Who is this mysterious board of trustees that makes important decisions that affect the lives of so many students, faculty and staff? Can we trust them to serve in our best interests?
I first thought about these issues 10 years ago as a graduate student at Ohio State. It never occurred to me before then to think about trustees' roles in governing a university.
While I was working on a master's degree in journalism, I wrote for Ohio State's student newspaper, the Lantern. The first story I wrote was about the appointment of a new trustee.
At Ohio State, trustees are appointed by the governor. My story for the Lantern was the lead story in the paper (probably not so much because of my reporting or widespread student interest in trustee activities, but more because it was a slow news week). Shortly after my piece ran, a woman wrote a letter to the editor criticizing the governor for appointing another white male to the board. I contacted the woman and wrote a follow-up piece that also ended up on the front page.
The experience was invaluable. I learned so much about the newsgathering process from covering that one story, and also about the interplay of politics and power at a major university.
Sometimes student journalists underestimate the access they have to people in power. Back then, when I first set out to contact the governor's office for a comment on the trustee appointment, no one would help me. Finally, I called one last time, reminding the staffer that it was an election year and that the Lantern has a circulation of 50,000. Someone called me back within five minutes!
Now, I'm finding myself thinking again about university trustees and their role in decision-making.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Where are the women?
This week, five alumni were appointed to serve on Case's Board of Trustees, according to yesterday's Case Daily.
While I'm happy to learn that the new appointees are alums of the university, I can't help but wonder why of the five, none of them are women. I haven't seen photos of the men (I'm assuming they are all men, just going by their first names: John, Joseph, Thomas, Andrew and Alan), so I don't know if any of the men represent diversity in terms of race or ethnicity.
Sometimes people get annoyed when diversity issues get brought up in situations like this. People are tired of hearing about divisions across race, class and gender lines, but we need to think about the goals of higher education. Do we aim to enlighten and empower people? Are we committed to making higher education accessible to those who might not otherwise have the means to pursue a college degree? Do we want to educate future leaders who will be well equipped to thrive in an increasingly global community? Then, these issues are still important and relevant.
It's encouraging to me that all of the new appointees have graduated from Case and that they all appear to be quite accomplished. But surely there are women who fit the bill.
Directly underneath that news item in the Case Daily, there was a mention of the university's faculty diversity officer: "Beth McGee, the university's faculty diversity officer, is the administrator of a university-wide listserv that publicizes Case diversity activities, disseminates information, and brainstorms about diversity ideas. If you would like to be on the listserv please contact bethmcgee@case.edu, or e-mail university-diversity-general@case.edu."
Ironic.
While I'm happy to learn that the new appointees are alums of the university, I can't help but wonder why of the five, none of them are women. I haven't seen photos of the men (I'm assuming they are all men, just going by their first names: John, Joseph, Thomas, Andrew and Alan), so I don't know if any of the men represent diversity in terms of race or ethnicity.
Sometimes people get annoyed when diversity issues get brought up in situations like this. People are tired of hearing about divisions across race, class and gender lines, but we need to think about the goals of higher education. Do we aim to enlighten and empower people? Are we committed to making higher education accessible to those who might not otherwise have the means to pursue a college degree? Do we want to educate future leaders who will be well equipped to thrive in an increasingly global community? Then, these issues are still important and relevant.
It's encouraging to me that all of the new appointees have graduated from Case and that they all appear to be quite accomplished. But surely there are women who fit the bill.
Directly underneath that news item in the Case Daily, there was a mention of the university's faculty diversity officer: "Beth McGee, the university's faculty diversity officer, is the administrator of a university-wide listserv that publicizes Case diversity activities, disseminates information, and brainstorms about diversity ideas. If you would like to be on the listserv please contact bethmcgee@case.edu, or e-mail university-diversity-general@case.edu."
Ironic.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Parents as lifelong learners
Lately, I've been spending a lot of time with some of Nico's classmates' parents. Often, you find your friends based on proximity - people who live near you or people you work with and see every day. But besides the fact that we all send our children in the same preschool program, I'm developing wonderful friendships with some of the other parents.
