Is UMass eyeing single pitch for donations?
Does alumni loyalty extend beyond one campus? University and development databases are now being reviewed by the president’s office on all five campuses of the University of Massachusetts, a possible precursor to efforts to consolidate them. According to president Jack M. Wilson’s office, the review is business as usual. But in light of the ‘One University’ plan, a controversial scheme to streamline the university and raise UMass’ national reputation, some believe the review is the first step toward wiping out the campus’s individual databank operations – in favor of a single department. ‘Is this the beginning on the long road to consolidation?’ asked Alison M. Ozer, a data programmer/analyst in information and donor services at UMass in Amherst. ‘We’re concerned for our jobs and for what’s best for the university.’ The implications of a single development operation could be severe for the Amherst campus, the oldest, best-endowed campus. It also has the largest databank of donors, alum
