Observation - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Jun 23, 2005

Observation

Date: Jun 23, 2005

Still an Eagle (formerly ABD) wrote:

I'm sure that what I am about to type will probably draw the ire of many posters here, but I feel compelled to express my concerns. I have visited this message board for about 6 months now. I became interested in it for two reasons. First, I am a Southern Miss alum and I was/am concerned about the future of my alma mater. This seemed like a good place to get the perspective of faculty at USM. Second, I will soon become a faculty member in a business school in a public university in the southeast and I was curious about the AAUP. Now that I have monitored the board for the past 6 months, I have to say that I am somewhat disappointed at the prospects for USM. First let me state for the record that I am not a Thames supporter. I thought ABK was great and I thought Flemming was more than adequate. Thames, on the other hand, has been a disaster. I understand the alienation and ill will that he has caused among faculty at USM. However, I do not understand the deep hatred so many posters have for the institution (USM) when Thames is the problem. I am shocked at the disdain many of you hold for USM, EagleTalk, athletics, and the State of Mississippi. While I don't wish to stereotype and over-generalize, but it appears that many of you need to make a decision. Get out or suck it up. If USM and the State of Mississippi are so deplorable, why would you stay? Instead of wasting time spewing anti-USM/anti-Mississippi venom across this board, maybe you should update your vita, get with a placement service (AoM, APA, etc.), and get out. Obviously this message doesn't apply to everyone. I can tell that some of you are hurt and deeply concerned not only about your careers but USM as well. However some of you seem to be consumed with hatred for all that is Southern Miss. I understand the frustration that many feel, but how you deal with it is important. Complaining is natural in this situation, but tearing down your employer and the State of Mississippi at every opportunity is not the answer. Ok. Now I have vented. Fire away.

I only have a few comments, still and Eagle. First, the AAUP has nothing to do with the content of the messages on this board. The AAUP only supplies the opportunity for us to post our opinions. So you can't get an accurate view of the AAUP from reading these messages.

I don't view the comments here as indications of a hatred for "USM, EagleTalk, athletics, and the State of Mississippi", but rather an expression of "tough love" and a concern with problems that need correcting. I'm not sure how you "hate a web site", but I can understand how certain views, opinions and attitudes, can be hated. But surely you don't think every opinion on EagleTalk is criticized on this board. Some are and some are not.

So I disagree with your premise. People who do hate all that you say above leave without saying anything. Why? Because there is no reason to correct what you hate. If you are leaving then USM will be your competition and you would rather it didn't get better.

The way I see it, the ones complaining are the ones who love USM.

Now having said that, I agree that people have magnified the complaints. The reason is because the IHL Board had been so slow to respond to problems a culture of publicizing problems arose to get their attention. I put the blame on the IHL. Any good system of management has a feedback mechanism to evaluate what’s going on. Until recently the IHL was completely isolated from faculty and middle management. These very poor management policies were changed recently because the USM situation demonstrated to the public how inefficient they were.

In summary, you should be thanking the complainers, letters writers; etc because they loved USM and caused the changes that may save it.

A question for you: Why did you feel a need to post a complaint about this? Is the fact that people say negative things (which are true) bothersome to you? I ask because I know of people who never pay attention to the content of messages, but only to how it makes them feel. They just don’t like negative messages.

Date: Jun 23, 2005

Still an Eagle (formerly ABD) wrote:

Get out or suck it up.

Yes, that is what some us have been told. But "love it or leave it" is not a suitable approach to solving the problem. It's not "Mississippi" or "USM" that is the problem. It's the embedded power structure of the old Mississippi that extends back many years and is now manifesting itself at our university. Any replacement faculty which might serve in our stead would have the same concerns. There's no way around it. It didn't used to be this way and it doesn't have to be this way now. Perhaps you are not aware of this, but former president Aubrey Lucas is a native Mississippian and a graduate of USM. My guess is that most of the current USM faculty members would happily transfer to MSU or to UM and not utter one word of complaint about the great state of Mississippi. I do encourage you to affiliate with the AAUP chapter at your new university. I believe that after you have been in the academy for a while you will understand our situation a little better. And be sure to come back for homecoming! This university will survive and will be transformed into one you can be proud of after this debacle has subsided.

