Towson University

2012-13 Edition Profile: Towson University

Educated Quest.com Background

Introduction to Towson 1 University Background About Towson University

Towson University’s roots date back to 1865, the last year of the Civil War, when the Maryland legislature approved funds to estab- lish the state’s ﬁrst teacher training school. It opened one year later as the State Normal School, based in Baltimore. In 1912, the Mary- land General Assembly passed a $600,000 bond issue to relocate the school on 80 acres of land in nearby Towson. The new campus, Fast Facts including Stephens Hall, the main administration building, opened three years later. Today, Stephens Hall houses the university’s Col- 1. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur. lege of Business and the Honors College. In 1963, the Normal School was renamed Towson State College. 2. Nulla et urna convallis nec quis blandit odio mollis. As enrollments surged from 3,500 to more than 13,000, the college was granted university status. In 1996, Towson State University was 3. Sed metus libero cing elit, lorem ipsum. Adip later renamed Towson University as it moved from a state- inscing nulla mollis urna libero blandit dolor. supported institution to a state-assisted one where the majority of operating aid was not provided by state government. 4. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur. Today Towson University has more than 19,000 undergraduate stu- 5. Sed metus libero cing elit, lorem ipsum. Quis que dents. It is the second-largest university, public or private, in Mary- euismod bibendum sag ittis. land after the University of Maryland-College Park. Towson also enrolls more undergraduates than the University of Delaware, one of 6. Sed metus libero cing elit, lorem ipsum. the its main competitors for students. It is a more diverse university than most. Twenty-six percent of the student body comes from 7. Quis que euismod bibendum sag ittis. under-represented minority groups.

2 Designated as the University of Maryland System’s “growth institu- portant institution in the economic development of the Baltimore met- tion” in 2009, Towson has undergone a very ambitious building pro- ropolitan area. Towson is considered a regional university, as op- gram. This has included a new College of Liberal Arts building, a posed to a national research university because it does not grant renovated Fine Arts and Communications building, a soon-to-open many doctoral degrees. Towson grants doctorates in only four sub- sports arena. a modern football stadium, planned renovations for jects: Audiology, Information Technology, Instructional Technology the College of Science building including more than 30,000 square and Occupational Science. The University of Delaware, by compari- feet of classroom and lab space. New residence halls and a reno- son, grants doctoral degrees in more than 40 fields. The lack of doc- vated and expanded student union, among other projects, are in the toral students, especially in the liberal arts and sciences, means university’s future plans. that professors place less reliance on graduate students to teach undergraduates. At the same time, undergraduates get to know their No state can afford not to have enough good schools. For Maryland professors better and have opportunities to work with them on their Towson has become one of them. Nearly two-thirds of the students research. who enter Towson graduate within six years. Only the flagship campus in College Park and St. Mary’s College of Maryland do better Towson may also be unique among regional universities in that its among the state’s public institutions. Eighty-six percent of freshmen president Maravene Loeschke, is also an alumnus. A recipient of a who entered in 2011 continued on their sophomore year. Bachelor’s degree in English and Theatre as well as a Masters in Education from Towson, Loeschke returned home after serving as Through partnerships with area community colleges, Towson at- President of Mansfield University (PA) in the Pennsylvania State tracts a transfer class of more than 2,100 students each year, only System of Higher Education. Although Dr. Loeschke was inaugu- 300 less than the number of freshmen who are entering the univer- rated in September of 2012, she had previously served as a faculty sity for the first time. While 26 percent of the freshmen come from member as well as Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communi- outside Maryland, the influx of transfer students tilts the balance of cation at Towson. An actor and playwright, Dr. Loeschke performed the population towards residents, many of whom live in or near the in the Maryland Arts Festival for 20 seasons, including four one- Baltimore area. The large influx of transfer students also means woman shows and directed more than 20 plays. Her play "5" was larger junior and senior classes, approximately 4,000 students in a professionally produced at the Theatre Project in Baltimore. given year.

While nearly 30 percent of an entering class comes from out-of- state, the volume of transfer students has made Towson a more im-

3 Competition

What does it take to get in? Who decides to go? What other schools do 2 applicants consider? Competition What It Takes to Get In

