FOR YOUR INFORMATION…
February 2007
The Ph.D. Program in Public Policy presents this “For Your Information” communiqué
noting upcoming conferences, workshops, meetings, grant deadlines, scholarship and
internship opportunities, job openings, lectures, etc.
JOAN BOLKER IS BACK ON FEBRUARY 8TH AT 12:30 PM
Do not feel stressed because you cannot finish your paper/dissertation! It’s easy! All you
need is… JOAN BOLKER!!! And she will be here explaining how to write your
dissertation in fifteen minutes a day!
Time: Thursday, February 8th at 12:30pm
Venue: Campus Center, 3rd floor, Founders Conference Room (# 3545)
Book signing to follow.
Space is limited. Please RSVP to gsassembly@umb.edu
STUDENT AND ALUMNI NOTES
Dale Allen will defend his dissertation proposal, “The Effect of PILOTs and GILOTs on
the Relationship Between Municipalities and Institutions of Higher Education” on
Tuesday, February 27th from 12-2:30 PM (Healey-8, MGS conference room).
Best wishes to Faye Cohen who is a finalist for the 2007 Rappaport Summer Public
Policy Fellows program. The program provides a paid ($7,000) summer fellowship to 12
graduate students at local colleges and universities who will be continuing their studies in
the 2007-08 academic year in policy-related fields.
SAVE THE DATE: Phil Granberry will defend his dissertation on March 15th at 3 PM.
Stay tuned for a complete announcement by email with Phil’s title and abstract.
Many thanks to Kim Puhala for her dedicated work as the student representative on our
Admissions Committee.
Kudos to Jennifer Raymond who earned a $1000 Craig R. Bollinger Memorial Research
Grant for Fall 2006 from UMass Boston’s Graduate Student Assembly. Her award letter
praised her proposal as “well defined and articulately written”. Congratulations Jen!
Michael Tutty was the faculty advisor for a group of students from the University of
Massachusetts Medical School at this year’s Massachusetts Health Policy Student Forum.
The student forum is an annual event designed to give advanced graduate students in
public health, medicine, nursing, and health policy direct access to the workings of state
government. Numerous students from various Massachusetts colleges and universities
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attended the two day policy event on January 10 & 11th. Students had an opportunity to
meet with senior legislative and state administrative officials to discuss the operations
and responsibilities of state government with a particular emphasis on health care reform.
FACULTY and STAFF NEWS
As part of NPR’s Weekend America program, Professor Enrico Marcelli (Public Policy
and Economics Departments) was featured on WBUR 90.9, Boston’s National Public
Radio affiliate, on Saturday, February 3 discussing his research on the correlation
between the rise in minimum wage and happiness .
STAFF OFFICE HOURS:
Barbara Graceffa, Assistant Director MWThF 8-4, Tu 1-8 (evening hours by appt.)
Karen Means, Administrative Assistant M-F 8:30-5
Chaired by Professor Alan Clayton-Matthews, our Faculty Search Committee including
Connie Chan, Randy Albelda and student representative Phil Granberry are hard at
work on reviewing over 250 applications. Invitations for preliminary video and
telephone interviews were issued last week. Stay tuned for notices of on-campus
interviews scheduled for next month.
Chaired by Professor Mary Stevenson, our Admissions Committee is also in full swing.
Committee members include Professors Elizabeth Bussiere, David Matz, Paula
Watanabe and Ann Withorn.
UPDATE ON ADMISSIONS APPLICANT POOL
As this newsletter goes to publication, we have more than 50 applicants wishing to start
our PhD Program in fall 2007. Nearly two-thirds (65%) are female. This year’s pool is
considerably more diverse as well with three Latinas, one Cape Verdean, and six AfricanAmericans submitting applications. One quarter (25%) are international prospects from
Brazil, China, India, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Turkey and USSR. Applicants hold 61
graduate degrees among them. They hold 21 degrees (previously earned or in progress)
from the UMass system including 13 from UMass Boston. Nine (9) have applied for our
part-time program for state employees.
Applicants’ research interests lie in the following fields: advocacy and program
development, conflict resolution, community development, disability policy, dispute
resolution, diversity issues, domestic violence, drug and crime policies, economic
development, economic policy analysis, education policy, environmental health, feminist
theory and politics, higher education reform, homelessness and housing rights,
immigration policy, international development, labor markets, law and public policies,
non-profit management, organizational development, political economy, poverty
reduction, program evaluation, racial and economic disparities in health care outcomes,
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social welfare, status of women and people of color, technology policy, and women in the
criminal justice system.
We still need current students to help us with on-campus or telephone interviews with the
semi-finalists; please advise Karen if you are available to participate in interviews
beginning mid-February. And once we have made offers to 10-12 students, we will ask
many of you to send a welcome email or two to encourage them to accept our offer to
enroll in September! Stay tuned.
