H.A. Data on Development Accounts - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Dec 26, 2004

RE: RE: H.A. Data on Development Accounts

Date: Dec 26, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Chicken Soup Lady
"Thank you, Mr. Johnson. That was extremely helpful. It seems to me that Stinky Cheese Man is operating at a higher than usual level of grouchiness today -- and his usual level is pretty high."

First, let me also thank David Johnson for his clarification to this story.

As for SCM, his usual high "level of grouchiness" is one reason it's good to have him around.

I agree with SCM that we've got to keep Mr. Walters' feet to the fire on the accuracy issue. If the HA gets one minor detail wrong, those who wish to discount the main theme of the story have carte blanche to so do. That said, Mr. Walters is way out ahead of anybody else covering this story, now or previously. It appears that he's convinced there's a "real" story underneath all of this & let's hope he learns & grows as he goes with it.

Date: Dec 26, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Chicken Soup Lady
"Thank you, Mr. Johnson. That was extremely helpful. It seems to me that Stinky Cheese Man is operating at a higher than usual level of grouchiness today -- and his usual level is pretty high."

Chicken Soup Lady,

I'm glad if it was helpful. I think SCM is making a fair point, but may be overreading the article. I haven't seen him to be overly grouchy and appreciate the civility of responses.

I'm not "Mr. Johnson," though I appreciate the respect accorded. My friends all call me "DJ." Never mind what the enemies say. I'm a mere grad student, for whatever that is worth.

DJ

Date: Dec 26, 2004

to all-- yep, i'm grouchy but i hope in a well-meaning way. i know my students (and children?) know i can be grouchy in a loving way. i have a doll in my office that says "love a grouch."

i believe in critical thinking. i like to make others engage their critical thinking capabilities--particularly students.

Date: Dec 26, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: stinky cheese man
"to all-- yep, i'm grouchy but i hope in a well-meaning way. i know my students (and children?) know i can be grouchy in a loving way. i have a doll in my office that says "love a grouch."

i believe in critical thinking. i like to make others engage their critical thinking capabilities--particularly students."

SCM,

I fear that critical thinking skills are becoming a lost art, and not solely among the students. I applaud your efforts to engage whatever capabilities anyone around you may have.

The problem, too, is that many have a limited frame of reference against which to apply current events. This is forgiveable in traditionally-aged students (a group to which I cannot claim membership), but not so forgiveable in those of us who have been around the world, or the academy, for some time. I'll leave it to you and the other posters on this board to determine who should be forgiven and who should not for their lack of critical thinking. I think it pretty apparent in some particular cases.

DJ

Date: Dec 26, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Otherside
"All of this because the "department" a dean presides over is called a "college" and the names of the units in a college are "schools" and "departments"

Even current students who are right on the scene sometimes confuse the "word" department with the word "college." I can't count the time a student came to my office asking for the "dean" of the department. Those were only minor, unintentional. and harmless errors - much like the minor, unintentional, and harmless errors Kevin Walters made in his article.

Date: Dec 26, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: David Johnson
" ... However, having just reread the article (for about the 10th time today), I don't see the same discrepancy that you do. ..."

David, There are two articles. Check page one of this thread. Someone pointed out that the discrepancies were NOT in the article concerning the "development funds". Here is the article with the "errors".

http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041226 /NEWS01/412260304/1002

Date: Dec 26, 2004

The best way to help Mr. Walters do his job is for a knowledgeable faculty member to call him and volunteer to provide guidance in the future "on background." Someone who is familiar with budgets would be particularly helpful. The Cheese Man, assuming he really is sympathetic to faculty welfare, would be a good choice.

Date: Dec 26, 2004

Reporter,

Thanks for straightening me out on this. Yes, it is quite filled with confusion in this article. However, for the public reading this, I think to use the word "department" to describe a college is perhaps to make the idea more accessible for those not of the academy. In any event, the issue has now become one of whether Kevin Walters knows the difference between colleges and departments and not whether the university is seeking to further consolidate power by centralizing budgetary authority. Which of these issues seems most important to you?

Just my two-cents worth.

