Research facility opens

University to hold ribbon cutting ceremony today

By Chris Donovan

Today, UMass Dartmouth will be continuing expansion into a research institution with the opening of the newly constructed research facility. At 4p.m there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by a tour of the building. This new on campus research facility, in conjunction with the Center for Marine Science and Technology in New Bedford and Advanced Technology Manufacturing Center in Fall River, will complete what is known as the innovation triangle.

John Hoey of the chancellor's office describes the new building as a “21st century, cutting edge facility that will be doing research on exciting things.” One main focus of the facility will be continuing and expanding the research into botulism in conjunction with Tufts University. Professor Bal Ram Singh has spent the past seventeen years researching cures, treatments, and detection strategies in this field.

The usage of the rest of the building's space will be decided over time. There are many departments that could make use of the space. Chancellor Jean MacCormack stated “Our professors are ěsome of the best, and are competing for funds [to put towards research projects].” Some projects that could potentially use the space in the future would include a bandage that not only protects wounds, but also works on healing them, and research into how particular bio-polymers in cranberries can inhibit cancer growth.

Chancellor MacCormack wants the building to serve as a facility that can ěencourage inter-disciplinary work.î She spoke on how the first floor of the facility will offer a space where engineering, biology, chemistry, textiles, and all other disciplines can work together to promote research. One example of such inter-disciplinary research is seen through a device that the nursing and engineering departments are working on. The electronic device would be carried by nurses and assist them in making medical decisions.

The building and the products that come from it will be a benefit for both the university and the region. Aside from increasing university recognition, the research building will also provide students with an opportunity to get out of classroom experience in their fields. Many undergraduate students have been involved with professor Singh's botulism research, and other professors include undergraduates as assistants in their research as well.

The building's opening will be one of the only chances for students to get a look into the building. Once the facilities are being used the only people who will be able to access the building will be people who are working on the projects.

Charge increase approved For 2007-2008

WORCESTER - The Board of Trustees of the University of Massachusetts approved a 3.4 percent increase in student charges for the 2007-2008 academic year during a meeting held today at the UMass Medical School. The increase was recommended by University of Massachusetts President Jack M. Wilson who has sought to keep increases in tuition and fees at or below the rate of inflation. The current rate of inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Northeast Urban Region, is 3.6 percent.

“For the fourth year in a row we have been able to keep our commitment to limiting student charges increases so that our campuses will remain affordable and accessible, even as we strive to achieve academic excellence throughout the five campus UMass system,” said President Wilson.

Stephen P. Tocco, chairman of the Board of Trustees, added, “I think this is a fair and modest increase. We have reviewed proposed increases for other university systems here in the Northeast and ours is the lowest, by far.”

Tuition and fees at our four undergraduate campuses will rise, on average, from $8,918 to $9,221.

Financial Aid

During FY2007, UMass met 89 percent of undergraduates’ demonstrated financial need. This year, UMass students are receiving $402 million in financial aid, with approximately $72 million of that aid coming directly from the University. During the 2007-2008 academic year, at least $3,950,000 in additional University institutional funds will be added to need-based student financial aid, representing more than 20 percent of all new fee revenues.

President Wilson, noting the importance of increasing financial aid as a key component in the University’s strategy to assist students, said, “Providing an affordable and accessible education of high quality is an important part of our mission as the Commonwealth’s public university. Adequate funding of the financial aid program is necessary to insure that every qualified student has the opportunity to pursue the goal of earning a University degree.”

Tuition and fees for an in-state undergraduate student during academic year 2007-2008 will be:
Amherst: $9,921 Boston: $8,837 Dartmouth: $8,592
Lowell: $8,731

Total costs for an in-state undergraduate student for
2007-2008, including room and board, will be:

Amherst: $17,399 Boston: $8,837 Dartmouth: $17,755 Lowell: $15,709
(Note: UMass Boston does not have campus housing.)

A campus hero

American red cross awards officer Mello as a ‘real hero’

DARTMOUTH, Mass- UMass Dartmouth Police Officer Steven R. Mello has received a Real Hero Award from the Massachusetts Bay chapter of the American Red Cross. The Real Heroes Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated tremendous heroism, courage and service in their community.

Mello was nominated by UMass Dartmouth Police Sergeant Eric Vanasse for his efforts to help young people on the SouthCoast.

“Officer Mello personifies the spirit of pure altruism; a very humble man who gives his all to our community and asks only for the ability to help others,” said UMass Dartmouth Director of Public Safety Emil Fioravanti. “In my 31 years of law enforcement I have not met another officer quite like him.”

Officer Mello was recognized for both his police work and his many fundraising efforts that make a difference in the SouthCoast. In December 2006 Mello raised $1,150 through the Quarters for Christmas program. Mello and other officers used the money to buy warm clothes and toys for needy SouthCoast children. Officer Mello also collected over 100 toys at the Public Safety Department’s Toys for Tickets event, where people who had received parking tickets could pay them off with toys of comparable value. The toys were given to underprivileged children throughout New Bedford, Fall River and Wareham.

In the past decade, Officer Mello has raised $10,000 for St. Jude’s Easter Seals by selling homemade candy and pastries.

Office Mello works with state and local police in the Auto Etching initiative to prevent motor vehicle theft. Every October, Mello leads the initiative to help students be prepared to recover their vehicles if they are ever stolen. The etching also saves students fifteen percent on their comprehensive auto insurance policies.