TOWSON ADVOCACY PROGRAM (TAP)

FY 2006 Priorities

Access to Quality Higher Education

• Increase State investment in quality higher education for Marylanders.
• Insure access for Maryland high school graduates to earn a quality higher education.

Responsible Enrollment Growth

University is slated to be the growth institution of the University System of Maryland.  To insure that we can do so, we need the support of the System and the State to accommodate the growth both on and off campus.

Enrollment growth requires:

• Additional faculty
• Academic support services, technology support, library renovation and renewal funds
• Additional need-based financial aid

Workforce Development

Each year Towson University graduates over 3,500 students who enter the State's workforce in the fields of teaching, health care, business, science and technology and the arts.  TU has an economic impact on the State of over $930M annually.  Funding to expand crucial programs such as nursing is needed to help meet the State's demands.

FY2006 Operating Budget: It is vital to the University System of Maryland to maintain the 4.8% increase budgeted for this fiscal year. These funds include an increase of approximately $37M over last year for the university system.

FY2006 Capital Budget:  Moving forward with Towson University 's Master Plan is a top priority. The Master Plan will allow the campus to grow in an orderly fashion which in turn will allow the University to accommodate the growth in enrollment.

1. Secure $2.1M for phase one planning for the College of Liberal Arts Project<
2. Obtain funding for Campus Infrastructure Improvements totaling $25.5M

Campus improvements are needed to coincide with the construction of the new College Liberal Arts building, focusing on improving safety and accessibility; as well as environmental issues.

Requirements include:

• Site demolition of roads, sidewalks, curbs, trees in specific areas
• Safety measures such as curbs, sidewalks, crosswalks and lighting
• New entry roads and roadway intersections,
• Utility relocation is required for the site improvement
• Necessary storm water management and stream restoration

Campus Site and Safety Improvements will continue with the linking of the academic and residence sectors of campus. Campus entry walls, roadway and streetscape improvements, pedestrian pathways, a pedestrian underpass, utility and storm drain improvements are planned as part of the improvement process.

Alumni Relations
Administration Building, Room 317

Phone: 1-800-887-8152
Phone: 410-704-2234
alumni@towson.edu