Zooze the Horse roams around the pasture near Lamar State College. Zooze thinks about problems in academia. Zhe wants proffies to submit posts (blog posts, not fence posts).
Monday, December 31, 2018
Monday Magic in December
What would make higher education wonderful in 2019?
The following double play: Make higher education—at least in public institutions—either free, or inexpensive enough that no one graduates with a pile of debt taller than they are. BUT also raise the admission standards considerably, so that the people benefiting from this wonderful public good are the people who are actually willing and able to do the work. (And be ready to flunk people out when they don't meet the standards. College really is not for everyone.)
"And be ready to flunk people out..." I like the sentiment, as indeed college really is not for everyone. But in this era of grade inflation at many schools, this would be hard to put into practice.
Free public higher-ed would indeed be splendid. We used to almost have in here in California. Tuition here was $25/year. When Governor Reagan tried to raise it to $50/year, the students nearly rioted.
But how to finance it? I recommend a comprehensive review of all university administrative positions that have six or more words in the title.
I’m a Professor of Physics. That’s only three words. It’s easy to understand what I do, or how it’s of value to students. I teach physics, which is how engineers know how to build bridges that don’t fall down, and how to make digital electronics and solar panels. Physics majors often observe that physics also teaches you how to think. I also do research in physics, which gives us whatever the next big thing will be.
What exactly does a Temporary Associate President of the Task Force on Alumni Climate do? That’s got 10 words in it. For an estimated salary of $98,639, what do our students get from such a person? Likewise for a Deputy Chancellor of the Committee on Community Partnerships, which has only eight words, but has an estimated salary of $414,121 (according to http://universitytitlegenerator.com/ ).
And as usual, Frod is right on the money, in more ways than one. How many students could sail through college on full scholarships if the admin salaries went where they could actually do some good?
I don't know, EC1. I think consultants would be okay for specific, temporary expertise that wasn't already available in-house, if (1) the fees are not exorbitant, and (2) they're strictly time-limited, and don't mysteriously turn into permanent positions.
That would be part of the whole reform, bceagle91. Once we remove the idea that "we have to admit/retain/graduate as many students as possible," the grade-inflation pressure would be removed, and student work could be graded on its actual merits. Of course, support services like tutoring and disability accommodations would be provided, but if your work was still consistently inadequate, you'd be asked to leave, and no tantrums from student or parent would be entertained.
The following double play: Make higher education—at least in public institutions—either free, or inexpensive enough that no one graduates with a pile of debt taller than they are. BUT also raise the admission standards considerably, so that the people benefiting from this wonderful public good are the people who are actually willing and able to do the work. (And be ready to flunk people out when they don't meet the standards. College really is not for everyone.)
ReplyDelete"And be ready to flunk people out..." I like the sentiment, as indeed college really is not for everyone. But in this era of grade inflation at many schools, this would be hard to put into practice.
DeleteFree public higher-ed would indeed be splendid. We used to almost have in here in California. Tuition here was $25/year. When Governor Reagan tried to raise it to $50/year, the students nearly rioted.
ReplyDeleteBut how to finance it? I recommend a comprehensive review of all university administrative positions that have six or more words in the title.
I’m a Professor of Physics. That’s only three words. It’s easy to understand what I do, or how it’s of value to students. I teach physics, which is how engineers know how to build bridges that don’t fall down, and how to make digital electronics and solar panels. Physics majors often observe that physics also teaches you how to think. I also do research in physics, which gives us whatever the next big thing will be.
What exactly does a Temporary Associate President of the Task Force on Alumni Climate do? That’s got 10 words in it. For an estimated salary of $98,639, what do our students get from such a person? Likewise for a Deputy Chancellor of the Committee on Community Partnerships, which has only eight words, but has an estimated salary of $414,121 (according to http://universitytitlegenerator.com/ ).
And as usual, Frod is right on the money, in more ways than one. How many students could sail through college on full scholarships if the admin salaries went where they could actually do some good?
ReplyDeleteI wish to propose an outright ban on the use of consultants.
ReplyDeleteI don't know, EC1. I think consultants would be okay for specific, temporary expertise that wasn't already available in-house, if (1) the fees are not exorbitant, and (2) they're strictly time-limited, and don't mysteriously turn into permanent positions.
DeleteYou may be right, PP. However, let me add #4 (and then preferably move it to the #1 position).
Delete(1) (né 4) consultants will not just parrot what the management wants to hear.
That would be part of the whole reform, bceagle91. Once we remove the idea that "we have to admit/retain/graduate as many students as possible," the grade-inflation pressure would be removed, and student work could be graded on its actual merits. Of course, support services like tutoring and disability accommodations would be provided, but if your work was still consistently inadequate, you'd be asked to leave, and no tantrums from student or parent would be entertained.
ReplyDelete