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"The Enlightenment in Reverse"
Nov. 9th, 2012 09:37 amI try to keep tedious things like real life, work and politics off LJ but this comment was too good not to share. "The Enlightenment in Reverse" is the best description I have yet heard of the systematic decimation of the higher education system in the UK.
In response to the challenges faced by the sector (heavy handed management and administration, lack of academic freedom, the tyranny of the RAE / REF, lack of job security, rampant demoralization, lack of investment and a huge hole in the funding structure) a new coalition, the Council for the Defence of British Universities has been established to advance university education for the public benefit and defend academic values. The list of founding members is impressive, and although I remain skeptical as to whether the CDBU can really make a difference, at least they are making their voices heard.
Of course it's always the academic and student support services that are the first to go, followed by the arts and humanities, and my current institution is no different from any other in its enthusiasm to implement these misguided policies. Amongst the droves of dedicated and committed staff who have already left was the university chaplain. I never met her, but apparently she was hugely respected and highly regarded by students and staff alike. When she left, her public parting shot to the senior management was: "The university is the university, and the church is the church, and neither of them are businesses." Amen to that.
Right, I'll get off my soap box now. Normal Navyboy Appreciation Services will resume shortly.
Further info:
Council for the Defence of British Universities
Coalition of thinkers vow to fight marketisation of universities from the Guardian
Fidei defensore from Times Higher Education.
In response to the challenges faced by the sector (heavy handed management and administration, lack of academic freedom, the tyranny of the RAE / REF, lack of job security, rampant demoralization, lack of investment and a huge hole in the funding structure) a new coalition, the Council for the Defence of British Universities has been established to advance university education for the public benefit and defend academic values. The list of founding members is impressive, and although I remain skeptical as to whether the CDBU can really make a difference, at least they are making their voices heard.
Of course it's always the academic and student support services that are the first to go, followed by the arts and humanities, and my current institution is no different from any other in its enthusiasm to implement these misguided policies. Amongst the droves of dedicated and committed staff who have already left was the university chaplain. I never met her, but apparently she was hugely respected and highly regarded by students and staff alike. When she left, her public parting shot to the senior management was: "The university is the university, and the church is the church, and neither of them are businesses." Amen to that.
Right, I'll get off my soap box now. Normal Navyboy Appreciation Services will resume shortly.
Further info:
Council for the Defence of British Universities
Coalition of thinkers vow to fight marketisation of universities from the Guardian
Fidei defensore from Times Higher Education.