For the class that entered in 2012 there were more than 18,000 applications for approximately 2,500 seats in the freshman class. Just over half of these applications were accepted. Towson put over 4,000 students on its waiting list, though only 263 were eventually offered admission. The middle 50 percent of the admitted students Fast Facts scored between 990 and 1180 (out of 1600) on the Critical Reading and Math sections of the SAT; the average was 1080. Eighteen percent scored above 600 on the Critical Reading section of the test, 1. For the class that entered in 2011 there were twenty-six percent scored over 600 on the Math. Half of the admit- more than 18,000 applications for approximately ted students ranked in the top quarter of their high school class, 2,500 seats in the freshman class. with grade-point-averages of 3.5 or higher; the range is between 3.25 and 3.87. 2. This year, more than 21,000 students are expected to apply for around the same number of This year, more than 21,000 students are expected to apply for around the same number of seats in the freshman class that will en- seats. ter in 2013 says Mike Berends, Marketing Director for University Un- 3. Towson also welcomes between 2,100 and 2,200 dergraduate Programs. He adds that 800 students applied for the transfer students every year, many from Maryland Honors College in 2012 for around 200 seats; that number will likely increase for 2013. community colleges. After Maryland, New Jersey and New York (the largest segment 4. After Maryland, New Jersey and New York (the from Long Island) contribute the most students to the freshman largest segment from Long Island) contribute the class. “Applicants are attracted to our diverse set of majors,” says most students to the freshman class. Mike Berends, “including business, education, health professions, the arts and psychology.” Students are not required to declare a ma-

5 jor when they apply unless they are interested in nursing and the interested in the performing arts would be drawn to the facilities, the health professions or one of the talent-based majors in the perform- academics and access to the arts community in the Baltimore- ing arts. “We have few competitors for arts students until you reach Washington area. A student who is interested in business might be New York City,” Berends says. “100 percent of our dance graduates drawn to the connections that s/he can made in the Baltimore area, are placed into dance companies.” too as would a student who is interested in teaching in the elementary or secondary schools. In 2012, after surveying 1,185 students, Berends learned that nearly 36 percent has Towson as a ﬁrst choice before they had visited. Towson students are presented with many of the same opportuni- Forty-nine percent made the university a ﬁrst choice after taking a ties to succeed as the students who go to College Park, UMBC or campus tour while 56 percent were certain of their choice following Delaware. It is up to them to take advantage. an Open House for admitted students.

The University of Maryland-College Park, the University of Maryland-Baltimore County (UMBC) and Salisbury University are Towson’s major public competitors within Maryland. Competing private schools within the state include Loyola in Baltimore, Hood Col- lege and McDaniel College. The University of Delaware, Temple Uni- versity (PA), James Madison University (VA) and the George Mason University (VA) are major public competitors within the Washington D.C. and Philadelphia metro areas.

An applicant who might fall in the middle of the pool at UMBC, Col- lege Park or Delaware based on grades and test scores would likely land in the upper quarter at Towson. Such students might also qualify for admission to the university’s Honors College as well as merit- based aid that they are less likely to receive from the other institutions. For these students the decision comes down to academics as well as ﬁt. A student, for instance, who is interested in nursing would be drawn to the location as well as the academics. A student who is

6 Completion

Freshman Retention Rate 3 Graduation Rates Completion The Path to Graduation

Since 2007, Towson University’s freshman retention rate has improved from just below 82 percent to around 86 percent. The strongest retention rates have been in the College of Education. These have consistently exceeded 90 percent, excellent for any college within any university of this size. Retention in the health professions now exceeds 88 percent. The Fast Facts fine arts and communications as well as the liberal arts are also better than the student body as a whole. However, retention among undecided students, who have represented between 20 and 30 percent of a fresh- 1. Since 2007, Towson University’s freshman retention rate man class, has been lower, rising from 79 percent in 2007 to just under has improved from just below 82 percent to around 86 82 percent in 2011. The variations in retention rates suggest that Towson percent. may be a better option for students who have some thought about the academic program they want, as opposed to those who do not. 2. Towson’s six-year graduation rate is just under 66 percent. After being offered admission, accepted students are invited to Destina- 3. The strongest retention rates have been in the College of tion Towson, an all-day event to welcome and introduce students to the Education. These have consistently exceeded 90 percent, campus and community. Those who choose to come are invited to at- excellent for any college within any university of this size. tend Tiger Talks, programs scheduled throughout the summer in groups 4. Enrollments in “gatekeeper” courses, introductory courses between 150 and 200. The primary programming areas include commu- required in several majors including biology, chemistry, nity service and leadership; the intention is to get incoming students to economics, mathematics, physics and psychology are not interact. Parents attend a parallel program designed for them. as large as they are likely to be at a flagship school such as Towson has a four-day welcome period, including First Year Experience the University of Maryland-College Park. advising and a convocation. New Student programs are scheduled through the first eight weeks. Students are also invited to attend an in- volvement fair as well as an achievement fair.

