Talking Points

Subbaswamy invites comments on strategic planning document

The campus community is being asked by Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy to review and comment on a planning document developed by the Joint Task Force on Strategic Oversight (JTFSO) that “sets an agenda for the campus, and will guide subsequent institutional-level and departmental implementation plans.”
 
In a March 27 broadcast e-mail Subbaswamy said the draft document, titled “Innovation and Impact: Renewing the Promise of the Public Research University,” is intended to promote discussion across campus with the objective of presenting a final version to the Faculty Senate and other groups by

Efforts accelerate to educate campus about tobacco-free policy

Just three months before the campus joins more than 750 other colleges and universities that have become tobacco-free, a public awareness campaign is being launched to inform students, employees and visitors about the new policy.
 
At the heart of the “Let’s Clear the Air” appeal is a new website, which is being augmented by banners, ads on buses and campus delivery trucks and other highly visible venues—all aimed at reminding readers about the impending July 1 implementation date.
 
Starting in February, members of the Tobacco-Free Policy Implementation Committee began a series of open

Facilities and Campus Services reorganized

Several organizational changes within Facilities and Campus Services were implemented March 24, according to associate vice chancellor Juanita Holler, who heads the unit. “These changes are the result of an organizational review that was conducted to identify efficiency and effectiveness improvements,” she said. 
 
Under the plan, Alterations moved from Facilities Planning to the Physical Plant, consolidating two skilled labor groups under one umbrella. The move will result in enhanced oversight and scheduling of all maintenance and small project operations, said Holler. 
 
Fleet Maintenance

Late Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe served as visiting professor

Careful readers of last week’s tributes to the late Nigerian author and literary titan Chinua Achebe may have noticed that he spent several years teaching at UMass Amherst in the 1970s and ’80s.
 
Achebe, 82, who died March 21 in Boston, came to prominence in 1958 with the publication of his first novel, “Things Fall Apart.” The book sold more than 10 million copies in 45 languages and became a class of world literature.
 
In 1972, Achebe accepted an offer to teach at UMass Amherst as a visiting professor of English.

Study shows homeowners associations can support native species in suburban neighborhoods

Although it’s known that construction of homes in suburban areas can have negative impacts on native plants and animals, a recent study led by ecologist Susannah Lerman suggests that well- managed residential development such as provided by homeowners associations (HOA) can in fact support native wildlife.
 
For their recent study published in Ecology and Society, Lerman and her colleagues Kelly Turner and Christofer Bang of Arizona State University (ASU), Phoenix, set out to assess whether neighborhoods managed by HOAs contain more native wildlife and a richer variety of plants than

Governor's visit to campus canceled

Gov. Deval L. Patrick has canceled his March 28 campus appearance due to a scheduling conflict, according to the governor’s staff. The event may be rescheduled in the future, organizers say.

Rotello among recipients of CVIP Technology Development awards

Chemistry professor Vincent Rotello is among the recipients of $25,000 awards from the Commercial Ventures and Intellectual Property (CVIP) Technology Development Fund administered by the President’s Office.
 
The awards for groundbreaking faculty inventions, which were announced March 25 by President Robert L. Caret, went to eight projects across the five-campus UMass system. The $200,000 in funding is generated through commercial licensing ventures in partnership with a contribution from the President’s Office.
 
“These are the discoveries that help change the world for the better, create

5 to receive Distinguished Alumni Awards at State House ceremony

The Alumni Association will honor three graduates, Congressman Richard Neal and a faculty member with this year’s Distinguished Alumni Awards on Wednesday, April 3 at 11:30 a.m. in the Great Hall of the State House.
 
Alumni Association board president Ron Grasso will present the awards, which are the association’s most prestigious recognition for alumni, faculty and friends. This year’s recipients have translated their UMass Amherst experience into distinguished achievement in their field of endeavor, bringing honor to the campus, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.
 
This

Campus, town agree on measures to improve public safety this spring

Campus and town officials agreed March 21 on a set of measures to improve public safety this spring, including funding for two additional ambulances, joint police patrols and a joint, police mobile field force designed to prevent large-scale disturbances.
 
“The university is committed to working with the town to ensure that the safety and civility of our shared community is protected,” said John Kennedy, vice chancellor for University Relations.

Senate backs move of Resource Economics from Isenberg to SBS

The Faculty Senate on March 14 approved the transfer of the Department of Resource Economics from the Isenberg School of Management to the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Provost James V. Staros says the move was in response to a request from Mark Fuller, dean of the Isenberg School. Daniel Lass, current departmental chairman, told the senate he discussed the issue with Robert Feldman, dean of SBS and that the transfer was agreeable to all parties.

The senate also approved a series of new courses:

Anthropology 256, “Bizarre Foods,” English 268, “American Literature and Culture

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