2008 Woodie Awards
Does our campus have the right stuff to become a four-year institution?
Michele Brittany
Issue date: 10/20/05 Section: Opinion
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And like the yellow brick road to Oz, UWT's journey has been just as laborious and frightening as Dorothy's.
Quickly and efficiently, Chancellor Patricia Spakes assembled a core group of campus staff and faculty to begin the process of evaluating and devising a concise plan of action that would transition this 15-year-old upper division campus to a four-year university.
Three committees comprised of staff, faculty and students have been meeting since summer.
Each committee has been tasked with reviewing large areas of the campus structure, such as the Student Services Committee, in order to make recommendations for a smooth transition.
The goal: to have a viable plan in place so that next September, freshmen will set foot on these hallowed steps of UWT and be successful.
While the committees may be moving forward, this campus still has its problems -- problems that need to be addressed.
Unfortunately, as this quarter began, UWT and its administration was embroiled in controversy.
From Katie Lyn Reoch's resignation as ASUWT president and Karen Reed's termination, to the recent campus lock-down, I question what else needs to be addressed during this transition process.
Change begins at the individual level and therefore, there are vital characteristics that will assist this campus community in having not only a successful transition, but that each individual on campus will feel pride at being an integral part of UWT.
Commitment. Given the lengthy process that was necessary to confirm her appointment at the conclusion of the ASUWT spring elections, Reoch's departure just days prior to the commencement of the autumn quarter brought forth a number of queries in response to her surprising resignation.
Her departure left the campus confused, disappointed, or angry, proving the level of commitment of each individual on this campus needs to be in step with the mission and vision of this campus.
In addition, it means having a commitment to service excellence, a facet that the university and its administration should always keep at the forefront of their minds.
Integrity and Accountability. Individuals who are tasked with the responsibility of representing the university on and off campus, must have a certain level of integrity and accountability to the university.
Karen Reed was, based on the information contained within the internal audit report, appropriately terminated for misuse of her procard.
However, the same accountability must be applied to all levels of administration.
Not do so, is to create fear and loathing among the staff towards the special treatment (read: immunity from accountability) given to the university's directors.
Communication. Generally, this campus lacks sufficient forms of communications that keeps the entire campus community informed.
For example, the recent lock-down incident proves that flaws still exist and require attention.
I have been a student of UWT since 2002. I received my undergraduate degree here and I'm currently working on my master's degree.
Lately however, I have become increasingly concerned about the impending transition of this small, intimate campus into a university of 3,000 to 5,000 students.
Along with the obvious issues of parking, dorm living, enough professors to provide students with an appropriate ratio, there are the more subtle issues of commitment, integrity and accountability, and communication.
Administration, students, and faculty, please do not forget your commitment to this university because recently, at least for me, it has been difficult to have much pride in being a part of this community.