8 First-year students are assigned advisors by academic interests. Advi- tures from either full-time faculty or adjuncts, but not teaching assistants sors will have six points of contact with each student. They will meet pursuing their own undergraduate or graduate degrees. One-third of all twice during the orientation period, once with students of similar interests tutoring outside of class is in mathematics. as a group and twice with each individually during the fall. As students become more engaged and have received more direction, the advisor Since 1998, Towson has improved its four, five and six-year graduation will meet with students of similar interest once as a group in the spring rates. as well as once with each individual student. Among students who entered as freshmen in 1998, just under a third fin- Unlike many medium and large-sized schools, Towson does not offer a ished in four years. Among students who entered ten years later, approxi- “University 101” course to help students become acquainted with the re- mately 43 percent did. sources on campus. However, first-year students must take Towson Among students who entered as freshmen in 1998, 54 percent finished Seminars, small (18 to 21 students) credit-bearing courses on special in- in five years. Among students who entered in 2007, approximately 61 terest topics taught by tenured faculty. These courses, while not a col- percent did. lege orientation help to build college-level learning and critical thinking skills. Among students who entered as freshmen in 1998, 59 percent finished in six years. Among students who entered in 2006, approximately 66 per- With the exception of nursing and talent-based performing arts pro- cent did. grams, Towson has structured general education requirements to make it easy for students to change majors and schools. Undecided students At times the graduation rates have been higher than in recent years. The are given a schedule that will allow them to not only arrive at a decision class that entered in 2003 had a six-year graduation rate in excess of 72 on a major but also to be on track to complete general education require- percent; the class that arrived in 2004 exceeded 68 percent. ments. Graduation rates are likely to return on an upswing. Towson is attracting Enrollments in “gatekeeper” courses, introductory courses required in better students. Better students tend to be more motivated. Especially if several majors including biology, chemistry, economics, mathematics, the school offers the academic program they want or make it easy for physics and psychology are not as large as they are likely to be at a flag- them to zero in on it. ship school such as the University of Maryland-College Park. Introduc- tory biology classes, for example, are limited to 96 students, divided in four sections of 24 for labs. Psychology classes enroll around 55 students. Towson faculty who are in their first year teach three classes per semester; after the first year they teach four. Students receive their lec- 9 Costs

Tuition and Fees Scholarships Net Prices 4 Debt Costs Paying for School

Towson University has estimated that tuition and fees for Mary- land residents will be $8,324 in 2013-14. Out-of-state students will pay approximately $20,000. Both charges are quite reason- able for a state university on the East Coast. Room and board charges for ﬁrst-year student can range between $10,700 and Fast Facts $11,700. These are on the high side, but in line with charges at other Northeast and Mid-Atlantic state schools. 1. Towson University has estimated that tuition and fees for Maryland residents will be $8,324 in 2013-14. Out-of-state However, Towson charges lower tuition and fees than either the students will pay approximately $20,000. University of Maryland-College Park or the University of Maryland-Baltimore County. The current increase in in-state tui- 2. Room and board charges can range between $10,700 and tion and fees, three percent over the previous year, comes after $11,700 depending on the living arrangement and meal plan selected. four years where tuition remained the same and the State of Mary- land increased funding to improve the campus. However, faculty 3. Towson’s out-of-state tuition and fees are lower than the out- and staff received no pay raises during that time. of-state charges at the University of Delaware and James Madison University, among other schools. In addition, an It is difﬁcult to imagine private colleges in Maryland discounting applicant to all three schools is more likely to qualify for a their charges to the in-state rate. However, Hood College (but not scholarship to Towson. Loyola University of Maryland or McDaniel College) may discount 4. Towson awarded 171 institutional non-need based academic to the out-of-state rate to attract a comparable student from else- scholarships in 2012, averaging just under $5,000, impressive where. Hood currently charges just over $32,000 in tuition and considering the school’s low sticker price and fairly low ($33 fees. The college’s average non-need based scholarship in 2011 million) endowment for a school of this size. was just over $14,000 for all undergraduates and over $16,000

