UMass Faces Scrutiny Over Fundraising Department Changes

Categories: Massachusetts Business NewsMassachusetts EducationMassachusetts News

Students raise concerns about recent changes in UMass fundraising operations.

News Summary

The University of Massachusetts (UMass) is under scrutiny after a state auditor concluded that the institution violated the Taxpayer Protection Act during the restructuring of its fundraising department. Concerns arose over the lack of proper assessment before privatizing positions within the Advancement office, leading to criticism from staff unions and local legislators. While UMass claims no layoffs occurred, the restructuring has sparked debates about employee stability and accountability in university operations.

UMass Finds Itself in Hot Water Over Fundraising Department Restructuring

In a surprising twist in Amherst, the University of Massachusetts (UMass) is facing some serious scrutiny. Reports have surfaced that the university’s officials made some questionable moves regarding their fundraising operations. A recent determination from state auditor’s office has officially concluded that UMass violated the state’s Taxpayer Protection Act during the transition of their Advancement office operations to a private entity – the University Amherst Foundation.

The Backstory of the Restructuring

Back in May, the saga unfolded further when the State Auditor’s office, led by Deputy Auditor Michael Leung-Tat under the guidance of Auditor Diana DiZoglio, released their findings. The crux of the matter? UMass didn’t properly assess whether privatizing these jobs would save costs before taking the plunge into this transfer of roles. Not only that, but a significant absence of a time tracking system has complicated things even more, making it impossible for the university to keep tabs on employee time allocation.

This lack of oversight is worrying for taxpayers who want to see their money being managed responsibly. To ease this situation, the auditors have urged UMass Amherst to introduce a time tracking system in the future. The goal is simple: to better inform analyses that affect funding and job placement within the university.

A Change in Leadership and Direction

It all started under the leadership of former Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy. He implemented the restructuring to ensure that UMass complies with regulations and to protect employees’ eligibility for the state’s pension and retirement plans. But not everyone agrees with how this has played out.

With approximately 100 positions in the Advancement sector—which included roles in fundraising and alumni communications—affected by the changes, it hasn’t been an easy transition. The plan involved the elimination and re-creation of most roles as private positions at the Amherst Foundation. This decision created quite a stir, throwing the spotlight on UMass and its restructuring strategy.

Union Response and Reactions

Many in the university’s community have voiced their concerns. Staff unions, including the Professional Staff Union and the University Staff Association, have been vocal in their opposition to the shift of positions away from UMass. Union steward Jason Johnson, previously an employee in Advancement, supported the auditor’s findings that pointed to a hasty privatization process.

On the other side, UMass representatives have confirmed that none of the impacted employees faced layoffs. Instead, they were either transferred to the UMass Amherst Foundation or retained in other capacities at UMass. However, reports suggest that some Advancement employees have chosen to leave for opportunities at other universities or private firms.

Adding to the drama, renowned U.S. Senators and local legislators, including Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, have criticized the restructuring efforts, which signifies the level of concern this issue has raised at all levels. There is a growing sentiment among union members that the auditor’s ruling could pave the way to advocate for the reinstatement of Advancement office staff back into UMass.

What Lies Ahead for UMass?

As the dust settles, the president of the University Staff Association, Mary Malinowski, has reiterated the union’s commitment to restoring these public employment positions back to UMass Amherst. They are rallying to ensure that the impacted employees have a chance for stability and a future within the university—something many feel was hastily stripped away.

As the university navigates through these challenges, the imperative for accountability looms large. The auditor’s warnings serve as a critical reminder that moving forward, UMass must ensure that it adheres to the Taxpayer Protection Act to maintain not just public trust, but also the integrity of the university’s operations and the welfare of its employees.