I met many parents last year when the Cleveland Heights-University Heights school district planned to close Millikin, its day care facility. Several parents became actively involved in ensuring that the school system stay committed to quality early childhood education programming. After spending a lot of time meeting and planning with these parents, I've come to really admire them.
At Case's commencement this May, along with Vic, some of Nico's classmates' parents earned advanced degrees too. One graduated with a PhD in organization behavior, and another finished a law degree (at the top of her class! With two daughters, one born just months before graduation!).
It's really inspiring to see that while we are all focused on our children's education, as parents, we are committed to our own continuing education too.
I met many parents last year when the Cleveland Heights-University Heights school district planned to close Millikin, its day care facility. Several parents became actively involved in ensuring that the school system stay committed to quality early childhood education programming. After spending a lot of time meeting and planning with these parents, I've come to really admire them.
At Case's commencement this May, along with Vic, some of Nico's classmates' parents earned advanced degrees too. One graduated with a PhD in organization behavior, and another finished a law degree (at the top of her class! With two daughters, one born just months before graduation!).
It's really inspiring to see that while we are all focused on our children's education, as parents, we are committed to our own continuing education too.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Schools and community
Over the past weekend, Nico and I walked over to the Roxboro Arts Festival. It was a great event! Even though Nico won't be starting kindergarten until next fall, it was nice to bring him to the festival. There were plenty of activities for preschoolers like him. At the arts and crafts area, he made a stained "glass" (colored paper) decoration, a pencil holder and a beaded necklace.
I saw a bunch of people from Case there - a dean, a physics professor, a marketing staffer, etc. I also some familiar faces from various school district organizations, parents who are deeply involved in the schools. I also noticed that there was a good mix of cultures represented at the event. It's not often that I find that in Cleveland, although I do experience it a lot living in Cleveland Heights. It's one of the biggest reasons why we chose to live there.
There was live music at the event and a lot of vendors selling jewelry and handicrafts. You could even purchase art created by the Cleveland Heights school students. The food area was great too - there was a nice assortment of treats, from the healthy (fresh fruit) to the decadent (brownies and ice cream). I was really amazed that along with pizza and burritos, you could get Korean noodles!
The arts festival was an incredible display of community spirit, family involvement and support for the schools. In the next few weeks, the Cleveland Heights-University Heights school district will be deciding on which elementary school to close. I really hope it isn't Roxboro.
I saw a bunch of people from Case there - a dean, a physics professor, a marketing staffer, etc. I also some familiar faces from various school district organizations, parents who are deeply involved in the schools. I also noticed that there was a good mix of cultures represented at the event. It's not often that I find that in Cleveland, although I do experience it a lot living in Cleveland Heights. It's one of the biggest reasons why we chose to live there.
There was live music at the event and a lot of vendors selling jewelry and handicrafts. You could even purchase art created by the Cleveland Heights school students. The food area was great too - there was a nice assortment of treats, from the healthy (fresh fruit) to the decadent (brownies and ice cream). I was really amazed that along with pizza and burritos, you could get Korean noodles!
The arts festival was an incredible display of community spirit, family involvement and support for the schools. In the next few weeks, the Cleveland Heights-University Heights school district will be deciding on which elementary school to close. I really hope it isn't Roxboro.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Vic's graduation
Yesterday afternoon, we attended the diploma ceremony for Case's Weatherhood School of Management. Vic was there to receive his master of science in management - operations research (MSM-OR) degree.
There were a bunch of people on Van Horn field before the ceremony started. I ran into Joe Prahl, chair of the aerospace engineering department, there - I see him everywhere! There were so many smiling grads surrounded by proud family members snapping photos and shooting videos.
