experiences are dismissed as too expensive. Programs with minimal standards and high numbers are praised while those with academic rigor are punished. The only metric of success of academic departments recognized by the administration is student numbers. Meanwhile low-cost positions of staff integral to student and department success (department secretaries, for example) are being cut. Requests for small increases to course fees to offset ballooning costs of supplies and field-specific software are being denied, while pet projects of the administration are being funded at the expense of our students’ education. In summary, while all the things detailed in the no confidence vote are absolutely true and a problem, to me it is the attack on our students’ education that is the most important. It’s time to replace this entire administration with people who value and prioritize the education of our students. I can think of three people in Ellensburg who are qualified and capable of righting the ship (none are current administrators). But if this isn’t an option, please go to the Registry, the last search pool, or just advertise. Morale is at about ground zero. People are leaving CWU as fast as they can. And our students are leaving CWU less and less prepared for jobs or graduate school. Perhaps it’s time for the trustees to parachute in and talk to people – who are not selected by, coached, etc by this administration. You’ll find things to be quite different than what you’ve been told. If you have any questions, I am always happy to talk to the Trustees.
Dr. Robert Hickey Retired Professor of Geography rockstreesmaps@gmail.com https://rockstreesmaps.com
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