The function of the University is gen-
eral, and it is also unique in some re-
spects. It offers professional, pre-pro-
fessional as well as general education.
Only the University offers the highest
academic degree, the doctorate. Further-
more, the University is the principal re-
search agency of the state, and this im-
portant area, which is an integral part
of the graduate program, is growing
rapidly. As a research agency, it derives

funds from several sources, with the fed-

eral source rapidly becoming the most
important. This multi-million dollar re-
search activity could not function at even
a satisfactory level without a degree of
autonomy.

With its comprehensive teaching pro-
gram, its vast research activity, its de-
pendence upon state, federal and special
funds for support, the governing board
has to be in a position to make policies
and oversee the administration of them.
I am confident that if the Act of 1952,
often called the Autonomy^ Act, had not
been passed, the University would have
suffered seriously. It has enabled the
Board of Regents to exercise power of
management and thereby develop and
compete in the educational field.

Constitutional recognition will further
enhance the reputation of the University
and provide security for the future. In
asking for this, the University does not
seek independence from the legislature or

STATEMENTS

the executive branch of the government,
but it does plead for the power of in-
ternal management. It does not seek to
be independent of the Budget Bureau of
the state in justifying funds from the
state, but it should be independent of the
Budget Bureau in the management of
those funds. If the University did not
have the power to purchase equipment
and employ personnel without going
through other agencies, it would not be
in a position to carry on its vast and
highly specialized research and service
activities.

In summary, the University of Mary-
land presents a special case for constitu-
tional recognition. Its comprehensive na-
ture, complexity, size, unique function,
and its experience with statutory auton-
omy places it in a position which is
strikingly different from all other institu-
tions in the state. Statutory "autonomy"
can be eroded and has been in the past.
In many and often devious ways, it is
under attack continually. A simple pro-
vision in the constitution, giving power of
management to the Board of Regents,
will substantially strengthen the Univer-
sity of Maryland in the decisive years
ahead.

I respectfully ask your thoughtful con-
sideration.

Sincerely yours,
WILSON H. ELKINS
President