Provost to CVPA Staff and Faculty on August 14

August 14, 2023

Dear CVPA Staff and Faculty,

I wanted to reach out to all of you right away, following Chancellor Fuller’s campus announcement that the Massachusetts state budget signed on Wednesday does not include funding to allow UMass Dartmouth to continue utilizing the Star Store building in New Bedford. I recognize how unexpected and disappointing this news is for all of us.

On the advice of legal counsel, we must move our academic programs housed in the Star Store, including classrooms, studios, and offices, at the earliest opportunity. Dean Jenkens and I will be working with the Registrar’s Office and Facilities to ensure that we find appropriate space for our courses, activities and all the individuals, equipment and artwork currently housed in the Star Store. We’ll need your help to be sure that we have a clear understanding of what is needed for each course, student portfolios, and faculty creative work.

The Provost’s Office will support CVPA through this transition in every way that it can. Undoubtedly, you will have many questions, and I am in the process of scheduling opportunities for faculty to discuss the transition with the Provost’s Office team and Dean Jenkens as soon as possible, beginning with a meeting at 3:00 p.m. today by Zoom. Simultaneously, I ask you to please work with your Dean’s Office to develop plans for packing and moving equipment, materials and artworks out of the Star Store.

Again, I share in the sadness that arises from leaving such a well-loved, iconic facility. I am committed to doing everything I can to mitigate the disruption caused by this unexpected situation. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and assistance over the coming weeks.

With best regards,

Ramprasad Balasubramanian

Provost & Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs