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
At a contentious meeting March 14, the University of Minnesota Board of Regents approved a resolution restricting University units from issuing statements “of public concern or public interest.” Several dozen faculty and students present vehemently protested the resolution.
The election of UMRA officers and new board members for 2025–26 will be conducted via an online poll from May 12 to 18, with the results to be announced at our annual meeting on May 20. Sally Gregory Kohlstedt leads the slate of nominees as president-elect. She came to the University of Minnesota in 1989 as a professor and associate dean, and retired in 2018.
This spring, UMRA will launch a new member portal to simplify and more efficiently manage many essential tasks, including enrolling new members, updating member records, registering event attendees, and processing payments.
Meet UMRA member Vicki Gaylord. In her 32-year career at the Institute of Community Integration, a U of M Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, her work made a positive impact on the lives of thousands of people around the world.
The University Retirees Volunteer Center is seeking candidates to serve on the URVC Leadership Council. The council meets six times per year to identify opportunities for volunteer projects and develop strategies for growing and supporting volunteer participation.
Deanne Magnusson was raised in a family in which education and volunteerism were encouraged. She earned three degrees at the U of M, and enjoyed a career working in education with leaders and schools in Minnesota and across the world. These experiences, and her volunteer work today with URVC, continue to transform her as an educator and as a person.
UMRA’s 2025 Professional Development Grants for Retirees awards cover a diverse set of topics reflecting the breadth of studies undertaken by University retirees, including Mark Bohnhorst for his proposal “More New Thinking about Presidential Elections.”
UMRA member Lynn Slifer is taking full advantage of retirement, pursuing her interests in writing, crafting, babysitting grandchildren, good food, wine, and travel, plus serving on the leadership council of the University Retirees Volunteer Center.
UMRA’s online Journal of Opinions, Ideas & Essays is a unique venue hosting diverse content that is enjoyed by people around the world. If you enjoy helping authors polish their products for publication, JOIE is looking for a new leader. It’s an opportunity that has been tremendously rewarding for the outgoing editor-in-chief.
UMRA has lost contact with many members because of the unfortunate demise of your @umn.edu email accounts. If you haven’t done so already, please update your email address on our system. It won’t take long.