Date: Jun 23, 2005

Still an Eagle (formerly ABD) wrote:

I do not understand the deep hatred so many posters have for the institution (USM) when Thames is the problem. I am shocked at the disdain many of you hold for USM, EagleTalk, athletics, and the State of Mississippi. While I don't wish to stereotype and over-generalize, but it appears that many of you need to make a decision. Get out or suck it up. If USM and the State of Mississippi are so deplorable, why would you stay? Instead of wasting time spewing anti-USM/anti-Mississippi venom across this board, maybe you should update your vita, get with a placement service (AoM, APA, etc.), and get out. Obviously this message doesn't apply to everyone. I can tell that some of you are hurt and deeply concerned not only about your careers but USM as well. However some of you seem to be consumed with hatred for all that is Southern Miss. I understand the frustration that many feel, but how you deal with it is important. Complaining is natural in this situation, but tearing down your employer and the State of Mississippi at every opportunity is not the answer. Ok. Now I have vented. Fire away.

You'll receive no ire from me. I agree with much of your sad summation concerning the "anti-USM/anti-Mississippi venom," but would stress that there are many posters to this message board who are notable exceptions. I'd even go so far as to say that most who post here are exceptions, regularly offering constructive and well reasoned suggestions for improving the university. They just don't make as much "noise" as the over-the-top contributors, who for all we know, may not even be members of the USM faculty. It's unfortunate that the many outstanding faculty members, most of whom are not Mississippi natives, who've devoted their professional lives to making USM an outstanding institution, are tarnished by the harsh words of a few.

Date: Jun 23, 2005

LeftASAP wrote:

Still an Eagle (formerly ABD) wrote: I'm sure that what I am about to type will probably draw the ire of many posters here, but I feel compelled to express my concerns. I have visited this message board for about 6 months now. I became interested in it for two reasons. First, I am a Southern Miss alum and I was/am concerned about the future of my alma mater. This seemed like a good place to get the perspective of faculty at USM. Second, I will soon become a faculty member in a business school in a public university in the southeast and I was curious about the AAUP. Now that I have monitored the board for the past 6 months, I have to say that I am somewhat disappointed at the prospects for USM. First let me state for the record that I am not a Thames supporter. I thought ABK was great and I thought Flemming was more than adequate. Thames, on the other hand, has been a disaster. I understand the alienation and ill will that he has caused among faculty at USM. However, I do not understand the deep hatred so many posters have for the institution (USM) when Thames is the problem. I am shocked at the disdain many of you hold for USM, EagleTalk, athletics, and the State of Mississippi. While I don't wish to stereotype and over-generalize, but it appears that many of you need to make a decision. Get out or suck it up. If USM and the State of Mississippi are so deplorable, why would you stay? Instead of wasting time spewing anti-USM/anti-Mississippi venom across this board, maybe you should update your vita, get with a placement service (AoM, APA, etc.), and get out. Obviously this message doesn't apply to everyone. I can tell that some of you are hurt and deeply concerned not only about your careers but USM as well. However some of you seem to be consumed with hatred for all that is Southern Miss. I understand the frustration that many feel, but how you deal with it is important. Complaining is natural in this situation, but tearing down your employer and the State of Mississippi at every opportunity is not the answer. Ok. Now I have vented. Fire away. I only have a few comments, still and Eagle. First, the AAUP has nothing to do with the content of the messages on this board. The AAUP only supplies the opportunity for us to post our opinions. So you can't get an accurate view of the AAUP from reading these messages. I don't view the comments here as indications of a hatred for "USM, EagleTalk, athletics, and the State of Mississippi", but rather an expression of "tough love" and a concern with problems that need correcting. I'm not sure how you "hate a web site", but I can understand how certain views, opinions and attitudes, can be hated. But surely you don't think every opinion on EagleTalk is criticized on this board. Some are and some are not. So I disagree with your premise. People who do hate all that you say above leave without saying anything. Why? Because there is no reason to correct what you hate. If you are leaving then USM will be your competition and you would rather it didn't get better. The way I see it, the ones complaining are the ones who love USM. Now having said that, I agree that people have magnified the complaints. The reason is because the IHL Board had been so slow to respond to problems a culture of publicizing problems arose to get their attention. I put the blame on the IHL. Any good system of management has a feedback mechanism to evaluate what’s going on. Until recently the IHL was completely isolated from faculty and middle management. These very poor management policies were changed recently because the USM situation demonstrated to the public how inefficient they were. In summary, you should be thanking the complainers, letters writers; etc because they loved USM and caused the changes that may save it. A question for you: Why did you feel a need to post a complaint about this? Is the fact that people say negative things (which are true) bothersome to you? I ask because I know of people who never pay attention to the content of messages, but only to how it makes them feel. They just don’t like negative messages.

