Word from CoB - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Feb 8, 2005

Word from CoB

Date: Feb 9, 2005

Thanks for this info, truth! Do you know if he is mending fences because he genuinely regrets his memo or because it was made public and he fears the consequences?

Date: Feb 9, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: USM Sympathizer
"Thanks for this info, truth! Do you know if he is mending fences because he genuinely regrets his memo or because it was made public and he fears the consequences?"

The consequences of the Grimes memo are huge. Dictating the research agenda of the faculty and the mission of the college from the Provost's office? Grimes let the closely guarded "secret message" out in a moment of dictatorial anger or incompetence. Either way, he was in the college yesterday purely to do damage control.

Ultimately, Grimes is a flunkie in this. He may have written the words and he may be trying to backpaddle from them now BUT he's not responsible for the PLAN.

Date: Feb 9, 2005

Yeah, but what can he do? "Gee, I didn't really mean what I said in my letter? You COBers have nothing to worry about."

Date: Feb 9, 2005

I'm not sure of Grimes' intentions, but Crawfishin' is exactly right. This is not about Grimes. This is about Shelboo using Grimes as a flunkie. Shelboo knows exactly what he is doing here...he doesn't care who takes the fall as long as he gets his agenda accomplished (i.e. executive MBA program). Mark my words on that one, folks.

Truth

Date: Feb 9, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: truth4usm/AH
"I'm not sure of Grimes' intentions, but Crawfishin' is exactly right. This is not about Grimes. This is about Shelboo using Grimes as a flunkie. Shelboo knows exactly what he is doing here...he doesn't care who takes the fall as long as he gets his agenda accomplished (i.e. executive MBA program). Mark my words on that one, folks. Truth"

I believe Truth is basically spot-on here.

Here is a theory I heard espoused about Grimes' visit to CoB yesterday. He was there of his own accord, trying to fix his reputation since he knows the ship is sinking and he's soon headed back to faculty ranks.

Date: Feb 9, 2005

and to deflect blame and obfuscate the facts all in an attempt orchestrated by Shelby to de-escalate the rising swell of opposition...

it's not as simple as he was there on his own to "mend fences" for the time that he returns to the faculty...

don't buy it friends...

this is the LAST STAND!

Date: Feb 9, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Up the down escalator
"this is the LAST STAND!"

Ha! Every day the loggers tell me "this is the last stand." But they always seem to find more trees.

Date: Feb 9, 2005

Back from PUC (or whatever it's called now).

Kevin Walters attended and said that the letter from Grimes will appear online in HA today. We can all examine the evidence ourselves. From Walters' brief comments, there should be a story on this today.

Thames also responded in his typical fashion to questions regarding the Faculty Senate resolution. Essentially, Thames said that he is communicating, through PUC, through monthly meetings with FAC SEN exec. committee, with some community committee, through his "newsletters." It seemed to me that he is unwilling to acknowledge the many many many issues that faculty have regarding the decisions he has made for this university. He fails at at least half of communication (which is listening). But more, he fails to involve the appropriate individuals AT THE BEGINNING of planning and decision-making.

Thames also briefly covered the problem of state appropriations. He anticipates a 5% cut, which is not at all surprising. This is "probable" and could even be more!

Amy Young

Date: Feb 9, 2005

For those of us who are out of state, could someone provide a link to the letter later? I know I want to read this thing. Thank you.

Date: Feb 9, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Amy Young
"He anticipates a 5% cut, which is not at all surprising. This is "probable" and could even be more! Amy Young"

But he's got a plane!!!

Date: Feb 9, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Amy Young
"Back from PUC (or whatever it's called now). Kevin Walters attended and said that the letter from Grimes will appear online in HA today. We can all examine the evidence ourselves. From Walters' brief comments, there should be a story on this today. Thames also responded in his typical fashion to questions regarding the Faculty Senate resolution. Essentially, Thames said that he is communicating, through PUC, through monthly meetings with FAC SEN exec. committee, with some community committee, through his "newsletters." It seemed to me that he is unwilling to acknowledge the many many many issues that faculty have regarding the decisions he has made for this university. He fails at at least half of communication (which is listening). But more, he fails to involve the appropriate individuals AT THE BEGINNING of planning and decision-making. Thames also briefly covered the problem of state appropriations. He anticipates a 5% cut, which is not at all surprising. This is "probable" and could even be more! Amy Young"

Amy, were there many faculty in attendance? Also you may as well start a new PUC thread because the discussions will surely be many.

Date: Feb 9, 2005

Do you all really get it?

The plane was purchased with one intent in mind. SFT will use it personally at the University's expense. How will we know? Auidts.

Just start watching his travel patterns. He cannot say that now that he has a plane he is able to do more. His presidential budget allows him to travel via commercial airlines.

So he goes on University business and stops off two or three days on personal business. Who pays the pilot for the down time? The two or three days on the ground? The University because the initial trip was University business but in reality SFT should be paying the down time out of his own pocket. Again he is making money at the University expense.

Date: Feb 9, 2005

To get rid of a rat infestation you do not just get rid of one rat.