I have been following this discussion and I hope this is truly a worst scene scenario.  However, the reality of what is happening with IHL (or what isn't happening) certainly suggests that there is reason to be worried that USM's future is NOT the vision of the faculty's. We have had virtually no input into the organizational structure or so called goals of the university, plans for expansion or research priorities. I would be interested to know what you all think about the College of Health's future  seems we are slowly moving to the Gulf.  The school of nursing in Hattiesburg  is being weakened by the day, our "new" building plans have been called off while plans for a new building and expansion of the number of students and programs are occurring at Gulf Park.  We are losing senior faculty at an alarming rate and are unable to offer graduate courses here in Hattiesburg.  UMC has announced plans to expand their nursing program (BSN and MSN) to Oxford in addition to the main campus at the med center. 

Are we being phased out also?  I hope the polymer science and economic students learn a few basic first aid and CPR skills, they might need them.

I agree, UMC is not standing still while we fall further behind.  Our ph.d. in nursing was approved as a joint program and WAS working very well until the reorganization.  Now we are two separate programs and they are expanding right and left.  We haven't admitted doctoral students for two years....UMC also has the very innovative "medical mall" (the old Jackson mall) which provides not only service but research opportunities and clinicals for all health professionals, really great for interdisciplinary training and research.  One of few in the U.S. from what I understand.  What theater is UMC building?  Haven't thought about the  Delta State comparison.  Delta State is a very fine regional university with well defined emphasis areas.  I had almost forgotten about our "center of excellence" designation.  How humiliating, almost as bad as our 'world class' university.  Do you know what year that misnomer was bestored on these four programs?  Also have a trivia question?  Why did Thames not go through a formal inauguration?  I have some very good ideas (one involves having to construct chicken wire across Bennett's stage) but thought some of you might know the "official" reason out of the dome. 

Hope the details of the Thames train wreck is being copied to SACS and to the IHL board members.  IHL board members most likely won't read but from serving on our national accrediting board for 15 years, our staff reads EVERYTHING sent in about a program.  The SACS probationary designation affects our national nursing accreditation directly.  We will soon know to what degree, I predict a site visit in spring of 05. 

Lastly, what are the SACS bumper stickers?

Shot in the Dark

quote:

"IQ has nothing to do with it. IHL is a politically appointed commission. A trustee basically has one overriding "intelligence": the ability to make a politician beholden enough to dole out an appointment. Nobody on the board got there without being "visible" in some political party & the most usual way to do that is to make contributions."



Politically Cynical or Cynically Political,

Believe it or not, "intelligence" is a statutory requirement for appointment to the Board.

Board of Trustees, Institutions of Higher Learning State of Mississippi, POLICIES AND BYLAWS:

201.01 MEMBERS AND QUALIFICATION The Governor shall appoint only those men or women as members who are qualified electors residing in the district from which each is appointed, and who are at least twenty-five (25) years of age, and of the highest order of intelligence, character, learning, and fitness for the performance of such duties, to the end that such board shall perform the high and honorable duties thereof to the greatest advantage of the people of the state and of such educational institutions, uninfluenced by any political considerations.

Miss. Const. Art. VIII, Section 213-A Miss. Code Ann., §37-101-5, as amended. (BT Minutes, 9/90; 1/98)

Anyone ready to administer IQ tests to Board members?

No, Mr. Roy (god love that devilish whippersnapper)'s test scores fell far behind the fourth stanine. When he got the scores, he didn't appear at all concerned since he was just going to follow in his daddy's footsteps and keep cutting those pine trees. He did use Mensa in a sentence once when he said

"no, no, m'am, I mensa to slap that silly little jerk who told me that I looked like a kiss a$$ since I had never developed an ethical personality of my own"