Act One Scene Two: Crossroad Tango

A university wide discussion, organized by the Northeastern Illinois University Professionals of Illinois (NEIU-UPI) membership, about the fate of public education and the future of NEIU was held Thursday, Nov. 11 in Alumni Hall. The event titled, "Visions for Northeastern and our shared future," centered on creating an open forum for faculty, staff and students to reflect and discuss current and future trends, thoughts and feelings regarding the climate and culture of NEIU and education.

The five faculty speakers included Nanette Potee (Communication Media and Theatre), Erica Meiners (Educational Inquiry and Curriculum Studies), Sophia Mihic (Political Science and Philosophy), Sarah Hoagland (Philosophy) and Christina Gomez (Sociology). Each presented their evaluations leaving time for audience members to pose comments and questions at the end.

    Almost 100 faculty, staff and students intently sought answers and hoped to establish a communication lifeline between members of the NEIU community. Potee began by voicing her concerns about organizational culture. "Changes need to be organic from the ground up," Potee said. "Change is inevitable, but growth is optional."

Dr. Erica Meiners started her thoughts by stating up front that faculty presenting are "not here representing the union, but representing ourselves as part of the union." She continued by summarizing the current state of public education nationally, emphasizing the harsh reality of economic crisis and the impact decisions made by those in power have had on public education. Meiners said, "History tells us strong people don't need strong leaders."

Then Dr. Sophia Mihic took the floor and captured the audience by stressing urgency to hold on to procedure. "Proceduralism is the cradle that forms the community of the university," Mihic said. She commented on her enjoyment of engaging in groups that allow her to learn and grow as an individual, even if there are conflicts. "We have to learn to settle conflict without threatening force," she said.

In an effort to reiterate the importance of signed agreements, Mihic reminded that those who signed the Declaration of Independence did so deliberately because they understood and supported, in word and action, what they signed.

This motion of inconsistency of procedure versus implementation has called for roles and intensions to be further questioned by many faculty members, as they struggle with what is written in their contracts versus what is said by administration.

    Dr. Sarah Hoagland followed this sentiment with her own thoughts, briefly addressing statements made by President Sharon Hahs, in that "she [Hahs] made claims that she feels she justifies herself." Likewise, Hoagland speculated "If she [Hahs] could do it over again, she would pay attention better, but the outcome would be the same."

Hoagland was the first speaker to state that a strike may become a closer reality, saying she is, "concerned and afraid we are going on strike."   

    Dr. Christina Gomez spoke regarding the visions and values of education and the NEIU community. "Having values mean we must live it every day and…must be lived through our actions," said Gomez. She emphasized the importance of giving faculty "time to teach" and "time with students must be valued and research time must be respected and compensated." Gomez closed by restating the importance of holding a "dialogue with students that lead to teaching moments."

After remarks were presented, students, faculty and staff voiced their reactions and concerns. Dr. Charles Steinwedel of the history department at NEIU, encouraged all to "take control of our own lives." He spoke of his experience participating in the faculty strike of 2004, stating "Once you have a strike, the next one comes more easily."  However, he added that, "I don't want to do it again." Steinwedel also said that "what separates us is not that great, but it is very important."

Nancy Underwood, an NEIU student, said, "A strike does not make me happy. It would show no communication between people who make more money than me and make as much money as me. It would be unacceptable to me as a student."

Kristina Garcia, Student Government Association (SGA) President, added her thoughts stating "We are assessed as students, but faculty are assessed from both sides- students and administration," and said that there seems to be "confusion about who you [faculty] represent."

Garcia also encouraged faculty to exercise their power by formally evaluating the NEIU administration through the faculty senate. She stated, "we voted, and they got the grade," referring to a recent vote where SGA determined a vote of confidence on President Hahs, and a vote of no confidence on Provost Frank. Garcia again asked the present faculty to "step to empower representatives to vote and give a grade."

NEIU history instructor Richard Grossman also commented on his feelings of distress. "I get paid less than a Chicago public school teacher. We can't go on strike." A feeling of agreement emerged as "no one wanted to stand in the rain eating doughnuts to solve problems." Grossman said, "It takes two to tango and we have showed up at the dance. It is time for administration to show up to the dance and make some motion."

President Hahs, and a few members of the board of trustees, were present sitting in the back of the hall. Hahs' reaction to the thoughts presented was restrained as she stated, "They initiated this event, it is their forum with that was said."