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January 15, 2009
Department of Higher Education Awards $445,000 for Nursing Education Patient Simulation
Part of statewide initiative to address nursing shortage in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) today announced it will award a total of $445,000 for human patient simulation projects across the Commonwealth as part of a larger effort to better prepare nurses and nursing educators. These awards are part of the Commonwealth’s ongoing Nursing Initiative which seeks to expand the capacity and quality of public and private higher education nursing programs in order to better meet the workforce needs of the health care industry, a vital sector of the state’s economy.
Press Release (.DOC)
December 5, 2008
Board of Higher Education Unanimously Approves Dr. Richard M. Freeland asCommissioner of Higher Education
Nomination forwarded to Education Secretary Paul. Reville for final consideration
At a special meeting held earlier today, the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education voted unanimously to recommend Dr. Richard M. Freeland as the next Commissioner of Higher Education. The decision followed a public meeting and interview with Dr. Freeland, which provided an opportunity for the full Board to ask questions and get a sense of his vision for higher education in the Commonwealth.
The Commissioner Search Task Force presented a unanimous recommendation to the Board of Higher Education at their meeting on Nov. 21 to consider Dr. Freeland for the position. Today’s interview and vote by the Board was the next step in the process. With the vote, the Board forwards the recommendation to Education Secretary Paul Reville, who, as part of the Governor’s reorganization of education in the Commonwealth, has the final authority in appointing Commissioners at the three education departments – Early Education and Care, Elementary and Secondary Education, and Higher Education.
Press Release (.DOC)
November 24, 2008
Patrick Administration Announces Development of College and Career Website to Prepare All Massachusetts Students for Success
Moving ahead on a key Readiness Project recommendation, the Patrick Administration today announced the development of the “College and Career Web Portal,” a new initiative designed to help prepare all Massachusetts students for college and career readiness and success.
Press Release (.DOC)
July 29, 2008
Statement from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education Regarding MEFA’s inability to offer student loans for the fall semester
While there are certainly market forces at work here that are largely out of our control, this situation serves as an important reminder for Massachusetts students and their families to investigate all possible sources of financial aid in order to pay for college today. It is of great concern to the Board of Higher Education that any student would not have access to loans, particularly so close the start of the next academic year. We are pleased to know that both MEFA and ASA are offering guidance and advice on alternative sources of student loans. We also encourage students with questions to contact their financial aid office or our Office of Student Financial Assistance at 617-727-9420.
July 3, 2008
FY09 Conference Budget Includes $1.11 Billion For Public Higher Education in Massachusetts, Representing 5.3% Increase
STEM Pipeline, Nursing Initiative, Dual Enrollment, Financial Aid among programs to receive increases
Press Release (.DOC)
Budget Tracking Sheet (as of July 3, 2008) (.XLS)
June 26, 2008
Reports on Campus Safety and Seamless Student Transfer Endorsed By Board of Higher Education
New academic programs approved at Bunker Hill Community College, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Westfield State College, among others
Press Release (.DOC)
June 16, 2008
Massachusetts Dept. of Higher Education Announces 2nd Annual Campus Safety Symposium
Event to feature release of consultant’s report on best practices for higher education
Press Release (.DOC)
May 15, 2008
Higher Education Would Receive $45 Million Increase in Senate Ways & Means Budget
Financial aid, Dual Enrollment, Nursing Initiative all receive increases
Press Release (.DOC)
Budget Tracking Sheet (as of May 15, 2008) (.PDF)
May 1, 2008
Commonwealth College and Department of Higher Education Announce 14th Annual Massachusetts Statewide Undergraduate Research Conference
More than 500 students from community colleges, state colleges and UMass to present research on broad variety of topics
Press Release (.DOC)
April 30, 2008
Board of Higher Education Approves Nine New Degree Programs at Higher Ed Institutions Across Massachusetts
Will address workforce needs in nursing, clinical research and nutrition, among others
Press Release (.DOC)
April 17, 2008
Higher Education To Receive $41 Million Increase in House Ways & Means Budget
Concerns remain about financial aid levels amidst student lending crisis
Press Release (.DOC)
Budget Tracking Sheet (as of April 17, 2008) (.PDF)
April 15, 2008
Local School-to-College Reports Detail Student Performance After High School
Press Release (.DOC)
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