An E-mail from Bart Gordon

I just received this e-mail from Bart Gordon:

Dear Wendy,

Thank you for sharing your support for funding for the MTSU Philosophy Department. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.

Growing up in Middle Tennessee and as a third generation MTSU student, I understand the vital role the university plays in our community. I am pleased to hear how the university has positively influenced your life. In February, I supported the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. As the funds become available to state governments and federal grants across the country, it is my hope that MTSU will benefit from this legislation to avoid cutting programs. Know I will support full funding for MTSU as we continue our work in the 111th Congress.

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me again on this or any other issue.



Stay in touch,

BART GORDON
Member of Congress

Last Week's Student Forum

Last Thursday afternoon, MTSU President Sidney McPhee held an open forum for students to ask questions concerning the budget cuts. You can read about it here. I was unable to attend the forum, but I would like to make some comments based on what I have read and heard (from credible sources).

This was the only student forum, so I am discontent with the one-hour time frame of the forum. McPhee's presentation was 40 minutes long, leaving only 20 minutes for questions. He also claimed he was hosting an event in his home that evening and could not stay after the scheduled time. What convenient scheduling, and I can only assume the president chose this time for the forum.

From accounts I have read on the forum, he was again evasive with his answers, and he again spoke to students as though their concerns were due to them being misinformed and no the concners of adults who had read the recommendations and still had concerns.

I also feel I must address the students as well, as this has stirred up quite a bit of controversy (see the above article for specifics). While I agree that this perhaps was not the best way to get a message across, I also acknowledge why students feel this was the only way to be heard. McPhee has repeatedly demonstrated that he does not value student input, and he readily dismisses concerns students have about the budget cuts.

Could this be seen as disrespectful? Of course. Could McPhee's attitude toward students be seen as disrespectful? Definitely. We are fighting against each other because no one seems to be able to figure out how to work together. I don't want a fight, but I certainly won't back down if one is presented. I would much rather sit in a room and talk about the issues, but my attempts to set this up have been ignored. These students actually got an audience with McPhee, so I guess that must have been less than satisfying.

I will refrain from commenting further until I give McPhee adequate time to respond to my questions. Here is the e-mail I sent him today:

President McPhee,

I am currently updating my blog to reflect comments and observations on the student forum held like week, and I would appreciate your comments so that I can include your viewpoint. From what I have gathered, the main concerns students had are as follows:

1. Why was the forum only an hour, with such limited time for students to ask questions? Why wasn't it scheduled at a time when you could have devoted a larger portion of the forum to addressing student concerns?

2. Students have commented that your usual answers involve telling students to read the recommendations. This gives students the impression that you believe most of them are simply uniformed and would not object otherwise. What would you say to students who have read the report and find these remarks dismiss their concerns?

3. Why do you think the turnout was as low as it was? Do you believe it can be attributed to the many students who leave Thursday because they do not have Friday classes? Do you believe students do not care? Do you believe students have given up on voicing their concerns?

4. I, and others, have heard that as president there are certain perks you have, including a personal chef for your wife. Are these statements true, or are these rumors put forth to stir controversy? If they are true, would you be willing to forgo these benefits until a more financially appropriate time?

Finally, I have a question for you, and I do hope you answer it:

If you must make cuts that affect academic programs, are you willing to make a statement, confirmed in writing and signed, that these are cuts are a one-time decision in a time of crisis and that the university will take steps to better plan for the future to avoid such problems in the years ahead?

I thank you for your time and consideration, and would greatly appreciate a phone call or e-mail reply.

Sincerely,
Wendy K. Caldwell

I have sent McPhee an e-mail requesting he address the main c

Answers from Gebert

I think the viral threat is over, and I am happy to resume posting. I received a response from Kaylene Gebert today. I grow fonder of her each time we communicate. If all administrators took the time to actually read and respond to concerns, our universities would be in much better shape.

She addresses a few of the concerns I have, and she left the option open to submit more. If anyone reading this has concerns of their own, feel free to leave them as a comment, and I'll be sure to include them.

Here is her response:

Dear Wendy,
I have been behind in responding to email. It's been a busy time. Yes,
athletics will be taking cuts as well. Parking fees are part of an auxillary.
That is, the parking enterprise, including fees and building lots, etc. is
"self-sufficient" and is not supported by state dollars.
The cuts, etc. are a part of the state budget. Please understand that we must
cut $19.3M. That is a huge sum and will not be met by parking or ticket fee
increases.
I will be glad to respond to your suggestions by email.
Best wishes,
Kaylene

Updates Coming Soon

I aplogize for not updating as regularly lately. I have been dealing with computer and Internet issues this week. My Internet is working again, but I am having some serious malware/spyware issues with a possible Trojan horse virus. Once I have that remedied, I will resume more frequent posting. Thank you for following this site. I look forward to posting on the Lyceum and forum.

Students Challenge McPhee at Forum

I was unable to attend the forum today, but I have been anxiously awaiting the outcome. The Daily News Journal posted a story recapping the event on their Web site. You can read it here

Stay tuned for a post concerning yesterday's Applied Philosophy Lyceum - it was great!

Student Forum Could Lead to Rallying Cry

The Daily News Journal ran an article today about a plan to call for McPhee's resignation at today's student forum, scheduled at 4 p.m. I certainly didn't want to ruin the element of surprise, so I waited until now to post it. Check out the story here.

Special thanks to Kristin Hall for sending me an e-mail with the link.

McPhee meets with students, refuses to sign pledge

Sidney McPhee's Monday meeting with members of Coaltion to Save Our Schools was recapped in both The Daily News Journal and on WSMV (Channel 4) news. You can read the DNJ article here. If you want to check out Channel 4's coverage, click here.

Another Letter in the DNJ

The Daily News Journal ran another of my letters. It actually appeared in yesterday's issue, but I didn't discover that until just now. Here is the link: McPhee puts future of university in jeopardy.