DJ

Date: Dec 26, 2004

Mr. David Johnson, as secretary of the PUC, can you verify what Reporter posted on page 1 of this thread. The post said:

"...my concern is the development money has been/will be used for raises, rather than the Trent Lott center. I seem to remember Lassen defending his plan at the PUC meeting by saying something like "the money could be used better if centralized, for example for the raises." Some speculated (Trellis Green?) that is a big risk since the money won't be there again next year. After some research I found on page 14 of this board the thread "Lassen's Plan". Quoting from Newgirl's post in that thread:

"... What is frightening is they have used this "one time" money for raises. The money is "one time" because next year the departments will not save, but rather spend their whole budget. ..."

Do you recall Lassen saying this money was to cover raises?

Date: Dec 26, 2004

I'm not sure that I would say that Mr. Lassen directly said that the money was used to give raises. The implication was certainly there, however. As I don't rely on my memory to be what it once was, I consulted the approved minutes of the meeting and the following is quoted from those minutes:

"Dr. Middlebrooks said that it appeared that Mr. Lassen was taking planning and power away from the department level and moving it into the central administration. Mr. Lassen asked how else the university would give raises. "

I think you can accurately say that by asking "how else the university would give raises," one could infer that, there being no other method apparent to Mr. Lassen, he must have counted on these accounts to fund the raises.

If this seems like splitting hairs, perhaps it is. However, I wouldn't want to be considered inaccurate in my response.

Hope this helped,
DJ

Date: Dec 26, 2004

incredulous--as a faculty member i would love to help but i can't. i have to remain anonymous. i've been contacted by the press in the past, but can't contribute.

Date: Dec 26, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: stinky cheese man
"incredulous--as a faculty member i would love to help but i can't. i have to remain anonymous. i've been contacted by the press in the past, but can't contribute."

The press will allow you to contribute and remain anonymous -- remember "Deep Throat"? If you can't help, try not to bash the reporter who is trying to do a good job. You come across as a mole.

Date: Dec 26, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: David Johnson
"I'm not sure that I would say that Mr. Lassen directly said that the money was used to give raises. The implication was certainly there, however. As I don't rely on my memory to be what it once was, I consulted the approved minutes of the meeting and the following is quoted from those minutes: "Dr. Middlebrooks said that it appeared that Mr. Lassen was taking planning and power away from the department level and moving it into the central administration. Mr. Lassen asked how else the university would give raises. " I think you can accurately say that by asking "how else the university would give raises," one could infer that, there being no other method apparent to Mr. Lassen, he must have counted on these accounts to fund the raises. If this seems like splitting hairs, perhaps it is. However, I wouldn't want to be considered inaccurate in my response. Hope this helped, DJ"

Yes, that was very helpful David. If raises were obtained with "one time money" USM is indeed in bad shape. The article on the budget cuts was bad enough. I hope Robert Campbell sees your post. Thanks.

Date: Dec 26, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Incredulous
"You come across as a mole."

But at other times he comes across as a former administrator who is merely having a difficult time pulling himself away from old habits.

Date: Dec 26, 2004

Phew?

What is that terrible smell?

Date: Dec 26, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: stinky cheese man
"incredulous--as a faculty member i would love to help but i can't. i have to remain anonymous. i've been contacted by the press in the past, but can't contribute."

I understand that many feel the need to remain anonymous and I think anonymity has largely been helpful in allowing the free expression of opinion on this board. Having said that, though, it occurs to me that SCM has stated, admirably, his love of critical thinking. I applauded that sentiment earlier on this thread.

Perhaps, though, the one thing lacking more in this age than critical thinking is leadership, and that can hardly be exercised anonymously. I've been approached by the press several times over the last 8 months. On only one occasion can I recall declining comment and I have been quoted fairly often. On that occasion, however, I did give information "on background" which I believe, or at least hope, was helpful in the pursuit of truth.

Faculty are more vulnerable than students, or so it would seem. I think that vulnerability must be taken into account. SCM has his reasons for feeling the need to remain anonymous and I respect his reasons. Nevertheless, his leadership is weakened by his anonymity. I'm sure he has considered the costs from all angles. This is not meant as a criticism in any form.

