The current batch of early retirements play a role in causing the growing dissatisfaction simmering among the faculty, but that's not the only reason the faculty mood seems worse this year. Timing of early retirements lacked long term planning. Money saved is insufficient reason. Too many classes had to be cancelled or rescheduled, which was unfair to the students. This is inefficient and ridiculously wasteful.
Communication is probably the key to resolving the crisis of faculty climate.
Listen, listen, listen. Discussion of core belief. It was suggested that a liberal arts education should allow great flexibility in degree plans for students to have room to take classes that are interesting to them, and allow them to take greater part in selecting their individual course plans. No statement of core belief was reached yet. Concerns raised include the following.