Well, I understand that complaining about complainers is hypocritical, but you won't hear me do it again. My post was about those who seem to find something negative about everything that has to do with USM. I fent the need to post not because negative comments bother me. I agree with many of the things I read here (i.e., change is needed, USM is facing serious challenges, poor decisions have been made by administration). I am often critical of the athletic department, administration, etc. but I also recognize that there are still some positive things about USM. However, a few posters here smear everyone and everything that is related to USM. That's my beef.

Date: Jun 23, 2005

Empathy wrote:

Still an Eagle (formerly ABD) wrote: Get out or suck it up. Yes, that is what some us have been told. But "love it or leave it" is not a suitable approach to solving the problem. It's not "Mississippi" or "USM" that is the problem. It's the embedded power structure of the old Mississippi that extends back many years and is now manifesting itself at our university. Any replacement faculty which might serve in our stead would have the same concerns. There's no way around it. It didn't used to be this way and it doesn't have to be this way now. Perhaps you are not aware of this, but former president Aubrey Lucas is a native Mississippian and a graduate of USM. My guess is that most of the current USM faculty members would happily transfer to MSU or to UM and not utter one word of complaint about the great state of Mississippi. I do encourage you to affiliate with the AAUP chapter at your new university. I believe that after you have been in the academy for a while you will understand our situation a little better. And be sure to come back for homecoming! This university will survive and will be transformed into one you can be proud of after this debacle has subsided.

I did know that ABK is a MS native (State Line to be exact-I grew up not far away). Dr. Lucas was president while I was a student and I have loads of respect for him. I don't know how he was with faculty, but he took a big interest in students. He ate lunch in the Commons with me several times during my 4 years at USM and even paid an unannounced visit to my frat room my Senior year (good story).

Also, there are many here who do constantly degrade Mississippi. Not all, but quite a few. These are the folks I posted about.

Anyway, I will check into the AAUP in the fall and I will try to make it back for homecoming. I have gotten season tickets for football for the past 8-9 years. Now, I will be so far away, making 1-2 games a season will be tough.

Date: Jun 23, 2005

Still an Eagle (formerly ABD) wrote:

Well, I understand that complaining about complainers is hypocritical, but you won't hear me do it again. My post was about those who seem to find something negative about everything that has to do with USM. I fent the need to post not because negative comments bother me. I agree with many of the things I read here (i.e., change is needed, USM is facing serious challenges, poor decisions have been made by administration). I am often critical of the athletic department, administration, etc. but I also recognize that there are still some positive things about USM. However, a few posters here smear everyone and everything that is related to USM. That's my beef.

