College heads state concern for University

by Daniel J. Fitzgibbons, Chronicle staff

xpressing "deep concern" over the financial difficulties facing the University and the state, the leaders of the Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke and Smith colleges are urging their faculty and staff to identify ways the institutions can help the University weather the fiscal storm.

     "We are particularly troubled by the effects these difficulties are having on the University, not only because the University is crucial to the continued health of the Commonwealth we share, but because the University contributes critically to the vitality of each of our own institutions," reads the statement circulated at the colleges and posted on the Five Colleges, Inc. Web site. "Over the years the University's strength has strengthened us all. But within our consortium, just as each of us finds strength in the strength of the others, so too the trials experienced by one must be felt by all. That is why as presidents of our institutions and as the directors of the consortium we are working closely with one another to provide whatever help we can."

     The statement is signed by Amherst College President Tom Gerety, Hampshire College President Gregory S. Prince, Jr., Mount Holyoke College's Acting President Beverly Daniel Tatum and John Connolly, the acting president of Smith College.

     "We urge all faculty members and staff to join us in this effort by engaging their creativity and energy to find ways to support their colleagues at the University," says the statement, noting efforts to identify and publicize Five College courses that could be used by UMass students to fulfill requirements. "No doubt many other means of support can be found, and we earnestly ask our staff and faculty colleagues to do all that they can in this time of mutual need."