11 for an entering freshman. However, Towson has a higher fresh- newable based on academic performance and positive contribu- man retention rate (86 percent versus 77 percent) and a higher tions to the Honors community. six-year graduation rate (66 percent versus 60 percent) than In 2011 Towson student borrowers graduated with an average Hood. debt of around $22,000, on the lower side for a state university, Towson’s out-of-state tuition and fees are already lower than according to the Project on Student Debt managed by The Insti- James Madison University’s 2012-13 rates by around $2,000 tute for College Success, a non-partisan, non-profit organization (through their room and board is around $2,000 less) and under- based in Oakland, California. They owed more than $2,000 less cut the University of Delaware’s current rates by around $9,000. than the average student borrowers at the University of Maryland- Further, the student who applies to Towson along with these College Park but also just over $1,000 more than students at schools is more likely to qualify for merit-based aid from Towson. Salisbury University and the University of Maryland-Baltimore County. In addition, Hood College students who borrowed owed, Towson awarded 171 institutional non-need based academic on average, around $5,000 less. scholarships in 2012, averaging just under $5,000, impressive considering the school’s low sticker price and fairly low ($33 mil- Parent borrowers who had to take out Parent PLUS loans bor- lion) endowment for a school of this size. Students who have a rowed an average of around $12,600 according to the Chronicle 3.6 GPA or higher as well as an 1800 (out of 2400) or higher on of Higher Education’s Parents PLUS loan database. By compari- all three sections of the SAT (Critical Reading, Math and Writing) son, parents of students at the University of Maryland-College are eligible for Provosts Scholarships. Students from Baltimore Park borrowed approximately $14,200 but parents of students at City are eligible for Commonwealth Awards and the Top 10% the University of Maryland-Baltimore County borrowed just over Scholars Program. Students who come from Baltimore County $10,000, $2,600 less than parents of Towson students. Parents of may also be consider for Top 10% Scholars. The Fisher College students at private Hood College borrowed around $12,200, also of Science and Mathematics also offers scholarships that equal a less than parents of Towson students. Parents PLUS loan debt is waiver of in-state tuition and fees. important to note. It often serves as a last resort for families who cannot qualify for other forms of financial aid, or their students Honors students are informed about their financial aid awards--all cannot qualify for the Federal Stafford loans. receive scholarships--as soon as they are admitted. They are re-

12 Comforts

On-Campus Housing 5 Local Housing Market Comforts Settling In

Towson houses 4,500 undergraduates in 15 residence halls and 300 in on-campus apartments. All residence hall rooms are Wi-Fi enabled and include a combination refrigerator/microwave oven. All but two halls (Pret- tyman and Scarborough) have air-conditioned rooms. The university guarantees on-campus housing for freshmen and sophomores. Eighty- Fast Facts seven percent of entering freshmen live on campus, though none are required to do so. Towson has six learning communities,besides the Hon- ors College: International House, Tigers Serving Others, American Sign 1. Towson houses 4,500 undergraduates in 15 residence Language, Science and Technology, Gender-Neutral and Alcohol-Free. halls and 300 in on-campus apartments. Freshmen have the option of living in all-freshmen or mixed halls. All 2. The university guarantees on-campus housing for halls are co-ed. Freshmen are most likely to live in one of ﬁve high-rise freshmen and sophomores. towers; four are located in The Glen which is in the center of campus. The ﬁfth, Residence Tower, has been renovated and reopened in the 3. Eighty-seven percent of entering freshmen live on Spring of 2013. The halls in the Glen, which have a metal facade, are campus, though none are required to do so. due for “re-skins” this summer. In these halls, four students, two in each double room, share a bathroom. These double rooms may be temporar- 4. A freshman who lives in a double room and carries a ily expanded into triples in the event of a housing crunch at the begin- 14-meal plan pays just over $10,400 for the year, on the ning of the school year. The rooms are de-tripled by the start of the high side for a state university but about average for Spring semester. In the vent of a crunch, students may also be assigned one that is located within a high-cost metropolitan area. to discounted rooms in Residence Tower. These rooms are discounted because they must be vacated to accommodate athletes and Minimester students during winter break. Students who return for the spring semester will receive a $250 credit to their account.

14 Students who live in the typical double room will pay about $3,000 per Meal plans are sold on an “all you care to eat” basis with options for 10, semester. These rooms come with a separate shared bathroom. Single 14 and 19 meals per week plus $50 in dining points that can be used at rooms with a shared bath are also available, for $400 more per semes- “grab and go” locations on campus. The 14 meal plan is the most popu- ter. The Barton and Douglass Houses have larger double rooms called lar option. Costs for meal plans are $1,900 (10 meals), $2,200 (14 “Premier Rooms” which cost about the same as the singles. Both of meals) and just under $2,400 (19 meals) per semester. these halls are located in the modern West Village. Douglass is the home of the Honors College. A freshman who lives in a double room and carries a 14-meal plan pays just over $10,400 for the year, on the high side for a state university but Two halls on campus, Paca and Tubman House, and one apartment about average for one that is located within a high-cost East Coast metro- complex, Millenium Hall, are managed by Capstone Management, a pri- politan area. A student in Honors housing with the 14-meal plan would vate company. These require a separate application. Freshmen may ap- pay $1,000 more. It would be fair for that student to have a scholarship ply to live in these halls which cost around $3,500 a semester, including that does more than make up the difference in housing costs. a $325 reservation feel. Costs to live in Millenium Hall run close to $4,400 a semester, including all utilities, very expensive for student hous- There are also several apartment complexes across from campus on the ing, although the students live under a school-year contract as opposed opposite sides of York Road and Towsontown Road. Rents range be- to a year-round lease in off-campus housing. tween $400 and $500/per person/per month. These may be a better buy, but may obligate a student to a 12-month lease as opposed to a contract University-owned on-campus apartments are available to upperclass stu- that begins and ends around the school year. But they may be a more dents in Towson Run at nearly $6,000 (shared four-bedroom with four sin- attractive option for students, such as those in the health science pro- gle rooms) to $7,400 per year (one bedroom), including uitlities. Apart- grams, who can work for area employers during the summers and se- ment layouts offer options for single or double rooms with shared bath- mester breaks. rooms.

