Administrators: Talk to Students

This is a Letter to the Editor we wrote to the Collegian, which was published in the Forum section of the Monday, April 14th issue:

Amid the many significant changes being undertaken at this moment in the University's history – from University-wide budget reallocation, to the restructuring of the College of Arts & Sciences, to conceptions of “extreme student centeredness,” to requirements that all things align themselves with the Directions Strategic Plan, many are wondering when they will have their chance to offer input, or where to go to even gain a full and complete understanding of the proposed plans, their timelines, and how their own careers or plans of study will be effected.

One of the more frustrating aspects is how many administrators react to criticism by claiming that the plans are not yet set in stone but “open for discussion” or are “still a conversation.” The ironic part about this phenomenon is that it seems that administrators would not offer such opportunities for conversation if they did not receive a less than celebratory reaction, and that many of these plans come with accelerated timelines that make it difficult for individuals – whether students, faculty, or staff – to provide input before the plans begin to be implemented. Take for example the plans announced in Dr. Jacobs' State of the University Address, which were to begin being implemented “this afternoon at best, tommorow at the latest,” or the added requirements to professors' requests for sabbatical leave that many feel were added “in the middle of the process.”

No one believes that anyone in the administration is “evil” or even “misguided” – in fact, many aspects of the proposed plans are exciting, revolutionary, and have been needed for some time. The issue is the reality that few among the administration are willing or permitted to voice their doubts about or point out anticipated flaws in proposed plans, so that they reach the general public without being polished by careful thought and revision. The recurrence of proposals that are announced in their final stages of preparation also gives the impression that the administration believes that we non-administrators simply do not know what is good for us – a “speak now or forever hold your peace” paradigm that does not foster very much confidence.

If these plans are truly to be student-centered, they need to have significant student input. If they are to greatly affect faculty and staff, they need to incorporate the principles of shared governance that have been valued and protected for so long. And finally, if these plans are truly to be discussed, there needs to be more time to engage with administrators and many opportunities for question-and-answer sessions, focus groups, and even one-on-one meetings with concerned individuals. As the saying goes, the “greatest danger with communication is the illusion that it has occurred.” We have great confidence in our leaders, and great hope for the future of our Great Institution. We ask only that as students – the often proclaimed raison d'etre of the University – be able to have meaningful role in envisioning that future.