Funding of One-time Strategic Campus Initiatives
In an email on Friday, Aug. 5, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance announced funding for a number of campus objectives.
That email is as follows:
To the campus community:
We are pleased to announce funding for approximately $22 million of one-time strategic initiatives designed to promote and enhance critical campus objectives detailed below. This funding is based on projected revenues and expenses and incorporates the receipt of $15 Million of ARPA funds and other one-time sources of revenue over fiscal years 2023-2024. The following provides an overview of the types of initiatives funded.
1. Student Success and Wellbeing: $3.9 Million
Ensuring the safety and wellness of our students leads to successful completion rates and an enriched academic and student life experience.
- Support for academic course and degree completion funds $1.5M
- Campus recreation facilities and other student affairs programs $2.1M
- Various initiatives designed to promote student success and well-being $0.3M
2. Building Community: $2.3 Million
The campus continues to invest in programs and the physical infrastructure to increase access and support for our entire community.
- Improvements to accessibility of campus facilities $1.0M
- Academic and student programming initiatives to promote equity and inclusion $1.0M
- Programming from the office of equity and inclusion $0.3M
3. Research & Faculty Support: $2.8 Million
Our ability to conduct cutting-edge research funds in a highly competitive funding environment requires a continual investment in our faculty and research enterprise.
- Initiatives including high speed computing (MGHPCC), faculty research support, center seed grants and other support services $2.8M
4. Capital and Equipment Infrastructure: $5.5 Million
The traditional grounds and facilities we operate are in constant need of renewal and revitalization. Investments are needed to enable our bold visions of a safe and sustainable campus.
- Projects for improving campus and pedestrian safety $2.5M
- Initiatives to launch our net carbon zero program including vehicle charging stations and clean energy equipment $2.4M
- Other projects including enhanced access at Mount Ida campus $0.6M
5. Flexible Learning Investments: $4.6 Million
The visionary path for UMass Flex will require funds for the conversion of the physical instruction space and pedagogy.
- Classroom retrofits and installation of new IT equipment $3.0M
- Branding for the understanding and awareness of the UMass Flex offerings $1.0M
- Support for faculty and other conversion costs $0.6M
6. Fundraising and Capital Campaign Support: $1.4 Million
Investments in our advancement operations will provide for our continued success as the campus launches the next capital campaign.
- Advancement activities including campaign branding, events, communications and data support $1.4M
7. Other Program Enhancements and Support: $1.8 Million
Support for the increasing costs of data management and new system platforms ensures the campus provides cutting-edge systems and accurate data to service our community.
- Investments in IT licenses, graduate admission system implementation and other technology based programs $1.8M
The wide array of programs and activities shown above represents the bold and visionary goals of our campus. Our financial commitments towards these goals will enhance the academic, research and student life experiences of our community. We thank our congressional and state legislative leaders for their continued support and advocacy for our flagship campus. As we close another fiscal year, I thank everyone for the hard work and creativity that has ensured the on-going success at UMass Amherst. Go UMass!