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*NOW* Benjamin Ginsberg, Chair of Advanced Governmental Studies @JohnsHopkins giving a timely talk on How the Faculty Has Fallen
In the past 50y American colleges have been taken over by professional admin "seagull managers" who see university as a biz venture #AcademicChatter
In the past 50y American colleges have been taken over by professional admin "seagull managers" who see university as a biz venture #AcademicChatter
American universities were founded by professors, not administrators. Daniel Coit Gilman, founder of @JohnsHopkins was a geography professor! #AcademicChatter
We have seen a 300% increase in administrators: deans, deanlets, deanlings and offspring with rude names that I cannot mention online. Administrators now outnumber faculty according to Dr. Ginsberg. #AcademicChatter
What drives administrative growth? Is it mandated by regulators or funding agencies?
Actually, 2/3 driven by endogenous forces.
Universities CHOOSE to use funds to grow admin with armies of deanlets. Tuition increases go to support admin.
"Quantity controls Quality"
Actually, 2/3 driven by endogenous forces.
Universities CHOOSE to use funds to grow admin with armies of deanlets. Tuition increases go to support admin.
"Quantity controls Quality"
Reversal of Ends and Means: University is about Research, Teaching, Patient care.
Everything else is ancillary.
Administration should exist to uphold these core values.
But this has been perverted today. #AcademicChatter
Everything else is ancillary.
Administration should exist to uphold these core values.
But this has been perverted today. #AcademicChatter
What can be done to revert to course?
1. Consciousness- understand what is happening
2. Elect faculty trustees- current trustees don't know what is happening on campus
3. Elect (not appoint) Faculty Senate that represents all Schools
4. Independent audit of the University budget
1. Consciousness- understand what is happening
2. Elect faculty trustees- current trustees don't know what is happening on campus
3. Elect (not appoint) Faculty Senate that represents all Schools
4. Independent audit of the University budget
What can be done w/o cooperation of administration?
-budget committee can be demanded, audited and published
-create faculty bodies to reaffirm faculty place in governing the institution
#AcademicChatter
-budget committee can be demanded, audited and published
-create faculty bodies to reaffirm faculty place in governing the institution
#AcademicChatter
What about unionization of faculty?
Depends on the state. There is a reluctance in elite universities to unionize. Dr. Ginsberg thinks this is not a bad idea but not the only idea. A faculty Senate could accomplish similar goals. May better align w @JohnsHopkins culture.
Depends on the state. There is a reluctance in elite universities to unionize. Dr. Ginsberg thinks this is not a bad idea but not the only idea. A faculty Senate could accomplish similar goals. May better align w @JohnsHopkins culture.
Under the office of AAUP, Hopkins faculty have initiated an independent financial audit. The cost of this effort, $5,000 was raised by faculty within 2 days! 600 faculty (including moi!) signed on to this.
As faculty, we MUST be obstreperous and exert demands!
Otherwise, faculty bodies, like a Faculty Senate, will have no influence on university policy.
True story: I was hauled before a dean one Friday evening for speaking out in dissent at committee of grad program directors.
Otherwise, faculty bodies, like a Faculty Senate, will have no influence on university policy.
True story: I was hauled before a dean one Friday evening for speaking out in dissent at committee of grad program directors.
