Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) has announced that it has renewed its partnership agreement with the Government of Dominica, paving the way for it to launch a series of expansion projects on its campus in Portsmouth.
In a release, the school said it is now moving ahead on implementing what it described as a “campus master plan” which will include a new 47,500-square-foot student center which will house a library, study space and other rooms for teaching and learning.
Other projects on the books include the construction of a new preparatory school and a day care facility which will accommodate the growing demand from faculty and students with families.
“We are very excited to have the Commonwealth’s (of Dominica) support as we continue to enhance the School of Medicine’s campus and learning environment. The strong collaborative partnership we have with the people and government of Dominica is the essential ingredient that makes a project of this size and scope possible,” William Hughson, president of DeVry Healthcare Group, said. RUSM is a part of DeVry, a global provider of educational services.
RUSM said since its founding in 1978 it has been a committed partner with the Government of Dominica and local business leaders. “Each year the school makes charitable contributions to support national and local programs in education, health, culture, and sports, with particular attention to programs that improve opportunities for local youth. RUSM also provides two full scholarships annually to Dominican students who meet the university’s admissions criteria and wish to pursue a medical degree. Since 1996, RUSM has granted scholarships to 57 Dominicans, totaling EC $13.5 million,” the school said.
The school also said it employs more than 450 full-time staff on the campus, of which nearly 70 percent are local nationals. “RUSM supports and encourages its employees to further their own educational goals by providing employees and their dependent spouses and children tuition benefits to complete courses at Becker Professional Education, Chamberlain College of Nursing, and DeVry University. Since 2005, 202 Dominicans have participated, with benefits totaling EC $19.4 million.” the school said in its release.
Dr. Joseph Flaherty, dean of RUSM, said the experience of students in Dominica has been very beneficial. “Many of our students are looking forward to careers in under served communities that have the greatest need for skilled physicians. The time they spend in Dominica working in the local health clinics helps instill in them a commitment to service and a strong sense of how to contribute meaningfully to the lives of others. These programs are an important part of RUSM’s educational mission,” he said.
RUSM said it will engage local contractors for the campus expansion projects “whenever possible.”
Well Well Well. They were warned
Well I have to say I thought it was mad for people to build multiple storey buildings to house only a certain number of students? And more buildings are still going up 8-O. So if Ross University decide to relocate there will be a major financial crisis in the North of the island. Everybody fighting for/building for the student rental business. This is financial suicide.
that place looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooookkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk ugly…………………….
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We are truly a people without consciousness to see this as a great thing at a glance. Ross was never allowed to get involved in providing accomodation for students, in order to encourage local dominicans getting an opportunity. It was this regime who allowed them to get into that part of the sector. While an expantion is of interest, the government should have held off Ross entry into the accomodation sector and encourage them to take over All saints, which will soon disappear from the face of Dominica as they are struggling to stay afloat. The added facilities that they intend to provide, while will provide some low level jobs, the cost of the loss of rental income will effect Dominican providers and Dominican banks, so we need to look at this carefully. The providers with political backing will always do well, as the PM’s Advisor stood up at a meeting when Ross announced the plan, he requested, right there in the public, special gurantees for his friend who has some 60 plus apartments, no concern for the effects on the local providers!
This is good news for Dominica. I am sure that those persons from the North are not singing hooray for this news. Because I understand that ROSS wants to construct dorms for the 1 semester students – at least 250. But I truly hope for the sake of those persons who have invested in housing for students that is not true. This would severly affect the income of those persons providing housing for students. Already there are more rooms available than students !!! – I understand there are 2.5 rooms per student (approximetely 3000 rooms for 1200 students) and for ROSS to add 250 rooms to that could mean difficulty for persons to generate rental income. If the number of students is going to increase with the expansion, then this should not be an issue. But it would certainly be a time for those providing housing to do some refurbishing/renovation of the existing properties and to look at other services for the students.
Check me in the pic boy!!!
wooow i love that more work for the people of Dominica. ross is a god sent school
Wow, great news, I knew they were expanding but not to that extent.
Looks like those two SJU flights will come in handy.
Nice work DA.
lougaoo mem is back..love reading ure post whoever you are..u make a difference on dno…
Good news for Dominica this indicate Ross University will be their for the long hall.
Of the 450 staff, how many of them are Dominicans and in what capacity and rate of pay?
70%. Good that they’re employed. I’m sure they’re paid a fair rate.
“RUSM also provides two full scholarships annually to Dominican students”
My question to the Ministry of Health/Education or to whichever ministry it concerns: Where are those doctors now? How many of them have returned to contribute to Dominica’s development? I can guarantee you there are less than 5 of them right now in Dominica
It is great see the help that Ross is providing to local Dominica society. It is a good institution.
This is great news. More development for our lovely town. Ross has been an integral part of our community for many years I think I speak for many when I say we all appreciate the impact that they have made on the community whether it be in terms of community service or in terms of the economic development that comes with the constant improvement of the facility.
This is very good , very good news for Portmouth and Dominica by extension. We need to build upon this and become a stronger partner with RUSM.
We as Dominicans must do our best to accpet the student, staff and faculty as Dominicans as one of us.
When these student leave Dominca, they should become Ambassadors for Dominica.
My son benefited from this university. Thanks to rusm the government of Dominica and mr Vince Henderson.
This is a very big deal for the country. Fifty-seven scholarships in the last 16yrs, is a bigger deal. It behooves everyone to help protect and safeguard this vital link that gives aid to the country.
You Dominican are sick with a capital C
You jealous
Wonderful news for Dominica. I’m happy to learn about the scholarships for locals. Very encouraging
i hope they ar enot thinking of adding dormitories because that means less student would be renting. i am just saying. i am not seeing it mention but u know every project has a secret.
This is excellent news. The expansion should boost the economy, especially in that part of the island. Great going!!
That is going to be good business for the Villas.
Don’t worry the villas will one day become state property. Be patient
At least , a mule can say something positive for a change…but when you head is stuck up “between you and me” you will only smell and breathe out .
the villas is already well establish jack. why dont you do something to enhance yourself?
oh yes Good business all about
Great Job Ross
Really???
So would you care to elaborate to say How???
Wait nuh we all know dem man dem messed up on dem Villa Deal but really to take cheap shots at them every time like dat wasting d whole vibes man,,,
Is a good ting Ross expanding but hope they employ some local Man yeh to do d expansion,,,
And why didn’t Skerro dem come back wiff a counter offer to make dem put down a massive Grade “A” hospital dere, dat way dem students could stay right dere and do deir residency, dat would be more income staying in DA wi,,,
Excellent suggestion with regards to setting up a hospital in Portsmouth. Right now, is too much strain on PMH to facilitate the students man…
Better yet, I think Ross should just adopt the Portsmouth Hospital and upgrade it as a teaching hospital.
Yes I!! truely think it would be a good trade-off. domitaries for portsmouth hospital upgrade and adoption. It is time to desentralize our secondary care services including dialysis. All our eggs is still in one basket. Very much concerned.
stupid comment…
@hmm?why would you think that is a stupid comment?
Eat your heart out Doc. Don’t you wish you had not wasted your time on this blog all these years?