I'm moving! And, I am also going to change my blog to just a "work" blog. With facebook, texting, the iphone, and so on, I just can't keep up. So, if you're not already friends with me on facebook--add me--or email me and I'll add you. I'll leave this up a few days more and then it's going to get shut down.
My new blog is selaatua.wordpress.com
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
A Big OOPS
March 31, 2009
From the Chronicle of Higher Education
U. of California at San Diego Accidentally Congratulates 28,000 Rejected Students
The admissions office of the University of California at San Diego accidentally e-mailed acceptance letters to its entire undergraduate applicant pool, including 28,000 students who had been rejected earlier this month, the Los Angeles Times reported. Campus officials blamed the mistake on an “administrative error” that involved selecting the wrong database of recipients.
“We recognized the incredible pain receiving this false encouragement caused. It was not our intent,” said Mae Brown, the campus’s admissions director. Ms. Brown said she had been answering e-mail from disappointed students and parents.
San Diego joins a list of campuses that have made similar mistakes. They include Cornell University, the University of California at Davis, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Northwestern University’s business school. —Josh Keller
From the Chronicle of Higher Education
U. of California at San Diego Accidentally Congratulates 28,000 Rejected Students
The admissions office of the University of California at San Diego accidentally e-mailed acceptance letters to its entire undergraduate applicant pool, including 28,000 students who had been rejected earlier this month, the Los Angeles Times reported. Campus officials blamed the mistake on an “administrative error” that involved selecting the wrong database of recipients.
“We recognized the incredible pain receiving this false encouragement caused. It was not our intent,” said Mae Brown, the campus’s admissions director. Ms. Brown said she had been answering e-mail from disappointed students and parents.
San Diego joins a list of campuses that have made similar mistakes. They include Cornell University, the University of California at Davis, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Northwestern University’s business school. —Josh Keller
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
More books in my 100 book challenge
In The Disreputable History of Frankie-Landau Banks, sixteen-year-old Frankie-Landau Banks, is excluded from her school’s all-male secret society. So she infiltrates it, sending the guys on a series of pranks. I wasn't sure what I would think when I started it, but I loved the wit, humor, and girl power! This was a 2008 National Book Award finalist.
In Touching Snow, we get a glimpse into one Haitian-American family's hell. Karina, and her siblings endure severe beatings at the hand of their step-father--one nearly kills her sister. In the end, the women of the family come out victorious--but not without scars. This was a 2007 National Book Award finalist.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Ok--so i am loser at posting
I am going to re-cap the last three weeks:
1. Turned 41
2. SNOW!
3. Visit from Trena and Susan (see pics)
4. Ryan Adams concert
5. Foot surgery
6. Lots of writing and grading
1. Turned 41
2. SNOW!
3. Visit from Trena and Susan (see pics)
4. Ryan Adams concert
5. Foot surgery
6. Lots of writing and grading
Monday, February 23, 2009
Why Facebook is for Old Fogies
From TIME Magazine
Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009
Why Facebook Is for Old Fogies
By Lev Grossman
Facebook is five. Maybe you didn't get it in your news feed, but it was in February 2004 that Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg, along with some classmates, launched the social network that ate the world. Did he realize back then in his dorm that he was witnessing merely the larval stage of his creation? For what began with college students has found its fullest, richest expression with us, the middle-aged. Here are 10 reasons Facebook is for old fogies:
1. Facebook is about finding people you've lost track of. And, son, we've lost track of more people than you've ever met. Remember who you went to prom with junior year? See, we don't. We've gone through multiple schools, jobs and marriages. Each one of those came with a complete cast of characters, most of whom we have forgotten existed. But Facebook never forgets. (See the best social-networking applications.)
2. We're no longer bitter about high school. You're probably still hung up on any number of petty slights, but when that person who used to call us that thing we're not going to mention here, because it really stuck, asks us to be friends on Facebook, we happily friend that person. Because we're all grown up now. We're bigger than that. Or some of us are, anyway. We're in therapy, and it's going really well. These are just broad generalizations. Next reason.
3. We never get drunk at parties and get photographed holding beer bottles in suggestive positions. We wish we still did that. But we don't. (See pictures of Beer Country in Denver.)
4. Facebook isn't just a social network; it's a business network. And unlike, say, college students, we actually have jobs. What's the point of networking with people who can't hire you? Not that we'd want to work with anyone your age anyway. Given the recession — and the amount of time we spend on Facebook — a bunch of hungry, motivated young guns is the last thing we need around here.
