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A&F Notes Spring, 2005
2nd Edition No. 1
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Joyce’s Corner A message from the Vice Chancellor Administration & Finance |
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In the two and a half years I have served as vice chancellor I have met many of the staff in Administration and Finance and have been impressed by the dedication and professionalism that is evident in the work carried out each day. I have learned a lot from all of you about the various and important functions and services you all provide to the campus. The range of these services is also impressive - from award-winning dining hall food to much improved grounds maintenance. There are so many efforts underway to update and improve services in each of our areas that I felt it was important to reconstitute “A&F Notes” to share information about our activities. Future issues will highlight many of these efforts.
Our Chancellor, John Lombardi, has set some aggressive goals for the campus. They include:
1. Increasing the number and quality of the student body
2. Hiring additional faculty
3. Increasing the amount of research grants to the campus
Improving the look and condition of our buildings and grounds is critical in helping to meet these campus goals. In fact, each department in A&F has a role in helping to successfully meet the campus goals. Consequently, over the next six months A&F will be identifying its own one and five year goals; keeping in mind the direction our chancellor has set for our campus. A&F Notes will be a way to share our progress.
As vice chancellor I look forward to the improvements we will make in the coming years. Together we can make a difference!
ACE Program Reactivated
Nearly six years ago, Administration and Finance introduced the Achievement, Competence and Excellence Program - ACE. The program was designed to provide non-monetary recognition for outstanding employee performance, individually or in teams. Over the next few months, look for the ACE Program to be revitalized. Over the next few months, information will be distributed to employees outlining the rejuvenated ACE Program.
Let the New Dirt Begin
By now everyone is aware that the campus is preparing to kickoff several major new construction projects. These projects will represent the largest new construction initiative on the UMass campus since the 1960’s building boom. While the construction will take place over the next 3-4 years, you will begin to see (and feel) the impact this spring.
Starting soon, we will begin preparation for the new buildings by replacing the steam tunnel which runs from the Steam Plant, up Campus Center Way , and across the center of campus to North Pleasant Street . This work is necessary in order to provide the necessary steam pressure to the east side of campus and is integral to preparation for the new Central Heating Plant. This work will continue throughout the summer and will necessitate rerouting of both vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
As this work proceeds, we will be completing the planning and design work for the “Big 6” projects which include the new Integrated Science Building, an Art Building, a new 500-seat auditorium, the complete renovation of Skinner Hall, Phase I of the new student residences, and the new central heating plant. Work on these projects will begin at various times over the next year and should all be completed by Fall, 2008. Facilities & Campus Planning will be providing detailed project information to the campus community during this time and a website is being developed to provide specific information and schedules on a regular basis.