USM Officials Call For Changes To Partnership Proposal

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Officials from the University System of Maryland say they would like to see further revisions made to a bill that would link two USM institutions more closely.

The Daily Record of Baltimore reports that the proposal would build on an existing partnership between the University of Maryland, College Park and the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

But officials are worried that the proposal could create the perception that the schools are merging.

UMB President Jay A. Perman and University System of Maryland Chancellor Robert L. Caret have asked the House Appropriations Committee to clarify that the proposal calls for the enhancement of an existing partnership between the two institutions, not a merger.

The bill seeks to make permanent an agreement that officials say has led to increased joint research funding and more joint faculty appointments.

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