UPDATE: This letter also ran in Sidelines the same day.

McPhee's Last Words

At least, they are his last words to me. I met him at the forum Wednesday, and he recognized my e-mail address. Here is the e-mail he sent me moments ago (not signed, not fully punctuated):

Please do not send me any more emails. I will not be reading them

Am I going to heed this request? Of course not. He certainly hasn't heeded any of mine. Will I be forwarding the e-mail? Naturally. This disregard for legitimate concerns is an embarassment to the university, and his behavior is unprofessional and unbecoming a university president.

"IF THE HIGHEST AIM OF A CAPTAIN WERE TO PRESERVE HIS SHIP, HE WOULD KEEP IT IN PORT FOREVER." - ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

“IF THE HIGHEST AIM OF A CAPTAIN WERE TO PRESERVE HIS SHIP, HE WOULD KEEP IT IN PORT FOREVER.” – ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

St. Thomas Aquinas was a significant figure and is included in A&E’s list of the 100 most influential people of the last millennium. While I disagree with his arguably misogynist views, I could not agree more with him in this instance.

Aquinas was an empiricist, and, thus, greatly influenced Western thought. If we go strictly on empirical data, there is no reason to change the Philosophy Department. The department makes money, and while it does not have an abundance of majors, it has grown tremendously over the years. It still graduates an average of 10 students per year.

Further evidence shows that philosophy majors score higher than other majors on the academic profile exam given to graduating seniors as well as such exams as the GRE, MCAT, LSAT, and GMAT. Many schools look favorably on philosophy majors because of the emphasis on reasoning, making these majors ideal candidates for careers in such fields as the medical community and legal system.

Ignoring this data would be a tremendous error. If we wish for our university to be considered a great one, we must respect the greatness that is already evident.

McPhee Addresses Faculty, Dismisses Studens at Forum

While on campus Wednesday, I caught the end of one of MTSU President Sidney McPhee's faculty forums. Sidelines covered the story, and you can read it here.

What I found especially disturbing was how flippantly he dismissed a legitimate question. This goes to the heart of one of the main complaints about McPhee - his unwillingness to listen to other points of view. If he is unwilling even to answer a student's question in a forum setting, how are we to trust him to ask and answer tough questions of the TBR and law-making bodies?

Again, he insinuated that the students who disagreed with him were misinformed. With this assumption, it is no wonder he is not in touch with the wants and needs of the university and its student body. McPhee refuses to acknowledge there are legitimate opposing viewpoints.

I encourage those who protest these budget cuts not to let themselves be silenced by these dismissals.

"PEOPLE HAVE MANAGED TO AVERT THEIR EYES AND HOPE FOR THE BEST." - DAVID CHALMERS

“PEOPLE HAVE MANAGED TO AVERT THEIR EYES AND HOPE FOR THE BEST.” – DAVID CHALMERS

David Chalmers points out a commonality here. Too often, people avoid putting forth the effort to stand up to injustice on any level. It is disheartening that people feel so powerless or apathetic that they choose to do nothing. We cannot allow this mentality to become the norm.

This quotation reminds me of the “duck and cover” defense regarding possible nuclear attacks. As my high school history teacher once said, “I guess I just won’t see it hit me.” This defense is completely ludicrous for nuclear attacks, and it is equally so for attacks on education.

If we do nothing, if we simply cross our fingers and hope things will work out, we are sure to be disappointed. Change does not come easy, and if we are to change the minds of administrators, we must take action. We cannot give up, no matter how difficult the task seems.

Likewise, those with the power to change these recommendations must take action. Blindly going along with these cuts is surely to prove detrimental to the university, though by the time they realize this, it could be too late. I urge people on both sides to take action and fight for what is best for our students’ higher education.

DNJ Article

Today's edition of The Daily News Journal carried a story, "McPhee knocked over plan for cuts," on the front page. In addition to using a few quotations from me, several from philosophy professor Dr. Michael Principe and social work associate professor John Sanborn. You can read that article here.

"WE STILL BY NO MEANS THINK DECISIVELY ENOUGH ABOUT THE ESSENCE OF ACTION." - MARTIN HEIDEGGER

“WE STILL BY NO MEANS THINK DECISIVELY ENOUGH ABOUT THE ESSENCE OF ACTION.” – MARTIN HEIDEGGER

MTSU is certainly guilty of this. Instead of being proactive, as a university should be, we are currently being reactive. This is a result of poor planning and lack of foresight. The consequences, of course, will be felt most by the powerless – those who do not have a say in how the budgeted dollars are spent.

Is it not the job of a university to constantly strive to be more efficient and cost effective? It should not take massive budget cuts for administrators to consider what temperature unoccupied buildings are. It should not take budget cuts to consider suspending overtime pay. In more cases than not, overtime is usually a result of a lack of efficiency or picking up slack. If a certain position constantly requires overtime, and the position is operating as it should, perhaps it is not possible to perform all of the required functions in a 40-hour work week. Such issues should be addressed immediately, not brushed off until the university is under financial pressure.

Time and again, those steering the MTSU ship have let us down. Time and again, students’ and faculty members’ concerns are not heard. Telling us our views will be taken into consideration is patronizing, especially when the response gives no indication that the communication was even read/heard. If we continue to settle for mediocrity, we will never rise above it.

Updates Coming Soon

Still no word from President McPhee's office, although I have had some e-mail interaction with John Sanborn, writer of the previously linked Sidelines column. It is certainly refreshing to have such determined, passionate faculty members who truly want what is best for MTSU and its students.

I will have more updates today. Due to storms, I experienced power outages over the weekend. I was sans Internet for many hours.