All Towson students may have cars. The West Village parking deck (near Paca, Barton, Douglass, Tubman Towson Run and Millenium Halls is ex- ceptionally convenient. more than student parking at most large schools, and limited space is available to freshman. There is also a parking deck next to the Glen, though no spaces are allocated to freshmen. The per- mit charge is a high $303 per school year.

15 Community

Campus Environs 6 School Spirit Community Life On and Off Campus

The Towson campus has 328 acres including property that is yet to be developed for housing, academic or administrative uses. The campus is compact for a university with 21,000 students, however a sizable number either commute or live in housing across York Road or Towsontown Boulevard. However, it is also built into a hill with the modern athletic fa- Fast Facts cilities at the top, administrative ofﬁces and Stephens Hall, the academic headquarters for the business school and honors college, at the bottom. Towson has placed parking structures on heavily-trafﬁcked Cross Cam- 1. The Towson campus has 328 acres including property that pus Drive and Towsontown Boulevard; two are next to clusters of resi- is yet to be developed for housing, academic or dence halls. While the residents don’t need to drive on campus, the stu- administrative uses. dents, faculty and staff who do must travel on multi-lane perimeter roads: York Road, Towsontown Boulevard, Cross Campus Drive and Osler 2. Towson’s Center for the Arts opened in 2005 at a cost of Drive. Osler Drive, which is very fast-paced, is the worst of such roads, $53 million for renovation and expansion. The Center though a footbridge over the road that will link the West Campus resi- includes, among several performance spaces, three dance dences to the academic center of campus will be constructed as part of studios and the Dance Studio Theatre. The university’s the university’s building program. It should be noted that the road net- dance team is a 14-time NCAA champion. work also makes it easier for police to patrol the grounds.

3. The compact nature of the campus, the addition of modern Students who are looking for a campus with many ivy-covered buildings open-air buildings, the road network and a greater use of should look elsewhere. While Stephens Hall, the ﬁrst campus building public facilities (arts and sports) by the community have and Van Bokkelen Hall date back to the early 20th century, the remain- made Towson a relatively safe campus. der of the campus was developed during the 1970s, 1990s and well into the 2000s. Some interesting touches include three tiger statues, one in 4. Towson is one of the few college towns in the country, front of Stevens Hall facing York Road, another on the grounds in front of Minneapolis may be the other, that has a major shopping the liberay and another off the International Walkway, all of which sup- center so close to campus. port the university’s brand identity and Freedom Square opened in 2010

