Sun Herald Editorial - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Dec 12, 2004

Sun Herald Editorial

Date: Dec 12, 2004

Looks like we will have to wait until Wednesday for the evidence to convince the Sun Herald USM has major problems. Of course, we all should wait for the documentation of how serious the problem will be. Is it just "paperwork" or was it that three years of data was required, but was never collected ? It's hard to generate three years of data in twelve months.

Date: Dec 12, 2004

Otherside,

To net things out, there is a lot of paperwork associated with accreditation, but none of it is "just" papework. Especially not from SACS' point of view.

From what I've read on this board, some of the data were collected but never used by Thames' various underlings who hastily compiled reports that Thames never thought were going to be important. Other data were never collected at all, because no one in the Thames administration thought they needed to be collected, or got the word to the departments that they needed to be collected.

Taking the advice of Invictus on another thread, I'll refrain from "rassling with a pig." But obviously the Sun Herald is following the Klumb line in its editorial. It might do some good to send the Sun Herald a sharply worded letter about how keeping Thames in power will guarantee deaccreditation. Thames has utterly failed to respond to the demands of the accreditation process for 2 years, and already announced his intention to interfere with the catch-up efforts.

Robert Campbell

Date: Dec 12, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Otherside
"Looks like we will have to wait until Wednesday for the evidence to convince the Sun Herald USM has major problems. Of course, we all should wait for the documentation of how serious the problem will be. Is it just "paperwork" or was it that three years of data was required, but was never collected ? It's hard to generate three years of data in twelve months. "

The Sun Herald's coverage on this has been irresponsible. While both the Clarion and the American have had multiple articles, front page coverage and significant editorials, the SH has almost completely ignored a crisis in its own backyard.

Date: Dec 12, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: stephen judd
" The Sun Herald's coverage on this has been irresponsible. While both the Clarion and the American have had multiple articles, front page coverage and significant editorials, the SH has almost completely ignored a crisis in its own backyard. "

"We readily admit Thames' attempt to fire two professors earlier this year was handled poorly."

Well, that is damn big of them. How about "his attempt to fire two professors was a blatant and arrogant use of power to intimidate faculty, a waste of human and financial resources, and a complete distraction from the business of the university at the very time when the administration was supposedly undertaking to address SAC's concerns?"

Date: Dec 12, 2004

The author of this editorial and other persons on this board have mentioned that Auburn was also placed on probation by SACS. What I have NOT seen mentioned is the fact that the first step towards Auburn being taken off of probation was the dismissal, last year by the Governor, of the former president of Auburn and the installation of a new person whose prime objective was to work vigorously to get Auburn taken off of probation. Even the new president's harshest critics would admit that he did the chief job assined to him. I would suggest that the same strategy -- replacing the old president to start with a clean slate -- needs to be followed at USM.

Date: Dec 12, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: USM Sympathizer
"The author of this editorial and other persons on this board have mentioned that Auburn was also placed on probation by SACS. What I have NOT seen mentioned is the fact that the first step towards Auburn being taken off of probation was the dismissal, last year by the Governor, of the former president of Auburn and the installation of a new person whose prime objective was to work vigorously to get Auburn taken off of probation. Even the new president's harshest critics would admit that he did the chief job assined to him. I would suggest that the same strategy -- replacing the old president to start with a clean slate -- needs to be followed at USM."

Coupled with what others have said, your posting is sobering. It makes me scared. Very scared. You make it sound like it is a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" type of situation. Like on the one hand the university can't afford another fruitbasket turnover because of the continuing administrative discontinuity it would create in the eyes of our accrediting bodies; but on the other hand the university can't afford to keep the same bucket of fruit it has now. Damned if you do, damned if you don't. Surely there is some other way to look at this. Have we become trapped in the bowels of academic doom?

Date: Dec 12, 2004

Hobson's Choice,

I believe that USM's only hope is to be put under academic receivership, with a new president from the outside who specializes in turning around troubled institutions.

Keeping Thames as president is a guarantee of deaccreditation. His current underlings won't get the job done, and Thames will interfere with anyone who is brought in to do the job right.

Robert Campbell

Date: Dec 12, 2004

Hobson's Choice,

If the Board (yeah, I know that's a BIG if) fires Thames and replaces him with a troubleshooting executive, SACS is not going to complain. More likely SACS will cheer. It would certainly be within the powers of the Board.

Robert Campbell

Date: Dec 12, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Robert Campbell
"Hobson's Choice, I believe that USM's only hope is to be put under academic receivership, with a new president from the outside who specializes in turning around troubled institutions. Keeping Thames as president is a guarantee of deaccreditation. His current underlings won't get the job done, and Thames will interfere with anyone who is brought in to do the job right. Robert Campbell"

Your last sentence raises an interesting point: how is the accreditation expert we are bringing to be chosen and who will have input on that? Major question with huge implications and I think you last sentence says it all . . .

Date: Dec 12, 2004

SACS has a consultant's network. A good person from either James Madison or George Mason came in when Linda McFall was the VP for Finance and helped her side with SACS issues. You'll note--it appears that that side of the USM house is in good shape with SACS.

Date: Dec 12, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: stinky cheese man
"SACS has a consultant's network. A good person from either James Madison or George Mason came in when Linda McFall was the VP for Finance and helped her side with SACS issues. You'll note--it appears that that side of the USM house is in good shape with SACS. "

Wow. I didn't know that. Nice info.