“ONE MAN SEES CLEARLY BUT DOES NOT SEE STRAIGHT: CONSEQUENTLY HE SEES WHAT IS GOOD BUT FAILS TO FOLLOW IT."– MICHEL DE MONTAIGNE

“ONE MAN SEES CLEARLY BUT DOES NOT SEE STRAIGHT: CONSEQUENTLY HE SEES WHAT IS GOOD BUT FAILS TO FOLLOW IT; HE SEES KNOWLEDGE AND DOES NOT USE IT.” – MICHEL DE MONTAIGNE

No good can come from the unwillingness to use knowledge whenever possible. A degree is a degree, but true wisdom and knowledge cannot be measured simply by the existence of a diploma.

What is a PhD? In the wake of all of this budget controversy, it seems the ones in charge have forgotten that many of them possess PhDs. A PhD is, of course, a degree awarded to someone who has satisfied the requirements to be considered a doctor of philosophy in a particular subject.

What does this mean? Purely stated, a person possessing this degree has a clear understanding of the philosophy of an area of study. For instance, a PhD in mathematics must certainly be able to grasp number theory, foundations of mathematics, and the reasoning behind mathematical proofs. A PhD in another subject must understand the origins and thought processes governing that subject. It is no wonder, then, that obtaining such a degree requires defense of a thesis instead of merely an aptitude test.

If MTSU were to eliminate philosophy as a major or independent department, are we to no longer honor the distinction of those with PhDs? If a medical doctor ignores the Hippocratic Oath or commits an act that compromises the integrity of the medical profession, he or she can lose the license and right to practice medicine. If President Sidney McPhee fails to honor the necessity of philosophy, he forfeits his right to be called Dr. McPhee.

Faculty Member Calls for McPhee's Removal

In the latest issue of MTSU's student newspaper Sidelines, John Sanborn wrote an opinion piece about President Sidney McPhee. Sanborn is a faculty member in the Department of Social Work, and the column, "Why MTSU should cut McPhee," really highlights some of the core issues with the leader of the university. It is an excellent read.

A Congressional Phone Call

This morning, I got a phone call from Tennessee District 6 Congressman Bart Gordon. I have always thought highly of the Congressman, as I think he truly embodies what a Congressman is: a representative of the people.

We talked for about 5 minutes, until he got paged for a vote, although 5 minutes in DC time is impressive. He, too, went to MTSU, and is concerned of the potential effects of the budget cuts. He has been following the story as well. He mentioned the government stimulus, which will probably sustain everything for the next two years. He also assured me that no one really wants to make cuts, but they have to cut what TBR says.

Based on his understanding of the situation, he said few, if any, programs will be cut completely. He said a possibility is some majors being only offered as minors, but, again, it probably won't be for a few years. He also said he has been told that those currently involved in the programs will be allowed to stay and complete their degrees.

He suggested that I keep following the story as I am now and that I say involved. I certainly intend to do just that. Here is hoping that others realize that MTSU alumni, regardless of current situations, will be affected by these budget cuts, and it is cause for concern.

Have You Contacted Your Congressman Lately?

I've reached out to District 6 Congressman Bart Gordon recently, and I will provide updates as they are available. His scheduling people e-mailed me to verify my contact information, so I'm hopeful that I will be contacted again. Here is my e-mail to Congressman Gordon:

Congressman Gordon,

I am writing you today to ask for your help. Middle Tennessee State University has proposed budget cuts that would greatly undermine the integrity of the university, and so far students’ concerns appear to have fallen on deaf ears.

I myself am a former MTSU student who majored in Philosophy and Applied Mathematics, both of which are in jeopardy right now. My greatest concern is the Department of Philosophy. I took my first philosophy class as a general requirement, but I loved it so much that I added it as a minor, which then became a major.

I have the utmost respect for this department. All of the instructors have terminal degrees, an academic standard that would be best in all areas of study. The professors are passionate about knowledge, and they inspire their students. Taking philosophy classes changed my life and the way I thought about the world. To deny future students that opportunity saddens me. MTSU should not be willing to sacrifice education while focusing too much funding on non-educational programs and activities.

I’ve been doing some research into the nation’s top 100 universities, and it is no surprise that, as I go down the list, I have yet to find an institution that does not offer philosophy at least at the baccalaureate level. Because MTSU is a public university funded by taxpayers, I believe the administrators should be held accountable for their decisions.

Sadly, this has not been the case. I have written letters, sent e-mails, and left phone messages that have not been returned. Philosophy is a valuable discipline. Students who study philosophy score higher on tests such as the GMAT, the LSAT, and the MCAT. It does not cease to be valuable because a committee with inadequate liberal arts representation suggests it be eliminated or merged with another department.

Philosophy is not an afterthought; it quite the contrary. Philosophy is the basis for all we learn, as well as for all we can prove. Without philosophy, we would have no rules of deduction. Furthermore, recent reports indicate that books philosophical in nature, such as Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged, have had tremendous sales increases. It is not unusual that in times of uncertainty people look to philosophy to help them address the unknowable.

Someone needs to take a stand, because Tennessee’s higher learning cannot afford to suffer during these tough times. MTSU should aspire to greatness, not mediocrity. More undergraduates attend MTSU than any other Tennessee university, and MTSU should be willing and able to serve the academic needs of those students at all times.

I am humbly asking you to help keep education a priority. I know you care deeply about this state, as you have continued to serve its people for many years, and I know you could make a difference. Please urge the TBR and legislature not to approve budgets that do not support fundamental educational programs. If we deem philosophy unnecessary, what is next to go? We must preserve the integrity of the university as an institution of higher learning instead of making a mockery of it.

“WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY … YOU CAN STUDY WITHOUT WAITING FOR ANY EFFICIENT OR IMMEDIATE RESULT." - JACQUES DERRIDA

“WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY … YOU CAN STUDY WITHOUT WAITING FOR ANY EFFICIENT OR IMMEDIATE RESULT. YOU MAY SEARCH, JUST FOR THE SAKE OF SEARCHING, AND TRY FOR THE SAKE OF TRYING.” – JACQUES DERRIDA

Derrida addresses the true purpose of higher education here. Education is about learning, about seeking knowledge and truth. It is not meant to produce a generation of like-minded young adults who prefer to take the easy route rather than the correct one.

What example is MTSU setting for its students when it discourages learning for the love of knowledge rather than a specific trade? The great minds are the ones who constantly question, the ones who are always seeking to know more.

Academic failure cannot be measured by a letter grade but by ignorance and apathy. Those who stop seeking knowledge and are complacent with their current level of intellect are the ones who have failed. Knowledge does not stop after university any more than it begins with it. Learning is an ongoing process, and no discipline recognizes this more than philosophy.

Philosophers are historically the ones willing to ask the tough question, the ones with answers people would rather not know. But instead of giving in to the prevalent apathy, the philosopher continues to seek knowledge in the way Derrida praises. Do not take this away from our students.

A Response from McPhee

It has finally happened! MTSU President Sidney McPhee replied (actually, replied all) to my e-mail. Granted, it was a brief response, but I am quite pleased that he responded.

Here is his response:

Ms. Caldwell,
Thank you for taking the time to offer your comments and feedback regarding the proposed recommendations contained in the institution’s “Positioning The University For The Future Report” . I recommend that you read the entire report which could be found on our webpage.

Sidney A. McPhee

It isn't much, but it is a start. As with Gebert, I decided to respond in hopes of starting a dialogue of sorts. Here is my response:

Dr. McPhee,

Thank you for taking the time to respond to me. I have read your report, along with your recommendations, and I agree that there are some commendable suggestions. I was pleased that you highlighted programs that should be self-sufficient. How are these programs held accountable if they fail to meet this expectation? I was also excited to see notes on saving energy cost. I agree that this is an easy (and necessary) way to drive down costs without negative consequence to students and faculty.

I know that times are tough, and I know that by working with all departments, decisions can be made that will truly be in the best interest of the students. Accountability is key to the future success of the university. If MTSU loses the trust of taxpayers, alumni and students, the financial consequences would be far greater than the current budget issues.

Respectfully,
~Wendy K. Caldwell

Another Response from Gebert

What a trooper! She has responded more than anyone, and I must say that is quite impressive, considering how much she must be annoyed at me right now. There's an easy way to get me to stop sending e-mails: stop talking about eliminating/merging the philosophy department. I decided to respond to her personally as well, in hopes of explaining my position and making some headway.

First, Gebert's response:

Dear Ms. Caldwell,
I have received your email and as always, your comments will be taken into consideration.
Kaylene Gebert

My reply:

Thank you for your continued responses. I know you are doing your job, and I know these decisions must be difficult. I made a committment to myself to keep sending e-mails, and I hope you understand that I do this because I feel very passionately about this issue and not because I'm trying to be a nuisance. I know that by working together and utilizing our resources, we can find a way to preserve education and ensure MTSU's future success. I thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Wendy K. Caldwell

“IN LAW A MAN IS GUILTY WHEN HE VIOLATES THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS. IN ETHICS HE IS GUILTY IF HE ONLY THINKS OF DOING SO.” – IMMANUEL KANT

“IN LAW A MAN IS GUILTY WHEN HE VIOLATES THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS. IN ETHICS HE IS GUILTY IF HE ONLY THINKS OF DOING SO.” – IMMANUEL KANT

Kant makes a valid point here, one echoed in various religions, including Christianity: that the mere thought of committing an act carries the same consequence as doing so. What would Kant think about the universities in the state of Tennessee?

Even suggesting eliminating the Department of Philosophy has hurt the integrity of the university, not to mention the morale of students and professors in majors at risk of elimination, and those effects are not limited to the philosophy department.

When a university ignores the wishes of students and chooses to eliminate academic programs rather than addressing non-educational spending, that university has done a great disservice to its faculty, student, and alumni. When that university is state-funded, the disservice reaches all taxpayers.

If the people of Tennessee are to be expected to trust MTSU with state funding, then MTSU must act responsibly now and earn that trust. Students will not attend a university whose primary focus, concerning both finances and curricula, is not the continued education of its students.

'Sidelines' Debates Philosophy

Columns both in favor of and opposed to eliminating philosophy at MTSU are featured in Sidelines. Both columns have sparked some interesting comments.

Read the argument in favor of cutting philosophy here: Philosophy: To cut or not to cut? The best tools?

I've posted two comments on this column. Here is the first, in response to an argument made by a philosophy grad:

You tell him, Charlee!

Consider the standards of philosophy. For instance, every instructor has a terminal degree. No matter what philosophy class you take, you're being taught by someone passionate enough to pursue the study to the highest degree.

How can the university even consider cutting this program? A university without philosophy fails to be a respectable institute of higher learning.

Philosophy is a foundation upon which all other studies are built. Is it fair to deny science students the philosophy of science? Do we not teach foundations of mathematics (which is, in essence, the philosophy of math)?

The philosophy classes I took at MTSU were exponentially more beneficial than the rest of them combined. If you want to study calculus, for instance, you can simply read a calculus book. This is not the case with philosophy. Philosophy is engaging. It encourages students to think and to question.

Here is the second, in response to the column's writer:

Kurt,

Charlee is absolutely correct. Have you taken a philosophy class at MTSU? If not, I suggest you do. I, too, began college as a major in Basic and Applied Sciences. After my first philosophy class, I added a philosophy minor. After a few more, I made it my second major.

It is unfair to judge the usefulness of philosophy by the same criteria as other disciplines, much like a successful art program operates quite differently from a successful journalism program, and the two would have very different successful results.

