Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Long Overdue
Sometimes it takes a while to shake off denial. This has certainly been the case with the demise of New College of California.
For many associated with the institution, the news of imminent accreditation loss last summer signaled the end of the school as we knew it. For some of us, major change in management and oversight was viewed as long overdue.
Yesterday's article in the San Francisco Bay Guardian asked the question, "Is New College Dying?" Judging by events since July, the only reasonable conclusion is yes, it is.
For alumni and faculty and others wishing to see the institution resurrected on a sound financial and academic footing, there are two primary objectives: 1. remove the culprits who ran the school in the ditch from the board of trustees, and 2. build an endowment to create an authentic college where altruistic rhetoric matches reality.
In the meantime, there are emergency relief needs for those caught by surprise by bouncing student loan checks and a delinquent payroll. A working group of independent alumni are already establishing a committee for this purpose.
For many associated with the institution, the news of imminent accreditation loss last summer signaled the end of the school as we knew it. For some of us, major change in management and oversight was viewed as long overdue.
Yesterday's article in the San Francisco Bay Guardian asked the question, "Is New College Dying?" Judging by events since July, the only reasonable conclusion is yes, it is.
For alumni and faculty and others wishing to see the institution resurrected on a sound financial and academic footing, there are two primary objectives: 1. remove the culprits who ran the school in the ditch from the board of trustees, and 2. build an endowment to create an authentic college where altruistic rhetoric matches reality.
In the meantime, there are emergency relief needs for those caught by surprise by bouncing student loan checks and a delinquent payroll. A working group of independent alumni are already establishing a committee for this purpose.
