Call for papers …
… and the papers don’t need to be opinions, ideas, or essays.
UMRA’s open access Journal of Opinions, Ideas & Essays (JOIE) currently offers 32 widely diverse articles for your reading pleasure. The most recent addition, “College Athletics,” describes the governance of varsity athletics at the University of Minnesota from early, student-led organizations to the Big Ten Conference. Another recent article, “Stormwater Management,” reviews the management of stormwater runoff, from urban rain gardens to municipal bioswales.
We are seeking additional authors to contribute interesting articles on most any subject.
Articles are intended for a general audience. Submissions are accepted from any member of the University community, active or retired, and are reviewed by the editor-in-chief and an editorial committee of UMRA volunteers.
Please contact JOIE Editor-in-Chief Kris Bettin at [email protected] with your submission proposals or any questions.
News
UMRA hosted delegates from 14 of the 18 schools in the Big Ten for the 2026 Big Ten Retirees Association conference in July. It was described as “the perfect collaboration” by two delegates we invited to share a few of their key takeaways from the conference.
Developing communication skills is the focus of two programs needing volunteers this fall: the “Reader/Writer Program,” assisting students in Minneapolis Public Schools grades 7-12 to develop literacy skills; and “Partners in English,” engaging in conversation with adults for whom English is not their first language.
After being unexpectedly sidelined at the outset of her retirement, Pam Snopl now enjoys doing many of the things retirees get to do, including reconnecting in person with family and friends, going to museums and weekday Minnesota Twins games, reading, and writing.
UMRA member George Swan retired in 2021 after 30+ years at University Libraries, but still returns to campus to visit one or another of the libraries at least twice a week in his current role as a student/retiree.
UMRA’s Professional Development Grants for Retirees program is an annual competition for grants to support projects related to retirees’ research, instructional history, new scholarly or creative interests.
UMRA needs everyone to renew their membership for the coming year. Thank you if you’ve already renewed! If you haven’t, please renew right away.