The UO has recently modified its governance system, the Senate is revitalized, committee structure has been streamlined, and a new employee group of officers of administration and former management service employees has been formed. Our formal system of governance is thus poised to work effectively for change. While governance is important, it is not enough to ensure adequate involvement in affecting change. Students and staff, as well as other non tenure-related instructional personnel, feel a lack of receptiveness to their ideas, and feel that their opinions are undervalued. A lack of clear goals and expectations, as well as confusion about responsibility and roles, fosters a sense of being acted upon or in some cases being ignored.
Classified staff provide important services to student.
Like faculty, they are concerned about heavier work loads, reduced resources and the resulting impact on the quality of services delivered to students. Too often classified staff feel that their contributions and work are not valued given the strong emphasis placed on the classroom experience. While not an essential component of the UO direct delivery of education, many aspects of the classified jobs impact the quality of the collegiate experience. Their input and opinions can also furnish valuable insights into preparing for change effectively. The requirements of research in an institution such as the UO must be acknowledged and valued as we define new priorities.