Vol. 19, No. 30

May 10, 2000

Exchange of ideas

Vistors from UMass confer with UD counterparts

Recently, a group of senior administrators from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst visited Newark to get a firsthand look at various aspects of UD administrative operations. Of particular interest to the UMass visitors was a look at UD student services, facilities management and construction management, the SPAN program, the implementation of PeopleSoft systems and the many technology initiatives in place on the campus. Guests also were interested in Vita Nova, the student-operated restaurant, since UMass is now in the planning phase of a renovation project to incorporate a similar concept in its student center. A campus tour included the Smith Hall computer laboratories, Trabant University Center, Gore Hall, MBNA America Hall and the Student Services Building. Among other stops on the intinerary were the Carpenter Sports Building, the Perkins Student Center and Memorial Hall. During the visit, UMass administrators met with their UD counterparts. Among those sitting down to ask questions and share ideas were Paul Page, vice chancellor for administration and finance at UMass, and David Hollowell, executive vice president at UD. "You have much to be proud of at the University of Delaware, Page said. "The initiatives that have been undertaken have led to outstanding results." The guests from UMass were colleagues of Elizabeth A. Dale, the American Council on Education (ACE) fellow who is spending the current academic year at UD. ACE fellows are charged with developing linkages between their home and host institutions. "There are so many exciting initiatives at UD that serve as models for institutions of higher education," Dale, who has been at UMass for 22 years, said. "The task of sharing these initiatives seemed daunting, but the campus visit provided an opportunity for my colleagues to gain in-depth information and to establish mutually beneficial relationships with their UD counterparts." The University of Massachusetts has extended an invitation to their UD counterparts and fellow ACE members to visit the Amherst campus during the fall semester. — Jerry Rhodes