Bulger seeks $118.5m hike for contract costs
A fiscal 2004 budget request submitted to the governor by President William M. Bulger seeks $118,551,204 in new funding to pay for collective bargaining agreements reached with unions representing faculty and staff across the University system.

Inaugural to emphasize 'academic imperative'
Though all eyes will be on Chancellor John V. Lombardi during his inauguration in early February, the two-day event is being shaped to focus attention on the campus's prowess in teaching and research.

Story glum about state's budget picture
Painting a somber picture of the commonwealth's budget situation, state Rep. Ellen Story (D-Amherst) told the Faculty Senate last week that the outlook is unlikely to improve without new taxes.

Swift spares higher ed. in latest cuts
Acting Gov. Jane Swift cut another $60.7 million in state spending this week, though none from higher education.

Senate endorses steps to curb alcohol abuse
The designation of an alcohol-free residence hall for first-year students and several other steps aimed at curbing alcohol abuse on campus were approved Dec. 5 by the Faculty Senate.

Bulger takes Fifth before House panel
Appearing before the U.S. House Committee on Government Reform in Boston on Dec. 6, President William M. Bulger invoked constitutional protections against self-incrimination and declined to answer questions about his fugitive brother, James "Whitey" Bulger.

UMassOnline introducing Criminal Justice studies
Two new online criminal justice programs designed to meet the increasing educational needs of law enforcement, public safety and homeland security professionals will begin operation in January under the auspices of UMassOnline, the University system's Web-based learning division.