SIGN UP FOR THIS SUMMER’S COMPS:
THE LIST IS ON BARBARA’S OFFICE DOOR
May 29–June 5, 2007
Quantitative Comprehensive Exam
June 11-July 3, 2007
Qualitative Comprehensive Exam
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs and Healey Library have added a
database called PapersInvited that will assist researchers at all levels - scientists,
professors, post-docs and students who are seeking publishing opportunities for their
research papers.
Please click on the link http://media.umb.edu/papersinvited/ to hear from Richard
Antonak, Jim Mortenson and Healey Library staffers about this new database.
CONFERENCES/CALL FOR PAPERS AND ABSTRACTS:
John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy Studies
Second Annual Student Research Conference
“Social Inequality and Public Policy”
University of Massachusetts Boston
April 24, 2007
This student conference offers Boston area students in public policy, sociology, political science,
economics, public health, and related disciplines an opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary
scholarly dialogue regarding the policy implications of social inequality. Sponsored by the John
W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy Studies, the conference seeks to provide students with
an opportunity to present their research in an academic environment, and receive feedback from
professors and other graduate students in these disciplines. This will be a one-day conference to
take place the week of April 24, 2007. The keynote address will be given by the Robert C. Wood
Visiting Professor in Public and Urban Affairs (to be announced). Past Wood Professors have
included: Mary Frances Berry; Edi Rama; James Morone and Deborah Stone; and Gerald Torres.
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Suggested paper topics include, but are not limited to: economic inequality; disparities related to
race, gender, and sexual orientation; structural inequities; and governance, civic participation and
voice. Approved abstracts will focus on the policy implications of social inequalities.
The deadline for submission of abstracts is February 15, 2007. Please submit an abstract of
approximately 300 words, including an email address and other pertinent contact information, and
a brief biography to umb-social-inequalities-conference-2007@googlegroups.com. Abstracts will
be reviewed by the organizing committee and invitations to present will be announced by March
12, 2007. Papers presented at the conference will be made available to all attendees.
For more information or further inquiries, please contact the Conference Paper Committee via
email at umb-social-inequalities-conference-2007@googlegroups.com.
Prevention Connection presents a web conference: Exploring On-Line Resources
to Support Violence Against Women Prevention Efforts on Wednesday, February 14,
2007 2:00-3:30 pm EST (11:00 am -12:30 pm PST) with presenters Casey Keene of the
National Online Resource Center on Violence Against Women and Jennifer Grove of the
National Sexual Violence Resource Center.
For more information and to register for this free conference, please visit:
http://www.preventconnet.org/.
LECTURES, MEETINGS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
On Wednesday, February 7, UMB’s Labor Resource center will feature David Bacon,
author of Communities without Borders and Children of NAFTA forum in Wheatley
Hall, 4th floor lounge, at 4:30 PM.
The Public Policy Forum presents: “Workshop on Writing and Funding Proposals for
Dissertation Work” facilitated by William E. Kiernan, Ph.D., Director and Research
Professor, UMB’s Institute for Community Inclusion. The event will take place on
Thursday, February 15, 2007 from 11:00am – 1:00 pm on the 11th Floor, Healey Library.
Lunch will be served. RSVP by February 8, 2007 to mandira.kala@umb.edu
The Public Policy Forum Seminar Series presents “Decent Work in America:
The Development of a Work Environment Index”, a seminar led by James Heintz of
UMass Amherst’s Political Economy Research Institute. The event will take place on
Wednesday, February 21, 2007 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. on the 11th Floor, Healey Library.
RSVP by February 15 to jennifer.shea@umb.edu
Meet the Editor of The Nation on Thursday, February 15 at noon. Bring your lunch and
join in the conversation with editors and writes for The Nation, America’s oldest weekly
magazine, which was founded by abolitionists in 1865. Speakers will include Katrina
vanden Heuvel, Johnathan Schell and other Nation staffers talking about the news media
and politics. Free copies of the publication will be available.
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On Wednesday, February 28 from 10 Am to 3 PM, UMass Boston, in cooperation with
the Rennie Center for Education Research and Policy, will present a conference focused
on “Tough Choices for Tough Times,” a report of the ability of the nation’s educational
system to support the workforce needs of the 21st century. The conference will feature
Marc Tucker, the president of the National Center on Education and the Economy, which
commissioned the report.
