Reliable sources report that Mr. Wonderful was sitting in that awful smoke-filled conference room, his feet on the table and smoking a fine cigar like a big shot,, when the selection committee's scribe brought to him the data for this week's Citation de la Semaine award. Upon examining the data and reading the committee recommendation, he quickly snuffed out the cigar, put his feet flat on the floor, arched his back, and said, 'Great! I concur. Ask #1 Groupie to go to press." Our sources tell us that Mr. Wonderful then quietly left the building with a tear in his eye.
It is with great pleasure to announce that this week's award goes to 1/USMTTT who wrote:
Martin Luther King had a dream; we too should be able to dream about a better future for our beloved university.
Since the goals of the university should be consistent with the university's vision for the future, I'd like to offer my vision for USM:
I envision a university that utilizes the knowledge, experience and capabilities of the entire community to plan its future;
I envision a university that values its senior faculty for their contributions and their knowledge of USM's history;
I envision a university whose enrollment goals are based upon a vision for academic excellence rather than monetary gain;
I envision a university where there is an affirmative effort to evaluate institutional effectiveness rather than an reactive attempt to create information that was never gathered or recorded.;
I envision a university where nepotism is not tolerated or rewarded;
I envision a university where deans make decisions for their college rather than simply enforce dictates of the university president;
I envision a university where staff feel free to offer suggestions and constructive criticism without fear of retaliation;
I envision a university where the library is a priority rather than and afterthought and a place to drink coffee;
I envision a university where buildings are conceived, planned and built to address the needs of students and faculty rather than glorify politicians;
I envision a university that comprehends that there is a difference between "customer service" at its bookstore and "student services" at the registrar's office;
I envision a university that understands that "customers" buy products, but students "earn" rather than "buy" academic degrees;
I envision a university that understands that the Affirmative Action Office is a necessity rather than an option,
And I envision a university where faculty are encouraged to build their careers rather than a place where they earn income while searching for suitable employment.
Great selection, Mr. Wonderful! I saw this post early in the week and I hoped it wouldn't get lost among all the others that came later. Way to go 1/USMTTT. You said it all, and oh so well.
"I envision a university where faculty are encouraged to build their careers rather than a place where they earn income while searching for suitable employment"
As our ranks get thinner and thinner this is the part that worries me the most.