clevermanka (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
clevermanka) wrote2019-05-25 06:26 am
clevermanka) wrote2019-05-25 06:26 am
Entry tags:
Parting salvo
The last email I sent from my KU address was to the former-college-dean-now-interim-provost.
Carl,
When I came to meet with you, back in early 2017, you repeatedly told me you were impressed by my insight and genuine responses to your query. Before I left that meeting, you mentioned how the university needs more people like me and how you wished you had people with my intelligence and abilities in the Dean’s office.
I can now recognize your example of actions speaking louder than words. I appreciate the honesty shown by your actions when push came to shove about responding to input from anyone other than high-ranking KU officials—whether that input came from staff (I don’t believe many if any of the suggestions we presented to you at the campus-wide support staff workshop you held in 2017 ever came to fruition), students (responding to your comment about how $200 a month is actually quite meaningful to people on a GTA salary), or faculty (who wrote several letters of support and distress and spoke to you regarding the elimination of my position).
When I stepped into the role of English Graduate Secretary in fall of 2001, I had no idea how important to me being an active and vocal advocate of students would become. I knew it was part of the job, but I didn’t realize it would help define nearly 20 years of my life. I’m one of the few people I know who actively enjoyed her job the majority of the time, finding most of my tasks and duties rewarding and personally fulfilling. I don’t regret my time here, because I’m fortunate that I was able to experience that in my life, which is more than many people can say.
It is unfortunate that the people who make these “restructuring” decisions refuse to take into account the desires of the people most affected, not to mention the possible effect on alumni dollars. During my time at KU, I’ve seen higher administration make similar poor choices several times—decisions that never took into account the input or response of the people most harmed, or disregarded those opinions as irrelevant. Conveniently for them, few of those decision-makers were affected or stuck around long enough to see their changes make things worse (and occasionally get reversed, but not until long after the original people harmed were also gone).
I suppose I’m grateful to leave KU with a thorough understanding of how little this university’s administration values the vast majority of people who give it purpose and structure. I shall benefit tremendously knowing that my principles of compassion, respect for individuals, and inclusivity are not prioritized by the University of Kansas—at least not under the current administration. Thank you for this valuable insight. I’ll use it as a guidepost in my search for employment elsewhere.
CM
Carl,
When I came to meet with you, back in early 2017, you repeatedly told me you were impressed by my insight and genuine responses to your query. Before I left that meeting, you mentioned how the university needs more people like me and how you wished you had people with my intelligence and abilities in the Dean’s office.
I can now recognize your example of actions speaking louder than words. I appreciate the honesty shown by your actions when push came to shove about responding to input from anyone other than high-ranking KU officials—whether that input came from staff (I don’t believe many if any of the suggestions we presented to you at the campus-wide support staff workshop you held in 2017 ever came to fruition), students (responding to your comment about how $200 a month is actually quite meaningful to people on a GTA salary), or faculty (who wrote several letters of support and distress and spoke to you regarding the elimination of my position).
When I stepped into the role of English Graduate Secretary in fall of 2001, I had no idea how important to me being an active and vocal advocate of students would become. I knew it was part of the job, but I didn’t realize it would help define nearly 20 years of my life. I’m one of the few people I know who actively enjoyed her job the majority of the time, finding most of my tasks and duties rewarding and personally fulfilling. I don’t regret my time here, because I’m fortunate that I was able to experience that in my life, which is more than many people can say.
It is unfortunate that the people who make these “restructuring” decisions refuse to take into account the desires of the people most affected, not to mention the possible effect on alumni dollars. During my time at KU, I’ve seen higher administration make similar poor choices several times—decisions that never took into account the input or response of the people most harmed, or disregarded those opinions as irrelevant. Conveniently for them, few of those decision-makers were affected or stuck around long enough to see their changes make things worse (and occasionally get reversed, but not until long after the original people harmed were also gone).
I suppose I’m grateful to leave KU with a thorough understanding of how little this university’s administration values the vast majority of people who give it purpose and structure. I shall benefit tremendously knowing that my principles of compassion, respect for individuals, and inclusivity are not prioritized by the University of Kansas—at least not under the current administration. Thank you for this valuable insight. I’ll use it as a guidepost in my search for employment elsewhere.
CM
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That part about people who make these decisions not sticking around to see the negative effect they have -- that really resonated with me. I don't know when it was decided that every major admin (i.e. provost, etc.) had to do A Thing in their time at an institution, but it seems like that's all that matters to them. They come in on a short-term basis, fuck everything up for the sake of putting this "accomplishment" on their CV, and then walk away. It's incredibly frustrating for long-term employees who see this pattern over and over, not to mention the effect on the student body. But you're right -- they don't listen to input, and they don't change their minds. Somewhere along the lines university administrators became driven by individualism and greed, and it is painful to watch them hurt the university's most valuable assets (like you and your students).
Good luck with your job search, anyone would be grateful to have you <3
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YEPPPPPPP
I'm so grateful that I can take it easy for a little while before I have to start making money again. So at least I don't have to jump into that right away.
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*hugs*
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My favourite parts are the bits between the lines. You know, those "fuck you and the entire administration" parts. :)
I hope you can find a job that is as fulfilling for you. That's pretty much 90% of a good job.
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What you can't see in the letter is that I used some of his exact language from previous emails. I didn't want to include the whole email thread in the post but since I replied to it instead of making a new email, HE SURE SAW THEM. I mean, provided he even read it.
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It reminds me of when I was demoted during Borders' restructuring in early 2001, after working there for seven years. I looked my manager right in the eye and said, "You promoted me to use me to get through the holiday season. I have no loyalty to this business and take no pride in this job. I'll be gone before my pay cut comes through." My last day was the Friday before the demotion went into effect.
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