CoAL Advisory Board - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Nov 30, 2004

CoAL Advisory Board

Date: Nov 30, 2004

I'm confused -- the press release is dated Nov. 10, but the board members were already having a meeting in October??

Date: Nov 30, 2004

As I re-read this, it looks like the whole thing is about recruitment and raising money. More power to 'em. The other goals "assist in aligning educational curriculum and opportunities (research, co-op, etc.); provide feedback about college issues" are just gobbledy-gook to make it look like they have a higher purpose. Let's not forget the deans are feeling the get-more-bodies-get-more-money heat too.

Date: Nov 30, 2004

No history or English representation (and they have their major share of illustrious alums)

No announcement on the usm website or any press releases until after it's put into place

And, just exactly what are they supposed to do?

And Pood continues to keep his lips permanently placed on whoknowwho's rollypollies.

Wicked.

Date: Nov 30, 2004

Thirteen members in town for a couple of days. Who footed that bill (only one has a Hattiesburg address)?

Date: Nov 30, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: NoGnome
"Thirteen members in town for a couple of days. Who footed that bill (only one has a Hattiesburg address)?"

Since as a Program Director I had an opportunity to meet with these people and to make a presentation to them on behalf of my program, I'd like to speak in support of the Board as a concept. This school does not turn out rich alumni. This College doesn't tend to be one whose alums generate a lot of wealth. So instead of waiting around for one or two big donars to step forward who probably don't even exist, or worse yet, sit around bitching about how our resources are shrinking, there needs to be some creative ways to generate income -- and hoipefully generate it in ways that either appeal to people who already inderstand what we do in the arts and humanties or appeal to people who can be convinced. I believe that is what this effort is designed to do.

I know that there was an attempt to solicit folks from a representative group of disciplines to put this board together. The idea of the Board is that each one of these folks is an investor -- they have each kicked in a fairly healthy chunk of money to act as "seed" money for the college as a whole. Part of their mission is use their contacts to bring more money in. So yes . . . . money is an issue. However, each of the chairs in making presentations made extraordinary cases for support by speaking very directly not just to the specific issues native to each department, but to the significance of the arts and humanities in the university and in our culture. Obviously in order for them to buy into this idea these folks are already halfway there -- maybe even more than halfway there. They needed to see in us the passion for what we do, and they needed to hear the words we use to express the significance of what we do so they can go out and do what has been asked of them. I loved meeting these people -- I believe that they really want to help. But someone needed to go after them and begin to organize them. And as busy as I am trying to run a department and a theatre, it sure wasn't going to be me. And I don't think it was going to be any of the other chairs. But I'm glad to have been brought in to meet, to talk to, and to show them what we do here.

I'm not happy that state support is shrinking. I think that that it an incredibly short sighted thing to do. But it is happening all over the country and while we are trying to make our case as best we can to the public and our legislatures for continued support, it doesn't do any harm to be creative about ways to replace that support. In fact -- I think it is simply a necessity.

My suggestion would be that if you know of people who would serve on this board get their names up -- put them in touch with Kristie or give their names and have them contacted.

Not every idea is bad because it comes from the Dean.

Date: Nov 30, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: stephen judd
" Since as a Program Director I had an opportunity to meet with these people and to make a presentation to them on behalf of my program, I'd like to speak in support of the Board as a concept. This school does not turn out rich alumni. This College doesn't tend to be one whose alums generate a lot of wealth. So instead of waiting around for one or two big donars to step forward who probably don't even exist, or worse yet, sit around bitching about how our resources are shrinking, there needs to be some creative ways to generate income -- and hoipefully generate it in ways that either appeal to people who already inderstand what we do in the arts and humanties or appeal to people who can be convinced. I believe that is what this effort is designed to do. I know that there was an attempt to solicit folks from a representative group of disciplines to put this board together. The idea of the Board is that each one of these folks is an investor -- they have each kicked in a fairly healthy chunk of money to act as "seed" money for the college as a whole. Part of their mission is use their contacts to bring more money in. So yes . . . . money is an issue. However, each of the chairs in making presentations made extraordinary cases for support by speaking very directly not just to the specific issues native to each department, but to the significance of the arts and humanities in the university and in our culture. Obviously in order for them to buy into this idea these folks are already halfway there -- maybe even more than halfway there. They needed to see in us the passion for what we do, and they needed to hear the words we use to express the significance of what we do so they can go out and do what has been asked of them. I loved meeting these people -- I believe that they really want to help. But someone needed to go after them and begin to organize them. And as busy as I am trying to run a department and a theatre, it sure wasn't going to be me. And I don't think it was going to be any of the other chairs. But I'm glad to have been brought in to meet, to talk to, and to show them what we do here. I'm not happy that state support is shrinking. I think that that it an incredibly short sighted thing to do. But it is happening all over the country and while we are trying to make our case as best we can to the public and our legislatures for continued support, it doesn't do any harm to be creative about ways to replace that support. In fact -- I think it is simply a necessity. My suggestion would be that if you know of people who would serve on this board get their names up -- put them in touch with Kristie or give their names and have them contacted. Not every idea is bad because it comes from the Dean. "

