Once Upon a Time: A Tale of Faculty Bullying

In light of the recent faculty satisfaction survey and the lack of an accompanying staff satisfaction survey, I wanted to paint a picture of some of the things that staff experience while working here at UNCG. It is unfortunate, but bullying is not confined to the upper administration and if we are looking to recreate UNCG as a positive working environment we can neither assume inherent and homogenous benevolence on the part of one part of our community nor complete and unanimous wrong doing on another.

Too many people assumed that by removing Linda Brady, all that had gone wrong at UNCG would disappear. However, there has still been absolutely no acknowledgement by either those who have managed to cling to power or by those who have come to assume it of the wrongs that were done. The absence of any such profession of truth has left some of these bullies with the feeling that their particular brand of abuse is sanctioned and that they enjoy absolute immunity to continue unchecked.

Let me tell you a story:

Once upon a time, in a department not far away there was an administrative assistant named Cordelia*. Cordelia had graciously served the department and was a dedicated and hard working member of the community known as Uncglandia. She made phone calls, scheduled appointments, supervised a band of student workers, and generally made herself most useful. She was pleasant and polite and her value was obvious to all. Well, to nearly all...

You see, in this otherwise idyllic department in Uncglandia there was a creature who could only raise herself up by pushing others down. On the outside, this creature looked very much like any one else, but all those who had come into contact with her over the years had found themselves in a desperate struggle to maintain their sanity in the face of her unpredictable and irrational assaults. Unfortunately, this creature had imbibed of the potion known as 'tenure' and it had caused her become nearly invincible and to further swell with pride.

Innocent Cordelia had come to this department unsuspecting of the nature of this creature. Many of those who had been given this same potion had used its protective power to fight valiantly, to explore bravely, or to create beauty. And so, Cordelia was surprised to find herself the object of its wrath. She began to be ever more fearful as the slightest wind could blow the creature in to breathe fire down her throat, leaving her in tears and the recipient of sympathy from kind, but equally powerless, graduate students.

Whenever Cordelia tried to answer the creature's questions or respond to its baseless accusations, the creature put out her hand and silenced her with a gesture born of her power. The vile words and unreasonable demands could be heard echoing through the hallways, infecting everyone with their poison. It was clear that no matter where this creature resided, it would bring naught but terror, trial, and confusion.

One day, after a particularly bad bout of burning had been visited on Cordelia, a young and noble graduate student dared to comfort Cordelia in her sorrow.

"Is there nothing that can be done to stop these outrages? This abuse of your goodness surely cannot go unchecked!" The graduate student declared.

"Alas," sighed Cordelia, "I believe I must resign myself to my lot as the creature has imbibed from the fountain of tenure. Sadly, there is nothing to be done except for me to contemplate my escape to somewhere more peaceful."

Turning away, she remembered all of the others who had been lost in this same way. Uncglandia was growing weaker as vibrant and vital members of its community were driven to flee from the onslaught of this creature and others like her. Some had appealed to the grand high Vice Chancellor's for help but it had been discovered that they were nothing if not the very source of the corruption in the land. They sanctioned evil actions and punished those who dared cry out and they remained afoot, despite the mysterious disappearances that had troubled their ranks.

I ask you, dear reader, what is to be done? Is Cordelia to be allowed to suffer? Is there no power that can rise and speak the magic incantation that will either banish or cure these terrible creatures?

To be continued...

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*names have been changed to protect the innocent.

The Fight for a Living Wage

Across the country today, workers are joining the struggle for a living wage.

Why we seem so thoroughly convinced that universities shouldn’t get money from the state and yet seem perfectly content to let those same dollars subsidize the externalized costs of big companies is something tragic.

In any case, the reason I bring this up is because UNCG participates in this shameful low wage cabal. What I mean is that we aren’t all poor struggling to get by, UNCG just has some employees that it pays a pittance to and some who get fat raises at the same time.

For example, Tim Crews who has worked for UNCG for 19 years is employed full time for $10 an hour. If minimum wage had kept up with cost of living increases it would now be $18 an hour. So, we pay him only slightly more than half of what the absolute bare minimum pay should be.

After 25 years of loyal performance, Alice Courts only makes $23,762 a year. And she’s on the list of essential employees who must come to work at UNCG even when hazardous weather causes others to stay at home and the university to close.

Imogene Cathey, however, pulls in a handsome $85 an hour.

Jan Zink rakes in $137 per hour.

And they get to stay home.

UNCG has more than 200 full time employees earning less than $15/hour. Adjunct pay is shameful too.

Nancy Maree has been willingly teaching our students in the nursing program for 12 years and in return? She get $1,000. That’s all a class is worth? That’s all her expertise and insight are worth?

And, of course, the enormous raises given to those who already make more than they deserve continue to roll in. The execs get bigger salaries while the rest of us have to deal with nothing or fight among ourselves for scraps.

We are the workers.

We are the people.

