OFD Unplugged

All work and no play? Let’s change that! OFD Unplugged includes resources and events to encourage all faculty and librarians to take a break to gather, turn off your devices, and have some fun while building community. Join the OFD weekly walking group or meet up with us at the campus' annual fall Art Walk. If you're a caretaker of young kinds, bring them by the Faculty & Librarian Commons (FLC), where you'll find some toys, drawing materials, and games in our "kid kit." 

Take a look below for opportunities to see a movie, exhibit, performance, or sporting event and activity groups on campus to connect with. Be sure to check out our resources on well-being and equity and inclusion, too! 

Faculty Walking Group 

Walk and Wonder Wednesdays

This fall, join us for a weekly walk around campus on Wednesdays.  Take a break mid-week to get to know unique campus buildings, enjoy the campus arboretum and wildlife, and connect with each other, while also getting some exercise. Some weeks, we’ll invite special guests to join us to share a particular highlight of life on campus and in Western Massachusetts.

Art Walk Meet Up

The Fine Arts Center hosts an art walk through every October. Visit the Fine Arts Center’s three visual arts venues — Augusta Savage Gallery,  the University Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Hampden Gallery.  Stay tuned for details and join OFD!

Additional Resources

In addition to the resources on OFD's Well-being webpage, here are some other opportunities to Unplug:

• The UMass Amherst Makerspace is an interdisciplinary makerspace open to students, staff, and faculty. They provide access to space, tools, equipment, training, and help connect individuals and facilitate mentorship and sharing of knowledge.
• The valley is a great place for birding. To get involved, check out the Hampshire Bird Club and the Hitchcock Center.
• The Sugarloaf Mountain Athletic Club organizes various running events (trail runs and track workouts) throughout the year for a modest annual fee.
• The Town of Amherst Recreation Department offers opportunities to play team sports such as softball, pickleball, ultimate frisbee, and more. Programming is available for kids as well. Non-Amherst residents may also join.  

Have a group and want to list it here? Want to form a new group?