Keeping up with the U of M regents
Driven by Americans’ loss of trust in its value, U.S. higher education now faces major decisions that will shape the future of learning, research, and community service everywhere. Many say institutional transformation is long overdue. Our University, its Board of Regents, and new president also face these challenges, plus some unique to the U’s role as Minnesota’s only top-tier “R1” research university. How can UMRA help?
As UMRA’s liaison to the Board, I discussed this in March with then-UMRA President Eric Hockert, his successor Julie Sweitzer, and UMRA Past President Frank Cerra. We agreed that reinvigorating the role of UMRA’s regents’ liaison would be a good start. We drafted its purpose: “… to help the regents and UMRA build a mutually useful and effective relationship through regular contact and communication.” We then met with regents and staff who expressed their strong support.
The regents recognize that UMRA can provide helpful input as a group and as individuals. Our key asset? We are engaged “University citizens” with decades of experience at every level of this great institution, and we want to keep it great for future generations. To do our best begins with being well informed. Here are a couple ways to help you become familiar with current issues:
Board of Regents meetings are open to the public. You can find video recordings, dockets, materials, and priorities online on the at regents.umn.edu.
MPact 2025 is the University’s system-wide strategic plan. Go to M Pact 2025 to read all about it.
The next Regents’ meetings are September 12–13. President Cunningham’s inauguration will be at Northrop Auditorium on September 18. Go to Office of the President for information about ticketing and streaming links.
Feel free to contact me at any time. Your questions, comments, ideas are welcome!
—John Finnegan, UMRA liaison to the Board of Regents
News
On December 7, many of us will lose our UMN email addresses and any files associated with these accounts. There are three basic things we need to do to prepare.
UMRA member Susan Kubitschek attended the University of Minnesota on the G.I. Bill and, after working at the U for 40 years, retired as assistant dean and director of Collegiate Life in the College of Science and Engineering.
Delegates to the Big Ten Retirees Association 2024 annual conference met at The Ohio State University in July to learn about Ohio State, share ideas, and develop closer ties among the 28 attendees from 12 of the 14 Big Ten schools. Minnesota will host the conference in 2026.
“UMRA members are engaged ‘University citizens’ with decades of experience at every level of this great institution, and we want to have a mutually useful and effective relationship with the Board of Regents,” says John Finnegan, UMRA’s new liaison to the regents.
UMRA member Mike Austin is taking full advantage of his retirement to volunteer in a variety of activities, travel, and learn a new language. He says, “I have the time, I have the ability, and I get bored sitting around.”
Funding of up to $5,000 per grant is available to support U of M retirees’ research, instructional history, new scholarship, or creative interests.
Members of UMRA’s 2024–25 Board of Directors were elected in May. Directors are elected to three-year terms and may serve two consecutive terms.
Fall is approaching and UMRA needs everyone to renew their membership. New membership cards for 2024–25 include the QR code you need to access one of the great benefits of membership: a discounted rate in University parking facilities.