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
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
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
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
Monday, April 13, 2009
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
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
Saturday, April 11, 2009
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.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
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!
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.
Special thanks to Kristin Hall for sending me an e-mail with the link.
McPhee meets with students, refuses to sign pledge
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
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.
UPDATE: This letter also ran in Sidelines the same day.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
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.
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