UMass presidential inauguration scheduled

BOSTON (AP) — The University of Massachusetts is inaugurating its new president this week.

Analysis: College costs shift to families

YPSILANTI, Mich. - It was a transformation that was, by historical standards, remarkably swift: The decade of the 2000s saw a fundamental shift in how Americans answer the question "Who will pay for college?"

The bill at public universities is higher than ever, and students and their families are footing a greater share of it.

Smith College students revolt at vegetarian rumor

NORTHAMPTON (AP) - Smith College students held protests and counter-protests, wrote chalk slogans pro and con on campus walkways, and heaped personal criticism on the manager of dining services over rumors that the school was going vegetarian and would start buying only local produce.

No meat? No coffee?

It turns out it was all a hoax.

UMass sport management class pitches NASCAR

AMHERST — Will a community not known for being a hotbed for auto racing enthusiasm turn out for a viewing party featuring one of NASCAR’s preeminent races? That's the challenge confronting sport management students at the University of Massachusetts who want people to come out to watch the Sprint Cup race as it unfolds from the Talladega Superspeedway Sunday at 2 p.m.

Statistical snapshot of domestic, sexual assault calls in Amherst, at UMass

The following are Amherst and University of Massachusetts police statistics related to domestic violence and sexual assault calls.

Amherst

2010: 175 domestic calls, 28 sexual assault calls, 51 individuals charged with domestic assault and battery, 18 individuals charged with violating protective orders.

WeCar aims to compete with ZipCar at UMass

For many college students, having a car can end up being more of a hassle than it is a convenience. Parking is scarce and lots are far away, and the cost of insurance, gas and maintenance can add up fast.

UMass health workers will get diabetes prevention training

For some students, college visit comes early

MADISON, Wis. (MCT) - From the time he learned to read, Alex Avalos' parents told him he would someday go to college to create a better life for himself.

The first glimmer of that day arrived last week, although not in the way Avalos expected, as the 14-year-old Addison Trail High School freshman visited the University of Wisconsin- Madison campus with 99 of his classmates.

UMass Hillel House to hold benefit bike ride

AMHERST - A bicycle ride to benefit local, national and international service projects by University of Massachusetts students affiliated with Hillel House takes place on the morning of Oct. 16.

UMass crime statistics largely hold steady; drinking citations down

AMHERST - Crime statistics compiled by the University of Massachusetts indicate the campus in 2010 remained a safe place for students to live and study, employees to work and others to visit, said Police Chief Johnny Whitehead.

"I think that overall, given the size of the campus population, it's a safe campus," Whitehead said.

Recession drives up GCC numbers

As people throughout the region continue to struggle with the effects of the Great Recession, it seems that some have turned to a higher power: education.

Life beyond the gap (with video)

Many students choose to take a year off between high school and college, and others take several years off. I began my college career eight years after graduating from high school.

Resources for students seeking balance

Every one of the area schools that are part of the Five Colleges Consortium offers resources for students looking to shrug off stress and find the time for studies, sleep and social life. They are:

Valley U.: Zen and the art of balancing sleep, studying and social life

It's known as "triple death weekend" - the Thursday, Friday and Saturday of partying - that kicks off Greek Week at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. A long-standing tradition notorious among "Greeks," or fraternity and sorority members, "Greek Week" is a time meant for Greek bonding and socializing through various parties and social functions. It's also a time that last year coincided with two hefty homework assignments for UMass Lowell junior, Erik Dunn-Gaudet, of Northampton. Dunn-Gaudet's dilemma, to choose between socializing or studying, or to try to cram both in, is a common one for college students.

• Click here for Valley U. video

• Click here for more from Valley U.

You don't have a job yet, do you?

Congratulations! You're a college student. You are being groomed to become a productive member of society and, if you work hard enough, you just may graduate.

But once you walk across the stage in that silly outfit and get that piece of paper, what does it really get you?

Visit your career centers

These places exist for a reason and the people inside of them are good at what they do. Email them, call them or drop on by. They'll be more than happy to speak with you.

Amherst College: 542-2265, careers@amherst.edu

Hampshire College: 559-5445, corc@hampshire.edu

Mount Holyoke College: 538-2080, cdc@mtholyoke.edu

Smith College: 585-2582, cdo@smith.edu

Career ideas

Engineers: The starting salaries in engineering positions can't be beat, but becoming an engineer is a whole lot of work.

Green tech: Sustainability, farming, Al Gore stuff. These jobs are very important for the future of our planet.

Health care: People aren't going to stop getting sick. Or maybe with your help, they will.

Worst careers

Journalist: There's nothing there. And I'm not just saying that to eliminate my competition.

Nurse: I guess most nurses don't make much money. That's too bad because they have to do a lot of gross stuff.

Taxi Driver: Dangerous, and it doesn't pay well. These are the people who are going to be driving you around when you're being drunk and obnoxious.

How to prevent the Textbook Two-Step

Tired of spending hundreds on textbooks you only read half of? Wish there was a way to sell back books and actually get your money's worth? You're not the only one.

Book break

Here are some ways local college bookstores are trying to lessen the financial burden:

 · The University of Massachusetts Amherst Bookstore carries older editions with professors' approval, used books, rentals and eBooks.