Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily


Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily

Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily

Niamh Coomey, Campus Administration Editor

All content by Niamh Coomey
Tracking COVID-19 at the University of Minnesota

Tracking COVID-19 at the University of Minnesota

by Dylan Miettinen, Tiffany Bui, Hana Ikramuddin, and Niamh Coomey
Published January 26, 2021
Illustration by Jane Borstad

Faculty Senate discusses potential temporary salary reductions

by Niamh Coomey
Published May 6, 2020
Illustration by Hailee Schievelbein. 

Under new policy amendments, courses with low enrollment can’t be canceled after first class

by Niamh Coomey
Published May 2, 2020
Illustration by Hailee Schievelbein

How is University governance operating during COVID-19?

by Niamh Coomey
Published April 30, 2020
Hailee Schievelbein

In light of COVID-19, U’s employee retirement plan transition pushed to June

by Niamh Coomey
Published April 28, 2020
Graduate school advising programs make improvements based on gradSERU data

Graduate school advising programs make improvements based on gradSERU data

by Niamh Coomey
Published April 23, 2020
Folwell Hall on Saturday, March 21. 2020.

Students, faculty respond to summer classes moving online

by Niamh Coomey
Published April 13, 2020
Illustrated by Morgan La Casse

University administration invokes hiring freeze, other financial measures

by Niamh Coomey
Published April 10, 2020
Illustration by Sarah Mai

Researchers leave lab animals, equipment on campus

by Niamh Coomey
Published April 9, 2020
Athletic Director Mark Coyle addresses the Board of Regents in regards to a contract extension signed by head football coach P.J. Fleck at the McNamara Alumni Center on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019. The deal, signed by Fleck last week, extends his contract through the 2026 season and will increase his base salary to $4.6 million.

U administrators answer COVID-19 questions in virtual town hall

by Niamh Coomey
Published April 8, 2020
President Joan Gabel addresses the Board of Regents at the regents retreat in Duluth on Wednesday, March 11

UMN announces classes will be moved online through summer semester

by Niamh Coomey
Published April 6, 2020
Adjunct faculty see support from the University during online course transition

Adjunct faculty see support from the University during online course transition

by Niamh Coomey
Published April 2, 2020
Sophomore Austin Morrow completes the last lap of his run at Hidden Ponds Park in Eden Prairie on Saturday, March 28. “Running is a big part of physical fitness,” he said.

Despite pandemic, ROTC adapting to help students enter the military

by Niamh Coomey
Published April 1, 2020
Freshman Marissa Mazzetta loads her belongings in preparation for her return to Illinois with her father, Jim Mazzetta, at Middlebrook Hall on Saturday, March 21. Mazzetta, like many freshmen at the University of Minnesota, is moving out of University housing as a result of COVID-19.

Students, parents express frustration with room and board refund

by Niamh Coomey and Samantha Hendrickson
Published March 27, 2020
Morrill Hall as seen on Saturday, Oct. 12.

U’s administrative spending is “within the range” of its peers, report finds

by Niamh Coomey
Published March 26, 2020
Courtesy of Lisa German.

University libraries welcome new dean as services operate online-only

by Niamh Coomey
Published March 26, 2020
Illustration by Sarah Mai

Amid study abroad chaos, students share experiences about coming back home

by Niamh Coomey
Published March 19, 2020
Rape reported in 19th Avenue parking garage

Rape reported in 19th Avenue parking garage

by Niamh Coomey
Published March 7, 2020
Illustrated by Morgan La Casse

Looking to add diversity in educational fields, group charged with approving courses expands

by Niamh Coomey
Published March 5, 2020
New draft policy seeks to balance freedom of speech with safety for campus events

New draft policy seeks to balance freedom of speech with safety for campus events

by Niamh Coomey
Published March 5, 2020
Since 2017, 37% of faculty agree action has been taken to improve work environment

Since 2017, 37% of faculty agree action has been taken to improve work environment

by Niamh Coomey
Published March 1, 2020
Teamsters Local 320 members stand present at an MSA forum to support a resolution drafted by Austin Berger on Tuesday, Oct. 8.

Teamsters union votes to accept final contract offer from UMN

by Niamh Coomey and Hana Ikramuddin
Published February 26, 2020
Morrill Hall as seen on Saturday, Oct. 12.

UMN lays out steps to address lack of faculty diversity

by Niamh Coomey
Published February 24, 2020
Scooters prompt old concerns, new conversations about accessibility

Scooters prompt old concerns, new conversations about accessibility

by Niamh Coomey
Published February 17, 2020
The Board of Regents convene for their December 2019 meeting at the McNamara Alumni Center on Thursday, Dec. 12.