5. We're lazy. We have jobs and children and houses and substance-abuse problems to deal with. At our age, we don't want to do anything. What we want is to hear about other people doing things and then judge them for it. Which is what news feeds are for.
6. We're old enough that pictures from grade school or summer camp look nothing like us. These days, the only way to identify us is with Facebook tags. (See pictures of a diverse group of American teens.)
7. We have children. There is very little that old people enjoy more than forcing others to pay attention to pictures of their children. Facebook is the most efficient engine ever devised for this.
8. We're too old to remember e-mail addresses. You have to understand: we have spent decades drinking diet soda out of aluminum cans. That stuff catches up with you. We can't remember friends' e-mail addresses. We can barely remember their names.
9. We don't understand [XREF {http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1878865_1878867,00.html} {Twitter}]. Literally. It makes no sense to us.
10. We're not cool, and we don't care. There was a time when it was cool to be on Facebook. That time has passed. Facebook now has 150 million members, and its fastest-growing demographic is 30 and up. At this point, it's way cooler not to be on Facebook. We've ruined it for good, just like we ruined Twilight and skateboarding. So git! And while you're at it, you damn kids better get off our lawn too.
Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009
Why Facebook Is for Old Fogies
By Lev Grossman
Facebook is five. Maybe you didn't get it in your news feed, but it was in February 2004 that Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg, along with some classmates, launched the social network that ate the world. Did he realize back then in his dorm that he was witnessing merely the larval stage of his creation? For what began with college students has found its fullest, richest expression with us, the middle-aged. Here are 10 reasons Facebook is for old fogies:
1. Facebook is about finding people you've lost track of. And, son, we've lost track of more people than you've ever met. Remember who you went to prom with junior year? See, we don't. We've gone through multiple schools, jobs and marriages. Each one of those came with a complete cast of characters, most of whom we have forgotten existed. But Facebook never forgets. (See the best social-networking applications.)
2. We're no longer bitter about high school. You're probably still hung up on any number of petty slights, but when that person who used to call us that thing we're not going to mention here, because it really stuck, asks us to be friends on Facebook, we happily friend that person. Because we're all grown up now. We're bigger than that. Or some of us are, anyway. We're in therapy, and it's going really well. These are just broad generalizations. Next reason.
3. We never get drunk at parties and get photographed holding beer bottles in suggestive positions. We wish we still did that. But we don't. (See pictures of Beer Country in Denver.)
4. Facebook isn't just a social network; it's a business network. And unlike, say, college students, we actually have jobs. What's the point of networking with people who can't hire you? Not that we'd want to work with anyone your age anyway. Given the recession — and the amount of time we spend on Facebook — a bunch of hungry, motivated young guns is the last thing we need around here.
5. We're lazy. We have jobs and children and houses and substance-abuse problems to deal with. At our age, we don't want to do anything. What we want is to hear about other people doing things and then judge them for it. Which is what news feeds are for.
6. We're old enough that pictures from grade school or summer camp look nothing like us. These days, the only way to identify us is with Facebook tags. (See pictures of a diverse group of American teens.)
7. We have children. There is very little that old people enjoy more than forcing others to pay attention to pictures of their children. Facebook is the most efficient engine ever devised for this.
8. We're too old to remember e-mail addresses. You have to understand: we have spent decades drinking diet soda out of aluminum cans. That stuff catches up with you. We can't remember friends' e-mail addresses. We can barely remember their names.
9. We don't understand [XREF {http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1878865_1878867,00.html} {Twitter}]. Literally. It makes no sense to us.
10. We're not cool, and we don't care. There was a time when it was cool to be on Facebook. That time has passed. Facebook now has 150 million members, and its fastest-growing demographic is 30 and up. At this point, it's way cooler not to be on Facebook. We've ruined it for good, just like we ruined Twilight and skateboarding. So git! And while you're at it, you damn kids better get off our lawn too.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
A Former Student!
I didn't find out until after the Superbowl that a former student plays for the Steelers!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Stupid Questions in Higher Ed Interview
From the Chronicle
January 27, 2009
There Are Some Stupid Questions, After All
I ran across this little gem the other day: a list of 10 questions job candidates should never ask in a corporate interview. It made me think of a few of the more painful questions I’ve heard over the years.
From a new Ph.D. with no teaching experience: “Why can’t I start at associate professor rank? That would pay more money.”
From an incredibly energetic young candidate: “How long do we have to wait before I can be promoted to department chair? I want to be a president before I’m 40.”
So, what would you include in higher ed’s version of top questions applicants should never ask in a job interview?
