The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth will move fully to an online format at the end of the month, following the transfer of its radio license to Rhode Island Public Radio.

The university will immediately receive $1.5 million in cash from RIPR to endow need-based financial aid and community engagement programs, as well as $617,100 in underwriting time on the RIPR network and additional on-air promotion over the next 10 years.

The Federal Communications Commission approved the transfer of the UMass Dartmouth’s 9,800-watt WUMD (89.3 FM) radio license to RIPR on May 1. With FCC approval, WUMD will move to a fully online format by the end of June.

RIPR will expand its broadcast range across much of southeastern Massachusetts, using the 89.3 FM frequency. RIPR will also continue to broadcast on its present frequencies, 88.1, 91.5, and 102.7.

UMass Dartmouth and RIPR will also collaborate on a series of academic and community engagement activities, including internships and public forums.

The collaboration also provides for South Coast representation on the RIPR Board of Directors and RIPR’s Community Advisory Board.

WUMD — previously known as WUSM and WSMU — began as a 10-watt station in 1972 and grew to a 9,600-watt station serving as an outlet for non-mainstream media in southeastern Massachusetts and online. This includes music from local artists, and public affairs programming that addresses issues relevant to the university and surrounding communities, with an emphasis on voices and viewpoints that are underrepresented in commercial media.

WUMD provides a learning environment in which students and community residents can gain knowledge and experience in various aspects of radio broadcasting.