Center for GIS

CGIS staff have been hard at work redesigning the Maryland Defense Network. The redesign, to be launched in May, incorporates modern design elements with a focus on improving the user experience, streamlining access to the various modules of the tool, and adding a new manufacturing directory to the site. Congratulations to the team for being nominated for a BTU Partnership Award for their work on Maryland Defense Network.

Continuing Education

One of our most popular courses is the Project Management Professional, which allows students to sit for the PMP certification offered through PMI. Every three years, we must reapply to be a PMI Registered Education Provider. We recently went through the process and created a course portfolio of more than 100 pages to demonstrate that course content is consistent with PMI global standards. We are happy to announce that we have been reapproved!

Leadership Development

As part of Goal 2 of the Division's strategic plan, the Center for Professional Studies conducted its first survey of clients and potential clients. Notable takeaways and outcomes:

• Our competitive edge lies in being a supportive partner, offering programs that clients cannot deliver internally.
• Leadership development was identified as a top training need, which plays to our strengths.
• We redesigned our website to focus on leadership development.
• We are organizing a 'cross campus' group of faculty and others focused on leadership at Towson.
• We are collaborating with Dr. Nancy Grasmick to collect information about all leadership programs at TU.

Osher Lifelong Learning

The Patty Beere Ruby Memorial Endowment was established in 2008 to honor Patty Beere Ruby, a former employee of the Division and a huge champion of Osher at TU. The endowment ensures the long-term promotion and celebration of Osher. MORE

Office of Administration & Finance

Leave Balances: As year-end approaches, please make sure to review your PTO leave balances. Annual leave up to 48 hours and all unused sick leave can be carried over into the next fiscal year.

Procurement Deadlines: Please be cognizant of the following purchase order deadlines:
• > $200,000, April 09, 2018
• $25,000–$200,000, April 23, 2018
• $5,000–$25,000, May 14, 2018
• $0–$5,000 (if PO required), June 04, 2018

Partnerships & Outreach

The team supported and hosted the inaugural BTU Partnership Awards, which celebrate the impactful partnerships taking place across Maryland. Over 100 community partners and their on-campus colleagues attended the event, bringing increased awareness and understanding to BTU—Partnerships at Work for Greater Baltimore. The team is also supporting operations and communications for the CUMU Annual Conference and TUgis Conference.

Regional Economic Studies Institute

Next month, RESI will co-host a luncheon with REMI titled "Tariffs, Equality, and Economics." RESI Senior Economist Michael Siers will give a talk titled "Racial Disparities in Baltimore City's Workforce and Implications for Future Growth," while Peter Evangelakis from REMI will be presenting "Tariffs and the Economy."

Venture Creation

The VC team continues to support a growing list of edtech companies, while creating strategic partnerships with industry leaders that includes Sylvan Learning. A recent join event with Sylvan netted key takeaways on building effective partnerships with k12 school systems. MORE