MMA, with its fiscal belt tightened, starts new year
Classes resumed Tuesday at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, which welcomed 278 freshmen in a total enrollment of 940 students.
The recruiting goal was 300 cadets, but attrition set in, said Commodore Richard Gurnon, acting MMA president.
"Seven potential students tested positive for narcotics and had to leave," Gurnon said. "The testing is sophisticated and goes back a few weeks if not a month. There were also several with medical reasons for leaving, and a few decided they did not like the ascetic aspects of life here.
"That reflects society," Gurnon said. "Kids now have it pretty good. They're used to having their own room and stereo. There are no creature comforts here and there is sacrifice, long hours and longer days. Those who can do without instant gratification will benefit from what they learn here."
MMA is wrestling with parking problems, which may affect freshmen arriving on campus with vehicles.
The academy is also tightening its fiscal belt. Some union contracts have been approved but not funded. There have been promotions but no pay raises. Various duties are being consolidated.
MMA starts its graduate studies program this month, is planning to take its new training ship to the Panama Canal region this winter and will move into a new engineering building next March when the spring semester begins.
"The contractor is three months ahead of schedule, and we're happy and prepared to move in early," Gurnon said.
MMA librarian Commander Maurice Bosse retired in June. Aquaculture lab director Cameron Gifford assumes library duties and responsibilities.
"This is an example of how we're tightening up and avoiding hiring except in areas where we - in the nautical phrase in extremis - are in significant danger, such as public safety."
The academy was inundated with applications for two campus security officer positions and custodial jobs, Gurnon said. "I guess it reflects the economy."
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