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Academic Common Market (ACM)
Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What programs are available through ACM at UMBC?

    Ancient Studies, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Business Technology Administration, Emergency Health Services, and Health Administration and Policy.

  2. What is the application process for students interested in UMBC?

    The student initiates the application process with his/her state coordinator. The professional verifies eligibility of the major and certifies the application. They then forward the application to the Maryland state coordinator, who certifies the application and forwards it to the institution coordinator. The institution coordinator works closely with the registrar’s office to adjust the student’s bill.

  3. Who are the coordinators for Maryland and UMBC?

    Maryland State Coordinator
    Regina Lightfoot
    Director, Planning and Academic Affairs
    Maryland Higher Education Commission
    839 Bestgate Road, Suite 400
    Annapolis, MD 21401
    410-260-4533
    rlightfo@mhec.state.md.us

    UMBC Institution Coordinator
    Beth Wells
    Assistant to the Provost
    UMBC
    1000 Hilltop Circle
    Baltimore, MD 21250
    410-455-8907
    bwells@umbc.edu

  4. What happens if a student attends an out-of-state university through ACM but later changes his/her major to a program that is available in his/her home state?

    Most ACM institutions will not require the student to pay back tuition for the years that the student received ACM benefits. However, if the student changes majors during a semester, the institution may charge the out-of-state tuition rate for that semester. If the student changes majors to a different program that qualifies to be included in ACM, the student will need to be recertified by the state coordinator.

  5. Where can I find more information?

    Maryland Higher Education Commission
    Southern Regional Education Board (SREB – governs the ACM program.