new academic programs at Maryland’s state universities, with a focus on addressing historical disparities and fostering educational excellence for all students. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Catalina Deossa
Archaeologist, CHRONOS SAS Florida Int`l Univ class of 2011 Member Since April 2024 |
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