As some of you know the CoB is getting a new HVAC system to replace the 40 year old system in place. To accomplish this the CoB building was divided into three main areas: irst floor, second floor, third floor plus the two auditoriums. Each area was slated to take 8-10 weeks to complete with work being done one area at a time so as to avoid complete loss of classroom space. That would be a total of 24-30 weeks, plus or minus. The basic plan was revealed late last spring (2005) to CoB faculty in what was more like an informational session than a faculty meeting.

This past fall the faculty was informed that the HVAC replacement was a "go." To compensate for the loss of each area's classroom space the CoB would have a schedule alteration. Work would begin the day after finals in December. Decision made by Doty without a complete discussion of alternate opinions, options, or professional advice.

The CoB is currently functioning on two 8 week terms rather than one 16 week semester to facilitate the moving workplace. Only the classrooms on the second floor and the two auditorium rooms are being used. Recall that each area should take at least 8 weeks if everything goes smoothly. That meant that the CoB's schedule would work if the first stage of the project went perfectly. In January 2006 work had not begun in earnest, which put the project three weeks behind schedule. At present the project is about four weeks behind schedule. One reason is that the boiler that was ordered was too big for the available boiler room. Another is that the construction noise bothered some students, faculty, and staff.

One week from today the second 8 week term will commence. Students will show up next Monday looking for their classes on the first floor of Greene Hall and will find it still a construction zone. They will have to get new room assignments, find classes, and classroom life in the CoB will be disrupted just a little more than it is already which is to say that it will be disrupted quite a bit. If that's not comical enough just listen to this. Faculty have received zero emails describing "Plan B" from Doty. Where will classes meet? If I'm supposed to teach in room 101 where do I go now? When the first floor is complete and the workmen are ready to start on the second floor will we move our classes (further disruption) or will we stay put?

This project began with a lack of input from faculty. There was a lack of public dialogue between faculty, administration, physical plant, and the architect/engineer (was one even consulted?). Now we're behind by 4 weeks. Parts of the building (classrooms) are eighty plus degrees since the system currently blows hot air. Rumor has it that the project will stretch well into the fall semester putting faculty out of offices until November. Notice I say rumor because there has been no information handed out.

One week to go and zero emails. One week to go and no communication.

This is the Doty leadership style. Make a snap decision. Ignore others' input. Follow the plan come hell or high water. Ignore the collateral damage. Keep information private -- what they don't know won't hurt them. This HVAC issue is a great example of Doty's Dean-ship.