Letter to the editor: I have proudly devoted the last 17 years of my life and career to OU
Photo courtesy of Oakland University
Oakland University Associate Professor and Chair Department of Organizational Leadership Eileen Johnson.
To say that I am passionate about education and teaching is an understatement. I have proudly devoted the last 17 years of my life and career to OU. Like most faculty, I accept that we generally toil in our chosen profession with modest compensation that is supplemented by the joy and fulfillment we receive with the work that we do. And like most faculty, I trusted that the administration of OU understood that, without students and faculty, they have no reason to exist. University administration exists solely to serve the functions of the university, comprised of students and faculty. I have trusted OU with not only my own career and livelihood but the education of my oldest son, who is a proud OU graduate from the Department of Music, Theater, and Dance.
It was with extreme frustration and disbelief that I began to understand that OU did not have my back as a long-time faculty member, nor cared about my health and retirement. Having a recent diagnosis of breast cancer while simultaneously learning that the administration of OU wants to slash contributions to our health care and salaries leaves me worried about my health, my financial future and has caused me to question my commitment to the university to which I’ve devoted the bulk of my career.
Make no mistake. Faculty love what we do and we give tirelessly to education, scholarship, and service. Most of us work full-time year-round despite the fact that our contract compensates us only for eight months of the year (summer teaching is paid extra but that is also being slashed in the current administrative negotiations). Our passion inspires us to continue to meet, to develop new initiatives, courses, and programs, and mentor our students even during the months for which we are not compensated. And we do so because we love what we do. What we expect in return is respect from those who are in the position to serve the university – to serve the students and faculty. The current administration’s handling of contract negotiations is not leadership, and is a disappointing assault on the very foundation of Oakland University.
Steph • Sep 2, 2021 at 11:59 AM
I’ve created a petition that anyone can sign, in solidarity with faculty. The link to sign and share is https://bit.ly/OUAAUPcn
Faculty and Furious • Aug 31, 2021 at 1:15 PM
Eileen, Thanks for sharing your story. Your piece touches upon one of the most important components of the current bargaining — health care. Question: What kind of an administration proposes 20% reductions in health care during a global pandemic? Answer: One that doesn’t care about the health of faculty and their families as much as they care about saving money. I can’t believe I pulled up roots and moved to OU. What a mistake. What a terrible place to work. Even if the seemingly unavoidable work action results in re-instating some semblance of the previous contract as far as health care goes, the damage is done, OU admin has shown their colors and values.
Jonathan Yates • Aug 31, 2021 at 9:35 AM
University administration exists solely to serve the functions of the university, comprised of students and faculty.
Yes. Yes. Yes. Without faculty there are NO students. And without either, there is no need for the Administration. Unfortunately they only need $ and slaves.
Susan Hubbs • Aug 31, 2021 at 9:29 AM
Well stated Eileen. Thank you for your continued and steadfast leadership. So proud of our OU faculty.