William Kirwan: Meeting the access and affordability challenge

It is now widely accepted that, in the new, knowledge-based economy, higher education has become indispensable. The long-term economic success of our state and our nation depends upon a highly skilled, knowledgeable work force. Furthermore, the economic, social and cultural future of our citizens will be determined largely by their level of education.

We are addressing these changes head-on, with both systemwide initiatives and efforts underway on individual campuses. For example, for two consecutive years, tuition has been kept flat for in-state, undergraduate students. In addition, we have improved the balance between scholarship aid based on merit and scholarship aid based on need, with a two-thirds increase in need-based aid over the past two years. We have also identified specific campuses within the USM as ‘‘growth institutions” to accommodate the surge in enrollment. These actions — and numerous others — are all aimed at maintaining affordability and increasing access, while enhancing quality.

One of the most dynamic and successful efforts along these lines can be seen at the Universities at Shady Grove.

USG is not one university; rather it brings together eight of USM’s 11 degree-granting institutions to a single location, providing students and businesses in Montgomery County with access to the entire spectrum of USM resources. USG offers access to 50 of the best and most popular undergraduate and graduate degree programs in areas of high demand such as biosciences, information sciences, business, nursing and education. USG provides access to top faculty from participating institutions and to academic support services for students. In partnership with the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, USG affords access to cutting-edge research opportunities. And, through partnerships with Montgomery College and other community colleges in Maryland, USG serves to facilitate the seamless transfer of students from these two-year institutions into upper-division study at Shady Grove.

Today, USG is poised to intensify its already impressive impact, bringing affordable access to quality higher education opportunities to a growing student population that comes primarily from one of Maryland’s largest, fastest growing and most diverse communities, Montgomery County. The USM is projecting enrollment demand to increase more than 20 percent during the next decade. With the opening of Shady Grove III, USG’s capacity will triple to 6,000 students, positioning it as a key component in meeting that demand.

USG is a true partnership between higher education, state and local government, and the business community. It is a dynamic response in present and future needs.

As this series of columns continues over the next several weeks, you will hear more about how USG is addressing the challenges of higher education, making a difference to students, and meeting the needs of businesses. By opening more doors to excellent and affordable educational opportunities, USG is enhancing quality of life for all Marylanders.

William E. Kirwan is chancellor of the University System of Maryland.

About This Series

This four-part series examines the growth and development of the Universities at Shady Grove and its increasingly important contribution in meeting the higher education and workforce needs of Montgomery County.

Today: Access and affordability.

October 17: Innovative model.

October 24: Pathway to success.

October 31: Enriching our economic future.