Perhaps philosophy does not fit the mold of what MTSU students deem worth because it does not offer immediate results, unlike a chemistry lab or 3-D design project.

The benefits of philosophy are experienced over a lifetime, as the study of philosophy makes way for the study of anything else.

How can you prove the validity of philosophy? I argue it would be quite difficult, considering logic is a form of philosophy, and Godel tells us we cannot use a system to prove the validity of the system.

Instead, look at how we prove things in other areas of study. Do we not use logic? Do we not rely on premeses and conclusions? Withouth philosophy, there would be no science. We would simply have many people with many ideas and no way to prove who is correct.

Philosophy, in its purest sense, is love of wisdom. When you argue that a university should eliminate such a program, you advocate ignorance. That is unacceptable in any discipline.

Read the argument in favor of keeping philosophy here: Philosophy: To cut or not to cut? Origins of college

Here is my response to the column's writer:

Well put, Tiffany.

The fact is, philosophy is a part of every field of study: foundations of mathematics, music theory, philosophy of art, etc. Without philosophy, students are not challenged to consider the "why" behind our learning and reasoning.

Philosophy does not appeal to some because those true philosophers seek to understand and appreciate all areas of study. Most people would rather not put for the effort in exchange for greater understanding.

Why should we punish those who seek the utmost standards of education? Every instructor in philosophy has a terminal degree, for instance. What other program can claim this? What other discipline is so invested in its students' futures?

Be sure to check out the other comments. One of the alums said he would never send another penny to MTSU if they go through with this. I hope others follow his example. I know I will.

Get Your Tiny Champagne Bottles - We Need to Toast a Tiny Victory

MTSU President Sidney McPhee has released his preliminary response to the Oversight Steering Committee's recommendations. You can view his reponse here: http://www.mtsu.edu/strategic/docs/final/CompleteResponseDocument.pdf. It's 46 pages long, so make sure you have time to peruse it.

The tiny victory: as of now, merging philosophy with another department (it does not specify which department) is "under serious consideration." While I'm not nuts about a merge, it is much better than the elimination of the department. However, I am not relenting. We will be heard.

"ALL THINGS EXCELLENT ARE AS DIFFICULT AS THEY ARE RARE." - BARUCH SPINOZA

“ALL THINGS EXCELLENT ARE AS DIFFICULT AS THEY ARE RARE.” – BARUCH SPINOZA

These words are especially true of higher education. The great professors, the ones who challenge their students, are hard to come by. But what a rewarding experience it is when one comes across such a professor.

The most exceptional, challenging programs attract a special kind of student. The students willing to take on the more difficult, intellectually stimulating programs will certainly reap the rewards of pursuing such a degree.

The classes that truly challenge students are the ones that students learn the most from taking. An easy “A,” while appealing to those simply hoping to get through college as quickly and easily as possible, is not in keeping with the purpose of higher education. Much like in life, college students learn more from what is difficult rather than the simple. Failures and mistakes lead to life experience and incomparable knowledge.

I hope you understand what a rare gem the MTSU Philosophy Department is when making budget decisions. Ridding the university of this program would be taking the easy solution. Take on the more difficult task of searching for other answers to the budget issues. As educators and administrators, you will better equip yourselves to take on future challenges by addressing the current one appropriately.

Daily News Journal Link

Departments Don't Get Equal Treatment at MTSU

I'd like to thank the Daily News Journal for printing my letter, and also for their coverage of this issue. I will have another update later today.

"A GREAT CITY IS NOT TO BE CONFOUNDED WITH A POPULOUS ONE." - ARISTOTLE

“A GREAT CITY IS NOT TO BE CONFOUNDED WITH A POPULOUS ONE.” – ARISTOTLE

Likewise, a great university is not to be confounded with a populous one, and the same goes for great departments. Too often we take quantity over quality. One important obligation a university has to its students is preparing them for post-collegiate life. Those who constantly choose quantity over quality are doomed to fail.

Take, for instance, MTSU’s Department of Philosophy. The faculty listing on MTSU’s Web site is short but impressive nonetheless. Each instructor in this department has a terminal degree. What message would the university be sending alumni, students, and prospective students if it were to eliminate the department that demonstrates the highest standards of education and excellence? Can MTSU afford to alienate alumni by sending the message that their degrees are no longer worth offering?

As university officials make their final decisions, I hope they recognize that the Department of Philosophy embodies exactly what an institute of higher learning should be. Students in this department are instructed by highly qualified individuals, those who were passionate enough to pursue doctoral degrees. Don’t we owe it to our students to offer this kind of education in all departments? If any faculty positions must be cut, and I sincerely hope this is not the case, those who have demonstrated dedication to their students should be held in high regard. If instructing is secondary to a “day job,” those individuals should be held accountable first.

This is a crucial time for MTSU, because it affords the opportunity to make a resounding statement. I encourage you to ensure that statement is one of dedication to education and to students. Do not allow this university to become an institution the places greater emphasis on fiscal matters than it does on education.

Daily News Journal

Be sure to check out the Daily News Journal. They are printing a letter I wrote about the budget cuts that will run in Tuesday's paper I believe. I will post a link when one is available.

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan

Today I've been quite the activist. I've e-mailed all of the local news channels as well as The Tennessean and The Daily News Journal. I also decided to e-mail Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education. Here is that e-mail:

Secretary Duncan,

I am writing you to inform you of what I consider to be a wreckless disregard for education in the state of Tennessee, specifically Middle Tennessee State University. MTSU has the largest undergraduate population of any Tennessee higher learning institution, with enrollment numbers of more than 23,000 undergraduate students.

