More-affordable colleges drawing interest Oct 22, 2008
Michaud, who advises one family whose six-figure college fund lost 65 percent in one week, said parents are taking a keen interest in the University of Massachusetts system and the state's public colleges, which cost an average of $6,400 a year. Enrollment at state public colleges rose sharply this fall, an increase that administrators attributed to the slumping economy. (Boston Globe)
Editorial: Bamboozled by budgetary bodies Oct 22, 2008
Between 2002 and 2007, more than 1,800 new people were hired inside the University of Massachusetts system. At other state colleges, almost 700 new jobs were added and at community colleges 350 jobs were added during the same time period. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
In the red, state will cut 1,000 jobs and $1 billion Oct 19, 2008
The state s higher education institutions will lose 5 percent of their state funding, including the University of Massachusetts system. Massasoit Community College will lose $1 million and Bridgewater State College will lose $1. (Medfield Press, MA)
Crisis Shakes the Foundations of the Ivory Tower Oct 17, 2008
As part of steep statewide budget cuts, the University of Massachusetts system this week said it would have to cut its budget by about $25 million, or 5. The flagship Amherst campus froze hiring in all but the most critical positions. (Wall Street Journal)
Enrollment at state public universities, colleges rises 4% Oct 15, 2008
Average yearly tuition and fees at community colleges are about $3,900, compared with $6,400 at state colleges and $9,585 in the University of Massachusetts system, state data said. Enrollment at state colleges and UMass rose 3 percent, with UMass-Lowell seeing a 7 percent increase. (Boston Globe)
UMass-Lowell drops dorm project Aug 23, 2008
"Your opinion assumes as fact things that are not true, fails to accord appropriate consideration to the university's legal authority to enter into lease agreements, and conflicts with your prior decisions in this area," wrote Lawrence T. Bench, interim general counsel for the University of Massachusetts system. "The decision instead is based on undue consideration of minor factors and extraneous information and your unfounded suspicions about the University's intent.". (Boston Globe)
College presidents spur drinking-age debate Aug 23, 2008
But at least 20 presidents have added their names this week, including the presidents of Montclair State in New Jersey and the University of Massachusetts system, bringing the total to at least 123. "We're not burying our head and trying to hide behind laws," said Father Paul Locatelli, president of Santa Clara University in California, who meets personally with every student written up for alcohol infractions. (AZCentral -- News)
Meehan is inaugurated at UMass-Lowell Apr 5, 2008
The campus became part of the University of Massachusetts system in 1991. The school, which now enrolls more than 11,600 students, has a $220 million operating budget that supports 88 undergraduate and graduate degree programs at its five colleges. (Boston Globe)
Lucas: UNC Final Four Notebook Apr 5, 2008
He was at UMass when former UNC chancellor Michael Hooker was the president of the five-campus University of Massachusetts system and credited Hooker with recognizing that basketball could be a big-time sport for the Minutemen. For many fans, watching CBS's annual championship-ending video of "One Shining Moment" is the capstone to the season. (Tarheelblue.com)
Harvard, UMass unveil tuition hikes Mar 20, 2008
Harvard University and the University of Massachusetts system announced relatively modest tuition increases yesterday, welcome news to students and parents who have grown accustomed to hikes that outpaced inflation. Harvard said it would raise tuition 3. (Boston Globe)
Meehan sets fast pace as new chancellor of UMass-Lowell Mar 3, 2008
The University of Massachusetts system comprises four universities in Amherst, Boston, Dartmouth, and Lowell, along with a medical school in Worcester. Meehan said the Lowell campus has at times been overlooked, but plans are being laid to change that by attracting more research dollars and creating more of a campus environment. (Boston Globe)
No tuition increases at state colleges Mar 2, 2008
Residents in the University of Massachusetts system will pay an average of $1,618 per year. Tuition goes into the state's general fund. (Boston Globe)
Report: State faces hurdles in life sciences Feb 25, 2008
4 percent of bachelor's degrees awarded by the University of Massachusetts system related to life sciences majors, compared to 17 percent for the University of California system, the report says. To help fix the problem, the study recommends more training for life sciences jobs, both at two- and four-year state colleges, and doing more to encourage systems to pursue life sciences careers. (Boston Globe)
Police urge care after alleged assault Jan 15, 2008
The board oversees the University of Massachusetts system, nine state colleges, and 15 community colleges with a combined budget of $1 billion. (AP). (Boston Globe)
lobbying heavily to become UMass-Salem Dec 1, 2007
