Basically, I have been in bed, sick with the flu for the past couple of days. I have had a fever for about 48 hours now. I expect it should break soon, if this sickness follows the pattern of our youngest son, who who had it a couple of weeks ago.
I have thought about crafting some responses, and creating some dialogue about what is going on at Seabury. I am also aware, however, that right now, every response that I make will likely create more questions. I suppose there is some wisdom in only communicating what we know, rather than what may be. Moreover, most of my time and energy right now is directed toward the school where it should be.
As some of you may know, I have been appointed as a member of the Planning Committee. In this role, I have been asked to keep the committee's work confidential. Gary and his staff will communicate major recommendations and decisions as they become available.
Something has emerged out of some of my conversations with students. The students seem very interested in being proactive in this situation. My plan, before I took sick, was to meet with leaders among the students and work out what can be done. Hopefully, I we can get some meetings on the table soon.
OK, I'm loosing energy now. This is the first time I have been upright for a while. More later...
Posted by Frank Yamada at February 27, 2008 02:00 AMFrank,
First off, I hope you're feeling better.
Secondly, I want to say that I understand the position you're in. But a number of us out here in alum-land have a lot of questions. When the memo from the dean was circulated via email, it felt as it someone had gone into my heart and drawn a big large "X" through an important part of me. On a more practical level, it also feels like a whole part of my resume is just--gone.
One of the questions I still have and that I hope is being considered is how does one have an educational institution without a student body? How would one respect the teaching/learning offered by such an institution if there weren't students and teachers engaged in it on a regular basis?
While the 3 year model may be 19th century, there are very few educational institutions that are completely eliminating "residential" degree programs. It seems to me that is still the heart and soul of education, theological and otherwise. And to be blunt, I have met the products of distance learning and diocesan theological programs, and 90% of the time I would take a seminary trained graduate any day of the week. There is a fundamental difference between those who are trained in a community setting and who have to learn how to work otu the challenges of faith life in community and those who only engage faith life through books, computers and theory. And I truly think it is affecting our church in a negative way.
Sorry for hijacking your comment section! I hope you understand that this stuff has struck a real nerve.
Posted by: Emily at March 5, 2008 06:35 PM