By Gene C. Fant Jr. | Posted on Tuesday January 27, 2009 | Permalink
Comments
A question I’ve heard more than once from candidates: “I see several references (in institutional mission documents and in pre-interview materials) to diversity. Are you talking about diversity in order to satisfy some accrediting agency?”
— Aron Jan 27, 12:24 PM #
What’s tenure?
— James Jan 27, 01:21 PM #
“How long will it be before I am re-imbursed for the mileage I incurred driving 2 exits on the interstate to get here?”
No, he didn’t get the job.
— Platu Barota Niktu Jan 27, 01:22 PM #
“Is there a place in the faculty lounge for meditation? I have my own mat and prayer rug.”
— Consuelo Jan 27, 01:25 PM #
“I’m a vegan and a wikkan. Will I be required to attend meat-eating functions?”
— Gina Jan 27, 01:27 PM #
“How many sick or personal days will I be allowed per week?”
— Germaine Jan 27, 01:30 PM #
Can I do my office hours from home?
— Luis Jan 27, 01:32 PM #
heard this only once…“I’m like totally 100% organic and everything. Will I be forced to sit at a table with like a polyester table cloth or anything?”
— sheila Jan 27, 01:36 PM #
Where do I see myself in three years…taking over your job.
— b Jan 27, 01:36 PM #
How would I go about changing [insert policy]?
— me Jan 27, 01:45 PM #
Is that Dean gay? He’s so hot I’d love to get in his pants!
— sc prof Jan 27, 02:04 PM #
It just shows that there isn’t mentoring done by the archaic establishment that brings in new entrants with very little knowledge about their profession’s prefessionalism. What do you expect?
— LR Jan 27, 02:12 PM #
The “Where do I see myself in three years…taking over your job” one comes from go-get-em how-to-interview books from the 80s, as I recall (usually with something like “as you move up” following it). Doesn’t work in academia at all, and doesn’t actually work outside of academia, really.
— ZS Jan 27, 03:09 PM #
How does one go about teaching?
— BC Jan 27, 04:48 PM #
these are HILARIOUS and I am printing them out and distributing them to my students who actually have no clue when they’ve inserted that 2nd foot into their mouths. Thanks…
— Javier Jan 27, 04:54 PM #
#11, This actually happened to me. My new associate dean (and direct report) decided I was partner material for her in 80’s fag-hag mentality and made my life a living hell. Never mind I was in a relationship of a DECADE. Finally, when the late night drunken phone calls and obscene e-mails (FROM HER) had reached my breaking point, I reported her to her dean, who then reported ME to her for insubordination. Life got to be very ugly for me. I had to resign because she refused to renew my contract despite glowing reviews and performance evaluations for 10 years.
I finally reported her to our worthless ombudsman office, who told me that I couldn’t possibly be telling the truth because women don’t do that to men and after all, I didn’t look gay.
Where is she today? Still in her job and making the lives of all around her a living hell.
— Grey Jan 27, 05:06 PM #
Not a question, but a comment. “I think I can raise the quality of research coming out of your department, given my educational background.”
One of our graduate students inquired with several universities about the possibility of a tenure-track job after one year of coursework, and was shocked to find out that they don’t consider candidates until they have at least reached ABD stage.
I heard of someone suggesting that, based on his incredible qualifications compared to the institution interviewing him, he should be allowed to go up for tenure in the first year. And he hadn’t even defended his dissertation.
— me Jan 27, 05:26 PM #
I teach at a Catholic institution. Several years ago we had a well-meaning candidate who turned to one of the Deans (who was a priest) and said: “Wow, it must be really tough for you guys, with the sex scandals and all. How do you feel about it?” Needless to day it was impossible to give that candidate the job.
— Maria Jan 27, 05:43 PM #
We had a candidate who asked in a conference interview, no less: “How many days a week do I have to show up on campus?”
— James Jan 27, 07:44 PM #
“Who’s that?” after the college president’s name came up in interview lunch conversation.
— Matilda Jan 27, 09:35 PM #
A couple more that I forgot: “Would I have to teach the course in the advertisement? Can’t I just teach course X that’s of greater interest to me?” Asked by two different candidates.
“Is it possible to take the first semester off from teaching if I’m still finishing my dissertation?” Upon further inquiry, it wasn’t a request to start in the spring semester, which might be possible in some cases, but rather a request to be paid but have the teaching and service load reduced to zero the first semester.
— me Jan 28, 08:01 AM #
Do self published chapbooks count as peer review?
— ethnopoet Jan 28, 12:01 PM #
So, do you do research? Good job checking the web page which included my vita which clearly listed all my publications.