In the wake of these tough economic times, the university's president, Sidney McPhee, put together an Oversight Steering Committee to determine how the university could reduce spending. The final report, which can be viewed at http://www.mtsu.edu/strategic/docs/final/Oversight_Final_Report.pdf, proposes the elimination of majors and departments that are key to a foundation for education. Especially disturbing is the composition of the committee, which contains no representation from the philosophy department (proposed to be eliminated) and only one representative in basic and applied sciences, a professor of engineering and technology. The committee recommends eliminating majors in applied and professional mathematics. As it stands, MTSU is the only university in the state which offers a program in Actuarial Science (applied math) that is recognized by the Society of Actuaries.

President Obama has repeatedly stressed the importance of education, including higher learning. I am fully committed to this belief. However, the proposed actions at MTSU would greatly discredit the university and essentially make a mockery of the institution of higher learning. When the solution of administrators is less education, there is great cause for concern. When a university spends millions on a business building and yet houses mathematics and computer science in a building present since the school opened in 1911, there is great cause for concern.

I am asking for your help or advice in this matter. We cannot allow publicly funded universities to eliminate areas of study that are fundamental building blocks of education at every other institution. I have started a blog, http://savemtsuphilosophy.blogspot.com, where contact information for various administrators can be found. I do hope you take an interest in this matter, as students' concerns appear to have fallen on deaf ears.

Thank you for your time and your hard work, and please feel free to contact me any time.

Respectfully,
~Wendy K. Calwell

Another Response from Gebert

MTSU Executive VP & Provost Kaylene Gebert responded to me again! I've got to hand it to her for taking the time to respond twice despite the university being on Spring Break last week. I hope she articulates my concerns to her peers. Here is her rseponse:

Dear Ms. Caldwell,
Thank you for your eloquent letter regarding the Philosophy Department. No
final decision has been made, and we will take your comments into our consideration.
Best wishes,
Kaylene Gebert

“ACADEMIC CHAIRS ARE MANY, BUT WISE AND NOBLE TEACHERS ARE FEW..." - ALBERT EINSTEIN

“ACADEMIC CHAIRS ARE MANY, BUT WISE AND NOBLE TEACHERS ARE FEW; LECTURE-ROOMS ARE NUMEROUS AND LARGE, BUT THE NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE WHO GENUINELY THIRST AFTER TRUTH AND JUSTICE IS SMALL.” – ALBERT EINSTEIN

Surely no one doubts the contributions Albert Einstein made in the field of science. In our culture, Einstein is usually synonymous with genius. It is not surprising to learn that Einstein’s philosophical background began at age 10 with Immanuel Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason. Einstein’s challenge of Kant’s view of time and space being a priori made strides in metaphysics, as Einstein merged the two and stated they were part of the physical universe. Today, there are a number of books concerning the philosophy of space and time, and Einstein's views are taught and studied worldwide.

When people are faced with a crisis, philosophy is one thing they turn to. According to an article in today’s The Guardian, sales of Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged have increased tremendously on Amazon.com. According to the article, the novel, which has a two-year sales ranking average of 531, now ranks 46th in sales. Rand has been lauded for her philosophy as well as her writing, and sales of her novel indicate an increase in philosophical interests among the general public.
The challenges the world faces today make this a critical time in the field of philosophy. It is during these times of struggle that the liberal arts truly shine. Please make this department a priority. Today’s philosophers are the ones who will guide future generations.

An Exciting Update

When TBR Chancellor Charles Manning responded to my e-mail, he chose to reply to all, which sent his response to a number of decision-makers at MTSU, TBR, THEC, and Governor Bredesen. Eventually, it got to John McDaniel, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. This is a small victory, but a victory nonetheless. People are starting to take notice, and hopefully this will spark some interesting and productive conversation.

In the meantime, I will continue to send letters, and I will have an update soon. I have also contacted Sidney McPhee's office in an attempt to get an appointment either on the phone or in person. I will call again Monday to try to set this up. I will also continue to attempt contacting local media in hopes of some kind of coverage.

Happy Birthday, Albert Einstein, and happy Pi Day.

Proposed Budget Cuts

TBR Chancellor Charles Manning was kind enough to send me a copy of a memo he released to the presidents and directors on Monday. In it, he addresses the budget issues, stating that the budgets created at the institutions need to prepare for possible future budget cuts as well. He also states that higher education is not expected to be a financial priority anytime soon.

Now, I could harp all day and well into tomorrow about what I consider to be flawed logic, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t admit that my Tennessee public school education more than prepared me for college. Instead, I’m going to address some possible budgeting solutions. I preface that I am no economist, nor do I intend to be, but I am quite good with numbers, and I’m also pretty creative.

1. Cut non-educational programs first. This is a university, not a springboard to the NFL. People come here for an education, and that is exactly what they should get. How much money have we spent in the past on trying to involve our students in non-educational activities (i.e. Outkast’s Big Boi at a football game)? Athletics are a part of campus life, much like theatre and music, but because their primary purpose is not education, they should be somewhat self-reliant.

How many majors could we save if we cut one or two athletic scholarships per sport, or if we offered only 50%-75% of the dollars we offer now? A partial scholarship is better than none. Each non-educational program should get a set dollar amount, and that is it. If they want more money for football scholarships, raise it. Have a raffle, contact football alumni, talk to the Titans, have several football camps for a small fee throughout the year. Sponsor a community football jamboree: bankers vs. homeowners, state senators vs. state representatives – get creative. Teams would gladly pay an entry fee to participate, and the community would pay $5 to get in and watch.

Get people in the stands, and stop pumping money into efforts that consistently fail. Get football players to go to local elementary and middle schools and participate in a P.E. class or take on a team of teachers. The key here is to target the kids who cannot drive – that way, the parents have to take the whole family, and the admission will increase with no extra money spent. Have elementary kids do an essay or picture every week, and the winner gets to be an honorary team manager for the next game, standing by the coach during plays and giving out water to players. Parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles are going to want to see this. Again, it’s just having the right focus with the right result.

