Criticisms of Higher Education

 Derek Thompson, who is never short on opinions, published this in the Atlantic.

Despite this first sentence, I agree with him. I have lived it over the last 20 years. And I would say my institution is quite conservative in this regard, but we have had to, because of federal law and student expectations mostly, add several non-faculty positions. Fortunately, we do not depend overmuch on part-timers, not like many institutions, and their service is limited to two classes per semester in most cases.  

The issue is also, are these burgeoning staff positions even effective? Well, it could be considered Apples and Oranges. Today there is almost no barrier to getting into some kind of (access) college. That access does not mean success. (Sounds like a good slogan for someone:  Access means success [or not].) But because there are few barriers, more come, and that means more issues to deal with, mental health being one of the largest, as well as academic unpreparedness. 

A second issue is the relationship between faculty and staff.  Oh, my.  And, in that regard, who has the moral, political, and actual  influence in the institution. 

Like Derek Thompson, I have opinions, but I don't have the Atlantic behind me.  

He does make a comment, rather funny, that the staff positions live in Meeting World. It does seem so to me. At one point in my life I was, at some level, flattered to be invited to a meeting. No longer. And I would argue they are even less effective since so many of them are virtual, where you don't even have to be on camera or attentive.  I was in two meetings at the same time this morning (two computers). One because I had to speak briefly, and I left after I said my piece. 

Thompson discusses other reasons for the bloat; it's an interesting article and I recommend it.