An Honors Program pre-War missive: the Build-up
HERITAGE RESERVES, Monday, March 19, 2007
[The following communique from Director of the UMass/Boston Honors Program, Professor James F. Brennan, a psychological build up to the Honors Program War which "sparked" with the unfounded charge of plagiarism against the Secretary of the Honors Program, Hon. Wilmot Max "Little David" Ramsay, who also served as Editor-in-Chief of The UMass Times. The letter, which was distributed exactly seventeen years ago to the day and date, on Monday, March 19, 1990, though veiled in parts, would, over time, manifest itself into the drama of the War it would become, with the University of Massachusetts being the main battlefield. This signed letter which was intended for all College of Arts and Sciences Honors Students, the Honors Faculty Advisory Board, the Spring 1990 Honors Instructors -- including Professors Fiora A. Bassanese and Robert H. Spaethling -- and Dean Richard Freeland, it could very well have been a fire-side conversation between Director and Secretary.
For its historical relevance, therefore, HERITAGE RESERVES herein reprints the pre-Honors Program War missive, verbatim, as we take a look back, then, at the landscape that was UMass/Boston, and, hopefully, a glimpse at some of the dramatis personae preceding the War of 1990. Also, we note that this historic document comes from the mind of a trained psychologist.
The Hon. Councillor Wilmot Max Ramsay would graduate, in Spanish and Political Science, from the University of Massachusetts Boston, on Friday, June 3, 2005, despite the fanfare to much drama. He, currently, is the President and Executive Director of Global Youth Trust, Inc., a non-profit organization. Professor James F. Brennan would leave UMass/Boston en route for Towson University where he is currently a Vice President and Dean Richard Freeland became President of Northeastern University. German Professor emeritus Robert H. Spaethling would go into retirement while former UMass/Boston Provost and Chemistry Professor Leverett J. Zompa would become a 2006 recipient of Global Youth Trust's 'CANTABRIGIA.']
* Since the original publication of the Brennan letter, Professor James F. Brennan has been appointed Provost of Catholic University of America, CUA, Washington, D.C.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts-Boston
Harbor Campus
Boston, Massachusetts 02125-3393
The Honors Program
College of Arts and Sciences
[Friday,] March 16, 1990
To: CAS Honors Students
During the last week we have all witnessed some rather startling and disturbing developments as the University tries to cope with the continuing budget crisis. Moreover, the controversy over the Provost's reorganization plan has generated an amazing series of rumors, which has added to our uneasiness. I am writing to inform you of my latest information about the Honors Program and also to share with you some other news that is independent of the reorganization plan.
First and most importantly, I want to assure you that no administrator [publicly] or privately has mentioned anything about any curtailment of the Honors Program. Indeed, the resource picture for the next year is quite promising. The Dean of CAS has committed all of the resources I requested, without any questions. I am most encouraged by the College's commitment and enthusiasm for the Honors Program.
I must also tell you that I do not know where the Honors Program would be housed if any reconfiguration of CAS were to occur. I asked the Provost [, Leverett J. Zompa,] this question directly at a meeting of CAS chairs and directors on Monday, March 12, 1990, and he was unable to give me an answer. Rather, the central administration has not considered the program and, to my knowledge at this writing, still has not considered the issue. My suspicion is that the Program is conceptually attached to the CAS core curriculum, and much thought would have to be devoted to the proper place of the program in the event of any change in the structure of CAS. At the same time, however, neither the Provost nor anyone else in the central administration have even hinted that this lack of forethought about the Program suggests any likelihood of changing the Program. Thus, as of this writing, the future place of the Honors Program is somewhat unclear, but there is no evidence of any lessening of institutional commitment to the Program.
My second point in writing to you is independent of the reorganization and relates to me personally. On Friday, March 9th, before I or my faculty colleagues knew of the reorganization plan, I was elected Chair of the Psychology Department. It is with some reluctance and mixed feelings that I accept this position, effective in September. On the one hand, I am challenged by opportunities to assist my department in implementing a Ph.D. program, deal more effectively with the huge number of major and minor undergraduates in psychology, and [make operational] my deep commitment to enhancing the research environment of my department. On the other hand, taking this position means that I must leave directing the Honors Program, which is probably the best and most fun job I have ever enjoyed. I want you to know that.
In some respects, it is a logical time for me to leave the direction of the Program. The new curriculum is largely in place, operating successfully and smoothly. I have been discussing with the Faculty Advisory Board some new initiatives in issues of student development. Toward this end, we have been fortunate to have received startup funds from the Guzikowski Family Foundation for a program of orientation for entering honors students. Accordingly, it is now a choice time for a new person to take over the direction and begin leading the program in ways that support student affiliation with the Program which will, in turn, enhance the quality of life for you as you progress toward your academic and scholarly goals.
I have asked Dean Freeland to appoint a new director by the end of the semester, so that I can focus on my research over the summer months. I shall of course assist the new director in any transitional activities he or she may want. The Dean asked to meet with the Faculty Advisory Board to discuss a new director, and I hope to convene that meeting shortly after classes resume. I strongly encourage you to participate in this process by conveying to me or to Dean Freeland directly any ideas or suggestions. Once the Board meets with the Dean, we shall determine a more formal mechanism for your input, which we all value as essential and critical to all aspects of the Program.
While I am sad about leaving the Program, I know that I shall continue to meet you and watch your progress. During the next few months, and especially during Spring advising toward the end of April, I shall talk with most of you. However, in light of the events of the past week, I thought it best to communicate this information to you in this manner.
Best wishes for a successful semester.
Sincerely yours,
(SGD) James F. Brennan, Ph.D.
Director and
Professor of Psychology
cc: Faculty Advisory Board
Spring [19]90 Honors Instructors
Dean Freeland