These suggestions aren’t just limited to football, but it is the easiest example. The soccer team could sponsor some kind of relay or shootout. $2 per kick, and if you get it past the goalkeeper, you get a prize or your money back. Heck, hire me to do the brainstorming and planning of all this and just pay me in free classes. Offer internship credit to advertising and PR majors to work toward promotion of these programs for a semester.

2. Let the departments have a say. Instead of just cutting departments, propose to each department chair the dollar figure that he or she will need to cut for the coming year. Perhaps these individuals can come up with some alternative solutions on their own. Maybe each faculty member in one department would rather take a 5% pay cut than see their programs disappear. I know I would rather take a pay cut than see some of my colleagues lose their jobs. Other departments may simply opt to eliminate some of their minors or reduce the number of times classes are offered, especially classes that are more expensive to have due to supplies. Others may contact their alumni to try to raise additional funding, and some may raise requirements for such things as tenure.

During these times of hardship, the worst thing to do is demoralize and alienate your people. These are the men and women responsible for educating the leaders of tomorrow. We cannot let them forget how valuable they are and how valuable their opinions are. Even if the departments cannot find a way to cut all of the money themselves, perhaps they can at least lessen the burden.

3. Pay Cuts. I know this is an unpopular topic, but students are essentially taking pay cuts every time tuition goes up because it negative affects their already fragile budgets. Even limiting the raise percentages for the next 4-5 years would have an effect in long-term planning.

I’ve been reading up on some of this, and a good point was made. I wish I could remember where I read it, because I would like to give due credit. Barack Obama’s salary is $400,000. Sidney McPhee’s salary is more than half of that. Upon reading that, I decided to do some research into what faculty members are paid for their work. Executive VP & Provost Kaylene Gebert makes around $170,000. I do not mean to diminish anyone’s job or worth, as I am sure these positions require a lot of work and deserve above-average salaries. I’m not suggesting huge cuts, mind you, but even a raise freeze for the next few years or a temporary cut (to be reinstated when the budget allows) would be beneficial.

First off, no assistant professor of accounting needs $99,910 a year. Accounting salaries alone cost nearly $2.4 million. Cutting salaries in this department by 1% would save $23,794. That may not seem like a lot, but imagine other departments with similar cuts. This could easily save jobs. And while I’m a big fan of Athletic Director Chris Massaro, $153,889 is a bit hefty for the Sun Belt Conference.

The Director of the Budget and Financial Planning office makes nearly $85,000, and clearly, there is room for improvement. The Business Office actually has a “lead cashier” who makes about $6,000 more than another cashier. Nickel-and-diming across the board could make a huge impact on the budget.

Computer Information Systems and Computer Science are loaded with six-figure paydays. Having said that, I have taken Dr. Untch’s class, and I assure you, he is worth every penny. Distance Learning has quite a few faculty members. Are all of these positions necessary? Could some be part-time, hourly, or paid per class? Economics and Finance seems to be teeming with money. I’m sure some of those alumni have deep pockets and would help out.

Energy services is a full department. Having been a student, I am well aware that building temperatures are far more extreme than need be. This is especially true in the summer. Are these buildings being lit, heated, and cooled when unoccupied? There are plenty of ways to save money on energy costs.

Health Services sure has a lot of secretaries. The PAs make upward of $60,000. Having frequented Health Services, I can tell you that while they are helpful, they are not $60,000 worth of helpful. It would be beneficial to require incoming freshmen to take a health and wellness class related to college life in their first semester. This could prevent frequent visits in the future by alerting students to the consequences of sleep deprivation and STDs, for example.

Management and Marketing and Journalism are high-dollar programs, and as much as I support the latter, we cannot ignore the potential effect of the current state of newspapers. This program will probably have some dramatic changes over the coming years as people get their news from other sources.

In comparison, the Philosophy Department is a relatively inexpensive one, which is almost a shame considering the high regard I have for these individuals. If any instructor at this university deserves six figures, they do.

My point in this area is that dollars can be cut without necessarily cutting jobs or programs. Cutting instructors is certainly not in the best interest of the students.

4. Parking. MTSU Parking has caused students so much grief that there is actually a Web site devoted to it, http://www.mtsuparkingsucks.com. Why not capitalize on the parking situation? Parking passes are an easy way to make money, especially with upward of 23,000 undergraduates. Charging $100 per semester would bring in more than $2.3 million each semester, about $4.6 million yearly, costing students only about $30 more per month. Having “preferred parking” spaces would be an even easier way. If spots closest to buildings required a different pass, students would jump at the chance to purchase one of these passes, even if it were $500 or $1000 per semester. If that is not enough, simply auction them off.

5. Alumni. Alumni are essential to the university’s future. Closing departments and cancelling majors will definitely alienate some alumni. Personally, I would never give a cent to my alma mater if my major were eliminated or department closed. Other alumni are sure to react in a similar manner. Likewise, current students with majors in jeopardy are likely to transfer if their majors do not make it through the budget cuts. The university should expect a revenue loss for this reason.

6. Invest in the future. I assume the argument in favor of cancelling these programs is related at least in part to the number of students majoring in those subjects. The root cause of this issue is not the department but the students. Are we recruiting the right students? A great idea would be to offer a glimpse of classes to rising juniors and seniors. For instance, had I been able to sit in on one of Dr. Bombardi’s classes before choosing a college, I would have most assuredly decided to study philosophy from day one. One or two professors in each department could do a seminar at local high schools for interested students, or there could be a “try it out” week during one of the summer sessions inviting high school students to sit in on classes of their interest during that week. Those considering several universities may decide on MTSU once they get a real classroom experience. Rhodes College allows visiting students to sit in on classes, and I thoroughly enjoyed my day in German.