Date: Dec 26, 2004

David.

Stay real and true. You're one of the good guys. Your diploma will mean something. Many of us "out there" are in the stands cheering for you. Keep on making a university out of USM!!

Date: Dec 26, 2004

This discussion highlights the courage of people like Amy Young, Stephen Judd, Myron Henry, Jameela Lares, Anne Wallace, Ray Folse and others who do speak out on issues important to the welfare of the university. If more people spoke out, it would take some heat off of those that do.

Date: Dec 26, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Emma
"David.
Stay real and true. You're one of the good guys. Your diploma will mean something. Many of us "out there" are in the stands cheering for you. Keep on making a university out of USM!!"

You're far too kind, Emma. Any good I've done has been inspired by dedicated, informed and courageous faculty. Even at 48, I'm still naive enough to believe that each of us can do something to make a difference. Thanks for the encouragement. Some days are harder than others, as we have all experienced.

Date: Dec 26, 2004

I'm not really very hungry.

Date: Dec 26, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Incredulous
"The best way to help Mr. Walters do his job is for a knowledgeable faculty member to call him and volunteer to provide guidance in the future "on background."

At most universities all a reporter would have to do in order to get basic non-controversial facts is call the instution's PR office, or even the office of the president who would either provide the information or direct the reporter to a reliable source. I find it incredulous, Incredulous, that the USM situation has deteriorated to the point where almost nothing put out by the administration is believed.

Date: Dec 26, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Incredulous
"This discussion highlights the courage of people like Amy Young, Stephen Judd, Myron Henry, Jameela Lares, Anne Wallace, Ray Folse and others who do speak out on issues important to the welfare of the university. If more people spoke out, it would take some heat off of those that do."

Let the people say "Amen." When all is said and done and this is just so many notes in the archives, the list of those who have been courageous will certainly include the names you've listed here and many more. Thank god for each of them.

Date: Dec 26, 2004

I'm not really all that lonely.

Date: Dec 26, 2004

someone just called me and asked me to do the right thing. What is the "right thing"? Lord, I can't begin to explain it, but some of us are doing it. I'm suing this place. I'm suing the main players. I can't just give out my name right now because I'm in Court. More lawsuits are pending. Shelby gets what he deserves. Merry Christmas. Everything is in place to oust this louse.

Please believe and support the Kevin Walters of the world who are trying to honestly report something.

Date: Dec 26, 2004

david--thanks for your comments. i have my reasons for why i can't really contribute to the press. in the past i have and have been burn't. i agree, i can't offer leadership if i don't contribute to the press. i hope, in my grouchy way, offer some insight and "grouchiness" to this board. thanks to invictus (i think it was) for calling me a grouch. i think it fits well as long as you think of the grouch in sesame street.

Date: Dec 26, 2004

Wow!

What's that awful smell?

Date: Dec 26, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: David Johnson
". . . . the list of those who have been courageous will certainly include the names you've listed here and many more. Thank god for each of them."

Do not forget to add Gary and Frank to the list. They spoke out and paid the ultimate price.

Date: Dec 26, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: stinky cheese man
"david--thanks for your comments. i have my reasons for why i can't really contribute to the press. in the past i have and have been burn't. i agree, i can't offer leadership if i don't contribute to the press. i hope, in my grouchy way, offer some insight and "grouchiness" to this board. thanks to invictus (i think it was) for calling me a grouch. i think it fits well as long as you think of the grouch in sesame street."

I tried to post this earlier and it didn't post...maybe the gremlins are onto me. LOL

I don't think you have to contribute to the press to offer leadership, SCM. I do think your credibility goes way up when the cloak of anonymity is lifted, but that is a decision only you can make. Perhaps you are less anonymous in other forums. Anyway, I enjoy your posts. (I read this board far more often than I post to it...tonight being an aberration.) Grouches are an important part of society, and I like your style.

Date: Dec 26, 2004

david--thanks. i remember when you took heat on this board.