We can do better.

Don’t Be Fooled

There are those who will say that this blog is weakening UNCG – that it could destroy it.

I am not so egotistical as to believe that the words I write have the power to destroy without foundation. If UNCG is so weak as to be able to crumble as a result of a blog, well, it’s hard for me to believe it was standing up to begin with.

What is weakening is the ability of the administration to do as it pleases with no fear of repercussions.

What is weakening is the shadow that has been cast by this administration and the possibility that it will continue to block out the sun for years to come.

I will be glad to see those things weakened and destroyed. Don’t listen to the execs when they tell you that these words have harmed UNCG. These words bring to light the harm that they have done to UNCG…and they would like you to believe that they are the heart and soul of the institution.

They are not.

If Jan Zink can’t bad mouth our donors and squander their money, UNCG will be stronger.

If Bryan Terry can’t verbally abuse his staff, screaming and yelling like a tyrant, UNCG will be stronger.

If Edna Chun and Bonita Peace can’t ignore the heartfelt pleas of faculty and staff for just treatment and basic dignity, UNCG will be stronger.

If a chancellor can’t accept the position assuming that we are their personal piggy bank with an unruly mob meant to be suppressed, UNCG will be stronger.

If anyone working here now or in the future knows that they must make a commitment to the larger university and Greensboro community when they accept a position, knows that they are taking a place in a vibrant and dynamic culture, understands the bounds of human decency, and accepts the mantle of responsibility to something larger than their own agenda, UNCG will be stronger.

Don’t ask me to stop working for those goals, because I won’t. And don’t be fooled when those with much to lose whimper as the risk increases. They weren’t thinking of others before and they aren’t doing so now.

I have heard from so many of you supporting the changes in the atmosphere that we are seeing begin to come about; let’s keep shaking things up and let the sun shine in stronger than ever.

What Is a Bully?

A bully, according to the dictionary, is:

One who uses superior strength or influence to intimidate someone, typically to force him or her to do what one wants.

Consider the power relationship that exists between Sophie and members of the upper administration at UNCG. What power does she hold? Then, I ask you to think about the relationship between members of the upper administration and their employees.

Where does the power lie? Who is doing the bullying? How can a nobody ‘bully’ the powerful? If I have power, it lies in speaking the truth.

The accusation of injury is a typical tactic when the powerful get called out; to turn the tables and play the victim.

It means this is working.

I am sorry if these people find their own actions to be cruel and insulting. I am sorry if they are experiencing any small measure of the discomfort that they have doled out so glibly to others over the years. I am sorry that this filth had to exist in order for it to come to light.

If there had been other means to address these issues; If it had been possible to deal with these problems via civilized discourse; If they weren’t bullies accustomed to the use of intimidation…but that’s not the world we live in. My mother always used to say: “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.”

If the executives find it horrifying, they must know that they are responsible. Sophie has held a mirror to their faces and they do not like it when others see their twisted reflection.

If the folks in the upper administration at UNCG are truly concerned with the creation of a positive work environment, then I applaud them. Admitting they have a problem is a first step, but unfortunately, I have seen no indication that such an admission is forthcoming. 

Instead they will play the part of the injured innocent and make bizarre and melodramatic claims that the words I write could incite violence. They may as well claim that I will summon unicorns and the wrath of Horus. Dana Dunn plays the part of a horrified damsel asking if anyone would really like to come work on our campus where such behavior (writing about the truth) is acceptable.

Were they supposed to be more enticed by a place that has its employees arrested? That spends 91 million dollars on a Rec center while claiming a dearth of funds? Where screaming at your employees is considered an executive privilege? Where students are assaulted for exercising free speech?  I could go on, but it isn’t necessary. We’re national news.

The truth hurts. 

It’s time to clean up.

A Question for the Board of Trustees

For anybody who knows Bob Wineburg, they know he is never one to hold his tongue when he believes there is something that needs to be said. This does not make him the easiest of people to be around and has certainly earned him a solid set of enemies.

I have not always agreed with him, but I have to say that I admire him profoundly - to stand up, to speak out, to call a spade a spade isn't meant to make others comfortable. It never has an it never will. There is no comfort to be had right now and to seek it is a disservice to the UNCG community - students, staff, faculty, and the citizens of Greensboro alike.

As such, I share Dr. Wineburg's missive to the Board of Trustees and desperately hope that it is not met by the same stone wall we have seen before.

"Dear Members of the Board of Trustees: 

I have had the distinct honor of sharing my views with you and President Ross throughout the worst mess UNCG has faced since I have been here. Sadly, we faculty have suffered through the most egregious administrative behavior I have witnessed in 34.5 years at UNCG. Thank God for free speech! I could not hold in how badly I felt for the victims of a truth worse than a horror story.

