The St. Mary’s College of Maryland Board of Trustees held a special meeting on July 1, 2026, via Zoom to address key administrative and operational matters. A portion of the meeting took place in closed session under the Maryland Open Meetings Act to discuss personnel and contract-related items.
In closed session, the Board unanimously approved an Enterprise Resource Planning contract, authorizing the college to proceed with the next phase of its transition from the Anthology ERP system to Workday. This move represents a significant investment in modernizing the college’s administrative infrastructure. Workday is expected to streamline processes related to finance, human resources, and student information management, improving efficiency across campus operations.
The Board also approved elevating the Assistant Vice President for Communications and Marketing position to Vice President for Communications and Marketing. This change reflects the growing importance of strategic communications in higher education and the college’s commitment to enhancing its outreach and engagement efforts.
After reopening the meeting to the public, the Board considered additional action items in open session. The trustees approved revisions to the college’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Policy. These updates are designed to better support employees during significant life events while aligning with state and federal requirements.
Consideration of revisions to the Background Check Process Policy was tabled until the October Board meeting to allow for further review and input.
The special meeting underscores the Board’s ongoing focus on operational improvements and policy modernization at St. Mary’s College. The transition to Workday is part of a broader effort to enhance technological capabilities and administrative efficiency. Many higher education institutions have adopted similar systems to improve data management and user experience for students, faculty, and staff.
St. Mary’s College serves students from across Southern Maryland and beyond. Investments in administrative systems like Workday can indirectly benefit the student experience by reducing administrative burdens and improving access to services. The elevation of the communications leadership role signals the college’s intent to strengthen its visibility and connection with the community.
The Paid Family and Medical Leave Policy updates demonstrate a commitment to employee well-being. In an era where work-life balance is increasingly valued, such policies help attract and retain talented faculty and staff. This is particularly relevant for a public liberal arts college like St. Mary’s, where dedicated personnel are essential to delivering high-quality education.
The decision to table the Background Check Process Policy revisions allows time for thorough consideration. Background check policies are critical for maintaining a safe campus environment while ensuring fair and consistent processes. The Board’s approach reflects a careful balance between security and procedural fairness.
St. Mary’s College continues to navigate the evolving landscape of higher education with a focus on sustainability, student success, and institutional effectiveness. Actions taken by the Board of Trustees in this special meeting support these priorities by addressing technology infrastructure, leadership structure, and employee support systems.
Residents of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties have a vested interest in the college’s progress. As a key educational and cultural institution in the region, St. Mary’s College contributes to workforce development, community engagement, and economic vitality. The Board’s decisions help position the college for continued success in serving its students and the broader Southern Maryland community.
The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for October, where additional policy matters will be considered. In the meantime, the college will begin implementing the approved ERP transition and policy changes.
These steps represent steady progress in modernizing operations while upholding the college’s mission of providing an exceptional liberal arts education in a supportive environment.