Tufts University Civic Engagement Research Group announces their spring
speakers series:
March 9 – Katrina Burgess, Tufts’ Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, “U.S.-Based
Migrant Organizations and Local Governance in Mexico”
May 4 – Micheal Delli-Carpini, Annenberg School for Communication, “That’s (Not
Just) Entertainment: The Impact of Popular Culture on Democratic Engagement” (cosponsored by Tufts’ Communication and Media Studies)
Noon to 1:30 p.m., Raab Room, Tisch College for Citizenship and Public Service,
Lincoln-Filene Center, Tufts University, Medford. Light lunch served. RSVP to
bobbie.peyton@tufts.edu. Co-Leaders: Susan Ostrander, Sociology; Kent Portney,
Political Science; Molly Mead, Tisch College for Citizenship and Public Service.
Contact susan.ostrander@tufts.edu or kent.portney@tufts.edu
MIT is now accepting proposal submissions for BEYOND REVOLUTION OR
BEHIND IT? The Politics and Practice of Contemporary Feminism Across
Academic and Activist Communities: March 23 -25, 2007 at the Stata Center, MIT
Campus.
Further information about the conference or call for proposals is available online at
http://web.mit.edu/gcws*
PUBLIC POLICY STUDENT LUNCHEONS
Department Chair and Public Policy GPD Connie Chan invites you to our new First
Mondays Public Policy Lunch. We'll be hosting a lunch for all Public Policy students
the First Monday of each month from 11:30 - 12:30 in the Public Policy Suite. Our First
Monday Lunch dates for the semester are: Monday, March 5; Monday, April 2 and
Monday, May 7.
JOB OPPORTUNITY
complete postings available in the Public Policy suite:
The Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group has been retained by Build the Out-ofSchool Time Network (BOSTnet) in Boston, Massachusetts to assist them in their
search for a Research Director. Founded in 1987, BOSTnet is one of the nation’s
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preeminent out-of-school time leaders, BOSTnet has helped shape the field of afterschool
by providing leadership, resources, data, programs and policy solutions. Specifically,
BOSTnet addresses the need to enhance and provide access to opportunities and
resources by reaching out to low- and moderate-income families, out-of-school time
providers and local and state policymakers. Through its various programs, BOSTnet
serves as a resource, a partner, and a policy advocate. As funders, elected officials,
academics and other opinion makers are focusing more attention on the field of
afterschool programming, BOSTnet finds itself in a unique position to deepen its impact
in the afterschool landscape. With a well-established reputation, honed over the past 20
years, and a highly regarded data gathering and network reach, BOSTnet now seeks a
Research Director to link its grassroots wisdom with action-oriented, impactful research
to create more resonant policy communications.
More information about BOSTnet can be found at http://www.bostnet.org.
FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Dissertation Research Award
The Melissa Institute for Violence Prevention and Treatment is a not-for-profit
educational, research and consultative organization that was established to honor the
memory of Melissa Aptman, a Miami native who was murdered in May 1995. The
Melissa Institute provides scholarship awards to support violence prevention research.
The Melissa Institute is offering four awards of $2,000 each. The awards are available to
graduate students from any discipline who address issues of violence prevention and/or
treatment. The award must be used to support expenses that are directly related to the
dissertation research (e.g., subject fees, computer time, equipment). It may not be used
for tuition, personal travel or personal expenses.
To apply, visit http://www.melissainstitute.org/awards.html. The application deadline is
April 1st of each year. Annual selection is May 15th.
The annual Dissertation Fellowship Program of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy
invites applications from doctoral students who are writing dissertations in fields that
address the Institute’s primary areas of interest as follows:



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Valuation and Taxation
Economic and Community Development
Planning and Urban Form
Applications are due by email on March 1, 2007. Guidelines at
http://www.lincolninst.edu/education/lilp_dissertation_app_fy08.doc. Questions?,
contact fellowships@lincolninst.edu. Information about their other fellowship programs
is available at http://www.lincolninst.edu/education/fellowships.asp#grad.
SPRING 2007 ACADEMIC CALENDAR
January 29 (Monday)
Classes Begin
February 5 (Monday)
Add/drop ends
Deadline for paying the Program fee without paying $50 late fee
February 14 (Wednesday)
Deadline for applying for June 2007 or August 2007 graduation
February 15 (Thursday)
Public Policy Professional Development Seminar
“Workshop on Writing and Funding Proposals for
Dissertation Work” 11:00 AM, H-11
February 19 (Monday)
President’s Day Holiday; no classes/office closed
February 21 (Wednesday)
Public Policy Professional Seminar Series:
Decent Work in America: The Development of a Work
Environment Index” with James Heinz, 7 PM, H-11
March 17 to 25
Spring vacation
March 26 (Monday)
Mid-Semester
April 12 (Thursday)
Course Withdrawal Deadline
April 16 (Monday)
Patriot’s Day Holiday; University closed
April 23 (Monday)
Fall 07 Pre-registration Begins
April 24 (Tuesday)
Social Inequality Student Research Conference
May 16 (Wednesday)
Classes end
May 17-20
Study period
May 21 to 25
Final Exam period
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May 25 (Friday)
Application for Dissertation Support Grants due
May 28 (Monday)
Memorial Day Holiday; office closed
May 29–June 5
Quantitative Comprehensive Exam
June 1 (Friday)
Commencement
June 11-July 3
Qualitative Comprehensive Exam
WEATHER EMERGENCIES: GENERAL POLICIES
In the event that a snowstorm or other severe inclement weather presents a risk to
our faculty, staff, students, and visitors commuting to or from the campus, the Provost
and the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance will make a determination of the
appropriate campus response.