— Clem Jan 28, 12:24 PM #
This gem: “Are there rock concerts near here? I’m big into heavy metal.” This from a candidate with a serious, and apparently unrecognized or treated, hearing disorder.
— morris Jan 28, 12:42 PM #
No. 19: That’s a germane question; I’ve asked it more professionally, and maybe I was that conference caller. Having taught in one job where we were expected to hold office hours three days a week so as to spend quality time doing research and at another job where we were treated like high school teachers expected to be on campus 8-5 five days a week, I maintain that knowing such expectations is vital for a job candidate during the dating game.
— prof'd Jan 28, 02:14 PM #
What galls me more is when search committees and interviewers are stupid by way of being coy, disingenuous or obstructionist. Last year, we invited a top scholar and administrator, someone just about out of our league, to interview for an administrative post. We’re going up for accreditation, and when he asked to see documentation of where we stood, a departmental administrator denied him (without consulting the search committee) because she didn’t seem to understand his need to be so well-informed while he was considering us, let alone that it was a public record anyone might request. We lost him.
— prof'd Jan 28, 02:21 PM #
No. 24: I wear earplugs to heavy metal concerts and have done so since the 80s. Just because metal doesn’t enjoy the proletarian vogue status of some other musical styles does not mean that it has no redeeming social values. Sexist? Sometimes overtly (and annoyingly) so.
— Joseph Jan 28, 02:31 PM #
You want sexist music? Check out opera.
— h.c. Jan 28, 10:11 PM #
One interviewee asked “Does being from New York count as diverse?”
When asked how she would incorporate technology into her classroom teaching, she proceeded to give a 30 minute answer that included a homosexual man committing suicide (that showed her insensitivity to both topics), school board improprieties, and “too much information” (especially for an interview) details about the story’s main characters sex lives. The only part that actually had to do with technology was when she said “the classroom had 2 computers that were not even plugged in, so I plugged them in and the students loved using them”.
— Gene Jan 29, 08:30 AM #
January 27, 2009
There Are Some Stupid Questions, After All
I ran across this little gem the other day: a list of 10 questions job candidates should never ask in a corporate interview. It made me think of a few of the more painful questions I’ve heard over the years.
From a new Ph.D. with no teaching experience: “Why can’t I start at associate professor rank? That would pay more money.”
From an incredibly energetic young candidate: “How long do we have to wait before I can be promoted to department chair? I want to be a president before I’m 40.”
So, what would you include in higher ed’s version of top questions applicants should never ask in a job interview?
By Gene C. Fant Jr. | Posted on Tuesday January 27, 2009 | Permalink
Comments
A question I’ve heard more than once from candidates: “I see several references (in institutional mission documents and in pre-interview materials) to diversity. Are you talking about diversity in order to satisfy some accrediting agency?”
— Aron Jan 27, 12:24 PM #
What’s tenure?
— James Jan 27, 01:21 PM #
“How long will it be before I am re-imbursed for the mileage I incurred driving 2 exits on the interstate to get here?”
No, he didn’t get the job.
— Platu Barota Niktu Jan 27, 01:22 PM #
“Is there a place in the faculty lounge for meditation? I have my own mat and prayer rug.”
— Consuelo Jan 27, 01:25 PM #
“I’m a vegan and a wikkan. Will I be required to attend meat-eating functions?”
— Gina Jan 27, 01:27 PM #
“How many sick or personal days will I be allowed per week?”
— Germaine Jan 27, 01:30 PM #
Can I do my office hours from home?
— Luis Jan 27, 01:32 PM #
heard this only once…“I’m like totally 100% organic and everything. Will I be forced to sit at a table with like a polyester table cloth or anything?”
— sheila Jan 27, 01:36 PM #
Where do I see myself in three years…taking over your job.
— b Jan 27, 01:36 PM #
How would I go about changing [insert policy]?
— me Jan 27, 01:45 PM #
Is that Dean gay? He’s so hot I’d love to get in his pants!
— sc prof Jan 27, 02:04 PM #
It just shows that there isn’t mentoring done by the archaic establishment that brings in new entrants with very little knowledge about their profession’s prefessionalism. What do you expect?
— LR Jan 27, 02:12 PM #
The “Where do I see myself in three years…taking over your job” one comes from go-get-em how-to-interview books from the 80s, as I recall (usually with something like “as you move up” following it). Doesn’t work in academia at all, and doesn’t actually work outside of academia, really.
— ZS Jan 27, 03:09 PM #
How does one go about teaching?
