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. Bring family and friends to see a movie, exhibit, performance, or sporting event and meet-up with other faculty there. If you're a parent, bring your kid in for a play date at the Faculty & Librarian Commons (FLC). 

If none of these strike a chord, take a look below for activity groups on campus to connect with.  Be sure to check out our resources on well-being and equity and inclusion, too!

Faculty Meet Ups

Art Walk & Exhibits

UMass Amherst's Fine Arts Center hosts exhibits throughout the year. You can find the visual arts calendar here.

Sports Events 

Attend sporting events throughout the year to cheer on our teams! For schedules and to get tickets, see: https://umasstix.evenue.net/list/UMASS

Performances

Come to free performances that showcase our own UMass Amherst faculty talent. At least once per year, OFD will host a meet-up organized around one of these events. Our Fine Arts Center also has a wonderful set of performances lined up for the year. Happening regularly on campus, we encourage you to attend as many of these events as possible! 

• Find a list of free faculty performances here. 
• Check out the Fine Arts Center academic year line up here. Consider integrating a performance into your class through the FAC's Connected Courses Program.

There’s also a wealth of performance venues to take advantage of in the valley. For more intimate shows check out The Parlor Room in Northampton and The Drake in Amherst.

Movie Nights

Amherst Cinema is a local gem—an independent cinema that often partners with faculty across the five colleges for “cinema seminars” and “science on screen.” They also regularly host “family movies” on the weekends. At least once per year, OFD will send out an interest/registration form for those interested in a movie night!  

Faculty & Librarian Commons (FLC) Play Dates

Are you a faculty member with small kids, wondering how to manage those times when school is out? If so, bring your kid by the Faculty & Librarian Commons (FLC), where you’ll find some toys, drawing materials, and games and can connect with other parents. We’ll host 2-hour "play dates” in the FLC at least once during each of the school breaks (February and April).

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?