stephen, I can appreciate what you say. nonetheless, all other things being equal, wouldn't it be better to have an advisory committee constituted by alumni who have name recognition among the pubic (rather than appointing them based on their financial contributions)? that's what schools of business usually (and also acacemic units at other universities that have alumni advisory groups). appoointments made based solely on financial contributions make it appear to be more of a reward than a plea for help.

Date: Nov 30, 2004

i want to support Stephen's comment. just because the idea comes from the dean doesn't make it bad. i think it is important for people to realize what USM alums have done. do a google search and see what these people have accomplished. the mistake this university made years ago was to lose contact with alumni. this is a reasonable way to start reconnecting with alumni and hopefully enlisting them to raise funds for COAL.

Date: Nov 30, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: stinky cheese man
"i want to support Stephen's comment. just because the idea comes from the dean doesn't make it bad. i think it is important for people to realize what USM alums have done. do a google search and see what these people have accomplished. the mistake this university made years ago was to lose contact with alumni. this is a reasonable way to start reconnecting with alumni and hopefully enlisting them to raise funds for COAL."

stinky cheese man: it was this statement from Stephen's post that led me to believe that the criterion for appointment to the alumni advisory committee was their prior financial contributions rather than name recognition as defined by their disciplinary or professional contributions: "........each one of these folks is an investor -- they have each kicked in a fairly healthy chunk of money to act as "seed" money for the college as a whole."

Date: Nov 30, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Bigelow on Door
"stinky cheese man: it was this statement from Stephen's post that led me to believe that the criterion for appointment to the alumni advisory committee was their prior financial contributions rather than name recognition as defined by their disciplinary or professional contributions: "........each one of these folks is an investor -- they have each kicked in a fairly healthy chunk of money to act as "seed" money for the college as a whole.""

I failed to spot Dr. Hartwig's name on the list. One would think he would be ideal for such a committee. He's certainly given a bundle to the university.

Date: Nov 30, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Missing Person
"I failed to spot Dr. Hartwig's name on the list. One would think he would be ideal for such a committee. He's certainly given a bundle to the university. "

I guess not being an alumnus of COAL is what would disqualify him. But he has supported theatre and the arts big time.

Date: Nov 30, 2004

So, was I right (partly, anyway?) it's about raising money and the rest is rhetoric. Hey, even a blind squirrel finds an acorn now and then, so just because it's the Dean's idea doesn't make it a bad idea, as Stephen notes. I still wonder why we're hearing about it six or so weeks after the visit.

And, is Dr. Hartwig a COAL alum? Most docs are science majors of some sort.

Date: Nov 30, 2004

folks--advisory committees are in large part designed to raise money. there has been one in the college of business for a while. and yes, to be on the committee (or board) means you have to contribute money.

Date: Nov 30, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: stinky cheese man
"folks--advisory committees are in large part designed to raise money. there has been one in the college of business for a while. and yes, to be on the committee (or board) means you have to contribute money. "

I won't take issue with you on this, cheese man. My objection is that the fund raising mission is minimized when the committee's purpose is presented to the reading public. Here is what the release says about the functions of the COAL alumni advisory committee:

". . to function as ambassadors to promote the college's successes; foster collaboration among the departments of the college; share personal industry perspectives and experiences; assist in aligning educational curriculum and opportunities (research, co-op, etc.); provide feedback about college issues; and cultivate alumni and friends to support the college."

The fund raising function as described here appears to be an afterthought. Hardly what I call "truth in packaging." Were the committee members, at the time they were asked to serve, informed that their mission was really fund raising, or when they appeared for the first committee meeting did they hear Goober Pyle saying "Surprise, surprise!"?

Date: Dec 1, 2004

chip--they knew. they can also provide insight into the issues detailed. i would like to hear from them on issues relevant to the college.

Date: Dec 1, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: stinky cheese man
"i would like to hear from them on issues relevant to the college."

I believe we're on the same track here, cheese man. I also would like to hear from the alumni advisory committee on issues relevant to the college. And I can't imagine a college issue more important than the way the Stringer, Glamser, and Polk personnel matters were handled. All of those men were in COAL.

