An anonymous reader presents a different view of the academic audit:
"With all the issues flying around with the audit report there has been few voices about the positive side of many of these changes. My program is affected by the changes but hopefully in the end the program will be better off than before. We hope to have a stronger program with a better position for the future. The audit report was designed to bring out the problems with programs and focus on addressing them. Faculty may not always want to focus on the problems or admit that the changes could end up being better for the program. It would seem that the only faculty that are complaining about the audit are those with problems with their programs that don't want to see those problems addressed."
I am glad to hear a different point of view on this subject and welcome further comments on the subject.
I am not entirely sure I agree with the last statement, however. Many of the complaints I'm hearing do not concern the rating but are focused on the implementation process. For example, some faculty from programs that are marked for "enhancement" have questioned how reorganization is connected to enhancement.
Other thoughts on the matter?
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4 comments:
Graduation issues
I realize that this has nothing to do with the audit, but something needs to be done regarding graduation. There are several issues that need to be addressed regarding graduation that reflect poorly on the institution.
The first issue is the recognition of retiring faculty. It is abhorrent that retiring faculty are not recognized by name during commencement. There are usually not many that are retiring and it would not take long to recognize them by name, but instead they are told to just stand. These retirees have given many years to the institution and should be recognized by name.
The second issue is the poor scheduling of Spring Commencement every year. Why does it have to be the Saturday of Mother's Day weekend? Many of our students and faculty are trying to travel to spend time with their families to celebrate Mothers' Day and commencement takes away from that time. There is no reason why the spring semester couldn't be adjusted so that commencement falls on the weekend before or after.
Finally, the last issue is one where I heard many many complaints yesterday from students, family, and faculty. The complaint centered around the lack of receptions after commencement. The receptions have always been a nice way for students and family to talk with faculty after graduation, but without it people couldn't locate others from their college. These families bring in monies to run this university and deserve a small token of respect and appreciation. Many of these families have had multiple students and were aware of receptions from previous commencements. As I was leaving the building I heard many people talking about the lack of a reception, but I am betting there was still a reception in the room for the platform guests. I know we are facing financial difficulties, but this is a small cost that the university should chalk up to university relations and do.
I don't know about others, but I am getting really sick of excuses, lack of respect, and a general "cheapness" by this university. How long will we remain one of the top regional universities in the Southeast if we continue acting this way.
Thanks for your comments. I am going to pass along these concerns directly to the President. Of the three problems you note, the first and third could most easily be addressed. The scheduling of graduation may be more difficult. But I will definitely pass along your concerns.
I couldn't agree more, specifically the last point. Students told me they would meet me afterward and I came to find there was no reception announced and there was no afterwards. I was still able to wish a few students well, meet their families, have some pictures taken, but was really disappointed at the lack of a formal reception. It meant so much to those students and parents that it was worth waiting around afterward just for them. Reinstate the graduation reception for our student's sake. They are the future supporters of this university.
Now that the semester is over, the real "devil-in-the-detail" decisions will be implemented while most faculty are away. I appreciate Dr. Morrison's efforts to keep us informed, and I'm sure he'll let us know what's going on as he finds out more.
Making changes is easier when you don't have anyone around questioning, evaluating or observing those changes.
Regarding graduation, bring back the receptions. If the reception was cancelled to cut costs, it was a poor idea. The students and their families deserve better.
I'm sure there are other ways to save a buck without just shunting graduates and their families out the door after the ceremony. I can think of many other places where we could cut spending -- i.e. interim administration.
But of course, that's not going to happen.
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