Renaming, faculty diversity among topics at first regents meeting of the semester

by Niamh Coomey and Hana Ikramuddin
Published February 14, 2020
Pedestrians make their way into Moos Tower on Wednesday, Nov. 20. As temperatures drop Moos Tower sees an increase in foot traffic.

Faculty, staff express concern with new campus security measures

by Niamh Coomey
Published February 13, 2020
A pedestrian walks by the International Student and Scholar Services center on West Bank on Tuesday, Feb. 4.

Training on international students accelerates for graduate school staff

by Niamh Coomey
Published February 6, 2020
Demonstrators from Teamsters Local 320 gather outside Pioneer Hall on Wednesday, Aug. 21. The group said that more than 30 University employees were unfairly laid off over the summer.

As one union reaches an agreement with the University, another waits in limbo

by Niamh Coomey and Hana Ikramuddin
Published February 2, 2020

UMN China study abroad programs suspended due to coronavirus outbreak

by Niamh Coomey
Published January 31, 2020
Melissa Kenney, Associate Director of Knowledge Initiatives, poses for a portrait in her home on Sunday, Jan. 26. Kenney's work focuses on decision making and how that impacts viewpoints on policies.

University governance examines the needs of non-tenure track faculty

by Niamh Coomey
Published January 27, 2020
Faculty and staff training to facilitate new gender equity policy

Faculty and staff training to facilitate new gender equity policy

by Niamh Coomey and Erin Rose Baker
Published January 20, 2020
Hailee Schievelbein

Faculty committee discusses research priorities with Gabel

by Niamh Coomey
Published December 11, 2019
The University Senate convenes in Mondale hall on Thursday, Dec. 5. Those involved in the vote decided to continue discussions around changing the University's liberal education requirements.

No changes to liberal education requirements — for now

by Niamh Coomey
Published December 9, 2019
Sarah Mai

Website for free textbooks at UMN gains attention

by Niamh Coomey
Published December 5, 2019
Hailee Schievelbein

University initiative reviews faculty for community engagement

by Niamh Coomey
Published November 26, 2019
Sophomore Bradley Hartwyk works on an assignment in Walter Library on Friday, Oct. 26.

Big Ten libraries begin creating shared collection

by Niamh Coomey
Published November 25, 2019
Hailee Schievelbein

Some faculty concerned as UMN changes retirement plan

by Niamh Coomey
Published November 21, 2019
Anjali Oleksy, a sophomore at the university, poses for a portrait during the campus conversation, “Our University History: Understand, Acknowledge, Engage” in Coffman Union on Thursday Nov. 14.

Faculty, staff and students discuss moving forward on reckoning with University’s past

by Niamh Coomey
Published November 17, 2019
Professor Ellan Tadmor, who sits back right, listens to students present their findings to the class science court on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

University professor Ellad Tadmor is using science to fight polarization

by Niamh Coomey
Published November 11, 2019
Fond Du Lac City Councilman Dan Degner presents at a College Republicans weekly meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Conservative student leaders seek more involvement in campus government

by Niamh Coomey
Published November 10, 2019
Professor Sally Gregory Kohlstedt, chair of the LE Redesign Committee, speaks with faculty during a forum in the Northstar Ballroom at the St. Paul Student Center on Thursday, Oct. 31. Faculty from various departments offered feedback on proposed changes to liberal education requirements.

Liberal education redesign process continues with several public forums

by Niamh Coomey
Published November 6, 2019
Hailee Schievelbein

Faculty committee looks to gather data about grad students with disabilities

by Niamh Coomey
Published November 2, 2019
Hailee Schievelbein

UMN proposed gender identity policy nears implementation

by Niamh Coomey
Published October 31, 2019
Illustrated by Jane Borstad

Incoming UMN students may see mandatory academic integrity training

by Niamh Coomey
Published October 27, 2019
Sarah Vast, Human Resources Assistant for the University of Minnesota, poses for a portrait outside Peik Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 23. Last winter Vast struggled to find child care when schools closed due to extreme cold weather and ended up bringing their child to work at times. Other parents also coordinated when they had difficulty finding child care on short notice. 

University groups work to ensure employees can use sick leave for unscheduled child care

by Niamh Coomey
Published October 24, 2019
The Board of Regents convene for their October 2019 meeting at the McNamara Alumni Center on Thursday, Oct. 10.

Potential University research priorities presented to regents

by Niamh Coomey
Published October 17, 2019
One found dead after homicide in Marcy-Holmes

One found dead after homicide in Marcy-Holmes

by Audrey Kennedy and Niamh Coomey
Published October 16, 2019
Teamsters Local 320 members stand present at an MSA forum to support a resolution drafted in support of workers on Tuesday, Oct. 8. 

