Good morning UMass Dartmouth!

This is the 7th day of rain so keeping an upbeat attitude requires a little work from all of us. However, in my travels around the campus this week, I see a lot of "heat and light" coming from classrooms where the discussion and dialogue on various subjects is animated and full of life. I am also noticing many folks integrating technology into their presentations and teaching. Engaging students in their own learning is so much a part of what we do well that I came back to my office feeling that indeed the sun was shining at UMass Dartmouth in our classrooms.

All UMass Chancellors and the President attended a legislative hearing on Tuesday before the Joint Committee on Higher Education. This House/Senate Committee is considering a bill that would begin the process of closing the $400M gap in funding for the public institutions. We all made the case for investment in our faculty, facilities and financial aid.

Generally, the members are supportive but linked to the funding are some proposals to change various governance operations for the University which we do not support. I am encouraged, however, by the Committee's openness to our concerns, and we are anticipating that a final bill will incorporate some of our suggestions. We will keep you informed as legislation begins to move through the formal process.

The legislature this week did override the governor's veto of retroactive pay raises included in the last contract. We will move as quickly as possible to process these payments. You have been enormously patient with this long delay.

Many of our campus support staff members have received invitations to participate in focus groups to talk about staff development interests and options. I want to encourage you to respond and give us your feedback. We are committed to providing an ongoing program of staff development support built around the skills and issues that are important to you. Please take the time to come to one of the focus group sessions.

Next week our consultant from Academic Search will be on campus for two days to talk to the Provost Search Committee and various groups about the profile we are hoping for in the next provost. Thank you to all of those who agreed to take the time to add your insight and perspective to the feedback already provided from last spring's college meetings. The following week, the Search Committee will review the profile and related posting material so that the work of recruiting candidates can begin. As the process unfolds, we will keep the campus informed.

I ended last week with a terrific dinner with the SouthCoast school superintendents, including the five new superintendents. This group is very active in the SouthCoast Educational Partnership with local business CEOs, Bristol Community College and UMass Dartmouth. I believe the power of working together is in shaping a focused agenda that makes increased educational achievement in our region a top priority. I will report more on this activity in the future.

Most sincerely,

Jean F. MacCormack
Chancellor
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth