Here is the letter that I plan to send to Avram etc on Thursday: Dear Avram and the Board of Trustees, I am a graduating student in the Education program here at Goddard College. I will finish my Masters this summer and also completed my BA at Goddard. As students, we make the largest financial contributions of Goddard’s constituencies; although by definition a transient population, we are a passionate and deeply invested group whose contributions, financial and otherwise, should not be undervalued or underestimated. I, along with many other students and alumni, am very concerned about the administration’s efforts to undercut pay, benefits and working conditions for Goddard’s faculty and staff, as well as the dangerous threat to impose demands without a contract. This tactics are diametrically opposed to Goddard’s history and philosophy. Goddard is blessed with tremendous faculty. My own advisor has been an amazing source of support who has pushed me to do extraordinary work, original research, and to engage in personal transformation. My second reader and the other faculty members at Goddard have been consistently knowledgeable, deeply engaged with me, and incredibly invested in their students and our important work. What we are doing at Goddard College is vital. It is transformative. Goddard turns out the kinds of people who the world requires: creative, critical thinkers, compassionate learners, and invested graduates. These kinds of faculty-student relationships are unique. I have attended other universities. In no case have I witnessed the kind of personal relationships, the deep and necessary knowing, that is part and parcel of the Goddard College experience.. Enrollment is the key to Goddard’s future success. Ensuring that our faculty remains strong and valued is our best way forward in terms of attracting new students. To undercut the faculty would be a grave mistake. Alumni support is also important for the College to survive. However, if the administration continues undercutting the faculty, I will no longer be able to support Goddard College. We are in a transitional period. Let the transition happen. Now is not the time to make structural changes; we need leadership that will be around to deal with the consequences of any major changes. If the administration shows that they value faculty and staff, student and alumni support will grow. I urge you strongly to reopen negotiations and prevent a strike. Sincerely, Vanessa Steck Goddard College
Posted on: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 02:01:37 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015