Date: Dec 1, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Chip
"I believe we're on the same track here, cheese man. I also would like to hear from the alumni advisory committee on issues relevant to the college. And I can't imagine a college issue more important than the way the Stringer, Glamser, and Polk personnel matters were handled. All of those men were in COAL. "

For example, where is this committee on the issue of the library being unable to buy a single book this year??? Is there a more fundamental requirement for many (most?, all?) of the CoAL departments? Its fun and nice to be recognized for your financial achievements but when will this committee actually address the very pressing needs of this college? This is where not having someone on the committee from the most library-dependent departments (English, history) causes a mis-allocation of human and finanial capital. The committee is a good idea - now it needs to actually help the college - all of the college.

Date: Dec 1, 2004

Yes. Just what issues have, are, or will be addressed by the committee? Be specific please. No BS.

Date: Dec 1, 2004

i know at least one of the advisory board members listed is NOT a COAL alum!!

the fact is this party probably did contribute money and the contribution was "steered" to the COAL, thus membership on this board

Date: Dec 1, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: late
"i know at least one of the advisory board members listed is NOT a COAL alum!! the fact is this party probably did contribute money and the contribution was "steered" to the COAL, thus membership on this board"

Not sure if I kniow anymore who would constitute a COAL alum (a college only formed two years ago). Former Arts? Former Liberal Arts? What about the new disciplines in the college (what about the old ones tha are gone?)

I don't know how much members of the committee are in a position to advocate within the university for the college. I think that might be relatively difficult unless they are kept apprised of internal issues and politics. After all, they aren't living in our world -- and this is only one part of their personal and professional lives.

I think their concerns on our behalf are primarly external -- and frankly, I'd just as soon they stay that way. Advocacy can work both ways, as people who have dealt with Boards of directors know. Once you invite folks to start getting involved in the internal issues -- you open the flood gates for involvement you may not like.

Date: Dec 1, 2004

I disagree with the poster above who said serving on a board is a reward. Generally, it is a great deal of relatively thankless work (in addition to a significant expenditure of time and money) done by people who believe in serving and giving back. Managing external boards is an art, as is serving on one well. Board members want to (and should) be valued for more than their financial contributions and contacts. At the same time, their advice will always be the advice of outsiders. For the same reasons that we don't want non-academics at the helm of the university, we don't want non-academic boards calling the shots in exchange for their contributions. It is a good sign that the department chairs from COAL met with the new Board even though they appear not to have had input to its development.

Date: Dec 1, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Board of Directors
"I disagree with the poster above who said serving on a board is a reward. Generally, it is a great deal of relatively thankless work"

I doubt there will be very much work. Based on my past experiences serving on and dealing with such appointments these sorts of boards are usually less than meet the eye.

Date: Dec 1, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Chairman of the Board

I am not chairman of the COAL Board. I am more like Frank Sinatra who was known as Chairman of the Board.

Date: Dec 1, 2004

The new CoAL board is part of El Pood's campaign for Provost. Most ever'body in his College despises him, even some of the students. There's open talk of some sort of no confidence vote. He's dissolved the real college advisory body, College Council, in a fit of childish pique and, apparently, has absolutely no idea that his actions in the Gulf Coast incident are utterly reprehensible. In other words, he's almost surely going to be the next Provost. With a resume like that, and this utterly bogus alumni advisory board being proclaimed in the press, the fat man is a shoo in. Whatta ya bet he's going to announce that he's procured one of those mystery gifts for the CoAL, much like the one the Kenbot announced the other day, you know where the actual nature of the funds is "not for public release."

And you know what, I think that we SHOULD consider anything that comes from this Dean to be bad. All our dealings with him so far could hardly lead to any other conclusion. What was it that fathead in the White House tried to say . . . "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me"?

Date: Dec 1, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Board of Directors
"I disagree with the poster above who said serving on a board is a reward. Generally, it is a great deal of relatively thankless work (in addition to a significant expenditure of time and money) done by people who believe in serving and giving back. Managing external boards is an art, as is serving on one well. Board members want to (and should) be valued for more than their financial contributions and contacts. At the same time, their advice will always be the advice of outsiders. For the same reasons that we don't want non-academics at the helm of the university, we don't want non-academic boards calling the shots in exchange for their contributions. It is a good sign that the department chairs from COAL met with the new Board even though they appear not to have had input to its development. "

Give me a break: serving on such a board is VOLUNTARY. And an outside perspective may be just what we need given the truly dismal state of affairs in this college. You don't think that if these board members were told that the library no longer purchases books that they would care? Will they care about the fact that we all have to buy our own chalk? Will they care that classes are getting progressively larger and the student-teacher ratio is rapidly escalating? Its common sense outside of the non-academic, unlearned folks who run the Administration that we must have books, chalk, and reasonably-sized classes.