Nah, it's not really that bad, but I do miss DH. The prospect of another 10 days without him isn't brightening my world.
One of the things that is weighing heavily is this lovely news item from my dear friend, the governor:
UW must take 38-percent of the $174-million in non-specified cuts which are budgeted for state agencies over the next two years.
Since the UW system accounts for something like a whooping 5 percent of the state's budget, I can't quite see why we're taking a 38 percent hit. Could it be because we've been among his loudest opponents? Nah, he couldn't be that small-minded, could he?
If people who bemoan university spending could come see my office, they'd be shocked. Students are almost always shocked. I'd say 50 percent walk in, look around, and say, "Nice office" or "Nice digs."
Could it be the 1960s yellow metal desks? The 1979 model telephone? The floor that gets washed once a year? The fact that three of us are assigned to that office?
Budget cuts in my department mean two things: no more hiring, thus cutting lots of programs, and larger class sizes. I'm back to disgusted, depressed, and dejected.
My Gloomy Day
October 21st, 2011 at 05:12 am
October 21st, 2011 at 06:27 am 1319178446
I know it sounds simplistic but if the floor is too dirty, take a Swiffer [wet] to it.
October 21st, 2011 at 06:46 am 1319179611
What will happen to my program? Let me guess. Smaller class sizes in remedial classes will disappear. Less individual attention means less retention of first-year students. That ultimately means lower graduation rates. Everyone will be cut to their contractual minimums. The $500/month pay cut that most of our staff took will be revisited and probably raised. We won't be able to attract the kind of people we want and need.
And thanks for the cleaning advice: I would have never thought of that. You know us dreamy academics.
October 21st, 2011 at 01:00 pm 1319202014
I'm sorry. I wish it were different. In grad school and early SAHM days I was an independent contractor in academia in the world of Educational Telecommunications. If I were to go back to that capacity (though my education is in a different area), all positions are "grant-funded pending". So I suppose that IL is facing similar budget cuts, too.
Hang in there!
October 21st, 2011 at 01:23 pm 1319203439
October 21st, 2011 at 02:52 pm 1319208739
October 21st, 2011 at 03:22 pm 1319210530
October 21st, 2011 at 06:35 pm 1319222133
Of course, my kids' elementary school can lament the same. The place is a shambles, an extraordinarily old building is slated to be torn down at some point. Pre-enrollment at some orientation I remember a woman wrinkling up her nose and telling us the nearest public school was MUCH nicer. But the substance and quality is unbeatable. We were both kind of like, um, we are a little more concerned with substance than appearance. But, lord forbid we want safe buildings and clean floors. The LUXURY of it all!
October 21st, 2011 at 10:36 pm 1319236585
October 23rd, 2011 at 03:26 am 1319340369