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Vote Yes on 5: RIC improvements on the ballot

Updated: 4 days ago

Mel Rising Dawn Cordeiro

News Editor


November is fast approaching. In addition to President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaigns, local elected officials are also campaigning for local ballot questions. Question 5, up for vote on November 4, would allocate $160.5 million to Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island. If passed, $73 million will be allocated to RIC for the renovation of Whipple Hall and the improvement of our Institute for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies. 

Image from commons.wikimedia.org

In a kickoff rally hosted online on September 17th, Governor Dan McKee was joined by URI President Marc Parlange, Dr. Patrice Milso, the Interim President of Rhode Island Life Science Hub, URI student Bhaya Chatradda, RIC President Jack Warner, Rep. Jim Langevin, the Distinguished Chair of the RIC Institute for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies and RIC student Amanda Charette. 


As part of Gov. McKee’s 2030 plan, improving educational opportunities for RI students will “provide significant contributions to our state” by creating local jobs, providing resources for the state and providing opportunities for business and government collaboration.  


Whipple Hall was originally built in 1958 and originally served as RIC’s gymnasium. In 1987, Whipple underwent renovations to convert the building into labs, classrooms and faculty office space. The building itself has been awaiting construction for almost 20 years. In 2010, the Master Plan facilities assessment rated Whipple as being in “poor condition” due to HVAC and structural deficiencies- has anyone else’s unofficial campus tour taken you by the “Whipple crack?” Though the HVAC deficiencies were taken care of, Whipple’s “face life” was left in limbo. After the reconstruction, the Institute for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies will relocate from Alger Hall, as advancements with the Institute have caused them to outgrow their current space. 


The expansion of the Institute after relocation will allow for Cybersecurity majors to practice the things they learn in the classroom. Technological expansions will include simulation labs, more advanced computer labs, artificial intelligence labs and a security operations center. These advancements will allow for simulations of real-world scenarios, allowing for “school material to come to life,” according to Langevin. 


Cybersecurity major Amanda Charette agrees, saying that the renovations will put RIC “on the map as trailblazers with top-notch technology and state-of-the-art equipment. Our graduates will be highly trained with real skills to meet the demands of the ever-changing security environment.” Charette goes on to say that “hands-on experience in a real cyber range will give us the confidence we need to utilize our skills as we meet the demands of our new and exciting careers.” 


If voters vote “Yes on 5,” RIC will be seen as a workforce leader. This investment will provide the state with many opportunities to improve local cybersecurity, collaborate with local businesses for their cybersecurity needs and can prove to be a strong ally with the federal government. 


For more information about what else is on the state ballot, visit this website.

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Jerry Wilsone
Jerry Wilsone
a day ago

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Hickman Kay
Hickman Kay
3 days ago
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Engaging in these discussions not only helps shape our collective future but also promotes transparency and accountability. stickman hook

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Bella
Bella
4 days ago

I strongly encourage everyone to vote on "Question 5." It's crucial for us to voice our opinions and contribute to decisions that impact our community. Engaging in these discussions not only helps shape our collective future but also promotes transparency and accountability.

On a related note, if you're feeling overwhelmed with your academic workload, consider options like buy assignment services to ease the pressure. These resources can provide valuable support, allowing you to focus on important issues like this one while ensuring your studies stay on track. Let's all make our voices heard and support each other!

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