Commonwealth College Advocacy

Commonwealth College and UMass have requested budget increases. The current Commonwealth College budget allocation of $3.63m is appropriate for a student body of 2,500, and the College has requested an increase as a result of its tremendous growth to 4,000 students. You can let both your representative and senator know that higher education is a priority for you. Commonwealth College is a tremendous success story for the state. It has requested an increase to $5.488m to be able to provide sufficient courses, advising, and thesis opportunities for the increased student body. Be specific about why Commonwealth College and UMass are important to you. The Governor has recommended level funding for Commonwealth College (the same amount, $3.63m, as last year) in his budget proposal, and a small increase to $489m for UMass, which asked for $509m. We encourage you to also ask your representative and senator to increase funding for UMass -- the strength of Commonwealth College depends on the strength of the University. The Senate is taking up the budget now, so there is still time to influence next year’s budget for both Commonwealth College and UMass.

Click here to learn more about the budget cycle and its timing last year

Because your representative and senator vote on our budgets every year. They listen to you, as a constituent and voter. The state created Commonwealth College to provide an affordable option for the state’s most academically motivated students. The opportunities available are a direct result of the Commonwealth College line item (#7100-0500) in the budget, as well as the UMass line item (#7100-0200), and your legislators only know that it is important to their constituents if you tell them so.

• The budget cycle is in full swing. Now is a great time to thank your senator or representative for his or her past support of Commonwealth College (line item #7100-0500) and UMass (line item #7100-0200), and to be sure they know that both have requested increases and why. Last year the legislature appropriated $3.63 million for Commonwealth College and $483 million for UMass.
• Commonwealth College and the UMass system requested increases (to $5.48m and $509m, respectively). The Governor’s budget proposes level funding for Commonwealth College and a 1.2% increase for the UMass system. The House of Representatives is now working on its version of the budget. Let your representative know that Commonwealth College requested a significant increase because it has been so successful at attracting outstanding students. The College expects to serve 4,000 students this semester.
• Tell your own story. See below for suggestions for students, parents, and alumni.
• Keep the message positive  (if you have complaints, tell us so we can address them).
• Be sure your legislator knows that you live in his or her district.
• If your legislator is not familiar with it, be prepared to explain that Commonwealth College is the honors college for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at UMass Amherst.

   Suggestions for Students:

• Thank you for creating and supporting Commonwealth College.
• I came to UMass Amherst/Commonwealth College because…
• The best part of my educational experience has been…
• I grew up in…
• Because of my education, I hope to…
• I hope you will continue to support Commonwealth College for me and generations of students to come, and that you will continue to support UMass.

   Suggestions for Parents:

• Thank you for creating and supporting Commonwealth College.
• My son/daughter chose UMass Amherst/Commonwealth College because…
• From my perspective, the best part of my child’s education at UMass Amherst/Commonwealth College so far is…
• Brag a little about your child’s accomplishments. If the opportunities or prestige of Commonwealth College played a role in your child’s decision to attend/join, say so.
• I hope you will continue to support Commonwealth College and UMass.

   Suggestions for Alumni:

• Thank you for creating and supporting Commonwealth College.
• I went to UMass Amherst (and Commonwealth College or the Honors Program, if applicable) because…
• The best part of my experience was…
• My experience prepared me to…
• For Massachusetts to retain its best talent, it is important for the state to have affordable, top-notch educational options available to our most promising high school students. UMass and Commonwealth College are key to attracting and retaining such students. The vast majority of UMass graduates stay and work in Massachusetts.