On Nov. 16, along with presidents from nine other state colleges, Meservey lobbied officials at the state Board of Higher Education (BHE) to become part of the University of Massachusetts system. Though the board does not have the power to grant university status, a recommendation to the Legislature from BHE officials would help the recently-filed bill to pass. (Allston Brighton TAB, MA)
Public colleges want to graduate to university status Nov 25, 2007
UMass milestone: The University of Massachusetts system has passed a pivotal milestone by topping $400 million in spending on research and development. The $404 million spent on research and development across the system's five campuses last year made the university the third-largest academic research institution in the state, behind the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, according to new National Science Foundation figures released last week. (Boston Globe)
Old-look campuses Nov 6, 2007
Half the money would go to the five-campus University of Massachusetts system, and the other $1 billion would fund improvements at the state's 15 community colleges and nine state colleges. Some legislators caution that the need for capital improvements must be weighed against other infrastructure needs, such as roads, bridges, and mass transit. (Boston Globe)
Patrick proposes $2B to colleges Oct 20, 2007
The University of Massachusetts system will receive $1 billion, while the remaining state colleges and universities will receive the other $1 billion, The Boston Globe reported this month. The bond bill, which relies on money borrowed from the state, recommends $750 million be budgeted for the next five years and the remaining $1. (Boston University Daily Free Press, MA)
Governor Deval Patrick aides hint to UMass chairman's removal Oct 16, 2007
Governor Deval Patrick, determined to exert control over the University of Massachusetts system, is undaunted by his failed bid last month to remove UMass board chairman Stephen P. Tocco and is still planning his ouster, according to administration officials. Patrick aides have been testing sentiment among UMass trustees and said they expect the governor to have sufficient support to remove Tocco in a matter of months. (Boston Globe)
Patrick urges $2b upgrade of colleges Oct 10, 2007
The money would be split equally between the 15 community colleges and the nine state colleges combined and the five-campus University of Massachusetts system, which has an estimated $2 billion backlog of repairs and renovations. "This administration is committed to providing our students the highest-quality public education possible, so that they are prepared to compete with their peers across the country and throughout the world," Patrick said yesterday in a statement. (Boston Globe)
Initial reaction to nicotine can dictate addiction Oct 1, 2007
The University of Massachusetts Medical School is one of five campuses of the University of Massachusetts system and one of the fastest growing academic health centers in the country, attracting more than $176 million in research funding annually. It encompasses the School of Medicine, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, the Graduate School of Nursing, a thriving research enterprise and an innovative public service initiative, and is perennially listed among the top ten percent in the... (EurekAlert!)
UMass Taps Tom Cole As Interim Chancellor Aug 25, 2007
Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) said: "I've known Dr. Tom Cole for many, many years. He is a very thoughtful and deliberate man who truly believes that all of this nation's young people deserve the very best education. Through his long and distinguished service as a scientist, professor and college administrator, he has made a lasting contribution to the field of higher education in this country. I believe his vision, experience, and commitment to excellence will make him a significant asset to... (Atlanta Daily World, GA)
Academia has '08 cash clout Aug 23, 2007
When donations from seven other Boston-area universities and colleges, plus the University of Massachusetts system, are added, individuals gave about $462,000 in the first half of the year, with 86 percent going to Democrats, according to an analysis provided to the Globe yesterday. The clout of academic money in presidential and congressional races has grown dramatically in recent years, according to the center's analysis of Federal Election Commission data. (Boston Globe -- Nation)
Sisters of Mercy launches $226 million technology upgrade Aug 17, 2007
Several large health organizations, including HealthSouth Corp., Kaiser Permanente insurance and the University of Massachusetts system, have launched similar information technology initiatives, said Bob Cimasi, president of St. Louis-based Health Capital Consultants. Sisters of Mercy's initiative is exciting, he said. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
Patrick's serious shopping list Aug 13, 2007
The University of Massachusetts system and the state and community colleges have a backlog of $5. 5 billion in capital needs. (Boston Globe)
Romney took on 'outsider' role at helm of Bay State Jul 6, 2007
