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he Board of Trustees approved a new test optional admissions policy on February 1. This means firstyear applicants seeking admission to the College beginning in the fall of 2021 may choose whether or not to provide standardized testing (SAT or ACT scores) as part of the admission application process. The Board also announced a freeze in tuition, fees, and room and board costs for the 2020-2021 academic year. The decision was made after a review of recommendations from
a Board of Trustees Task Force, formed in 2019 at the request of President Tuajuanda C. Jordan. The Task Force studied how the College, as a public institution that is focused on providing an outstanding education, could ensure greater access to students. The effect of a one-year freeze is significant, resulting in approximately $3,000 in savings for an in-state student over the course of four years, and more than $4,000 in savings for an out-of-state student.
The Board of Trustees of St. Mary’s College of Maryland approved a proposal to develop and implement new varsity men’s and women’s track and field programs. The decision was made after a review of recommendations from a Board of Trustees Task Force, formed in 2019 at the request of President Tuajuanda C. Jordan. Modifications to the current track begin this summer to make the surface compliant with NCAA regulations. The track is expected to be ready for varsity competition to begin fall 2020. The varsity field programs will roll out at a later date. A $400,000 gift to the College’s Foundation by William Seale is being used for the track renovations. Seale is a member of the St. Mary’s College of Maryland Board of Trustees and a former member of the SMCM Foundation Board of Directors.
St. Mary’s College | TH E MULB ER RY TR EE | spring 2020 | 3