17 to promote freedom of expression on campus. The space is equipped heavily in facilities, the university has also announced its decision to with electrical outlets, sitting areas, a public forum area, and two chalk drop baseball. Schuerholz Park, named for alumnus and current Atlanta boards. Each week a new thought-provoking question is posted on Braves president John Scheurholz, would likely be converted to another these chalk boards and students are encouraged to write their use. thoughts. The College of Liberal Arts building is as impressive as similar structures on larger university campuses, and is LEED-certified. Towson The Center for the Arts opened in 2005 at a cost of $53 million for reno- also has its own planetarium, a rare for a regional university. The univer- vation and expansion. The Center includes, among several performance sity has plans to renovate and expand its student union. spaces, three dance studios and the Dance Studio Theatre. The university’s dance team is a 14-time NCAA champion. Towson has made major investments in athletics and the arts. Johnny Unitas Stadium, named for the legendary NFL quarterback (two of his The arts and athletic facilities are not only modern and impressive; they children attended the university), opened in 2002. With just over 11,000 also enable the university to attract speakers and entertainers of a seats, it is the third largest facility of its kind in the Baltimore area behind higher profile while also strengthening its athletic brand. While Baltimore M&T Bank Stadium and Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The 2012 Tigers has a convention center, it does not have an indoor sports and entertain- averaged 8,700 fans per game, impressive considering the team had a ment facility comparable to the Tiger Arena. The Charm City lost its pro- 7-4 record and did not qualify for post-season play. However, this team fessional basketball team (today the Washington Wizards) in 1973 and it also scored 22 points against LSU, the eighth-ranked bowl-bound team has never had a hockey team. While the city has produced high school in the country, more than either Florida or Alabama. Former New York Gi- basketball stars, the Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony among the most recent ants Sean Landeta and Dave Meggett competed in football for Towson. talents, it does not have a school that has been a powerhouse in major Both earned Super Bowl rings. So did more recent alumnus Jermon college basketball. However, Towson’s conference rivals, Virginia Com- Bushrod, as a member of the New Orleans Saints. monwealth University and George Mason University (VA), have reached the Final Four since 2006. Successful men’s and women’s basketball The new Tiger Arena will open this year, seating 5,200 for men’s and teams would be a huge help towards advancing Towson’s brand, impor- women’s basketball, volleyball and gymnastics. The opening has been tant since Towson is also the largest university in the Baltimore area. well-time, for the men’s basketball team made the most successful turn- Football faces a tougher road with the NFL champion Baltimore Ravens around in NCAA history, going from a single win in 2011-12 to 18 victo- so close by. It is doubtful that the campus could handle the traffic that a ries in 2013-13. larger stadium would bring.

Since joining the Colonial Athletic Conference in 2001-02, Towson has These investments were directed, in part, at making Towson a stronger won conference titles in men’s and women’s lacrosse, women’s swim- and safer campus community. Towson, like similar schools, offers week- ming, men’s soccer and men’s golf. However, while Towson has invested end programming for next to no cost from Thursday night through Satur- 18 day. Unlike most schools that have a fairly large off-campus population, active judiciary (as opposed to police) when it comes to alcohol-related Towson keeps its University Union open through midnight on Fridays crimes. However, there were seven forcible sex offenses in 2011. This and Saturdays; it closes at 11 PM all other nights. issue will always be a concern, especially at a university where more than 60 percent of the undergraduates are women. With programming on campus as well as access to Baltimore, the fraternity population is small. Only eight percent of undergraduate men belong As previously stated, one of Towson’s major strengths is location. A Colle- to a fraternity while the university has no sororities. Students are active geTown shuttle takes students in downtown Baltimore and the Inner har- in community service through The Big Event, a major campus clean-up bor for no charge. Public buses, also free to Towson students, take stu- involving more than 1,000 students as well as alternative spring break dents downtown, including the Towson Center Mall, a five story shopping programs. Towson has been on the President’s Honor Roll for Commu- center that offers practically any upscale retail store and restaurant that nity Service for the past two years. Homecoming, Towson Tailgate, Tiger- can be named, including an Apple Store and Nordstrom. The mall has Thon and Tigerfest events attract a very large attendance. While there more shopping and eating options than Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, and are more than 250 clubs and organizations, there are also more than possibly more parking. 1,000 on-campus jobs for students. Approximately 80 percent of Towson students work while they are in school. The mall, while a major attraction has also drained the retail core of most of the downtown though restaurants and pubs located within walking dis- The compact nature of the campus, the addition of modern open-air tance of the mall appear to be surviving. The mall is quite close to a traf- buildings, the road network, increased personnel and electronic surviel- fic circle that is more effective at directing traffic away from the down- lance and a greater use of public facilities (arts and sports) by the com- town rather than towards it. A large parking structure immediately con- munity has made Towson a relatively safe campus. As one example, re- nected to center of the mall discourages patrons to venture into the ported burglaries in the residence halls declined from 11 to zero from downtown. Still, Towson is one of the few college towns in the country 2009 to 2011 according to the university’s Clery Report. They dropped that has a major shopping center so close to campus. The university from 24 to 11 campus-wide. Drug-related arrests on campus increased would probably like to see downtown better sold as “Tiger Town,” as from 27 to 47, low numbers considering more than 5,000 people live on shown in murals in a former department store’s windows. But that may campus with hundreds living close by. Drug-related disciplinary referrals, take more initiatives to increase the university’s presence downtown or however, dropped from 73 to 23. Both trends together suggest that drug to provide more shopping, dining entertainment options for a student enforcement has become tougher. Liquor-related arrests dropped from audience. 70 to 49, again low considering the size of the resident population. LIquor-related disciplinary referrals, however, increased from 325 to 370. These trends together suggest that the university is becoming the more

19 Curriculum

Academics Honors Programs 7 Experiential Learning Curriculum Academic Opportunities and Options