UMN student government passes resolution in support of campus workers

by Niamh Coomey
Published October 13, 2019
Associate professor of international development Greta Friedemann-Sánchez, left, and colleague Peggy Grieve, right, pose for a photo in Colombia where they did field work in their efforts against intimate partner violence. Courtesy of Greta Friedemann-Sánchez.

UMN researchers work to prevent violence against women in Colombia

by Niamh Coomey
Published October 10, 2019
Illustrated by Morgan La Casse

Faculty weigh in on changes to UMN liberal education requirements

by Niamh Coomey
Published October 9, 2019
Union members demonstrate at President Joan Gabel's inauguration on Friday, Sept. 20.

Following protests, negotiations continue between union workers and UMN

by Niamh Coomey and Hana Ikramuddin
Published September 26, 2019
A police car patrols University Avenue near TCF Bank Stadium on Tuesday, May 29, 2018.

Robbery and theft reported on West Bank

by Niamh Coomey
Published September 25, 2019
Fayola Jacobs, an assistant professor at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, poses for a portrait on Tuesday, Sept. 24. “I’m excited to be at the U teaching and learning with students who are passionate about working with communities to understand and solve complex social justice issues.”  

New Humphrey School professor focuses on intersection between disasters and oppression

by Niamh Coomey
Published September 25, 2019
Union members demonstrate at President Joan Gabel's inauguration on Friday, Sept. 20.

Union workers demonstrate at Gabel’s inauguration

by Niamh Coomey and Hana Ikramuddin
Published September 20, 2019
Dr. Dimitri Perusse, left, and his wife, Yari Cabezas-Perusse, play with their daughter, Denali, in their backyard on Tuesday, Sept. 17. Perusse's daughter suffered a stroke right after birth which motivates him in his research on treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.

UMN researcher motivated by daughter to continue work on new drug for neurodegenerative diseases

by Niamh Coomey
Published September 19, 2019
Representative Steven Sviggum listens to an address during the September Board of Regents meeting at the McNamara Alumni Center on Friday, Sep. 13.

First regents meeting briefly interrupted by union protest

by Dylan Anderson and Niamh Coomey
Published September 14, 2019

Faculty look to create clearer expectations for faculty when discipline is necessary

by Niamh Coomey
Published September 12, 2019
Ryan Machtmes, Cofounder of the Organization for Graduate and Professional Students with Disabilities, poses for a portrait in Coffman Memorial Union on Monday, Sept. 9.

University faculty kick off school year with discussion of mandatory disability training

by Niamh Coomey
Published September 12, 2019
Demonstrators from Teamsters Local 320 gather outside Pioneer Hall on Wednesday, Aug. 21. The group said that more than 30 University employees were unfairly laid off over the summer.

University workers voice discontent with contracts

by Niamh Coomey and Hana Ikramuddin
Published September 2, 2019

Graduate students concerned by imbalanced international student fees

by Niamh Coomey
Published May 7, 2019
Student demonstrators hold up signs in protest of the Board of Regents' position on building renaming during the special session on Friday, April 26. The board voted against the renaming of four buildings on campus after more than a year of community discussion on the issue.

Students respond to regents’ vote to keep building names

by Niamh Coomey
Published April 26, 2019
The University's Board of Regents convene at the McNamara Alumni Center on Friday, Feb. 8, 2019.

Student government mobilizing students for Friday’s regent meeting

by Niamh Coomey
Published April 25, 2019
Sociology senior Kali Suchy works on updating computer software at the CLA Language Center in Jones Hall on Friday, Sept. 28 on East Bank. Suchy has been working at the CLA Language Center through a work study program since her freshman year.

Student worker survey to advocate for increased campus minimum wage

by Niamh Coomey
Published April 25, 2019
The crowd waits for Lil Yachty at Spring Jam on Saturday, April 21, 2018 in Minneapolis.

After falling short, student government attempts to make Spring Jam zero-waste

by Niamh Coomey
Published April 25, 2019

MSA relaunches sexual misconduct awareness campaign

by Niamh Coomey
Published April 10, 2019
Students from the University of Minnesota campuses including the Twin Cities, Crookston and Morris gather on the steps for a rally at the Minnesota State Capitol on Wednesday, April 3 as a part of Support the U Day.

Renter’s rights bill passes Legislative hurdle

by Niamh Coomey
Published April 8, 2019
Passengers ride the campus connector bus on Friday, March 29 on the University East Bank campus in Minneapolis.

Students push for better campus bus system

by Niamh Coomey
Published April 1, 2019
Student Body President Mina Kian, left, and Vice President Jael Kerandi pose for a portrait on Monday, March 25 outside of Lind Hall on East Bank. The newly elected pair aim to advocate for increased student wages on campus, enhance campus safety resources and go against tuition increases during their time in leadership at the University.

