"The problem with 'move fast and break things' in a university context is that the 'things' are students." Thank you for saying this. I worry for students, especially those at larger institutions where it's easy to become invisible and just another "thing." I'm grateful for the faculty members I work with, both tenured and soon-to-be tenured (I hope!), who take time to invest in students' growth and well-being through undergraduate research experiences.
Some administrative units within the university operate like unchallenged political parties, where clinging to power outweighs driving progress. In this environment, loyalty and collusion take precedence over innovation or success, ensuring leadership remains unchanged.
Very thought-provoking discussion. One challenge is the inter-disciplinary competition for resources. Some fields naturally decline in relevance over time, but tenure can prolong their existence. If these disciplines gain political influence, they often secure subsidies—faculty lines, student scholarships, and required courses—at the expense of more viable fields. I don’t have a clear solution, especially one that preserves tenure and self-governance, but it’s a real issue. Sunset clauses for resource allocation and cross-subsidization? Any other solutions?
"The problem with 'move fast and break things' in a university context is that the 'things' are students." Thank you for saying this. I worry for students, especially those at larger institutions where it's easy to become invisible and just another "thing." I'm grateful for the faculty members I work with, both tenured and soon-to-be tenured (I hope!), who take time to invest in students' growth and well-being through undergraduate research experiences.
Your series of posts are the most readable and useful missives on higher education that I see anywhere. Please continue the series. Well done.
Many thanks Joe for your support!
Thank you! We are always happy to receive topic suggestions. If we think we can say something useful we will.
Some administrative units within the university operate like unchallenged political parties, where clinging to power outweighs driving progress. In this environment, loyalty and collusion take precedence over innovation or success, ensuring leadership remains unchanged.
Very thought-provoking discussion. One challenge is the inter-disciplinary competition for resources. Some fields naturally decline in relevance over time, but tenure can prolong their existence. If these disciplines gain political influence, they often secure subsidies—faculty lines, student scholarships, and required courses—at the expense of more viable fields. I don’t have a clear solution, especially one that preserves tenure and self-governance, but it’s a real issue. Sunset clauses for resource allocation and cross-subsidization? Any other solutions?