 5 Questions With...
President
Robert L. Caret
Dear Towson Alumni, Advocates, and Friends:
Welcome to Maryland's 428th Legislative session and the first issue of the TAP newsletter for 2011. Please join me in congratulating all of our returning and newly elected leaders in Annapolis. Towson University recently launched our new strategic plan Towson University 2016 and we are working closely with the University System of Maryland to achieve the statewide goals of 55% college completion, focus on graduating more science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) teachers, and more field professionals. Health Sciences professionals, especially nurses, remain high on our agenda. And, we will continue to challenge our students to be good, productive citizens and to be engaged in their communities.
Great things are happening at Towson University and your advocacy this session will be crucial in conveying both the exceptional value and significant return on investment we deliver to the State. Please stay informed by subscribing to this weekly newsletter, and be ready when we call on you for support. I look forward to working with you and thank you in advance for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Robert L. Caret, Towson University President
Q: What happened to the TU2010 strategic plan?
A: In spring 2010, after six years, Towson University concluded the TU2010: Mapping the Future strategic plan with a final report card. As each of the annual TU2010 report cards closely tracked the progress of the stated goals and action items, the final report card provided a final review and evaluation of the university's major accomplishments under the 2010 plan. With a final grade of "A-" based strictly on the cumulative averages of the combined report cards, the 2010 plan was celebrated as success that was adopted by the entire community with the acknowledgment that there is still more work to be done.
Q: What is TU2016?
A: TU2016: Building Within, Reaching Out continues the progress first set forth in the 2010 plan and moves the university toward excellence in five themed areas: Academic Achievement; Student Experience, Engagement and Success; Partnerships Philosophy; Resources for Success; and Telling and Selling Our Story. The five themes provide the framework for 22 goals that will allow the university to build upon its strengths.
Q: Why did you pick the year 2016?
A: The year 2016 marks Towson University's 150th year, signifying a major milestone in the history and development of the campus. With a clear vision of our future, 2016 will commemorate a century and a half of Towson University's evolution of pursuing and providing academic excellence to the State and region.
Q: How does TU2016 tie into the new USM 2020 Strategic Plan?
A: TU 2016's themes and goals are in alignment with the USM Strategic Plan, Powering Maryland Forward. USM goals focus on degree completion, course redesign to enable higher understanding and student achievement as well as advancing Maryland's competitiveness and growing the economy through innovation, research and development. The USM and TU2016 plan also focuses on maximizing efficiency and effectiveness, fundraising to support students and faculty and leveraging resources. Aligned with USM goals, Towson continues to demonstrate our commitment to national eminence as we were recently named by The Education Trust as one of "11 universities nationwide where graduation rates for minority students meet or exceed those of whites."
Q: What is the vision for TU2016 and TU's next phase of development?
A: Building upon the goals accomplished in the 2010 plan, the TU2016 plan narrows Towson's focus on cultivating, enhancing, and optimizing our relationships, our resources, and our academic achievements. The 2010 plan laid the groundwork for our next phase development which is centered realizing our potential and garnering national recognition in academics, applied research, and athletics.
Towson University 2016
The newly launched strategic plan Towson University 2016: Building Within, Reaching Out will bring Towson into its next phase of development and build upon the advancements made during the previous strategic plan, TU2010. Created with the input of both external and internal focus groups, the TU216 plan hones in on maintaining, enhancing, and maximizing the university's efforts in five themed areas: Academic Achievement, Student Experience, Engagement and Success, Partnerships Philosophy, Resources for Success, and Telling and Selling Our Story. In the coming issues of the TAP newsletter, be sure to follow Towson's TU2016 progress in this section as we embark once again on an ambitious plan.
2016 Plan | Guiding Principles
 New in the News
Read up on the latest higher education issues that have appeared in the news recently:
 UPCOMING HEARINGS OF INTEREST
JANUARY 18, 2011
BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE, JOINT COMMITTEE
11:00 A.M., Joint Hearing Room
Legislative Services Building
90 State Circle, Annapolis, MD
Subject: Update on Status of BRAC Preparation Efforts
SENATE BUDGET AND TAXATION
1:00 P.M.
Briefing: Higher Education Degree Productivity
JANUARY 19, 2011
SENATE EDUCATION, HEALTH, AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
2:00 P.M.
Briefing: Maryland Higher Education Commission and Report on Academic
Program Regulation Review Task Force
2:45 P.M.
Briefing: University System of Maryland
3:45 P.M.
Briefing: Morgan State University
Briefing: St. Mary's College of Maryland
Briefing: Maryland Independent College and University Association,
Briefing: Maryland Association of Community Colleges
JANUARY 24, 2011
SENATE BUDGET AND TAXATION and HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS
2:00 P.M.
Fiscal Briefing
Joint Hearing Room
JANUARY 26, 2011
SENATE BUDGET AND TAXATION
3:00 P.M.
Briefing on Public Employees' and Retiree's Benefit Sustainability
Joint with the House Appropriations Committee in the Joint Hearing Room
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