Although Towson has more than 19,000 undergraduates, only two percent of all undergraduate courses enroll more than 50 students, compared with 16 percent at the University of Maryland-College Park. The university’s largest lecture room has seats for only 200 students. Stu- dents who come here are less likely to find the large-lecture classes they Fast Facts would come to expect at a flagship state school. They are also more likely to find opportunities to do research with a faculty member that might normally be delegated to graduate students. 1. Although Towson has more than 19,000 undergraduates, only two percent of all undergraduate General education courses represent slightly more than a third of all courses required to complete a degree at Towson. Students outside of courses enroll more than 50 students, compared with the Fine Arts or Music Programs (these are their own Bachelor’s de- 16 percent at the University of Maryland-College Park. grees) may complete either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Sci- 2. More than 800 students are enrolled in the Honors ence (BS) degree. The requirements for both are the same, only the BA College. All Honors College students receive adds one year of a foreign language. Students may begin at the intermediate level of the language they studied on high school or begin study on scholarships (and sometimes additional merit aid), a new language at the elementary then later the intermediate level. The priority for course registration, and access to honors general education requirements are structured so that it is fairly easy to classes (usually less than 20 students) as well as change schools. The transfer process--the university works with four honors housing. Maryland community colleges (Baltimore County, Harford, Hagarstown and Southern Maryland) is designed to be seamless as well. The univer- 3. To date, around 75 percent of all students graduate sity also has a six-week winter “Minimester” making it possible to take having an internship or similar experience outside of classes, study abroad or take on community service. the classroom. More than 800 students are enrolled in the Honors College. All Honors College students receive scholarships (and sometimes additional merit

21 aid), priority for course registration, and access to honors classes (usu- mission. The College of Fine Arts and Communications hosts New- ally less than 20 students) as well as honors housing. Honors students sTrust, a pilot for a news rating site as well a degree program in Elec- are informed about their ﬁnancial aid awards as soon as they are admit- tronic Media. The College of Liberal Arts offers a joint Bachelors/Juris ted. Students can also graduate with departmental honors. Doctor degree in partnership with the University of Baltimore law school.

Virtually all majors require students to complete an internship, usually Towson has a 17-to-1 student-faculty ratio, in contrast the ratio is 18 to 1 considered a capstone course. Academic departments set their own poli- at College Park. This is based on counting all full-time faculty as well as cies regarding these experiences. To date, around 75 percent of all stu- one third of the part-time faculty. However nearly half of Towson’s faculty dents graduate having an internship or similar experience outside of the are part-time, high for a school with more than 19,000 undergraduates. classroom. Independent study options are also available in all majors. Adjuncts are used to teach courses, though teaching assistants who lack Towson is also active in Civility Engagement. Faculty may apply for the advanced degree or professional credentials are not. grants and site location assistance that enable them to offer a service learning experience within their courses. Towson University students gave their faculty a rating of 3.72 out of a possible 5 on RateMyProfessors.com, higher than students at the Univer- The most popular major at Towson is business, which enrolls more than sity of Maryland-College Park (3.63), slightly lower than students at Salis- 2,200 undergraduates. One unique program within the business school bury University (3.79) and about the same as students at the University is called The Associate. Modeled after The Apprentice, eight students of Maryland-Baltimore County (3.71). They rated their faculty lower than compete in a case study competition. The cases, provided by sponsoring students at the University of Delaware (3.74), George Mason University corporations, are discussed week-to-week in a boardroom setting where (3.75) and James Madison University (3.81) rated theirs but higher than a losing candidate is “ﬁred.” The winner of the competition receives a job students at Temple (3.69). Towson students showed slightly more regard offer. This year, PNC Bank was the hiring employer. Towson is also the for their faculty than students at Hood College (3.66), Loyola University- only public university in the U.S that offers a major in e-business. Maryland (3.69) and Stevenson University (3.67), but slightly lower regard than students at nearby Goucher College (3.74) as well as McDan- Towson offers other unique programs outside of the business school. iel College (3.77) showed for theirs. The Fisher College of Science and Mathematics, for example, offers the only Forensic Chemistry program in the State of Maryland while the Col- lege of Health Professions (CHP) offers one of the only two programs in Speech Pathology and Audiology in the University of Maryland system. CHP also offers a joint Bachelor’s/Masters program in Occupational Ther- apy. This program as well as the programs in Athletic Training and Nurs- ing are quite competitive and require a supplemental application for ad- 22 Connections

Alumni Relations 8 Career Services Connections Building a Network Towson has 90,000 living alumni. Between 60,000 and 70,000 live in the State of Maryland, around 30,000 in Baltimore County alone. Other areas with large concentrations of alumni are New York (including Long Is- land and New Jersey suburbs), California, Florida (especially Sarasota) and the Atlanta metro area. With so many alumni close by, it is fairly easy to bring large numbers back for Homecoming. The Homecoming football game includes a well-attended Tailgate Festival. Last season’s Fast Facts event sold out while the football game, versus St. Francis University, ﬁlled nearly 10,000 of 11,000 seats.