I believe as stewards of this once incredible university, some sort of statement about regret is in order from some level of leadership here. I don't expect one from Chancellor Brady, nor the administrators whom I believe knew this was a "house cleaning" from the get-go, nor any of you. Your leadership, especially giving Chancellor Brady a golden parachute when she truly deserved to be fired, was sort of Orwellian-like, in that "All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others."

But I need to go on record suggesting you consider doing what we ask our students to do when they plagiarize, aren't honest taking  a test, and the like. We give them a second chance if they make a good faith effort not to repeat such behavior. We don't use a one strike and you are out policy; they are human and can learn from their actions. Good teachers are firm but gentle. The gut of this university is its teachers, something lost in this saga. In reality, you are all are here to make sure we do our jobs the best we can. That slipped away. 

I am not so foolish to think that you don't carry a large burden of always steering this large ship, and even more so when things of this nature happen. You look before you leap and err on the side of caution as you should. I think you did your best in putting lipstick on sow of a situation. I know it is hard to call a skunk a skunk especially when the herd of independent minds is calling it a lily.  

But some of you backed Chancellor Brady, and I was wondering how you are going to rectify what the  News and Record said about some of you:   "some UNCG trustees’ assurances that the university would be vindicated once the “full story” was revealed ring hollow."

The University was not vindicated and I was wondering, as our leaders, how you you are going to employ the Golden Rule? Or will it be Silence is Golden?

Thank you for your time once again."

It is time to answer.

Who Should Lead

Unfortunately, the search for a new chancellor is already off to a rocky start with the BOT and admin heavy search committee determining to ignore the faculty senate resolution calling for a more open search process. Also unfortunate is the fact that there is no surprise as a result of this occurrence. Despite the fact that the head of the search firm hired to find the next chancellor has said that there is no indication that a closed search is any more likely to be successful than a more hybrid model, the search committee (with the exception of a small number of brave souls...I would currently place that number at 1) has decided to pour salt in the wounds Brady's administration created, rather than give any signal of an interest in healing.

There is a link available on the UNCG website to provide anonymous feedback and guidance to the search committee (http://chancellorsearch.wp.uncg.edu/feedback/ ) and I would encourage people to comment early and comment often. There is no excuse for the pretended ignorance and arrogant dismissal of what is best for those who work, live, and study at UNCG.

That being said, the UNCG chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) has issued a list of Qualities to Look for in the Next Chancellor of UNCG and it reads as follows:

•   Supports, without reservation, the principles of academic freedom, tenure, and shared governance. 
•      Has substantial academic credentials, including a PhD, or terminal degree in his/her discipline.
•   Understands and appreciates the value of research, teaching, and intellectual labor.
  
•   Understands the central role faculty members play in the university’s mission.
  
•   Understands and appreciates UNCG’s distinctive history and commitments to access
  and diversity.
  
•   Thinks creatively, critically, and independently.
  
•   Listens carefully and considers oppositional viewpoints and criticism.
  
•   Exercises integrity in decision-making and communication.
  
•   Tells the unvarnished truth with compassion and dignity.
  
•   Articulates situations, problems, and concerns clearly and transparently.
  
•   Makes decisions on the strength of the evidence, rather than trends, popularity,
  conventional wisdom, political pressure, or personal investments.
  
•   Articulates reasons for decisions in thoughtful, clear, and accurate language; avoids
  corporate jargon.
  
•   Leads by example.
  
•   Has the courage to correct and contravene misinformed executive boards, donors,
  and politicians.
  
•   Has successfully navigated a leadership post at a mid-sized or larger research
  university.
  
•   Is sensitive to the distinctive challenges of UNCG’s students.
  
•   Accepts accountability to UNCG’s students, staff, and faculty, and to NC taxpayers for
  prudent fiscal management.
  
•   Engages with diverse communities with respect and transparency.
  
•   Thinks beyond current trends to consider long-term ramifications of policy
  decisions.
  
•   Always bears in mind the academic purpose of the university.
  
•   Successfully communicates UNCG’s academic purpose to governing boards, alumni,
  students, faculty, and NC citizens.
  
•   Gives priority to nurturing a welcoming, scholarly culture over an ostentatious built
  environment.
  
•   Understands that UNCG’s primary contribution to North Carolina’s economy is the
  preparation of students in a broad–based education that equips them to be
  productive adults and citizens.
  
•   Views the public university system as the authentic “rising tide that floats all boats,”
  that is, financially accessible college education benefits not only the students, but also the society as a whole. 
  

Some have said that this is asking too much. I see it as the bare minimum. 

Some have said that we are looking for a hero. We are. Whoever can successfully repair the damage that has been done here will be a hero indeed. 

I see no reason why we do not deserve the best and I hope the search committee will not undermine that possibility by creating a faulty foundation upon which the next chancellor is expected to build. Let the sun shine in so that we can clearly see how to address what is needed because no matter how much filler is used to disguise the defects, they will come to light on their own. Better to have taken the time and effort to do things right from the beginning than to doom the future to failure before it even has a chance to start.