— BC Jan 27, 04:48 PM #
these are HILARIOUS and I am printing them out and distributing them to my students who actually have no clue when they’ve inserted that 2nd foot into their mouths. Thanks…
— Javier Jan 27, 04:54 PM #
#11, This actually happened to me. My new associate dean (and direct report) decided I was partner material for her in 80’s fag-hag mentality and made my life a living hell. Never mind I was in a relationship of a DECADE. Finally, when the late night drunken phone calls and obscene e-mails (FROM HER) had reached my breaking point, I reported her to her dean, who then reported ME to her for insubordination. Life got to be very ugly for me. I had to resign because she refused to renew my contract despite glowing reviews and performance evaluations for 10 years.
I finally reported her to our worthless ombudsman office, who told me that I couldn’t possibly be telling the truth because women don’t do that to men and after all, I didn’t look gay.
Where is she today? Still in her job and making the lives of all around her a living hell.
— Grey Jan 27, 05:06 PM #
Not a question, but a comment. “I think I can raise the quality of research coming out of your department, given my educational background.”
One of our graduate students inquired with several universities about the possibility of a tenure-track job after one year of coursework, and was shocked to find out that they don’t consider candidates until they have at least reached ABD stage.
I heard of someone suggesting that, based on his incredible qualifications compared to the institution interviewing him, he should be allowed to go up for tenure in the first year. And he hadn’t even defended his dissertation.
— me Jan 27, 05:26 PM #
I teach at a Catholic institution. Several years ago we had a well-meaning candidate who turned to one of the Deans (who was a priest) and said: “Wow, it must be really tough for you guys, with the sex scandals and all. How do you feel about it?” Needless to day it was impossible to give that candidate the job.
— Maria Jan 27, 05:43 PM #
We had a candidate who asked in a conference interview, no less: “How many days a week do I have to show up on campus?”
— James Jan 27, 07:44 PM #
“Who’s that?” after the college president’s name came up in interview lunch conversation.
— Matilda Jan 27, 09:35 PM #
A couple more that I forgot: “Would I have to teach the course in the advertisement? Can’t I just teach course X that’s of greater interest to me?” Asked by two different candidates.
“Is it possible to take the first semester off from teaching if I’m still finishing my dissertation?” Upon further inquiry, it wasn’t a request to start in the spring semester, which might be possible in some cases, but rather a request to be paid but have the teaching and service load reduced to zero the first semester.
— me Jan 28, 08:01 AM #
Do self published chapbooks count as peer review?
— ethnopoet Jan 28, 12:01 PM #
So, do you do research? Good job checking the web page which included my vita which clearly listed all my publications.
— Clem Jan 28, 12:24 PM #
This gem: “Are there rock concerts near here? I’m big into heavy metal.” This from a candidate with a serious, and apparently unrecognized or treated, hearing disorder.
— morris Jan 28, 12:42 PM #
No. 19: That’s a germane question; I’ve asked it more professionally, and maybe I was that conference caller. Having taught in one job where we were expected to hold office hours three days a week so as to spend quality time doing research and at another job where we were treated like high school teachers expected to be on campus 8-5 five days a week, I maintain that knowing such expectations is vital for a job candidate during the dating game.
— prof'd Jan 28, 02:14 PM #
What galls me more is when search committees and interviewers are stupid by way of being coy, disingenuous or obstructionist. Last year, we invited a top scholar and administrator, someone just about out of our league, to interview for an administrative post. We’re going up for accreditation, and when he asked to see documentation of where we stood, a departmental administrator denied him (without consulting the search committee) because she didn’t seem to understand his need to be so well-informed while he was considering us, let alone that it was a public record anyone might request. We lost him.
— prof'd Jan 28, 02:21 PM #
No. 24: I wear earplugs to heavy metal concerts and have done so since the 80s. Just because metal doesn’t enjoy the proletarian vogue status of some other musical styles does not mean that it has no redeeming social values. Sexist? Sometimes overtly (and annoyingly) so.
— Joseph Jan 28, 02:31 PM #
You want sexist music? Check out opera.
— h.c. Jan 28, 10:11 PM #
One interviewee asked “Does being from New York count as diverse?”
When asked how she would incorporate technology into her classroom teaching, she proceeded to give a 30 minute answer that included a homosexual man committing suicide (that showed her insensitivity to both topics), school board improprieties, and “too much information” (especially for an interview) details about the story’s main characters sex lives. The only part that actually had to do with technology was when she said “the classroom had 2 computers that were not even plugged in, so I plugged them in and the students loved using them”.
— Gene Jan 29, 08:30 AM #
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
