UMass System-Wide Initiatives

University of Massachusetts > AASAIR > UMass System-Wide Initiatives

The University's mission is to provide an affordable and accessible education of high quality and to conduct programs of research and public service that advance knowledge and improve the lives of the people of the Commonwealth, the nation, and the world.

The Office of Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and International Relations, provides system-wide oversight and coordination to ensure the quality of the University's students, faculty and programs. Academic assessment and accountability are core functions of our team. Through system-wide symposia/conferences, participation in targeted initiatives, and the sharing and dissemination of resources, AASAIR facilitates the collaboration of the UMass community to ensure the highest level of engagement in these strategic priorities.

CURRENT SYSTEM WIDE INITIATIVES AND OPPORTUNITIES

ABLE4STEM : In response to a challenge presented by the Business Higher Education Forum, the University of Massachusetts joined ten of the nation's top universities in proposing a system-wide plan to increase STEM retention beyond the first two years, particularly among underrepresented minorities. Partnering with all UMass campuses in ABEL4STEM are the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership, the Governor's STEM Council and fifteen Community Colleges, a strong alignment of higher education, government, and the business community.

CURRICULUM REDESIGN : UMass faculty and staff joined with Carolyn Jarmon of the National Center for Academic Transformation to discuss examples of academic efficiencies through curriculum design at each campus. Complete powerpoints and videos available here. (January 16th, 2013)

21st CENTURY CLASSROOM - ONLINE AND BLENDED LEARNING : UMass faculty and staff gather on APRIL 12th, 2013 for a one-day free conference to discuss how instructional technologies play a central role in the student learning experience. Hosted by UMassOnline and Roy J. Zuckerberg Endowed Chair, Jeanette E. Riley of UMass Dartmouth. Event features UMass President Robert L. Caret and keynote speaker Cable Green, Director of Global Learning from Creative Commons.