Weekly Bulletin

Alumni Association Grants

The deadline for applying for this quarter's Alumni Association Grants (for events scheduled between March 11 and May 5) is Monday, Feb. 25. The association offers grants of up to $5,000 to campus groups or alumni-based organizations.

Application forms and guidelines for the grants are available online (www.umassalumni.com) or by calling the Alumni Relations Office (5-2317).

Final exam schedules

Final examination schedules for May are being sent to academic departments for distribution to the faculty on March 12. Copies will be available to on-campus students in their residence halls and to off-campus students in the Registrar's Office, 213 Whitmore, beginning Thursday, March 14.

The schedule will also be available online (www.umass.edu/registrar) no later than March 1. The information on the Web will be updated with any changes that are made.

Faculty Fulbright workshop

Andy Riess, senior program officer for Europe and the New Independent States at the Council for International Exchange of Scholars, will lead a workshop on the Fulbright Program for Faculty and Professionals on Wednesday, March 6, 3:30-5:30 p.m. in the Common Room in Wright Hall at Smith College.

Participants will learn about lecturing and research opportunities in 140 countries, get advice on which country to apply to and how to make contacts abroad, and learn how to prepare a successful Fulbright application. Information will also be distributed on how to host a visiting scholar from abroad.

Contact Lynda Peabody (llpeabod@smith.edu) or 585-4295 to RSVP. Space is limited so respond by Feb. 28.

For more information on the Fulbright Proram for Faculty and Professionals, contact Barbara B. Burn, director of International Programs and campus Fulbright adviser at 5-2710 or by e-mail (bbburn@ipo.umass.edu).

Applications may also be picked up in the Office of Research Affairs in 517 Goodell.

Blood drives

The American Red Cross is conducting blood drives on Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 25-26, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in 174 Lincoln Campus Center.

Cahoon, Lappas to speak at Weekly Sports Luncheon

Don Cahoon, ice hockey coach, and Steve Lappas, men's basketball coach, are scheduled to speak at the Weekly Sports Luncheon on Wednesday, Feb. 27 at noon in 1009 Lincoln Campus Center.

The cost of the buffet lunch is $6.50. Call 5-4289 for reservations.

Retirement reception for Benjamin Rodriguez

Friends and colleagues of Bilingual Collegiate Program director Benjamin Rodriguez are invited to a retirement reception in his honor on March 11, 3-5 p.m. at the Faculty Club.

Gift contributions can be made to Wilma Crespo. RSVP by March 5 by calling 5-5791.

'Your First Business Plan' workshop is Feb. 28

Allen Kronick, senior management counselor with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network (MSBDC), will present the workshop, "Your First Business Plan," on Thursday, Feb. 28, 9-11 a.m. at the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, 395 Main St., Greenfield.
This workshop is recommended for startup businesses and will focus on business fundamentals, from start up considerations to the elements of a business or financial plan.

The registration fee is $25 and reservations are required. To register, call the MSBDC's Western Massachusetts Regional Office at 737-6712.

Public Service Endowment Grant applications

Faculty and professional staff are invited to submit proposals for the annual Public Service Endowment Grant (PSEG), administered by the Research executive area to encourage outreach and public service activities. Awards are usually between $5,000 and $15,000.

Proposals should address regional needs as defined by community leaders, such as the Pioneer Valley Plan for Progress strategic economic plan, which envisions a region that stimulates community development, innovation and entrepreneurship and workforce development, while protecting the environment and emphasizing sustainable development.

Proposals should be submitted to the Office of Industry Liaison and Economic Development (ILED) in 406A Goodell by 5 p.m. on April 8. A committee of campus outreach leaders and community partners will review and evaluate the proposals. To be considered, applicants must identify a collaborative partner organization in Franklin, Hampshire or Hampden counties. Awards will be announced in June.

Grant guidelines, application forms, and descriptions of community needs are available online (www.umass.edu/oed/pseg.html).

Anyone considering submission of a PSEG proposal this year is asked to send an e-mail (michael.wright@admin.umass.edu) so the office can keep them posted on PSEG updates and relevant information. For additional information, contact Mike Wright at 5-1334.