A new era began in Maryland in 1988 when the State created the University System of Maryland (USM), uniting eleven separate universities and colleges and two research institutes. A new era began for the women in the new System when Fay-Tyler M. Norton, wife of Interim Chancellor James A. Norton, founded the Women's Forum on December 3, 1989.

At that time, most campuses had no organized group that addressed issues of special concern to women. The Forum encouraged the formation of campus chapters and galvanized women across the System in an unprecedented way. It provided an opportunity for networking and gave women a system-wide impact on issues affecting women employees. This was the first organization to represent the various communities of women - faculty, staff, administrators, and female spouses - of the new University System of Maryland.

Since the Forums inception it has established 8 Committees: Student Scholarship, Public Relations, Faculty Research, Professional Development, Conference, Finance, Policy and Fundraising.

Apply for Scholarships today!
Deadline: June 30, 2008

Awards