Several years ago while teaching a Field Ecology course in Montana for SIUC, I was looking for a suitable site to study grazing land ecology. I came across two ranches side by side, one overgrazed and unproductive and the other in excellent condition with good grass, fat cattle and sleek horses. I immediately asked permission to use the ranch that had the good condition range land. In talking to the rancher, I happened to ask him why he kept his range in such good condition while his neighbor let his land deteriorate. He replied, I figure if I can’t leave it in better condition than when I found it, I have not done my job. I guess my neighbor doesn’t see it that way. I was impressed with that value system and have never forgotten his wisdom and ethic. (The other rancher went bankrupt!)

This thought came to my mind as I sat in the Faculty Association meeting Feb. 18. I am wondering why more faculty, particularly the older ones, do not support the Faculty Association in its attempt to make things better at SIUC? The only way we can improve working conditions in the future at SIUC is to unite and support the Faculty Association! It is clear that if we do not get behind the association, working conditions will be worse at SIUC then they ever have been. A careful reading of the administration’s bargaining proposal clearly will show that. Although many of us senior faculty may not benefit greatly from the association’s actions, in the long run we can help make thing better for our junior faculty members.

I urge all faculty, young and old, who are not members of the association to join and make SIUC better than when we found it! None of us want SIUC to go academically bankrupt. If apathy prevails in this issue, the SIUC administration wins! Ask yourself who loses.

Advertisement