SAE,

Thanks very much for contributing to the board. I suspect that some of the posts do come across as too negative at times. In general, though, I agree with others who've said that most of the posters truly love USM and care about its future. Sometimes this love and concern may be expressed as exasperation and frustration with current conditions, but I think most posters are motivated by memories of what USM once was and by hopes for what it still may be. Even some of us (like myself) who are not intimately connected with USM have a very strong sense of the excellence that once existed there, especially in certain programs and departments. It is precisely our sense of this excellence -- and of the way that excellence has been trashed by Shelby Thames -- that motivated many of us to begin visiting the board regularly and posting here. What SFT has done to USM has been a true tragedy. Please try to bear with us if we sometimes seem too negative; most of us are trying to call attention to the bad things happening at USM so we can hasten the day when a new, potentially brighter chapter can begin.

In the meantime, I hope you'll continue to contribute to the board.

Date: Jun 23, 2005

USM Sympathizer wrote:

Still an Eagle (formerly ABD) wrote: Well, I understand that complaining about complainers is hypocritical, but you won't hear me do it again. My post was about those who seem to find something negative about everything that has to do with USM. I fent the need to post not because negative comments bother me. I agree with many of the things I read here (i.e., change is needed, USM is facing serious challenges, poor decisions have been made by administration). I am often critical of the athletic department, administration, etc. but I also recognize that there are still some positive things about USM. However, a few posters here smear everyone and everything that is related to USM. That's my beef. SAE, Thanks very much for contributing to the board. I suspect that some of the posts do come across as too negative at times. In general, though, I agree with others who've said that most of the posters truly love USM and care about its future. Sometimes this love and concern may be expressed as exasperation and frustration with current conditions, but I think most posters are motivated by memories of what USM once was and by hopes for what it still may be. Even some of us (like myself) who are not intimately connected with USM have a very strong sense of the excellence that once existed there, especially in certain programs and departments. It is precisely our sense of this excellence -- and of the way that excellence has been trashed by Shelby Thames -- that motivated many of us to begin visiting the board regularly and posting here. What SFT has done to USM has been a true tragedy. Please try to bear with us if we sometimes seem too negative; most of us are trying to call attention to the bad things happening at USM so we can hasten the day when a new, potentially brighter chapter can begin. In the meantime, I hope you'll continue to contribute to the board.

I agree that what has happened to USM is a tragedy. USM had made great strides and seemed to be poised to "turn the corner" in many respects. Thames and the IHL wiped it all away for the most part. So I understand the frustration. As an alumni, I am frustrated too. I just don't feel the need to run USM as a whole in the ground at every turn. I also take up for faculty on Eagle Talk from time to time, but the average joe doesn't really understand how different universities are from for-profit businesses.

At any rate, I will keep up with things on this board from my new employer and will continue to contribute when I feel I have something worthwhile to say (which may be limited).

Date: Jun 23, 2005

I think the frustration you feel with regard to EagleTalk, the Eagle Club, athletics, the alumni association, etc., is that these groups are in a position to help get USM out of the mess it is in and, in all cases, have done everything they can do to perpetuate SFT's reign at USM. By focusing on and not questioning the Thames spin on things, they are enabling him to continue raping the university (yes, I intended to use the word "raping").

Date: Jun 23, 2005

SaE,

To some extent what you are seeing is the only place people can vent after going through full days of making the best of things. I was in the Peace Corps and we were scattered all over the country, feeling good about what we were doing, but expending huge amounts of energy to achieve relatively small progress. In spite of it being a naturally optimisitic group, the first thing we all did when we had a chance to get together was rant and complain. That was the only place we could do that. It was a little embarassing, but it made us all feel better. My guess is that you are seeing a lot of that here - venting here, staying calm and optimistic in the classroom.

By the way, we were no where near as clever and literary in our remarks. The crowd here can really draw blood!

Date: Jun 23, 2005

Still an Eagle (formerly ABD)

Many of the faculty, including me, have spend a goodly portion of our professional lives working to make USM a recognized up and coming university. In my view, that hard work was really paying off. Overall, USM became one of the more highly regarded directional universities. Through a combination of sports and academic research, USM has out performed comparable universities in the South and competed well with more upper tier state universities in the South. Those of us who worked to help bring about this change took pride in what had happened over the past two decades. In essence, we are professionally and emotionally involved in USM.

When SFT took over and systematically began to dismantle what has taken so long to build, various expressions of anger were inevitable. Some are more vitriolic than others and many feel that there is much more behind the dismantling of USM than just SFT. Since there is nothing to point to that refutes the conspiracy theory, most of us believe that the decline of USM is pleasing to many in the state. Hence, our anger is spread over many people and organizations.

Your suggestion that we angry people leave is good advice for us as individuals and many have already exited and more will leave over the next two to three years. However, our leaving is bad news for USM. Collecting and maintaining quality faculty is a continuous improvement process. The more good faculty you have on campus, the easier it is to hire good faculty and even better faculty. A university that has been hollowed out, i.e., a large quantity of quality faculty have left over a short period of time, will not be able to attract many new quality faculty. Put simply, USM does not now have the staff, the faculty, nor administers to attract quality faculty. I have stated before, USM is very sick, it may never recover, but if it is to recover it will take enlightened leadership from the IHL, a president, and a cadre of new administrators. I see none of that happening in the near future.

Date: Jun 23, 2005

Still an Eagle (formerly ABD) wrote:

Well, I understand that complaining about complainers is hypocritical, but you won't hear me do it again. My post was about those who seem to find something negative about everything that has to do with USM. I fent the need to post not because negative comments bother me. I agree with many of the things I read here (i.e., change is needed, USM is facing serious challenges, poor decisions have been made by administration). I am often critical of the athletic department, administration, etc. but I also recognize that there are still some positive things about USM. However, a few posters here smear everyone and everything that is related to USM. That's my beef.

I understand, Still an Eagle. I believe the situation is like an ongoing public debate. The business people meet and discuss all of the positive things about USM then SFT publishes his "A work in progress” which distorts data to fool the public. It all ignores the problems, of course, because SFT was trying to get a contract extension. The opposite side represented by most of this board and letters writers balance the message by concentrating on the problems.

The public is used to being snowed with good PR, but find it distasteful when the university in their hometown gets bad PR. That's natural, but what choice does anyone have? The power rest with the IHL Board and this means of communicating with them and the public was the only path possible that I can see.

I too wish you well in you new position and hope you continue to post here.

Date: Jun 23, 2005

Cossack wrote:

Still an Eagle (formerly ABD) Many of the faculty, including me, have spend a goodly portion of our professional lives working to make USM a recognized up and coming university. In my view, that hard work was really paying off. Overall, USM became one of the more highly regarded directional universities. Through a combination of sports and academic research, USM has out performed comparable universities in the South and competed well with more upper tier state universities in the South. Those of us who worked to help bring about this change took pride in what had happened over the past two decades. In essence, we are professionally and emotionally involved in USM. When SFT took over and systematically began to dismantle what has taken so long to build, various expressions of anger were inevitable. Some are more vitriolic than others and many feel that there is much more behind the dismantling of USM than just SFT. Since there is nothing to point to that refutes the conspiracy theory, most of us believe that the decline of USM is pleasing to many in the state. Hence, our anger is spread over many people and organizations. Your suggestion that we angry people leave is good advice for us as individuals and many have already exited and more will leave over the next two to three years. However, our leaving is bad news for USM. Collecting and maintaining quality faculty is a continuous improvement process. The more good faculty you have on campus, the easier it is to hire good faculty and even better faculty. A university that has been hollowed out, i.e., a large quantity of quality faculty have left over a short period of time, will not be able to attract many new quality faculty. Put simply, USM does not now have the staff, the faculty, nor administers to attract quality faculty. I have stated before, USM is very sick, it may never recover, but if it is to recover it will take enlightened leadership from the IHL, a president, and a cadre of new administrators. I see none of that happening in the near future.

With great sadness, I agree with everything you say. I hope we're both wrong about prospects for a swift recovery. This is one of those rare instances where I'd be pleased to admit I was mistaken about the bleak forecast for USM.

Date: Jun 23, 2005

Still an Eagle,

President Khayat at Ole Miss has firm roots in Mississippi and that school has thrived extremely well under his leadership. USM did not have its current problems or these types of complaints when Mississippi native Lucas was President. Many Mississippians return to their home state after they have seen the rest of the world. Maybe you will also return here in brighter days ahead. It is the regression to the bad old days at USM (read Exit 13) that is distressing. Even Mississippians can occasionally hatch a bad egg. But we can recognize them.

Date: Jun 24, 2005

Pear River Princess wrote:

Maybe you will also return here in brighter days ahead. It is the regression to the bad old days at USM (read Exit 13) that is distressing. Even Mississippians can occasionally hatch a bad egg. But we can recognize them.

I do hope to return one day. I think teaching at Southern Miss (under a different administration) would be awesome. However, I am going to what I consider to be a great place to work and raise my family, so who knows. I do want the best for USM and it pains me to see it struggling as it is now.

Date: Jun 24, 2005

You know, when I moved from my home (4 states away) to teach at USM back in the early 90's it was my intention to raise my family there. I got one daughter into high school and the other into middle school when SFT stepped in truly making my situation unbearable. I left, and the move at the time was hard. My older daughter - who is now in college - continues to visit her friends in Hattiesburg every summer, I even come back with her because I have many friends still at USM and in the Hattiesburg community. Even though I've since landed back on my feet and am teaching at a university close to my original home - I too think about how great it would be to return to USM once the stench of Thames is removed.

Date: Jun 24, 2005

Isn't It Ironic wrote:

You know, when I moved from my home (4 states away) to teach at USM back in the early 90's it was my intention to raise my family there. I got one daughter into high school and the other into middle school when SFT stepped in truly making my situation unbearable. I left, and the move at the time was hard. My older daughter - who is now in college - continues to visit her friends in Hattiesburg every summer, I even come back with her because I have many friends still at USM and in the Hattiesburg community. Even though I've since landed back on my feet and am teaching at a university close to my original home - I too think about how great it would be to return to USM once the stench of Thames is removed.

I know what you mean concerning children. I am probably older than most newly minted Ph.Ds at 36 and I have three elementary school aged children, so I hope that my first job turns out to be one that I can stay in indefinitely. I am probably in the minority in that regard. I am not looking to hop around a lot to advance my career. I think I have found a place that meshes well with my goals and values and I hope to stay there at least until my kids get out of school. However, you never know what will happen over that span of time (as evidenced by what has happened at USM).

Date: Jun 25, 2005

If USM and the State of Mississippi are so deplorable, why would you stay?

1. Despite trying to be quiet (I did not even participate in the no confidence vote, joined AAUP, etc.) two separate administrators have made it a point to inform me that I was worthless to my face. Further, on several occassions members of the community have lectured me on how to conduct myself professionally in this situation. My reaction is to avoid administrators, withdraw from the community, teach and do my research, and post here occassionally when someone like you hits a nerve. Venting here has prevented me from snarling at anyone at work and to thank the administrators and the members of the community for their valuable input.

2. I am not going to quit with 20 years in PERS. The taxpayers are simply going to have to put up with my somewhat better than average teaching evaluations and my worthless (i.e., nonfunded) reasearch efforts for another 5 years.

Thank you for your input.

Date: Jun 25, 2005

That's telling 'em, lemur. I feel the same way. Of course creatures like you and I are getting to be in very short supply around here.

Date: Jun 25, 2005

lemur wrote:

Despite trying to be quiet (I did not even participate in the no confidence vote, joined AAUP, etc.)...............

Too many people are "free riders" on the good work and risks taken by others. Maybe you should join AAUP now. Better late than never.

