Open letter from Linda Rose-Krasnor, BUFA President, to John Suk, Chair, Brock University Board of Trustees and Brian Hutchings, Acting President and Vice-Chancellor:
September 9, 2016
Dear Mr. Suk and Mr. Hutchings
The heart of this University beats strong.
As we all know, there has been a widely shared concern and apprehension about the state of our most senior administrative team and the ability of the Board to effectively manage a Presidential appointment. In this time of stress, it is perhaps easy for administrators, the Board, and even the public to forget the dedication of those who actually make this university work.
The essential teaching, research, and service functions of our university are being successfully carried out, in spite of the uncertainty that has emerged from the absence of academic leadership in the President’s office, silence from the Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic, and lack of information regarding the failure of the recent Presidential appointment.
Brock’s doors are open. New and returning students are welcomed. Classes are being taught and labs are meeting. Research is progressing. Departments are functioning. The Library and its resources are accessible. Senate and academic committees are moving forward. Our physical facilities are operating, communications channels are open, cars are in their appropriate parking spaces, and there are textbooks on the bookstore shelves. Students are being housed and fed, equipment is being maintained, facilities are being cleaned, and landscaping is in bloom.
The core functions of the University are succeeding because of the commitment of this institution’s front-line workers, both unionized and non-unionized. Their dedication to this University continues, in spite of a long period of cut backs, loss of support positions, administrative bloat, and overall low morale.
We hope that the University management and Board of Trustees recognize that it is these front-line workers who are keeping the University functioning during this time of crisis, while senior administration is in a serious state of “transition”. When the time comes that these workers request additional support and resources, we hope that the University management and Board of Trustees remember that it was these same workers who held the University together. And going forward, we hope that the University management and Board of Trustees will solicit the input of this core group of workers—the people who know best how to make the university prosper—regarding candidates for senior leadership positions.
Brock workers, along with the students who come here to learn, grow and contribute, are indeed the heart of this University. Let’s not forget this, once the current crisis is resolved.
Regards,
Linda Rose-Krasnor, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Psychology
President, Brock University Faculty Association
1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, MC D402
St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1
Phone: (905) 688-5550 ext. 3268
[email protected]
