APP leaves students out

The trust of the students has been broken, faculty have become demoralized and the focus has shifted from learning to survival. This is not the same institution that I was ecstatic to join—a community centered around a liberal arts education and community. I cannot help but wonder if we as a community could have found a better solution to our declining enrollment than the elimination and drastic reduction of many beloved departments on campus had the entire community been invited to participate in the discussion, as our Benedictine tradition advises.

I am disappointed in the lack of communication from administration that is vital to a functioning community. If the institution truly values a liberal arts tradition, where a key value includes listening, then students should have been allowed the opportunity to participate in this discussion. In every single class that I have participated in, I have been taught how to critically think and problem solve. The lack of confidence by administration in the student body is hypocritical of the institution’s founding beliefs. Do you, administration, not believe in the education that you provide for us?

The point remains that the student body has not been included in this discussion, rather solely informed after the decision has been made. To state that information has been public this entire time and blaming the students’ ignorance on this matter is the administration’s inability to relate to the students and the platforms they use for communication. We cannot look for something that we do not know is there. The lack of transparency is sneaky, and to blame this on the fear of spreading misinformation is an excuse to maintain full control and power. There are effective ways to release clear information that would allow for an open discussion. If you don’t trust or believe in us students, administration, how can we place our trust in you? If you truly believe in us students, in our critical analysis and problem solving skills that our Benedictine education provides us, then you should have allowed us the opportunity to work with you to find a solution.

Administration promises that current students will still be able to graduate with their majors, but they fail to recognize that this education will be deeply limited and inadequate, especially in departments facing drastic reductions or complete elimination. The departments are unstable with faculty rightfully coming and going to best support themselves and their families or to seek better leadership. This unstable environment is not grounds for effective learning. Administration has promised us an education that they can no longer fulfill.

My heart hurts for faculty that have given so much to the student body and to actively teaching and caring for each of us students as individuals. They truly are the backbones of this institution, and their lack of recognition has demoralized them. I was appalled to read in an issue of The Record how insignificant the retirement package offering is, but how many faculty are forced to take it to preserve the jobs of their younger colleagues. To the faculty who have sacrificed so much to help my peers and me to not only improve academically and personally, but who have also helped us feel welcomed, included and supported, I am truly sorry.

I entreat administration to do better in promoting faculty recognition. Releasing a retirement package that was not approved by the Faculty Compensation and Benefits Committee is unacceptable and should not be tolerated in a community that values respect for all persons, which entails proper recognition for their efforts. The Rule of St. Benedict was created for a reason, and centuries have shown that it effectively influences community living. I find it disappointing that in arguably the most important decision at our university, our leaders have chosen to disregard the Rule.

Administration has broken the trust of the faculty that look up to them, students who depend on them and predecessors that paved the way for them. I truly hope that transparency is possible moving forward to try and rebuild what has been unfairly lost.