University System of Maryland says near‑5% state cut will force reductions in staff and student services

At a meeting of the House Appropriations Committee Education and Economic Development Subcommittee, University System of Maryland (USM) leaders said an approximately 5% reduction in state funding — roughly $111 million — will require difficult decisions including workforce reductions, cuts to operating spending and reduced deferred maintenance.

Chancellor Dr. Perron told the subcommittee that “I must say very plainly and clearly that the nearly 5% cut we’re sustaining is going to be difficult for our universities, for the faculty and staff they employ, for the students they educate.” He said the system is already lean after years of efficiency efforts and warned the reductions will have tangible impacts on people and services.

The USM presented a three‑part plan to absorb the reduction: workforce actions (estimated to cover 40% of the reduction, about $45 million, affecting roughly 400…