Editorials
2010
Public Comments to WU Board of Regents - 01/29/2010
The budget process for FY11 has begun. Once again the administration is looking at outsourcing facility services and offering an early retirement program while avoiding the real cost savings that could be realized by seriously analyzing administrative expenses.
2009
Strategically Planning the Obvious - November, 2009
Rather than investing thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours in developing a strategic plan that the current administration is incapable of implementing, WU administrators could improve academic programs by taking action on suggestions presented in the 2009 Program Review reports.
Action on Ill Conceived Budget Solution Postponed - May, 2009
On May 22, 2009, members of the WU Board of Regents Budget/Finance Committee postponed taking action on an ill conceived solution to the FY 10 budget problem - outsourcing facilities services - because the administration was not prepared to address any of the questions raised by Board members.
Farley Forced to Deal with IS Leadership Issues - May, 2009
On May 15, 2009, the WU Board of Regents postponed taking action on hiring a consultant to do Farley's dirty work. Several board members challenged a proposed contract, suggesting that a consultant should not be utilized to mediate the personnel issue brought forward by the Faculty Senate's vote of no confidence in ISS Director Mike Gunter.
Retirement Incentive Program
While WU struggles to cut costs to offset declining revenues, President Farley will spend almost $500,000 in FY 10 to save the $334,000 realized from the Retirement Incentive Program.
Farley Solves WU Parking Problem - March, 2009
Empty parking spaces are now available 24/7 on the campus of Washburn University. With the implementation of the WTE graduation requirement, enrollment has declined more sharply with each passing year, creating more available parking spaces on campus. However, the parking problem has transformed itself into a budget problem.
2008
FY10 Budget Burden Borne by Faculty? - November, 2008
The administration may be considering an early retirement program to address the anticipated budget shortfall for FY 2010.
Farley Fact Check - Transformational Experience (WTE) - September, 2008
President Jerry Farley seems to have a myopic view of recent reports that referenced the Washburn Transformational Program, more specifically the Higher Learning Commission and the enrollment management consultant reports.
Washburn University 2008 Accreditation Visit - Mabee Library Concerns September, 2008
Fortunately for the Washburn University faculty and students, the Higher Learning Commission is not giving the administration a pass on making critical improvements to the university's library system.
Washburn University 2008 Accreditation Visit - Third Party Comments - March, 2008
Hopefully the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation team visiting Washburn University in May, 2008 will seriously consider the failure of the Washburn University administration to properly support the educational mission of this institution of higher education.
2007
Reversing the Negative Enrollment Trend - December, 2007
The Fall 2007 enrollment report (pdf) indicates a 3% decline in enrollment at Washburn University, the second consecutive fall with a decrease in enrollment. Some suggestions for reversing this trend have been offered to members of the Washburn University Board of Regents.
Innovation Grant Funding - WU Administration Squandering Funds, Again - October, 2007
WU administration may be squandering the $600,000 Innovation Grant funding that was approved in May, 2006 by the WU Board of Regents.
Health Insurance Premiums Increase 5% - September, 2007
On Friday, September 7, 2007, the WU Board of Regents approved Farley's recommendation to increase health insurance premiums by 5%, claiming an increase in usage by the insured group. Some of that increase passed on to the employees should be offset by the incentives included in the Employee Wellness Program.
Washburn Endowment Association (WEA) - It's Your Money - August, 2007
As Washburn University kicks off the 2007 Faculty Staff Campaign, donors should insist on accountability for funds contributed in the past. Information on some of WEA's financial results is available to the public. However, there should be more accountability for the distribution of the dollars collected from the annual giving campaign.
No More Taxes
Excerpt from public comments made at January 30, 2007 Topeka City Council Meeting
FY 06 Washburn University Audit
Although Washburn University administrators are patting themselves on the back over the FY 06 operating results, further analysis of the reports included in the university's audit illustrates various areas that deserve more attention from the WU Board of Regents.
2006
A 24 Hour Campus - November, 2006
The Washburn University Student Government Association is attempting to wake up the WU administration to the fact that residential students require 24 hour services. Students want 24 hour library access during finals week. Students also want an on-campus coffee shop.
Conflict of Interest? - August, 2006
In June, 2006, the former chair of the Washburn University Board of Regents, Mrs. Nancy A. Paul, participated in approving a $214,000 leasehold improvement contract. The improvement is for property appraised at $102,000 and leased from Howard T. Paul, partner in Lincoln Center Partnership.
Fumbling Around in Property Development - June, 2006
Given the most recent property transactions entered into by Washburn University, it may be advisable for the administration to get out of property development and concentrate on education.
Visionary Leadership or Good Public Relations? - June, 2006
Many persons extend lavish praise on the visionary leadership of President Jerry Farley. In the interest of extending that credit where credit is due, these are some of the public relations costs that have contributed to Washburn University's success story.
2005
College Hill Redevelopment Project - December, 2005
The Redevelopment District for the Washburn Lane College Hill area approved in December, 2005 by the Topeka City Council for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) bonds was rejected by the Shawnee County Board of Commissioners in January, 2006. So, the process began again.
Transformational Experiences - December, 2005
The Washburn University Board of Regents accepted this "signature program" that proposes an ill-advised change to graduation requirements at Washburn University.
Are You Confused? November, 2005
Washburn University claims that the use of their logo in an image found on this web site may cause the public to erroneously believe that this web site is sponsored by Washburn University. So they have authorized a "cease and desist" letter to stop this inappropriate use of their "mark".
Health Care Costs Remain High at Washburn University - November, 2005
In spite of a very tight budget, even the State of Kansas was able to lower health insurance premiums for state employees. At Washburn University, health insurance premiums remain high, increasing the reserve fund by over $1.0 million last year.
Fall 2005 Enrollment - Spinning the Numbers - October, 2005
Credit hour enrollment did not increase 1.9% as had been projected, but actually decreased 0.7%.
WU Code of Conduct's First Casualty? - October, 2005
The employment contract for Professor Russell Burton will not be renewed at the end of the the 2005-06 academic year. Professor Burton was the former faculty advisor to PISSED, a student organization dedicated to fighting social injustice, racism, sexism, and environmental and economic exploitation.
School of Business Faculty - September, 2005
Look who's teaching in the School of Business!
Labor Day 2005 - September, 2005
Washburn University should pay its laborers fairer wages.
President Farley's 2006 Salary Increase - July, 2005
President Farley's FY06 salary of $200,300 is relatively high when compared to CEO salaries of the other public Kansas higher education institutions.
President Farley's 2005 Performance Evaluation - June, 2005
Jerry's performance at WU has included two consecutive annual double digit tuition increases, an astronomical increase of University debt, and numerous unexplained terminations of qualified employees at Washburn University and WEA.
FY 06 Tuition Increase - June, 2005
The Washburn University Board of Regents increased the cost of undergraduate resident tuition to $164 per credit hour, a 9.33% for the 2005-06 academic year.