The Maryland Higher Education Commission has decided not to reconsider its decision to bar University of Maryland University College from offering an online community-college administration degree to in-state residents, The Sun of Baltimore reports.
The commission had ruled that the program would duplicate a similar offering at Morgan State University. It was an apparently unprecedented decision in online education, one some observers think may have repercussions in other states. State university leaders had urged the commission to reconsider the matter.
3 Responses to Maryland Higher-Ed Commission Won’t Reconsider Ruling in Online Turf Battle
22216726 - January 28, 2010 at 5:58 pm
Suggestion: Next stop should be the courthouse by either a student suit OR university litigation to “test” this restriction by the MHEC upon a constitutionally created institution of higher education. Too bad, common sense could not have prevailed instead of the race card…
theoldman - February 1, 2010 at 2:33 pm
It is certainly not out of line for the state to regulate offerings by a state institution. Many states are going through similar excercises in order to reign in the costs of higher education. In this instance, however, it is the economic engine of the USM system vs. the small guy.If UMUC really wants this program, they should sit down with Morgan and propose an equitable solution. But given the perceived arrogance of UMUC, I doubt that will ever happen.
davidvictor - February 11, 2010 at 4:17 pm
Just doesn’t seem right that only one school should be able to offer a particular class.