By Gabriella Barthe 

Editor-in-Chief 

Photo Credit: Facebook, UMass Dartmouth, Rep Jeff Roy 

This Valentine’s Day, Friday February 14, the Massachusetts Joint Higher Education Committee toured UMass Dartmouth as part of their ongoing efforts to visit all 29 of the Massachusetts public colleges and Universities they serve. 

During their visit State Senator Anne M. Gobi, State Representative Jeff Roy, State Representative Mindy Domb, and State Representative Jim Arciero were able to see the UMass Dartmouth Law School and learn about SMAST and the Star Store in addition to exploring the main campus facilities.  

The Committee had the opportunity to sit down and hear from campus administrators, faculty and staff in the morning before exploring the University. They sat down with twelve students around noon who represented the many facets the University had to offer, from different programs of study, to various levels of education. These students informed the committee of events and opportunities brought to them at UMass Dartmouth which have impacted their lives for the better.  

In sharing their visit online later that evening, Massachusetts State Representative Jeff Roy remarked that “the state’s $84 million investment in the university in 2018 has returned $550 million in economic activity” and the fact that UMass Dartmouth is “ranked 3rd in the state and 84th in the nation for social mobility.”  

The Committee also paid a visit to Bristol Community College while they were on the South Shore in continuation of their efforts to get a fuller picture of the pathway to success these three institutions offer, how the committee’s choices impact their day to day activities, and what they can further aide in.