To the TU community:

Last month, the Maryland General Assembly finalized the state budget for fiscal year 2027, which begins July 1, 2026. The plan includes a 1.5% reduction in state appropriations to the University System of Maryland’s operating budget, to be distributed across its 12 member institutions. Towson University's share will equate to approximately 0.5% of our overall budget for FY27. 

Although we are a system, each USM institution faces unique and differing circumstances. At TU, we are well-positioned to manage these budget reductions, and we do not anticipate any major disruptions to our plans for the fiscal year ahead.  

Despite some operational budget reductions that have been required over the last few years, TU continues to receive strong support from our state partners for capital funding to improve our physical campus. This included allocations to finalize the Smith Hall renovation, construct an enhanced electrical substation and restore the central plant that was compromised last summer after storms led to an electrical fire and associated water damage.  

TU's positive outlook is the result of our extensive planning and disciplined approach over the past two years, including hiring pauses, reduction forecasting and procurement reviews on purchases exceeding $50,000. These efforts have saved significant funds to date and will remain in effect as we continue to proactively preserve resources for next year’s budget in preparation for forecast challenges in state appropriations. 

Like many families and businesses across the country, universities are feeling the pressures of a difficult economic climate. For some of our peers, those challenges are compounded by significant cuts in federal funding. While these measures have not impacted TU to the same extent, Maryland's state budget deficit will remain a challenge for the foreseeable future—one that requires sustained action to ensure long-term financial stability. We are also monitoring proposed changes to federal funding including research support, student aid and work study programs that may impact our community. 

On behalf of TU, I thank the Maryland legislature for their support of higher education and efforts to limit any further major reductions in state funding. I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to Katie Maloney, TU’s Associate Vice President for Government Relations and Public Policy, for her great work and advocacy on behalf of our students, faculty and staff, as well as our colleagues across the USM for their support and ongoing collaboration.

As we enter the next fiscal year, I am committed to keeping you informed of any developments that affect our university. Thank you for all you do to make TU a wonderful place to learn, work and live.  

Sincerely, 

Mark R. Ginsberg, Ph.D. 
President