While Nico and I were waiting for the ceremony to begin, we ran into our friend Bash, Vic's classmate. She was with her family who had traveled from Nigeria for the ceremony. It was the first time I met Bash's father. It was nice to finally meet him and to see Bash's mom again, and her fiance, Kalu, too.
Joining me and Nico for the ceremony were Vic's father, his stepmother Marilyn, his Uncle Wayne and Aunt Connie, and my parents. I was really happy that my parents came. My sister's graduation ceremony (she earned a master's degree in social work) was this weekend too and since none of us traveled to California for that, I'm glad my parents at least got to see Vic's ceremony.
Vic looked great in his cap and gown! I didn't take any photos of him wearing the regalia, but I think (hope) my dad did. During the processional, we were surprised to see a medal hanging from a ribbon on his chest. Apparently, he won a dean's academic achievement award (he earned a perfect 4.0 throughout his program).
The diploma ceremony itself was really cool. Weatherhead has a tradition where family members can join graduates as they walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. Originally, Vic hadn't planned to participate in the ceremony, but changed his mind when he learned about this tradition. So when his name was called, Vic, Nico and I got to share in the experience, along with Vic's father, stepmother, uncle and aunt. Nico was so excited that he got to be on "TV" (the projected screen displaying a close-up view of the stage).
It was really inspiring to see graduates from all over the world in one room, some in their native dress. I saw one Japanese woman who looked breathtaking in her kimono. Some grads had entourages of more than 10 people join them onstage. The audience clapped extra long for those amazing displays of family support.
I'm really glad we decided to take part in the ceremony. I had skipped my master's degree ceremony, but yesterday made me wish I hadn't. I hope that Nico will remember the ceremony and want to experience for himself one day.
After the ceremony, Vic's dad took all of out to dinner. When we got home, Vic and I shared a bottle of champagne and spent the night talking about what a great day it was. We pored through the commencement booklet and marveled all the accomplishments the graduates had achieved - double and triple majors, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, etc. We talked about possible future plans for further education. Vic asked me, "So, when do you want to start on that PhD?" Hmm.
There were a bunch of people on Van Horn field before the ceremony started. I ran into Joe Prahl, chair of the aerospace engineering department, there - I see him everywhere! There were so many smiling grads surrounded by proud family members snapping photos and shooting videos.
While Nico and I were waiting for the ceremony to begin, we ran into our friend Bash, Vic's classmate. She was with her family who had traveled from Nigeria for the ceremony. It was the first time I met Bash's father. It was nice to finally meet him and to see Bash's mom again, and her fiance, Kalu, too.
Joining me and Nico for the ceremony were Vic's father, his stepmother Marilyn, his Uncle Wayne and Aunt Connie, and my parents. I was really happy that my parents came. My sister's graduation ceremony (she earned a master's degree in social work) was this weekend too and since none of us traveled to California for that, I'm glad my parents at least got to see Vic's ceremony.
Vic looked great in his cap and gown! I didn't take any photos of him wearing the regalia, but I think (hope) my dad did. During the processional, we were surprised to see a medal hanging from a ribbon on his chest. Apparently, he won a dean's academic achievement award (he earned a perfect 4.0 throughout his program).
The diploma ceremony itself was really cool. Weatherhead has a tradition where family members can join graduates as they walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. Originally, Vic hadn't planned to participate in the ceremony, but changed his mind when he learned about this tradition. So when his name was called, Vic, Nico and I got to share in the experience, along with Vic's father, stepmother, uncle and aunt. Nico was so excited that he got to be on "TV" (the projected screen displaying a close-up view of the stage).
It was really inspiring to see graduates from all over the world in one room, some in their native dress. I saw one Japanese woman who looked breathtaking in her kimono. Some grads had entourages of more than 10 people join them onstage. The audience clapped extra long for those amazing displays of family support.
I'm really glad we decided to take part in the ceremony. I had skipped my master's degree ceremony, but yesterday made me wish I hadn't. I hope that Nico will remember the ceremony and want to experience for himself one day.
