As regular readers of this blog know, I'm curious and sometimes have an opinion of what happens at my medical school alma mater - as exhibited by this post, this post, and this post. I was recently informed of another situation that occurred on Election Day 2010. And, before I go on, I should tell you that this information is 2nd hand information and may well be inaccurate. However, as of when this text is posted, there is no official word from the school on their website and no word in the press about the statements made in this post. (Also check out the video post above)
Anyway, the school is like a lot of other state schools out there in that there is no money in education. So, according to what was told to me, the school chose to "downsize" or restructure - which basically means eliminate some positions to limit costs. The interesting things about this story are when it happened - Election Day - Why? Was it to try to avoid press coverage with all the national and state elections going on the same day? That's possible.
The other interesting thing that I heard was the manner in which it happened. You hear about this in other aspects of corporate America and see on TV/movie dramas - The people who are let go - They are told they are let go - And then immediately asked to leave the premises - Essentially escorted out of the building. Does that actually happen? Apparently (according to reports) - It did happen.
That part of the story made me sad. The other part of the story that made me sad is that the people who were let go. People who have been loyal to the school and people who gave a lot of themselves to a school and employer that they enjoyed - they were shown the door and told to get out - Why? - Because they were too expensive to stay on. Meanwhile, according to this news story, the new university president has a base salary of $375,000. According to this news story, the new dean has a salary of $350,000. And, according to this story, five years ago, a name change cost a school about $300,000. Interesting, huh?
Now, I admit I don't know all the ins and outs of medical education. From what I do understand, it is a tough game. But, what do I know, I'm just a doctor? It will be interesting if and when people like alumni hear about this story. What will their reaction be? Has the school anticipated that? Probably not. I understand that tough decisions have to be made in corporate America. But, this is just another example of a school and an institution who will do whatever it takes to achieve its final vision and goal - Even if it means alienating those people who care about the school the most...