1. Towson has 90,000 living alumni. Between 60,000 Towson alumni are also active in student recruitment. In addition to par- ticipation in recruitment events, alumni may nominate one prospective and 70,000 live in the State of Maryland, around student each year through TUTigerTracks.com and request that their ap- 30,000 in Baltimore County alone. plication fee be waived. The alumni association is also an advocate behind the tiger statues on campus and provides scholarships to deserving 2. Towson alumni may nominate one prospective students. The Towson Advocacy Program trains alumni to represent the student each year through TUTigerTracks.com university through meetings and written communications with legislators. and request that their application fee be waived. Alumni also contributed towards purchasing the 82 ﬂags of the world that are rotated to be ﬂown on the International Walkway. The alumni associa- 3. More than 5,000 jobs are posted in Hire@TU, the tion has 4,700 “likes” on its Facebook page while the university has university’s job board; an additional 600 were nearly 8,300 followers on Twitter.

presented at job fairs on campus. Towson’s career center runs two large career and internship fairs, one each in the Fall and the Spring. They also run a Teacher Fair with its own Interview Day. The career center also hosts smaller fairs for students in the sciences, technology and mathematics majors. More than 5,000 jobs are posted in Hire@TU, the university’s job board; an additional 600 were presented at the job fairs.

24 Conclusions 9 Summing up With a reasonably low sticker price as well as very good reten- Conclusions tion and graduation rates, Towson University has become one of the best buys in American higher education. It’s price and location have made it a more desirable option not only for students from Maryland, but from nearby states as well. The university is undergoing a more ambitious expansion than most state schools, ﬂagship or otherwise. It has also shifted from being largely a commuter school to one with a campus culture with “Ti- ger pride.” Athletics are very much a part of this, but so are the arts and community service. Students are also more likely to feel proud of an increasingly attractive modern campus.

Yet while Towson is becoming a more popular regional draw, it is very much a Maryland university. It has taken on partnerships with community colleges to provide a good four-year opportu- nity to their students. It has opened modern arts and athletic facilities to become more valuable to its community, which goes beyond the students.

A student who might fall into the middle of the applicant pool at College Park or at UMBC might be closer to the top at Towson, and possibly be a honors student. That student, if s/he matures and settles into an academic program s/he likes, has the same prospects for success as s/he would have at those other schools. That student has a better chance of being noticed by the faculty. And s/he has at least the same odds of ﬁnding employment in the Baltimore area or gaining admission to an excel-

26 lent graduate or professional school. S/he might also have a Ed Quest’s Report Card more personal learning experience than most students receive Towson University at a larger state school that is more research-oriented.

Four-Year/ Towson also has its weaknesses. It needs to house more of its Freshman Six-Year Costs Comforts Community Curriculum Connections Retention students. It has trafﬁc circulation problems most universities Grad Rates don’t want. The brand recognition of Towson is weak beyond B/B+ B+ A B+ B+ A B+ Maryland and the Baltimore-Washington Corridor. However, these problems are all curable for a very good regional univer- Strengths Weaknesses

Little brand recognition outside of Maryland and sity that is only getting better. Value for the money Baltimore-Washington area As the largest college or university in the Baltimore area, Tow- Although nearly 30 percent of students come from Major investments in campus expansion and outside Maryland, a large inﬂux of transfer son is also the most important. Some might place Johns Hop- quality of life as well as brand-building. students makes Towson “look” more like a kins on that mantle. But that ﬁne university touches on the lives commuter school Proximity to hospitals, schools, corporate Those looking for a campus with history should of far fewer students. Towson is also a very diverse institution, community for internships and permanent look elsewhere much like its region and state, as well as a relatively large one. employment in Baltimore area. Largest business and education schools in the U Fast-paced roads, especially Osler Drive of Maryland System

Towson (town and campus) is becoming a more High athletic fee, although sports events are free urbane community to students

Strong regional performing arts center for Housing options, while very nice, can get very Baltimore area. Tiger Arena will become an expensive for a public school equally-important community facility.

Housing demand exceeds housing supply resulting Honors College is a tremendous value for in temporary options such as triple rooms and academics and scholarships overﬂow spaces converted to rooms.

Relatively low crime rate for a school with more than 19,000 undergraduates.

More likely to have smaller classes here than in College Park

27 The End

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