Weekly Bulletin

Pre-registration alert

All faculty and advisors are asked to remind undergraduates in their classes and departments that confirmed, online pre-registration for fall 2003 will take place on SPIRE from April 14 through May 7.

Pre-Major Advising Services recommends that students make appointments to
meet with their advisors early to avoid the counseling week crunch.

Pentium computers needed

If you've replaced your PC with a new, superfast desktop computer, students in the Professional Writing and Technical Communication Program (PWTC) in the English Department could make good use of your old computer.

Since 1993 PWTC has organized a "loan closet" of PC-type computers and printers for students whose machines expire during the school year, or are too slow to run the complex software demanded by the five-course program, or to connect with the UMass ethernet system. The supply of usable machines has run low this year, so if you have a Pentium I (133 or 166 hz), Pentium II computer, or printer it will be put to good use.

Working PC monitors, mice and keyboards also are gratefully accepted. A PWTC student will pick up your old computer. Contact John Nelson by e-mail (nelson@english.umass.edu) or by calling 5-3560.

Small business workshop

A workshop entitled "Shaking The Money Tree - Collecting on Stale Accounts Receivables" will be presented on Wednesday, April 16, at 5 p.m. at the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton.

Sponsored by the chamber and the Western Massachusetts Regional Office of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network (MSBDC), the workshop will focus on concerns facing business owners when engaged in the collection of money. It will look at the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act, the law in Massachusetts regulating debt collection
procedures and how it is applicable to in-house collectors.

The session will be presented by attorney Brian Shea of Caruso, Brown, Landers, Khanbabai & Murphy.

The registration fee is $25. Reservations are required; call 737-6712.

Pregnant women needed for study

The Exercise Science Department is seeking pregnant women in all trimesters to participate in a research study validating a physical activity questionnaire. Participation involves two meetings lasting about 30 minutes. Subjects will be paid $50.

For information, contact Dawn or Rebecca in the Exercise Physiology Laboratory at 5-1583 or by e-mail (droberts@ excsci.umass.edu).

Credit union sponsors children's book drive

The UMass Five College Federal Credit Union is conducting a children's book drive this month in conjunction with the celebration of National Credit Union Youth Week, April 13-19.

During normal business hours, new or used children's books can be brought to the Hadley office at 200 Westgate Center Drive or the Student Union branch.

The collection is part of a statewide effort by the Massachusetts Credit Union League's annual children's book drive. The books will be distributed to non-profit agencies that work with children.

Elections for MSP officers and board members

Balloting for board members and officers of the Massachusetts Society of Professors will be conducted Tuesday, April 15 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in the MSP office in 121 Hampshire House.

Blood drive

The Hampshire County Chapter of the American Red Cross will conduct a blood drive on Monday, April 14, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in 174 Lincoln Campus Center.

Dietz, Otrando and Stone to speak at Sports Luncheon

The next Weekly Sports Luncheon is scheduled for noon on Wednesday, April 16 in 1009 Lincoln Campus Center. Featured speakers will be women's crew coach Jim Dietz, director of strength and conditioning Bob Otrando and baseball coach Mike Stone.

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

Participants needed for Communication study

Focus group participants are needed for a study of children's public television. Participants must be the parent or caregiver to a child that currently watches PBS Kids TV programs. Focus group sessions will last one hour and participants will earn $15.

Individuals interested in taking part should contact Angela Paradise by e-mail (angelap@comm.umass.edu) or phone at 549-6202.

Admissions information available at Visitors Center

Prospective students visiting campus who are looking for admission information should be directed to the Robsham Visitor's Center, according to Ruth Green, director of Freshman Admissions.

"In addition to applications and other printed materials, Admissions staff and our student representatives will be available to meet with prospective freshman and transfer students at the Visitor's Center," said Green.

Campus tours will continue to leave from the Lincoln Campus Center information desk at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily.

Retirement party for Susan Hammond

There will be a going away party for Susan Hammond on Tuesday, April 22, 2003 from 4-6 p.m. at the University Club. Hammond is leaving after 20-plus years as assistant director of Career Services working primarily with the College of Humanities and Fine Arts.

Contributions for a gift may be sent to Ginger Goldsbury at 111 Stockbridge Hall.

ALANAI Honor Society awards banquet

Members of the campus community are invited to attend the 14th annual ALANAI Honor Society awards banquet on Thursday, May 8 at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom.

The keynote speaker will be Jan Paschal, who served as regional representative of U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley during the Clinton administration.

Tickets are $10 per person. RSVP by April 20 to Doris Clemmons at 5-5106.