May 2009
Faculty Senate Vote - No Confidence - ISS
On May 15, 2009 the WU Board of Regents postponed action on hiring a consultant “to review, assess and analyze the current organization and operational structure” of WU’s ISS department. The discussion related to the proposed consultant’s services was confusing, dismissive and insulting to the WU faculty.
Who's Sweeping Dirt Under the Carpet?
Chairman Bob Storey said he was convinced that a consultant is needed to tell them how the computer system is operating. However, with WU’s paid, professional staff, you really shouldn't have to hire a consultant to tell you that, especially for a system that is less than ten years old. He also said that if a consultant is hired, the report should be given directly to the WU Board of Regents and it should clarify whether the current problems brought forth by the WU faculty are technical or personnel issues.
Lack of Leadership
Perhaps the WU Board of Regents might also consider whether the proposed consulting contract indicates a lack of leadership by President Farley. Whether the faculty concerns are due to personnel, policy, or lack of communication, one should expect the President and appropriate members of his executive staff to address the ISS issue directly, rather than attempting to pass it off to a consultant.
Faculty Concerns Dismissed
"The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress."
Regardless of the source of the problem, the vote of no confidence taken by the WU Faculty Senate clearly demonstrates that a problem exists that must be addressed. To allow a Board member to dismiss unchallenged the concerns brought forth by the Faculty Senate as merely the faculty “flexing its muscle,” is a reflection of the lack of understanding of the critical responsibilities that the faculty have at an institution of higher education.
Supporting Education
Read the comments presented by the faculty (PDF pg 14-43) to support the vote of no confidence. They were broad in scope and clearly demonstrated a frustration when performing their duties, duties that primarily include teaching students. The faculty interface with the students on a daily basis. An unhappy faculty affects the students’ WU experiences, many times covertly. Many of the faculty comments directly addressed the education environment. This vote of no confidence is a serious issue that cannot be dismissed in such a perfunctory manner.
Resist Compounding Mistakes
The faculty resorted to a vote of no confidence because the WU administration was not listening to them. The WU Board of Regents should not make this same mistake.