(http://chancellor.syr.edu/messages/m/touring.html)
As a recent WGS grad, I have not been on campus since you took over Nancy Cantor's job. I am waiting to hear about when you finally visit the College of Arts and Sciences. You know, the main part of campus. When you do, I highly encourage you to visit the WGS department. Do you know how many famous feminists we have?!
Chandra freaking Mohanty is here. There are professors who would kill to have a conversation with her. And we get to take her classes. It would be like taking a class with Foucault! I mean, one of her books has been translated into at least 9 languages! And I bet more are coming. And ANGELA DAVIS was here for a couple years (#ThanksNancyCantor). I got to take a class, as an undergrad, with Angela Davis! #RadicalFeminismFandom
You say that "first impressions matter too, particularly in recruitment, and I learned a lot from Newhouse and the iSchool in this regard." And yes, you mention that instruction is more important in the long run. Well then why are you so focused on the money schools and entrepreneurship? You do know that having graduated with a degree from a great department, I can easily read into what you're saying. The way you talk about education and recruitment is making students into capitalist consumers. You like shiny things, like broadcast studios and new technologically advanced classrooms. Next thing, I expect you to jump on the # MOOC bandwagon. It seems all you care about is money. #GetMoreMoneyUpInThisPlace. #DollarBillsY’all. I guess for you, Mo' money does not equal mo' problems.
#WhatHappenedToCriticalThinking #CriticalPedagogies #LearnToReadTheWorld #NotDistractedByShinyObjects #EducationIsNotAVideoGame
Also, I would encourage you to think of the alumni you are trying to impress. There are more people who attend this school than "entrepreneurs" and Bob Costas wannabes. There are people like me who work in non-profits. People who are educators. People who are working towards social justice and who do not place making money above all else. I don't know if your Model-T comment was meant to appeal to white male nostalgia for the "perfect" 1950s, or rich people who can afford "classic" cars for fun and use car elevators. #RecognizeWhitePrivilege Maybe when you think of SU Alumni, you think of old white men.
And maybe that is who wants to donate to this school right now, based on your messages. But me, I will donate directly to WGS if I can. But until then, my extra money goes to actual non-profits. Actual real causes. Like the #FreeMarissa campaign. Because there are things more important than making a good first impression for rich white kids. Because people are people, not dollar signs and future dollar signs.
