University of Massachusetts Lowell
EN-13: Community Stakeholder Engagement

The University of Massachusetts System'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.

UMass Lowell 2020: A Strategic Plan for the Next Decade, was adopted in 2009 and developed over 18 months by more than 200 faculty, staff and students, with feedback from the entire campus as well as an external advisory group comprised of alumni and community leaders. The University is guided by its strategic plan which includes the following goals:

• Embrace “Partnerships and Engagement” as a central theme of academic and scholarly activity at UMass Lowell by:
- Creating a University climate and environment that welcomes partners to campus and demonstrates the value the University places on partnerships and engagement.
- Cataloging, promoting and facilitating existing and future partnerships among the University, the city of Lowell and our numerous Lowell-based partners.

• Utilize the varied talents and disciplines of the University community to foster economic development across the region and the state by:
- Identify teaching and research strengths of the University and align them with the needs of the region’s economy, which can be understood by engaging in regional development dialogue and initiatives.
- Support consulting, research and exchange programs for faculty and service-learning and internship opportunities for students that enhance university-community partnerships.

These goals and objectives cannot be met without community stakeholder engagement which underpins decisions made by the University at all levels.
http://www.uml.edu/2020/default.aspx

In addition to the above, the Office of Community Relations meets regularly with four local neighborhood groups: the Acre Coalition To Improve Our Neighborhood; the East Pawtucketville Citizens Group; the Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association; and the Pawtucketville Citizens Council. These groups share neighborhoods that the university borders, and we have a shared interest in improvements related to public safety and curb appeal. As a result of our partnership, we have also collaborated on initiatives such as neighborhood cleanups, tours on campus and/or within neighborhoods, and festivals.

Another significant development has been the formalization of UMass Lowell’s connection to the Learning in Retirement Association (LIRA). The University and LIRA have been partners for 28 years. In 2013, the Office of Alumni Relations and Office of Community Relations executed an agreement with LIRA to manage the group’s funds and assist with program development and membership recruitment. LIRA each year serves some 130 elders with educational programs designed and largely taught by LIRA members; UMass Lowell professors augment the teaching corps on a volunteer basis. The University subsidizes the cost of learning space for LIRA and provides venues for the annual Convocation, Town Meeting, and Holiday Gathering. LIRA in return provides two $1000 scholarships for UMass Lowell students each year. Since its establishment by the University’s former Community Service Office, LIRA has donated some $50,000 in scholarship money to University students. Members also organize service activities such as collecting winter clothing for children in need.

Educational organizations: Lowell Public Schools, Learning in Retirement Association, Westford Academy

Government bodies: Lowell Historic Board, Northern Middlesex Council of Governments
Lowell National Historical Park, City of Lowell, MA, City of Haverhill, MA, City of Lawrence, MA

Private sector organizations: The Lowell Plan, Inc.

Civil society: ACTION (Acre Coalition to Improve our Neighborhood)
Angkor Dance Troupe
Coalition for a Better Acre
Cultural Organization of Lowell (COOL)
Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Association
East Pawtucketville Citizens Group
D’Youville Life and Wellness Community
Girls Incorporated of Greater Lowell
Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce
Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Greater Lowell Music Theatre
Lowell Community Health Center
Lowell Historical Society
Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust
Pawtucketville Citizens Council