The closing of the campus is a procedure that differs depending on the timing of
the decision to close and the expected length and severity of the snowstorm or other
severe weather. The essential factor in the decision is the safety of our commuting
faculty, staff, students and visitors. However, severe weather affecting only a limited
number of commuters generally will not result in a campus closing.
Closings announced during the work day -- Faculty and staff will be notified by means of
a telephone tree started by the Office of Human Resources to notify Deans and Directors,
who will then contact the various units in their areas. In addition, information will be
available at the main switchboard number, the UMB website, and on television and radio
stations if they carry such announcements. If at all possible, the decision to close early will
be made and announced by 2:00pm or earlier. If the campus closes early, staff on the second
shift should check with their supervisors to see if they need to report to work.
Closings announced prior to the work day -- The closing announcement will be
available on the main switchboard, the UMB website, and television and radio. The
closing may be for the entire day or only for morning classes.
WEATHER EMERGENCIES: ANNOUNCEMENTS
UMB Main Switchboard number 287-5000 -- will carry a voicemail announcement
which notifies callers if the campus will be open for operation. Please do not call the
Public Safety offices. Their lines must remain open in case of emergency.
University Website - The bulletin board at the UMB website will contain weather
announcements. The UMB Internet address is <http://www.umb.edu>.
Radio and Television Stations that will carry the UMB announcements -- Please
listen to these radio and TV stations starting at 5:30am rather than call the Public Safety
offices as they need to keep their lines open in case of emergency.
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TV:
WBZ TV (Ch 4), WCVB (Ch 5), WHDH (Ch 7)
RADIO:
WRKO AM (680), WBZ AM (1030),
WBUR FM (90.9); WUMB FM (91.9)
What the Announcement may say and what it means for Campus Operations -University Closed / Classes Canceled - All classes canceled, all offices and the library
closed, only designated and assigned snow day personnel will report at regular time.
Delayed Opening / Late Opening / Morning Classes Canceled - Campus will open for
classes at 11:30am. All morning classes are canceled and classes will resume at 11:30am.
Snow day personnel will report at regular time. All other staff will report at 10:00am.
Evening Classes Canceled - All classes beginning at 4:00pm are canceled. Snow day
personnel will work their regular hours and all others will be allowed to leave by 4:00pm.
WEATHER EMERGENCIES: OTHER ISSUES
Off-campus Classes - Class cancellations at off-campus sites due to weather conditions will
be announced on local radio stations in communities where sites are located under the name
of the institution in which the class is located.
Transportation -- The UMB shuttle from the Campus to JFK station will continue to operate
even though classes may be canceled. In the event of an early closing or late opening, the
shuttle will continue to operate for several hours after the closing or before the opening. Of
course weather conditions may cause delays.
Food Services -- Every effort will be made to have some level of service available in the
Quinn Building when the campus is open for operations. Menu may be limited.
Athletic Events -- If the University closes early and there are Athletic events scheduled, the
Athletic Department, after consultation with Public Safety, will determine if the event can
occur. If canceled, the Athletic Department will have a recording on the Main University
phone line - (617) 287-5000
Day Care Center -- If the University is closed, the Day Care center will be closed during the
same time period as the closure. If there is an early dismissal the Day Care Center will
arrange with the parents for appropriate pick up time.
Special Events and All other Activities on the Campus -- If you need to inquire about the
operation of Continuing Education, the Library or a Special Event scheduled to occur on
campus during the weekend, you should call the Main University phone line (617) 287-5000
and there will be a recording to provide specific information about these activities or direct
you to further information.
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RECOMMEND A FRIEND??
Please help us with the future success and growth of our Ph.D. Program by
recommending a friend, family member, undergraduate or master’s degree student, or
colleague. You can send, fax or email this information to Assistant Director who will
immediately follow up with the person(s) of your choice. Thank you in advance for your
recommendation.
Name:
_______________________________________________________________________
Address:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Telephone: (____) ________________________________________________________
Email address: __________________________________________________________
Recommended by: _______________________________________________________
To share news items for future issues of FYI,
email barbara.graceffa@umb.edu
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