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 new board members for 2024–25 will be conducted via an online poll from May 13 to 19, with the results to be announced at our annual meeting on May 21. Look for the ballot in your email inbox on May 13. Diane Young has been nominated to be president-elect.
“I convinced myself I could handle this problem without support groups or doing additional research, but that’s only because I didn’t want to make it any more real than it already was. Denial comes in many forms, and one is to avoid thinking about the problem any more than need be.” —Alice A. Larson
Meet UMRA member Peter Moe. He retired in 2023 after a career that spanned nearly half a century at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and is credited with developing the “Arb” into one of the few in the U.S. with world-class fruit and landscape breeding programs.
The University Retirees Volunteer Center (URVC) has welcomed two new members with valuable skills and experience to the URVC Leadership Council: Lynn Slifer and Jeanne Jacobson.
The University plans to remove retirees from the @umn.edu internet identity domain on December 7. UMRA has advocated for ensuring continued access to this identity (including email, Google Workspace, and associated services), citing University retirees’ enduring contributions to and engagement with the University. Thus far, our efforts have not prompted any change of plans.
Leading the online Journal of Opinions, Ideas & Essays has been a labor of love for Kris Bettin. Alas, a change in family needs has necessitated her retirement. So, JOIE is seeking a new leader to join a savvy editorial committee of five and bring fresh ideas for continued development of the UMRA-sponsored journal.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to explore your photographic interests, hone your photographic skills, and hear what other retirees are up to, the UMRA Photo Club is a great place to be. We have fun! And whatever your skill level, there is room for everybody.
Soon you will receive an email or letter inviting you to renew your UMRA membership for the 2024–25 year. Please renew before you get busy with your summer activities. Your support helps to make our programs and many other member benefits possible!
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: