2009 Performance Accountability Report Vol. 2 - Maryland Higher ...

Underwritten by a BRAC Workforce ONE Maryland grant from the Maryland Department of
Labor, Licensing and Regulation, titled, “Implementing an Elementary Engineering Program in
Harford County Public Schools,” Towson Education faculty will work with Harford County
teachers so that Harford elementary school children will have an opportunity to learn ageappropriate
engineering concepts.
The university received a $20,000 planning grant from the University System of Maryland to
implement a new program to attract students to secondary school teaching in the STEM fields.
TU mathematics educators received continuing funds from MHEC for college preparation
outreach efforts with Dundalk High School (Baltimore County) and Fairmont High School
(Prince George’s County).
Resources for Success
Research
Pertinent Goals: MFR 4; MD State Plan 4
Towson University received approximately $23.5M in external funding in FY 2008, representing
a 147% increase in four years. In fiscal year 2009, the expected external funding amount is
approximately $26M.
Efficiency and Effectiveness
Pertinent Goals: MFR 5; MD State Plan 8
In FY 2009, as reported in its Efficiency Efforts submission to the Regents, Towson University’s
cost containment and efficiency initiatives resulted in a total savings or reallocation of
$2,996,000. While there were many relatively small changes whose sum total made up a
significant proportion of this savings, a number of major initiatives, some of which are described
below, helped sustain Towson’s reputation as one of the most efficient and effective public
institutions in Maryland.
The university continued to examine its business processes to achieve greater efficiency.
Notable improvements were increased classroom utilization ratios, as a result of enrollment
growth and scheduling modifications, for an efficiency savings of $450,000; increased recycling,
saving $100,000 in tipping fees; participation in a water rebate program saving $36,000; placing
course syllabi on-line reducing department copy expenses by $20,000; and negotiation for media
services, saving $581,000.
Towson University received donations totaling $164,000 for computer equipment, a digital
media classroom, and departmental event costs. Grants of $100,000 for life-long learning and
$60,000 for financial literacy were obtained and Towson benefited from $45,000 sponsorships to
market arts and culture events.
Technology initiatives, including the installation of the PeopleSoft Financial system, eliminating
monthly printouts and distribution, saving $40,000; mail package scanning and tracking, saving
$10,000; and use of e-mail for transmitting required substance abuse information and media
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