The University System of Maryland (USM) is the state's public higher education system. The USM Office works closely with the System's 12 institutions and 3 regional education centers to leverage their collective expertise and resources, share best practices, increase the USM's effectiveness and efficiency, and advance its mission to improve quality of life in Maryland.The System employs more than 40,000 faculty and staff across all USM institutions. About 100 employees work in the USM Office, which is headquartered in Baltimore and has locations in Adelphi, Annapolis, and Columbia, MD. To view current employment opportunities at the USM Office, visit: www.usmd.edu/usm/employment/usmojobsUSM Office employees are focused on advancing the USM's 5 strategic priorities with leadership by the USM Chancellor and Board of Regents.Diversity, Equity, and InclusionThe USM is one of the most diverse public university systems in the nation but aspires to better reflect the full diversity of Maryland and is strengthening programs to recruit and retain students, faculty and staff from underrepresented groups.Academic Excellence and InnovationProviding affordable higher education and increasing student retention and completion rates are among the USM's top priorities.Access, Affordability, and AchievementServing more than 164,000 students, the USM strives to make higher education accessible to all, including recent high school graduates, transfer students, working adults, and underserved populations. Average in-state tuition and fees for Maryland's public, four-year institutions remain below the national average.Workforce and Economic DevelopmentUSM institutions address workforce shortage areas, awarding more than 12,000 STEM degrees, 4,000 health care degrees, and 1,500 teaching degrees in 2022. ResearchUSM faculty and staff continue to fuel research and discovery, attracting about $1.3 billion in external grants and contracts annually.