One of the ultimate protections of being a tenured faculty member, historically, has been being immune from layoff in all but the most extraordinary circumstances. Under policies issued by the American Association of University Professors and largely accepted by higher education leaders, only institutions that declare "financial exigency" -- a state so dire that it "threatens the survival of the institution as a whole" -- can eliminate the jobs of tenured faculty members.There's a list of institutions moving in that direction, at the link.
Given the strict criteria on when an institution can declare exigency, and the obviously unwelcome scrutiny such a declaration would bring about, institutions have hesitated to invoke that status. As a result, while institutions eliminate adjunct positions all the time, the tenured faculty member has been protected.
But maybe not so much anymore. In a series of recent actions, colleges appear to be ignoring the exigency requirement either when eliminating tenured jobs or considering the possibility of doing so. Administrators defend their moves as necessary to manage institutions in tight financial times, but faculty leaders see an erosion of a key right.
Consider these developments ...
Only public sector employees enjoy this much economic and workplace protection -- all on the taxpayers' dime. And I know, I'm a professor. But cost-rationalization has to start someplace, and I don't see unions as realistic in burden-sharing in hard times.
I'll have more on these issues, especially given California's big protests scheduled for this week.
4 comments:
Don't see unions as necessary....except when you call your rep up to stand by your side...
Sure, such sincerity...the world is as you say it is except when it comes to you...
TAO: Union membership is mandatory, and I pay 100 bucks a month for dues. Damn right I'll bring some union goons to represent me at an administrative meeting ... most of all to piss off stupid fucks like you.
Didn't piss me off at all...
I just love it when conservatives like you go on and on about liberals and how they are destroying this country while you live in California, work for a public institution, and enjoy all the benefits of your union membership!
Nothing like biting the hand that feeds you!
But you keep believing that values and morality are all on your side!
But you are pissed, TAO. You're fully backing the Swash Zone campaign of workplace harassment against AmPower, and you're not pleased that I have union representation to throw back in your face, prick. You harp endlessly on the issue. Where are your morals, sonny. Swash Zone is all lies and libel, and impotent Capt. Fogg's a blithering idiot. But you're down with that! Brilliant.
Screw the unions. Bunch of commies, which is of course why you're so into them.
And hey, that's some awesome anonymous "moral clarity" you've got there. Big balls, eh? Standing up for freedom in your little pseudonymous pussy-hole.
Fuck you, pantywaist dirtbag.
You're done here, troll.
Post a Comment