Maryland Higher Education Commission

Maryland Higher Education Commission

Public Hearing

2009 State Plan for Postsecondary Education

November 19, 2008

The Maryland Higher Education Commission is holding a public hearing on November 19, 2008, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm in the Commission Room of the Maryland Higher Education Commission, 839 Bestgate Rd, Annapolis, MD, to solicit comment to assist with the drafting of the 2009 State Plan for Postsecondary Education. This plan will build from the goals of the 2004 State Plan, framing issues impacting postsecondary education and setting direction for the future. The draft goals of the 2009 State Plan are as follows:

Goal 1: Maintain and strengthen a preeminent statewide array of postsecondary education institutions recognized nationally for academic excellence and effectiveness in fulfilling the educational needs of students, the State, and the nation.

Goal 2: Achieve a system of postsecondary education that promotes accessibility and affordability for all Marylanders.

Goal 3: Ensure equal educational opportunity for Maryland’s diverse citizenry.

Goal 4: Achieve a system of postsecondary education that promotes student-centered learning to meet the needs of all Marylanders.

Goal 5: Promote economic growth and vitality through the advancement of research and the development of a highly qualified workforce.

Writing groups composed of educators, legislators, State officials, business persons, and members of community organizations have been selected by their constituencies to begin working on each goal area. MHEC is seeking comment on the initial working draft, which frames the issues impacting postsecondary education in Maryland. The 2009 State Plan for Postsecondary Education will be finalized in June 2009.

If you or your organization is interested in providing comment during the public hearing, contact Kristen Neville by November 17, 2008, at 410-260-4512 or at kneville@mhec.state.md.us to confirm your participation. Please provide the contact name, organization name, telephone number, and e-mail. To ensure sufficient time for testimony, each organization or individual will be allotted three minutes to speak. The amount of time may be modified once the final number of presenters is determined. Each individual or organization is expected to provide written testimony for their comments to be considered. Written testimony may be e-mailed in advance or delivered on the 19th (at least 20 copies). Written comments that are not presented at the hearing may also be submitted via e-mail by December 1.

[link to Initial Working Draft of the State Plan—available by 5 pm November 12, 2008]