Money, Money, Money

The American Heritage Dictionary defines “university” as “...an institution for higher learning with teaching and research facilities constituting a graduate school and professional schools that award master's degrees and doctorates and an undergraduate division that awards bachelor's degrees.”

The primary purpose of a university is to provide for academic advancement and to conduct research in any number subjects. What about the secondary activities offered by the University? Athletics and student performance groups, for instance. Increasingly, university athletic teams have become symbols of pride for students, staff, and faculty. They are encouraged and everyone -- almost universally -- enjoys watching their team compete. While not everyone enjoys theater or concert choir performances, the principle is the same: the community felt and experienced directly and indirectly at these events is unique and plays an important role in terms of providing diverse students commonality.

There comes a point, however, when the primary goals of the university seem eclipsed by the secondary activities that are intended to play a supporting role to academics and research. How do we know one of these secondary activities has eclipsed academia and research?

Well...a university has to pay competitive salaries in order to attract good faculty. They have to provide decent benefits as well, so those are a given. But in some cases, the most superlative of salaries aren’t awarded to faculty or researchers. Instead, they're awarded to a staff member in another, less mission-oriented area. Specifically, I’m speaking of the exorbitant salary the University of New Mexico has awarded its basketball coach.

According to the Albuquerque Tribune (here), Coach Steve Alford is making about $975,000 a year, base salary and fringe all considered. That sounds like quite a bit, especially for those of us who are students. Personally, I know that much money would pay for my schooling (entirely) all the way through grad school and then some. It would pay for about 1,000 nicely-equipped Dell Optiplex GX 740’s. I’m not sure how many undergrads it would fund through their bachelor’s, but I’m guessing at least twenty.

I would imagine that the University has addressed its academic and research obligations before spending so much money to attract a basketball team coach. I mean, take care of academics and research first, right? Sadly, the opposite is true.

Example: A prominent research institution located near campus was told recently that the University would no longer pay its rent, which is a cool ten-thousand dollars a month. In a time when deep cuts were being made to conserve money, this institution is having to let go of staff, and stretch equipment and computers further than they are stretched already. Given the amount of money this particular institution brings to the University (well in excess of the cost of the rent) I find it shocking that UNM would simply renege upon its obligation to pay the rent. This institute is part of UNM. They just happen to live across the street.
So here’s an idea: pay the basketball coach one-hundred thousand dollars less a year and maintain the status quo. Pretty radical, huh?

Another example: Has anyone actually visited Carlisle gym? The dance majors -- and the people like me, who take an African dance class or Flamenco for fun -- are dancing on springboard floors built in the 70’s, according to one faculty member. These are bad for feet, knees, and back because the floors get old and "give out." There are no sound systems of worth in any of the studios. I wonder what $250,000 (the dollar value of Coach Alford’s TV and radio contract) a year for the next four years (the length of Alford's contract) would do for the Dance program and Carlisle gym. Wow -- new floors? Sound systems? Air conditioning and heating that doesn't alternately freeze and roast students? Stuff that’s been needed for years and years.

Am I the only person who thinks that perhaps the resources being flung at the basketball team are a bit excessive? In terms of what money goes where, I would like to believe that an accounting can be given to the public to show than this isn't the case. I'd like to believe that people pushing the money around do everything for the advancement of academics and the furtherance of research. Maybe there's a method to the madness. (Certainly I can’t claim to have a full understanding of the situation without such an accounting, and I ask that if anyone has one or has some knowledge that can shed light on this topic, please do.)

Until I hear otherwise, my feelings can be summarized as such: clearly, someone has got the wrong priorities at the top of the “To Do” list. UNM is not a sports franchise, we are a university. Academics and research are our primary goals. Obviously, athletics have trumped them both.

Technology Isn't Just For Phones and IPods.

On September 6, 2007 The New York Times Company made an announcement regarding their most recent contribution to higher education. Now students in campus classrooms or taking distance learning courses will have access to the Knowledge Network, which incorporates all of their printed documents, videos and Web casts. They are also working with many schools to enlarge their distance education programs. I see as this as an opportunity for education to start taking advantage of the technology, resources, and money being offered. I think that more colleges and universities need to move forward from the traditional modes of learning and begin offering more degrees and classes online.

There are schools that offer distance education, ranging from a few classes to entire degrees. My school, The University of New Mexico, does offer many online classes each term, but only two degrees. Unfortunately, neither my major nor my minor is offered completely online, and the online class selection seems to repeat each term. I have taken courses on campus most of my education; however, I took my first online course over two years ago and since I have been hooked. I know that for some people it is intimidating and others may think it’s not a real education. As a person who has taken almost a dozen online classes let me clarify a few things. Yes, it can be intimidating at first, but all my teachers have always been extremely helpful and answered all my questions. It is a real education and in my experience online classes require more time and energy than classes on campus. Even though they require more time and effort then going to campus I still prefer them and wish more were offered. What is better than attending class at a Starbucks that offers a WIFI connection or going to class in your pajamas?

You may think I am just being funny, but think about it for a minute. Taking classes on campus involves more hassles than distance learning, such as hundreds of dollars in parking fees a year, if you’re lucky enough to find a spot. An hour or more out of your day driving to and from school, and possible bankruptcy from gas prices. If you work, like most students do, organizing your schedule for work and school. Then, on top of all that, childcare and familial responsibilities cause additional time conflicts for many of us. I always feel a sense of panic when the classes I need to take are not offered at any time I can possibly take them. I do not have an endless amount of time or an extremely flexible schedule, and I do not think I am alone. There is not a typical college student anymore and the average nine to five schedules are virtually gone. Colleges need to recognize the need that so many students have for a flexible, adaptable, and still worthwhile education. Distance learning is the answer.

What hassles do you face trying to register for classes each term? What happens when you have to take two classes that are offered at the same time? What if you don’t even live in the same state or country as the school you attend? If you are like me stress and frustration set in at the same time. It makes sense to me that distance learning is the future in education, not a replacement for traditional learning, but a strong and viable option. For all the above reasons, I think that UNM, as well as other schools need to listen to those of us who want more classes offered online. There are so many of us who have a lot of priorities and responsibilities besides school. We pay the same tuition, take the same classes, and should be given the same consideration.

Coming Soon!

In the next several weeks, this blog will begin to share perspectives from UNM students (all enrolled in a section of English 220) on various subjects related to life at the University of New Mexico. Stay tuned!