April 2009 Archives

Through it all, I am mindful of the fact that the spring is also challenging for our faculty, staff and students.  Faculty are rushing to get in all the material they need to cover before finals. They are trying to grade papers and get them returned. They are completing assignments for assessment, various committees, and research deadlines.  Staff are trying to assist students in transition, deal with dwindling budgets, and juggle the complicated schedules in their departments.  And students (!) are facing major assignments, scrambling to find summer jobs or internships,  and preparing for final exams.

'Tis the season!

One piece of this feedback that really struck me is a sense that some folks have that I'm making decisions without sufficient input from them. That is not who I want to be and that is not the way I want to lead. 

I learned on Monday that our college, and all of the units at the university, will soon have to make choices about where we would cut 3%, 4.5%, or 6% from our 2009-2010 budget.  In attempting to incorporate the ideas, priorities, and suggestions of faculty and staff in this decision process, I will be scheduling a series of meetings where they can see the current budget, learn about trends and needs, and then provide input on how we should allocate these cuts.  We don't have much time--our final response will be due on May 6th.

I know our faculty and staff are very creative and will bring some great suggestions to the table. I can't say I'm looking forward to it, since I never want to have to "cut" anything, but I do welcome the opportunity to engage my colleagues in these discussions.

So I'm thrilled to see our interdisciplinary studies class (IDS 301) is working on a sustainable gardening project as part of their overall introduction to sustainability.  (The photo is one of their first seedlings in the Native American Medicine Wheel garden -- you can get an up-close look at the garden anytime; it is behind and just to the north of the Liberal Arts Building.) 

I'm amazed at how willing even some of our most successful alumni are to take the time to share their stories with me. What I've learned from them--among other things--is that the vast majority of College of Arts & Letters graduates believe we taught them well. They often mention the communications, problem-solving, and creative skills they developed in our classes. Most share a common story of having some difficulty with the initial transition from college to work. Finding the right position is not always easy for performance or liberal arts majors. 

Many have spoken of the power of internships, summer jobs, and other connections in helping them ultimately find their career home. Those who share my passion for finding such opportunities for our students will note how important such experiences are in a tight job market.  As faculty, one of our responsibilities is to help steer our students toward appropriate career or personal-growth opportunities.  I encourage all readers of this blog--faculty, students, and alumni alike--to contact the college so that we can serve as facilitators in this important mission.