Re-launching UMRA’s online, open-access journal
The current Journal of Opinions, Ideas & Essays (JOIE) collection shows a depth, breadth, and diversity of subjects that is a positive reflection of the University community. I think JOIE has great potential as a resource for scholars of all types—to enjoy reading and/or writing contributions that may be outside their professional spheres.
I think the most critical need now for the success of JOIE is increased visibility. This may be accomplished in myriad ways, including a twice annual “call for papers” and promoting the journal in multiple locations outside the UMRA website. To make the JOIE homepage more visibly enticing, the JOIE Editorial Committee is in the process of adding more clearly defined descriptions and instructions, possibly adding a “Welcome from the editor-in-chief,” perhaps even photos of the committee to humanize the review process.
I think another critical need is to clarify that the journal welcomes contributions on a wide range of subjects and formats, and that all retired and active University employees are encouraged to contribute articles.
In addition to contributors, there is a critical need for additional editorial committee members to assist in reviewing articles submitted to JOIE for publication. There are now six members of the committee, one currently on hiatus. A larger group of perhaps nine would allow each submission to be reviewed by three members, rotating the review requests so the burden is not so great as with a smaller group.
I look forward to serving as the hub for “re-launching” JOIE and, hopefully, expanding its reading audience and cadre of contributors.
Please contact me if you have questions or suggestions.
—Kristine Bettin, UMRA member and JOIE editor-in-chief
News
The election of UMRA officers and board members for 2026-27 will be held online from Monday, May 11, through Sunday, May 17, with the results to be announced at UMRA’s 2026 Annual Meeting and Luncheon Forum on Tuesday, May 19. Nanette Hanks, nominated to become UMRA's next president-elect, tops the slate of candidates approved by the current Board of Directors during its meeting on Monday, March 23.
Proposed changes to the UMRA Bylaws will be on this year’s election ballot along with the nominees for officers and directors. The updates to the bylaws were drafted in response to changes proposed by the Nominating Committee and Membership and Communication Committee, and were approved by UMRA’s Board of Directors in November 2025.
Meet UMRA member Mike Amidon, whose career in computers and information technology spans the years when the Gopher system was developed at the U of M and then quickly eclipsed by the World Wide Web. Remember the days before the internet?
In partnership with Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs Beth Lewis, UMRA has been helping current University faculty members to decide whether and when to retire. It’s an experience only actual retirees can truly share.
If getting to know more retiree colleagues and serving the University community were among your goals in joining UMRA, sign up for one of the Silver Gopher Service Corps volunteer projects and come for the fun—and teamwork!
Northrop Organist Greg Zelek will team up with the University Singers, led by U of M professor and director of choral activities Matthew Mehaffey, for a can’t-miss concert blending choral and organ works at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29. Northrop is offering UMRA members a 20% discount on tickets.
The SparkPath Young Authors Conference (YAC) program gives 4th- to 8th-grade students the opportunity to learn from professionals with actual writing experience. The University Retirees Volunteer Center is seeking volunteers to assist with several conferences to be held at Bethel University in St. Paul in May.
Plans are well underway for UMRA to host the 2026 Big Ten Retirees Association Conference this July on the Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis. There are a few, limited volunteer opportunities that may be of interest to you.
Do you remember when “Driven to Discover” was new? Do you know what is taking its place? For the answers to these and similar questions you may have, join UMRA’s Campus Conversation with Chris Gade, U of M vice president for marketing communications, on Tuesday, April 7.