The New York Times became available free of charge to UTM students today thanks to the efforts of the American Democracy Project.

The American Democracy Projects aims to promote civic engagement, social consciousness, political involvement, volunteerism and community spirit at UTM.

UTM students will be able to have access to The New York Times for the first time this semester.

While not every student will be able to receive their own personal copy of The New York Times, the American Democracy Project is making several attempts to provide as many UTM students with the opportunity to access this newspaper.

Some professors will be using The New York Times for their classes; therefore, these students will have access to it. Extra copies of the newspaper will be available at the reference desk in the Paul Meeks Library.

“We would like for folks to share their copies once they are done with them,” said Professor of Management and American Democracy Project Chair Mike McCullough. “This can be done informally by leaving them in the cafeteria.”

McCullough continued by saying that the American Democracy Project is in the process of creating a more formalized “pass-along” process.

With The New York Times now available at UTM, the American Democracy Project will also be adding a new discussion group meeting called “Times Talks” from 12:15-1:00 p.m. every Tuesday. If enough interest is prevalent among UTM students, faculty and staff, the American Democracy Project will offer this discussion group meeting on more days.

“The New York Times is widely regarded as THE paper of record for the United States,” said McCullough as he explained how vital this addition to UTM is for its students. “Its value rises as your perspective broadens and your perspective broadens as you read it.”

Daily deliveries of The New York Times will be made specially available to UTM students as part of the special partnership with the national newspaper; ordinarily, daily delivery is not available in Martin.

McCollough said that eventually, The New York Times wants to bring speakers to campus to discuss news events.

The American Democracy Project will evaluate The New York Times’ effect on UTM students, faculty and staff this semester and determine whether to continue the program for the fall semester.