UCONNOMY: Or, UConn's impact on Connecticut's economy

University of Connecticut President Michael J. Hogan:

Today, the University of Connecticut’s value to our state is more important than ever.  UConn’s contributions range from providing quality education to Connecticut students, to graduating Connecticut’s skilled workforce, to promoting the growth of industry across our state.

I want to share with you UCONNOMY, which documents the University of Connecticut’s – including our Health Center’s – unique contributions to the economic health of Connecticut.

Our impact on the economy is profound:

• UConn generates more than 29,000 jobs across the state;
• UConn contributes $2.3 billion annually to Connecticut’s gross domestic product; and
• UConn produces a net financial gain of more than $76 million each year for the state of Connecticut coffers.

Through innovation and outreach, members of the UConn community enrich the everyday lives of our citizens and play a vital role in sustaining and growing the Connecticut economy.

The [UCONNOMY] report substantiates why UConn is a sound and necessary investment in the future of our citizens and our state.

Posted Jan. 21, 2009

UConn switching to Direct Loan Program effective 2009/2010 academic year

The change means that current students who have federal loans will have to complete a new Master Promissory Note for the Direct Loan Program rather than just renewing their loans.

UConn plans to offer students and parents a new program called the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, which administrators say will be ”a more stable, streamlined and predictable borrowing experience.”

The lending program is backed by funds coming directly from the U.S. Department of Education.

The Direct Loan Program will be the source of funding for all Federal Stafford and Federal PLUS loans, starting with the 2009/2010 academic year. These are the loans available to students regardless of income leve.

“Volatility in the credit markets and reductions in lender subsidies have caused many lenders to stop offering borrower benefits and other services to students and parents,” said Jean Main, UConn’s director financial aid. “The Direct Loan program is not affected by changes in the economy and provides a more stable loan process.”

UConn had been using the Federal Family Education Loan program (FFEL), in which students and parents borrow from private banks and lenders.

The change means that current students who have federal loans will have to complete a new Master Promissory Note for the Direct Loan Program rather than just renewing their loans.

Students receive notification of their federal loan eligibility and complete the Master Promissory Note in February or March.

Financial Aid Director Jean Main notes some of the benefits of the Direct Loan Program include:

It’s a guaranteed source of funding for student loans

It provides the option of an income-contingent repayment plan or an income-based repayment plan

Students in the Direct Loan Program who enter into public service jobs can have any remaining balance on the loans forgiven after 10 years of repayment while in public service work.  [Note: The FFEL Program doesn't offer this option, but students with FEEL loans can consolidate their loans into the Direct Loan Program and take advantage of this option.]

The interest rate for the parent PLUS loan and for the graduate PLUS loan is 7.9 percent in the Direct Loan Program,  compared to 8.5 percent in the FFEL Program

Late payment fees in the Direct Loan Program are less than the late fees charged by lenders in the FFEL Program.

For more information, see  http://www.financialaid.uconn.edu/directFAQ2

for more details:

http://mansfield.htnp.com/news/01212009_uconn_direct_loan.html

Everything you've ever wanted to know about freshwater trolling

Registration must be received no later than Feb. 14. Late registrations will be returned.

Sign-up for the next Freshwater Trolling Seminar sponsored by the CT-DEP Inland Fisheries Unit is underway.

The seminar will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at the Manchester Senior Center cafeteria, 549 East Middle Turnpike (Rt. 6& 44) in Manchester .

Registration must be received no later than Feb. 14. Late registrations will be returned.

The course will be presented by certified CT Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) instructor David M. Mordavsky, assisted by his wife and fishing partner Audrey J. Mordavsky.

Additional CARE personnel will assist in this hands-on/ lecture demonstration program using the latest equipment available to trolling anglers.

Topics to be covered include flatlining, harling, leadcore, downrigging and side planing (planer boards), electronics, fish finders, fish callers and associated techniques.

A textbook (that is the curriculum) is included.

State of the art equipment from several manufacturers will be available for hands-on use by the attendees.

Past attendees are welcome to attend the seminar for a $14 fee, and are reminded to bring their copy of the textbook to class.

Parking is available on site. A catered lunch will be available at a nominal cost.

Register by sending your name, address, phone number and e-mail address – along with a check for $30 made out to “Freshwater Trolling Seminar” to:  Sports Department, Journal Inquirer, P.O. Box 510, Manchester, CT 06042.

Questions can be directed to David Mordavsky at (860) 643-9934, or Brian Coyne at (860) 646-0500 Ext. 314 or 1-800-237-3606 Ext. 314. Or via e-mail: bcoyne@JournalInquirer.com

for more details:

http://mansfield.htnp.com/areawide/01212009_freshwater_trolling.html