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
Beginning January 1, 2027, the University of Minnesota is making updates to medical plans, the pharmacy vendor, and the Wellbeing Program incentive that apply to retirees and dependents enrolled in these plans.
The University of Minnesota has had a presence at the Great Minnesota Get-Together for 167 years. And on September 3, 2026, UMRA made its Minnesota State Fair debut to talk with fairgoers (on Seniors Day) about retirement and to promote opportunities to volunteer through our University Retirees Volunteer Center.
Like all of us, UMRA member Barbara Heinemann has been reflecting on 9/11 and life in the 25 years since then, with mixed feelings.
December 31 is the application deadline for UMRA’s 2027 Professional Development Grants for Retirees competition. Retirees from all five University of Minnesota campuses are eligible to apply. We invited Brad Hokanson, professor emeritus, UMN Department of Design Innovation, to tell us about the work supported by his 2026 grant to promote teaching creativity in high schools.
Meet UMRA member and volunteer extraordinaire Kay Louis. She devoted her career as an Extension educator — “bringing the University to the people” — to developing and providing programming for adults and youth.
The UMRA membership year runs from July 1 through June 30 of the following year. If you haven’t yet renewed your membership for 2027, it’s definitely time to do so!
UMRA has a Facebook group that is open to UMN retirees and others with close ties to the University, for posting messages about anything University- or retiree-related. Learn more.
This will be a new regular column where you can find organizational tasks that need your help! We are currently looking for help researching a new UMRA Membership Database and URVC volunteer database, and a co-producer for UMRA's Zoom webinars. See more details: