CL, 10/3/05: University getting back on track - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Oct 3, 2005

CL, 10/3/05: University getting back on track

Date: Oct 3, 2005

Wasn't the decision to remove the probation done without an on site visit? SACS' standards must be lower than I thought.

Date: Oct 3, 2005

The part of the editorial I like is:

"But the university was in turmoil over inaccurate counts of students and a brouhaha over two tenured professors fired by President Shelby Thames. So, the perceived quality of its programs and the worth of its diploma as a sign of achievement were put at risk. Even the eligibility of students to receive financial aid was put in jeopardy."

Date: Oct 3, 2005

The position of the USM faculty in regards to the SACS probation is very similar to the position of the Democratic party in regards to the Iraq war.Success in lifting the probation is obviously good for the university. Likewise success in the Iraq war is good for the USA. However both the faculty and the Democrats are so embittered -with some justification- with the leader of the university and the country that they are disappointed at any sign of success.

Date: Oct 3, 2005

D.Rather wrote:

The position of the USM faculty in regards to the SACS probation is very similar to the position of the Democratic party in regards to the Iraq war.Success in lifting the probation is obviously good for the university. Likewise success in the Iraq war is good for the USA. However both the faculty and the Democrats are so embittered -with some justification- with the leader of the university and the country that they are disappointed at any sign of success.

Interesting take, but I would add that now it isn't only the faculty or the democrats that are disappointed. And "success" is in the eye of the beholder. I think we will soon be seeing this both with SACS and Iraq.

Date: Oct 3, 2005

Even with USM getting off probation and Shelby retiring, it will take years for USM to rebuild its reputation. It will take years before graduate advisors will suggest that their most promising recent PhDs should apply for a job there, or before anyone would leave their current tenure track job to work at USM.

Date: Oct 3, 2005

Arnold wrote:

Even with USM getting off probation and Shelby retiring, it will take years for USM to rebuild its reputation. It will take years before graduate advisors will suggest that their most promising recent PhDs should apply for a job there, or before anyone would leave their current tenure track job to work at USM.

And if anyone doesn't believe this, take a trip to a scholarly conference or to the national convention of any academic discipline represented at USM. What has happened here over the last three years is no secret and to distinguished researchers and scholars, it is reprehensible.