Quote:
Originally Posted by kwajo
Well I remember hearing about this university thing back in May I think, and I wasn't surprised at all when I heard the report's findings. I know the profs are upset, but let's be honest, some of the departments at UNBSJ (specially the Arts department) are in horrible shape. The faculty is of middling quality and the programs have so little money that they can't hope to improve any time soon. The whole university is a mess and needs an overhaul very badly (but that doesn't mean they should give up on the idea of being a full university). The university administration has been managing the campus badly for decades, and the people at the top siphon off money from contracts to their friends and themselves. What they need to do is fire the administration, disintegrate the whole organization, and start a new one from scratch because the institution is past the point of repair. Get a new name, a new structure, a new vision, new administration, use the same buildings, many of the same faculty, and give the students and community real change, not just the appearance of change.
The longer UNBSJ stays the same, the worse the city will be. But change should not eliminate liberal arts and pure sciences, those are essential driving forces behind social growth and public confidence in education.
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I agree with you. The University does need a complete overhaul but it should still remain a Univeristy. The University Of New Brunswick has been having problems for quite some time. I almost broke out laughing when there were rumors floating around that St. Thomas and Mount Allison would be either closed or lose funding. Both are very highly respected Liberal Arts University's. Mount A has nearly 50 Rhodes Scholars (more than any other LB University in North America) and both STU and Mount A have cracked the top 10 for the last 10 years for best LB Univeristies in Canada. UNB needs a complete overhaul and they need to set goals for themselves. Both STU and Mount A are doing VERY well in their area of expertise, I don't know much about the University of Moncton, however, I will say this. If Saint John loses a full fledged University, it will be a MAJOR step backwards and it will overshadow all of the progress that has been made in recent years. I am embarassed for the Provinical Government and the fact that this "plan" is even on the table. This is indicative of how things work in New Brunswick and it is the reason why I left after I finished my studies. I am happy that some people are taking courses at NBCC and finding jobs in Saint John, but losing UNBSJ will affect the city in a profound way and will inevitably damage the cities psyche, economy, culture and future.