It has, however, regardless of its specific annual activities, always provided a forum for both faculty and staff at Maryland schools. This forum has served not only the members schools, but the state as well. Founded in 1975 by a group of gerontological faculty and staff, it ws incorporated in 1976 as a non-profit organization and has served the state educators and policy makers since that time through a variety of activities. Dues are assessed to each participating institution and help to sponsor a variety of consortium activities. For example, the consortium is a member of AGHE and this affiliation provides AGHE benefits to each institution, including up to ten faculty on the AGHE mailing list.
Meetings are open to anyone interested in gerontology.
She also notes that the Consortium has been an excellent way for the State Department on Aging and its Director, Sue Ward, to regularly connect with gerontological educators from around the state. This connection keeps us informed about new directions in the state and provides linkages for student interns and research opportunities in applied settings. Leslie Morgan of UMBC reports that the Consortium provides a way for us to learn about each others' programs and teaching approaches in ways that help individual educators and their educational programs. Dr. Morgan also finds that the information she receives through the Consortium helps her to refer students to appropriate programs relevant to their interests. The Consortium has also created links that support inter-campus collaboration on projects and program development.