Date: Jun 25, 2005

lemur wrote:

If USM and the State of Mississippi are so deplorable, why would you stay? 1. Despite trying to be quiet (I did not even participate in the no confidence vote, joined AAUP, etc.) two separate administrators have made it a point to inform me that I was worthless to my face. Further, on several occassions members of the community have lectured me on how to conduct myself professionally in this situation. My reaction is to avoid administrators, withdraw from the community, teach and do my research, and post here occassionally when someone like you hits a nerve. Venting here has prevented me from snarling at anyone at work and to thank the administrators and the members of the community for their valuable input. 2. I am not going to quit with 20 years in PERS. The taxpayers are simply going to have to put up with my somewhat better than average teaching evaluations and my worthless (i.e., nonfunded) reasearch efforts for another 5 years. Thank you for your input.

lemur,

Welcome to the club. I'm afraid you have to get in what is now a long line. Your post was an excellent description of the situation for many faculty. The administration doesn’t want us and the community doesn't want us, but we need a few more years in PERS to leave. The worse part is when all of your older colleagues leave. Friends of over 20 years are now hundreds of miles away in several different directions. The "funny" part is when you tell your friends what you do they reply that you are over worked and would be doing an excellent job at their institution.

Date: Jun 25, 2005

An up-front kind of guy wrote:

lemur wrote: Despite trying to be quiet (I did not even participate in the no confidence vote, joined AAUP, etc.)............... Too many people are "free riders" on the good work and risks taken by others. Maybe you should join AAUP now. Better late than never.

I apologize to those with more courage than I and feel indebted to them in this current mess. However, at this point, I have others depending on my income. I can make choices for myself, but do not feel that my own convictions supersede the welfare of others that cannot currently support themselves. The choice is not easy when one wonders if the word "coward" applies to oneself.

Date: Jun 25, 2005

Who the hell is "ABK"?

I believe that would not be the monogram of Aubrey Keith Lucas.

Nice tried, dude, but a troll is a troll is a troll. You gave it away when you said you graduated from the USM b-school, breeding ground of trolls.

Date: Jun 25, 2005

Still an Eagle (formerly ABD) wrote:

I do hope to return one day. I think teaching at Southern Miss (under a different administration) would be awesome. However, I am going to what I consider to be a great place to work and raise my family, so who knows. I do want the best for USM and it pains me to see it struggling as it is now.

Guess what? You can't. Unless they revoke the last shards of rules preventing in-breeding & favoritism.

Oh, I goofed. You can come back as an administrator.

Date: Jun 25, 2005

Invictus wrote:

Guess what? You can't. Unless they revoke the last shards of rules preventing in-breeding & favoritism.

Invictus,

You are forgetting the department (or is it now three departments spread across two colleges?) that has perfected the practice of hiring its own.

Date: Jun 25, 2005

Educational Dysfunction wrote:

Invictus wrote:
Guess what? You can't. Unless they revoke the last shards of rules preventing in-breeding & favoritism.

Invictus,
You are forgetting the department (or is it now three departments spread across two colleges?) that has perfected the practice of hiring its own.

Sorry, but except for Ed & Psy with Dana, who are the other two department????

Date: Jun 25, 2005

Green Hornet wrote:

Sorry, but except for Ed & Psy with Dana, who are the other two department????

Wasn't even thinking about CoEP. Economic Development is split over two colleges with international development, economic development and workforce training. Several of its hires are homegrown.

Date: Jun 29, 2005

Clarification

Date: Jun 29, 2005

RE: Observation

Date: Jun 30, 2005

Outside Man wrote:
. The reason faculty members complain so much is that they have very little power. They are basically a group of enuchs in Sultan Shelby's harem. They have fancy slogans such as "shared governance " and such,but they are ,as much as they hate it,employees. Much the same as the folks working at Wal Mart. The faculty complaints are very valid.They have been treated like chattel. Unfotunately,Sultan Shelby has bested them in the public relations field and they have very little support among the non -academic community.

This post unfortunately illustrates the impotence of USM faculty members.They produce alot of sound and fury but little else.