I hope that you consider my suggestions and that you challenge those making the decisions to explore all possible options before sacrificing the integrity of the university. Please feel free to contact me. In fact, I encourage it. I believe through intelligent dialogue and informed decision-making, we can ensure both the academic and financial successes of MTSU.

A Glimmer of Hope: Responses from Manning and Gebert

I got e-mail responses from Chancellor Manning and VP & Provost Gebert! I suppose two out of 29 isn't bad for a start. I will be updating this site hopefully tonight or tomorrow. Manning mentioned teaching philosophy with political science, which I read in the report and thought was kind of a weird suggestion, but I guess it's better that oblitterating it altogether. He also attached a letter he sent to the presidents and directors yesterday concerning budget cuts.

Here is Manning's response:

Dear Ms. Caldwell,

Thank you for your e-mail of March 9.

As you know, the campus process MTSU is going through in considering how to cut the budget is comprehensive, inclusive and transparent. The process is continuing as President McPhee considers the committee’s recommendations and continues discussions with students, faculty, staff and other stakeholders. I am passing your letter along to him for his consideration, and I am confident that the campus will come to the right conclusions about how to manage with a significantly smaller state appropriation.

Should Dr. McPhee decide to eliminate the philosophy major or the department, that would not mean students would no longer study philosophy. Indeed, to quote the report:

Philosophy courses needed for General Education or for other priority reasons could be taught as part of the Political Science department (page 10 of the report, available at www.mtsu.edu).

With the help of the campus and other concerned individuals, Dr. McPhee must come up with a plan to manage the university with substantially fewer financial resources in years to come. This clearly is not a pleasant task, but it is one that must be done. The attached memo lays out the situation clearly, and I hope you will read it, then share your best thoughts on how to make the necessary budget cuts at MTSU with Dr. McPhee.

Sincerely,

Charles W. Manning
Chancellor
Tennessee Board of Regents

And here is Gebert's response:

Dear Ms. Caldwell,

Thank you for the copy of your email. No final decisions have been made, and we will take your comments into consideration.

Best Wishes,
Kaylene Gebert

They responded to me; they should respond to you, too.

“THE ONLY GOOD IS KNOWLEDGE AND THE ONLY EVIL IS IGNORANCE.” – SOCRATES

There is certainly truth in these words. Choosing ignorance over knowledge is akin to ignoring problems in the hopes they will go away. The challenges that face a nation, a society, a generation will not be solved by standing idly by.

Is it not ignorance that has gotten this country into financial turmoil? Is it not ignorance that caused this country to invade a country in search for weapons that were not there? Most of the key problems in the world could be remedied and/or prevented with knowledge. The more we know, the better prepared we can be.

Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that concerns knowledge. It seeks to answer how we know the things we know. Is it based on our senses? Are we born with knowledge? Does absolute knowledge exist? Studying epistemology makes one better able to determine adequate knowledge from inadequate knowledge.

From Socrates, we get the Socratic Method, which utilizes questions to stimulate thought. This popular method is widely used and accepted, even in this letter. Would you consider these concepts if the question weren’t posed to you?

I urge you to reconsider removing philosophy as a major. Philosophy has existed since ancient times, and it will continue to exist as long as people seek wisdom, knowledge, and truth. Do not risk depriving the next Socrates of his or her educational foundation.

“THE PHILOSOPHY OF ONE CENTURY IS THE COMMON SENSE OF THE NEXT.” – HENRY WARD BEECHER

The word “philosophy” comes from two Greek words, “phileo” meaning love, and “sophia” meaning wisdom. Φιλοσοφία literally translates to “love of wisdom.” The origin of this study is pure beauty. To encourage young minds to embrace their love of wisdom lays the foundation for a strong society in years to come. Philosophy has been and still is a staple of higher education.

When I first heard that MTSU was considering cancelling this program, I was absolutely appalled. Philosophy is a critical part of a student’s education. From philosophy, we learn to understand and appreciate logic and critical thinking, a class that first inspired me to pursue a minor in philosophy. I later converted that minor to a major. How can we expect to be productive members of our communities if we lack the basic skills of how to form a logical argument? How are we to understand confusing jargon in contracts if we don’t understand the rules of deduction?

Without philosophy, we would have no study of ethics. Ethics are an essential part of building one’s character. Understanding ethics is a way our students begin to understand themselves. It forces them to think about how they would react in certain difficult situations, and affords them the opportunity to discuss and explore those reactions among peers and educators. Is it ethical to deny a student such an education when he or she is paying hard-earned money for that education? It is certainly a topic that would create some intriguing classroom discussion.

Philosophy has roots in all that we choose to study: foundations of mathematics, philosophy of art, religion, music theory. What other form of study allows students to explore aesthetics, the mind, science, Asian thought, language, the African-American experience, and existentialism? Philosophy is perhaps one of the few majors that provides a well rounded education, one that truly appreciates the importance and contributions of other areas of study.

I hope, for the sake of my generations and generations to come, that you remove philosophy from your list of “expendable” majors. Since when has the solution of a university been less education? I challenge you to find new ways to address the budget issues that do not make a mockery of the university as an institution.

Welcome to Operation: Shawshank Redemption

This is the first of what I hope will be many posts in my effort to save the MTSU Department of Philosophy from the upcoming budget cuts. I'm taking a page from Andy Dufresne of The Shawshank Redemption by sending daily e-mails to those who may be able to keep this from happening. Each letter with be inspired by philosophy, and each week I will also be sending a bundle of handwritten letters, just in case the powers that be feel like deleting my e-mails.

I'll be posting those letters on this site, and I'll also be posting contact e-mails so others can send e-mails and letters as well. I encourage everyone who reads this to post a comment and send an e-mail. If you'd like me to post and/or link your letters, just send an e-mail to visa717@aol.com.

Higher education in this state must be preserved, and we must do everything we can to ensure that happens, if not for ourselves than for future generations.