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

It should also be noted that the number of Towson University Nursing students, rather than the
percentage, who graduated and passed the licensing examination in the State of Maryland has
increased in each of the last seven years, from 62, in 2001 to 99, in 2008. We are confident that
these increases are reflected in Maryland nursing employment.
FY 2009 COST CONTAINMENT AND EFFICIENCY EFFORTS
Towson University has continued to implement initiatives to contain costs and provide greater
efficiency in operations for FY 2009.
Towson University received donations of $49,000 of servers and laptops and $65,000 for a
digital media classroom. Also received was a donation of $50,000 for departmental event costs.
Grant funding of $100,000 for lifelong learning was provided as well as funding of $60,000 for
financial literacy. Towson also benefited from $45,000 in media sponsorships to market arts and
culture events.
Towson University continues to examine its business processes to achieve greater efficiencies.
Mailings were changed from brochures to letters and the number was reduced saving $14,000.
The parent E-connection postcard was eliminated saving $500. The TU/CCCB transition
package was consolidated saving $5,000. Class sizes were increased, eliminating some sections
saving $7,500. Classroom utilization was increased for an efficiency of $450,000. Recycling was
increased, saving $100,000 in tipping fees at the landfill. Towson University also participated in
a water rebate program saving $36,000. Course syllabi were placed on line, eliminating
departmental copy expenses by $20,000. Classroom technology was upgraded reducing the
needs for repairs, saving $10,000.
Towson University has used its contracting to contain costs. Competitive bidding for new pianos
saved $20,000. Utilization of the USM and DGS natural gas contract saved $40,000. Negotiation
for media purchases saved $581,000. Purchasing used furniture saved $2,000.
A number of technology initiatives have been implemented including electronic mail package
scanning and tracking for $10,000, electronic submission of “outbound” transcripts initiative for
$1,000, PeopleSoft Financials eliminating monthly printouts and distribution for $40,000 and
expansion of email use for reduced mailings, transmit federally required substance abuse
information and providing media releases saving $11,000.
Towson University has also used several measures to reduce utility expenditures, by using realtime
metering and monitoring saving $6,000 and extending the web-based energy management
system to additional facilities for $10,000.
Towson University also implemented a summer trimester trial to reduce the time to degree for a
saving of $200,000. Additionally, 51 new freshmen were enrolled in the spring semester netting
an additional $100,000.
Towson University also has several entrepreneurial initiatives such as grant funding of $125,000
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