Showdown In his first year as governor, Romney zeroed in on reorganizing higher education by breaking up the five-campus University of Massachusetts system and eliminating the president's office. Major industries in the state objected, and the Legislature rejected the plan, but Romney's efforts ultimately forced out President William M. Bulger, the former state Senate president. (Deseret News)
State's dropout rate declined, report says Jun 20, 2007
Panel to review UMass system structure Governor Deval Patrick announced yesterday that the committee he established to study his education proposals will also review the governance and structure of the University of Massachusetts system. The move follows strong opposition to the UMass president's plan to restructure university leadership. (Boston Globe)
State vote would raise pensions Jun 15, 2007
Libby DeVecchi -- spokeswoman for Jack Wilson, president of the University of Massachusetts system -- said Wilson has participated in the optional retirement plan for about three years and keeps his own housing. Wilson earns a $45,000 housing allowance and makes $360,000 a year. (Boston Globe)
Taking a deep breath at UMass Jun 5, 2007
CAN THE University of Massachusetts system be run better. Of course it can. (Boston Globe)
More UMass faculty criticize president Jun 5, 2007
About 70 members of the Faculty Council at the Boston campus passed a measure Monday saying Wilson s proposals "have undermined trust in the University of Massachusetts System s leadership, thereby severely damaging the effectiveness of the current administration at all levels and burdening future administrations with the task of rebuilding essential relationships.". Last month, faculty members at the flagship campus in Amherst passed a resolution expressing "lack of confidence" in Wilson and... (Boston Herald)
With Tuition Waiver, Maine Invests in Its ‘First People’ May 29, 2007
which give qualified American Indians free tuition, and the University of Massachusetts system, which offers tuition waivers to Indians who are state residents. Michigan waives tuition at all public colleges and universities for students who prove their tribal lineage or membership and reside in the state for a year or more. (Foster's Daily Democrat)
A commitment to the environment May 26, 2007
Jack Wilson, president of the University of Massachusetts system, has signed the commitment, along with all of the Massachusetts community colleges. The state schools have shown great leadership in this regard, and the private schools are beginning to follow. (Boston Globe)
Unsteady fund-raising aim at UMass May 22, 2007
ACCORDING TO "" (Page A1, May 16), upon taking over the dual roles of chancellor of the Amherst "flagship" campus and president of the University of Massachusetts system, Jack M. Wilson would push to move all private fund-raising to the president's office so that campuses are not competing for money among the same donors. This sounds good in theory, but much private giving to universities is earmarked to specific departments and programs. (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
Campus cheer May 18, 2007
Instead, he went to work as a vice president for the University of Massachusetts system and bided his time. Whatever disappointment he felt he kept to himself. (Boston Globe)
Job shuffle, streamlining at UMass May 16, 2007
"The University of Massachusetts system is so Amherst-centered already. Is this going to make it worse?" said Michael Herbert, director of the Student Educational Research & Advocacy Center at UMass-Boston. The top priority of the new management plan, however, would be coordinating research and scientific endeavors among the five campuses, said Wilson, a physicist. (Boston Globe -- Business)
Testing Harvard Apr 22, 2007
"Should everybody be learning the same thing? Should students at MIT be able to learn the same things as students at Williams, at UMass?" said Jack Wilson, president of the University of Massachusetts System. "Diversity is one of the great things about higher education. I say, 'Vive la difference.'". (Boston Globe)
Goals under review at UMass-Lowell Mar 29, 2007
Last week, the board of trustees of the University of Massachusetts system formed a task force to "analyze the hockey situation, gather data, and eventually make a recommendation to the [board's] athletic committee" regarding the best option for the future of the Division 1 team, according to Lowell athletic director Dana Skinner. "The board had indicated their interest in what they call 'branding excellence,'" Skinner said. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Governor Patrick seeks to reassure businesses about taxes Mar 8, 2007
Their next most important priorities, in order, are lowering unemployment insurance costs; improving transportation; strengthening the University of Massachusetts system; promoting the biopharmaceutical industry; and reforming medical malpractice insurance. Peter J. Howe can be reached at. (Boston Globe)
University status eyed for colleges Feb 20, 2007
If they succeed with the name change, they would not suddenly join the University of Massachusetts system. The state would maintain a two-tier system of four-year institutions, but one set would include schools known as "state universities" or "state colleges," and the other group would be the UMass schools. (Boston Globe)