Editor,
On my office wall is a sign that proclaims ³A committee is a body of people that keeps minutes and wastes hours.² The sign is there to warn me of the seductive bureaucratic tangle that can envelop the unwary academic, and to remind me that I do not like committee meetings. Nevertheless, I believe that the following should be noted.
The Arts and Science Faculty Council, whose members make up more than half of faculty on campus, did not meet in January or February because of insufficient business. The Senate, the body ultimately responsible for academic matters, did not meet in February. Guess why. Correct, insufficient business.
Should all this inactivity be taken as reassurance that the University is facing smooth waters and plane sailing? Are things so good that, far from even having to rearrange the proverbial deck chairs on the Titanic, we can actually sit back and enjoy them? Ask the students faced with increased fees, and the staff faced with layoffs if the 5%, 5%, 5% scenario of budget cuts becomes reality.
Nevertheless, behind this facade of inactivity things are going on, changes are being made. The Equity Employment and Guidelines Policy has been approved. Guidelines for the accommodation of disabled students are being developed. However, neither of these important moves have been made with any consultation with or input from Departments, Divisions or Faculties. Insufficient business? I do not think so. Insufficient regard for the importance of academic input into the decision making process? More likely.
T.E. Gough
Chemistry
The Ring
University of Victoria
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