New student government leadership lay out goals

by Niamh Coomey
Published March 28, 2019
A 3D printer that is being worked on sits on a table on Monday, March 25 at the Anderson Student Innovation Labs in the Mechanical Engineering Building on East Bank. The lab is a "makerspace," which is a space that encourages hands-on learning by providing students tools and equipment.

MSA pushes for accessible makerspaces

by Niamh Coomey
Published March 28, 2019
Audience members during a MSA forum on Tuesday, Feb. 6.

MSA elections: Here’s what you need to know

by Niamh Coomey
Published March 11, 2019
Courtesy of Osirus Washington and Janet Nguyen's campaign.

MSA presidential candidate disqualified after running mate drops out

by Niamh Coomey
Published March 11, 2019

MSA president, vice president candidates look to leave their mark

by Niamh Coomey
Published March 11, 2019
Osirus Washington and Janet Nguyen

MSA vice presidential candidate drops out of election

by Niamh Coomey
Published March 11, 2019
Electrical engineering sophomore Sina Roughani operates a terminal that he uses to capture recorded data from the University's "people search" in Keller Hall on Thursday, Feb. 28.

One student aims to change U’s data privacy policy

by Niamh Coomey
Published March 7, 2019
A police car patrols University Avenue near TCF Bank Stadium on Tuesday, May 29, 2018.

Two women harassed near East Bank campus

by Niamh Coomey
Published March 5, 2019
A Campus Circulator makes its way around campus on Feb. 28, 2019 in Minneapolis. Students have made complaints about the efficiency of University buses, noting poor timing leading to jam packed or empty buses. 

Cramped, crowded, delayed: adverse weather hinders UMN transportation

by Niamh Coomey
Published March 4, 2019

MSA looks to increase student data privacy

by Niamh Coomey
Published February 25, 2019
Illustrated by Morgan La Casse

Severe weather causes uptick in falls, injuries

by Niamh Coomey
Published February 18, 2019
Incoming MSA President Simran Mishra and Vice President Mina Kian speak during the final forum of the year at Tate Hall on Tuesday, April 24.

Coffman may see emergency contraceptives in vending machines

by Niamh Coomey
Published February 11, 2019
University of Minnesota students sifted trash from the Coffman Marketplace food court that wasn't already tossed into the correct recycling, compost or waste bin on Wednesday, April 18 in outside Williamson Hall.

MSA advocates for composting in all University buildings

by Niamh Coomey
Published February 5, 2019
Pema Lhewa keeps warm on the campus connector on Tuesday, Jan. 29 in St. Paul. All classes at the University of Minnesota starting after noon on Tuesday were cancelled due to extremely low temperatures.

Extreme temperatures lead to more UMN class cancellations, campus shutdown

by Niamh Coomey
Published January 29, 2019
Christina Laridaen, Minnesota Student Association government and legislative affairs coordinator stands in the MSA room on Thursday, Jan. 24 at Coffman Union. Laridaen facilitated a vigil Thursday evening for sexual assault survivors and a comment writing bank for the proposed Title IX changes. 

Student government hosts vigil after Title IX proposal

by Niamh Coomey
Published January 28, 2019
Minnesota Student Association President Simran Mishra poses for a photo on Monday, August 27, 2018 at Coffman Union on East Bank. 

Student body president discusses new semester, student government initiatives

by Niamh Coomey
Published January 24, 2019

Student body president discusses new semester, initiatives

by Niamh Coomey
Published January 24, 2019
Minnesota Student Association President Simran Mishra gives the president's update at Coffman Union on Tuesday, Dec. 4. Medical amnesty was one of the many issues covered in Tuesday's forum meeting.

MSA starts new initiative to reach more student groups

by Niamh Coomey
Published January 23, 2019
James Farnsworth, chief of staff for the Minnesota Student Association, poses for a portrait in the MSA office in Coffman Union on Tuesday, Dec. 11. 

Multiple students apply for Board of Regents seats

by Niamh Coomey
Published December 13, 2018

Multiple students are applying for at-large seats on the board of regents

by Niamh Coomey
Published December 13, 2018

Police responded to an assault at Dinkytown Wine and Spirits

by Niamh Coomey
Published December 5, 2018
Students line up for food at the Dinkytown McDonald's on April 7, 2017.

MPD to introduce new late night patrols in Dinkytown

by Niamh Coomey
Published November 26, 2018
The Radius apartments in Dinkytown on Saturday, Nov. 18.

Burglary spike at apartments near campus

by Niamh Coomey
Published November 21, 2018
A Minneapolis Police officer patrols Dinkytown on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018.

Multiple auto thefts reported around campus

by Niamh Coomey
Published November 20, 2018
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