This item was not on the original agenda and, in contrast to the electronic sign, there were absolutely no details about the slaughtering of the ducks. I moved that the fence not be approved until we were provided with more specifics. The motion passed. The March 2000 Atlantic Monthly featured an interesting article, The Kept University, by Eyal Press and Jennifer Washburm. As we listen to the cry for more assessment and accountability of the quality of the learning environment, the same should be true for grants and other funding opportunities.
Funding becomes the driving force, often at the expense of the less popular or profitable programs.
This next year we can expect to see continuing and learned debates on workloads, merit pay, year-round operations, admission policies, general education, assessment, technology, and distance learning. With 77 faculty retiring last year, this is a changing institution with many new faces and exciting times ahead. The landscape is changing, and it is as important as ever that faculty and staff become directly involved.