UMB HOSTS CHINESE OFFICIALS FOR THE OPENING OF NEW CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE. The non-profit public institute is being funded in part by the Chinese Ministry of Education and will focus on Chinese culture and language education. Last month a UMass administrative office was opened up in Beijing, indicating a developing relationship between the Chinese government and the University.

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UMB STUDENTS CAN NOW PAY THEIR TUITION AND FEES WITH CREDIT CARDS ONLINE as part of a new payment policy effective in December. The new online credit card system will replace the existing one; credit card payments made by fax, mail, or telephone will no longer be accepted. Watch out though, a steep 2.65% convenience fee is being charged by the services 3rd party provider. At the current tuition rate, that comes to about $148 extra for the “convenience.”

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UMASS PRESIDENT WILSON SPEAKS AT NEW ENGLAND BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION’S 20th ANNIVERSARY. The November 17 event was part of UMass’ celebration of International Education Week which ran from the 13th to the 17th. The UMass system was highlighted for its strong commitment to international education. Approximately 5% of UMass student body are international students, or over 2000, and more than 1000 UMass students study at colleges and universities abroad.

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CPCS DEAN ADENRELE AWOTONA DONATES TURKEYS TO FAMILIES IN NEED. Last Wednesday afternoon, in a last-minute effort to help families prepare for the holiday, CPCS’ embattled Dean generously purchased turkeys from Shaw’s Supermarkets to be distributed by CPCS staff to households in need around the greater Boston area.