Acorn

Issue date: 2/29/08 Section: Opinion

Media Credit: Merion Read

It is time to wake up. Yes, administrators, professors and staff members-it is time to stop complaining behind closed doors, over lunch dates and via e-mail and phone conversations. For a year now, I've heard several professors, staff members and even deans raise concerns over the fact that Drew University has become a sinking ship. Indeed, they are right.

However, fearing that their livelihoods will be snatched from beneath their feet, most professors and staff members have dug holes to hide in, or have resigned because of "old age" or because "it's time for a change." A fearful society cannot bring about change.

Waiting to hit retirement age to jet out of Drew will not fix the problem.

A silent majority currently exists but is fearful of confronting the big dogs who run the school. Of course, a few professors have shouted at faculty meetings and voiced concerns at budget meetings, but sadly, their loud voices were unheard.

I commend those individuals who are willing to challenge those steering this sinking ship. But to those who remain silent as the water seeps through, let me ask a question: When will it be too late to salvage this ship?

Department budgets are being slashed, leaving professors without the proper materials to conduct classes.

Some students are already being charged for paper used to print out tests and quizzes. Soon, students will be charged for using the desks in each classroom to fund new desks. Oops, did I just give the administration an idea?

It is time for department heads to act and lead-not just whine privately.

Budgets have been frozen and agencies like CNS are understaffed and cannot rehire staff members to assist students with computer repairs. ResLife staff members are running off to other universities.

It isn't by chance that a tidal wave of professors, deans, athletic directors and staff members are leaving.

Are we also suffering a staff retention problem on top of a student retention dilemma? It's beginning to look like this school is really sinking, isn't it?

I am sure there are secret proposals floating around and underground committees trying to fix the many problems Drew faces.

But more red tape and bureaucratic committees won't solve anything if those steering this ship to the dark abyss are also running those committees and writing those proposals.

These are all issues professors and staff members have raised at various times and places around campus-but in private. Sadly, not many have been willing to go public and stand up for their departments.

The consensus of many on this campus is that change is occurring too quickly. Trustees, open your eyes. Start looking at what is happening at Drew, and take a better look at what you are investing in and throwing your money at. Is it really what the students want? Ask them.

Do not rely on University spinners-or communications officers-to tell you what students want. The student voice might not be worth much in the eyes of an administrator higher up, but the united voices of a pissed-off professor, annoyed staff member or disgruntled dean is worth a great deal.

In order to salvage this sinking ship, it might be time for a mutiny.

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