From: Schwab,Tracy [tschwab@wccnet.edu]
Sent: Friday, May 02, 2014 6:57 PM
To: trustees@wccnet.edu
Cc: ftfaculty@wccnet.edu; adjunct@wccnet.org Faculty (adjunct@wccnet.edu)
Subject: Vote of No Confidence
Dear Board of Trustees,
I added my support of the “No Confidence” vote yesterday. To be clear, we are not afraid of change. As numerous faculty members have so eloquently stated, change is ever-present in education. Faculty are constantly adapting to changes in their disciplines, technology, and students. Contrary to being afraid of change, most educators embrace it. Using whatever technique, tool or pedagogy that will assist them in teaching their students.
When we are told that faculty are afraid of change, it sounds as though we hold this type of vote often. Consider that many faculty members have seen several (if not all of the) presidents come and go. At the beginning of each new president’s term, there was change. Change in staffing, reorganization etc. These changes never created a hostile environment for the faculty and staff. That is why the no-confidence vote was held yesterday, and not because we are afraid of change. During these transitions, the faculty did not raise the major concerns that have been brought to your attention over and over again. You did not see a “Vote of No Confidence” when new presidents were installed. This should speak volumes. Do not ignore this vote. We felt it was the only way to send a strong message. I am saddened that it had to come to this, but we hope that you all take our concerns seriously. We are trying to provide the best environment for our students to learn. Administrative diversions that shift our focus from our students are not good for them, for our ability to teach, or for Washtenaw Community College.
Tracy Schwab
Physical Sciences
(reprinted with permission)
Washtenaw Community College Education Association 