After the ceremony, Vic's dad took all of out to dinner. When we got home, Vic and I shared a bottle of champagne and spent the night talking about what a great day it was. We pored through the commencement booklet and marveled all the accomplishments the graduates had achieved - double and triple majors, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, etc. We talked about possible future plans for further education. Vic asked me, "So, when do you want to start on that PhD?" Hmm.
See you next year, Cavs
I keep saying that I'm not going to care about Cleveland sports anymore, but just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in. It's so heartbreaking!
Unless you've been a lifelong Cleveland sports fan, it's hard to relate to what I'm saying. But when you face disappointment season after season, year after year, it really starts to get to you. It's not a superficial concern - I'm convinced that there are some public health implications here. For instance, I wonder if there's any correlation between performance of the Indians/Browns/Cavs and northeast Ohio hypertension rates. Hmmm. Anyhow, I'm sad that the Cavs' run is over, but they went further than I expected, so I tip my hat to them. Wait 'til next year, I guess.
It's amazing to see how Cleveland sports teams bring together people across race, culture and class boundaries. There have been times when my husband and my parents, Taiwanese immigrants, have sat in silence trying to think of things to say to each other. Then my dad will say, "Did you watch the Cavs yesterday?" and he and Vic will talk for a good half hour about that.
When I lived in California, I didn't encounter too many people who felt such an attachment to their city's sports teams. I had a roommate who was a diehard San Francisco 49ers fan, but it's easy to follow a (then) successful team. I can't decide if it's a good or bad thing that Clevelanders are so attached to their teams. I guess it does build some sort of sense of community or shared experience.
Unless you've been a lifelong Cleveland sports fan, it's hard to relate to what I'm saying. But when you face disappointment season after season, year after year, it really starts to get to you. It's not a superficial concern - I'm convinced that there are some public health implications here. For instance, I wonder if there's any correlation between performance of the Indians/Browns/Cavs and northeast Ohio hypertension rates. Hmmm. Anyhow, I'm sad that the Cavs' run is over, but they went further than I expected, so I tip my hat to them. Wait 'til next year, I guess.
It's amazing to see how Cleveland sports teams bring together people across race, culture and class boundaries. There have been times when my husband and my parents, Taiwanese immigrants, have sat in silence trying to think of things to say to each other. Then my dad will say, "Did you watch the Cavs yesterday?" and he and Vic will talk for a good half hour about that.
When I lived in California, I didn't encounter too many people who felt such an attachment to their city's sports teams. I had a roommate who was a diehard San Francisco 49ers fan, but it's easy to follow a (then) successful team. I can't decide if it's a good or bad thing that Clevelanders are so attached to their teams. I guess it does build some sort of sense of community or shared experience.
Tuesday, May 9, 2006
The love affair continues...
Nico is still deeply in love with me. It's actually bordering on ridiculous at this point. He is totally into me and completely NOT into his dad right now. At first, Vic found it kind of amusing but I think he's starting to feel a little left out now.
Every night, at bed time, Nico tries to cajole me into sleeping in his bed: "Sleep next to me, Mama! Bring your pillow! I love you! I love you, Mama Penguin!" (We just watched "March of the Penguins" together the other day.) Every morning, he wakes up, runs to our bedroom and jumps into bed between me and Vic. He wakes me with kisses and coos, "I love you so much! I am Nico Kitty Cat and you are Mama Kitty Cat and Daddy is Daddy DOG. Meow!"
Who knew that a three-year-old could be so passionate?
Every night, at bed time, Nico tries to cajole me into sleeping in his bed: "Sleep next to me, Mama! Bring your pillow! I love you! I love you, Mama Penguin!" (We just watched "March of the Penguins" together the other day.) Every morning, he wakes up, runs to our bedroom and jumps into bed between me and Vic. He wakes me with kisses and coos, "I love you so much! I am Nico Kitty Cat and you are Mama Kitty Cat and Daddy is Daddy DOG. Meow!"
Who knew that a three-year-old could be so passionate?
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