Talk:Hampshire Needs Your Help

Hampshire would benefit more from a different kind of help from its alumni.
While these suggestions represent the customary "money and time" request of

alumni, I think Hampshire needs to make a different request.

It needs to ask its alumni, who have the requisite qualifications and interest,

to consider taking over key positions at the college.

Hampshire's history is replete with the difficulties faced by individuals who are

truly outsiders to the culture and process of the institution. Some of

the most colorful and interesting examples came in the Dean of the College/Dean

of Faculty position, but there have been others.

With an alumni base built after 40 years, there must be qualified individuals who

can take over leadership and operational roles in finance, admissions, student affairs,

academics, and general administration.

Perhaps the real and best approach to this opportunity for growth and development

at Hampshire would be to involve alumni in a real strategic planning exercise and related position

search to reinvigorate Hampshire's culture by successful products of its authentic educational

philosophy.


 * I would argue that Hampshire needs help in the ways enumerated in the letter as well as in the ways you describe. Having served on searches in the past and being quite involved in the college, I know that there are many alumni in the ranks of the staff of the college. The education conference listed is also going to serve as a platform for strategic planning, so that speaks to one of the things you noted. I do hope that alumni apply for jobs at Hampshire, but that is just one of many ways alumni can get involved with the college... Agv07 03:10, 16 August 2010 (UTC)

Administrative leadership is the crucial place accomplished alumni need to be.
I appreciate your comment, but I think you should note that I emphasized

positions of academic and administrative leadership, with a minor mention

of operational staff.