Rolling the Rock

By Professor Ron Mosley
President, Affiliated Faculties of the University of Maine (AFUM)

During my twenty-odd years of faculty and MEA service, we have faced the most challenging times in our history within the University of Maine System.  My tacit assumption was that circumstances would stabilize, that things would "settle down."  I breathed a sigh of relief whenever we ratified a new contract, achieved elective or legislative success, protected a member from administrative mischief, or overcame some crisis.  But while I was expecting comfort and satisfaction, the next issues were ripening, threatening dire consequences and demanding attention.

I learned (too slowly) that we will never achieve what I sought:  the equilibrium of a fair, rewarding working environment, sufficient financial support, etc.  New challenges are always developing.  There will always be competition for the funding that our institutions require.  Administrators will continue to violate contracts and laws to disadvantage our members.

We are Sisyphus.  We keep rolling our rock up the hill, only to find it at the bottom again.  We do the same things over and over.  And the work never ends.

But there is a huge difference.  Sisyphus was punished by the gods, condemned to ceaseless, meaningless toil.  We choose to work for the good of educators and Maine's public schools.  We willingly embrace the challenges, learn from the losses and savor the victories.  We draw strength from doing what is "right," and we find our reward in overcoming the challenges, even though they are endless.

Our greatest lesson is that we can't fix everything before we leave.  We deal with issues as they arise and even fix some things proactively before they become threats.  But our greatest challenge is not a looming crisis that requires our immediate effort.  Most importantly, we must fashion an organization, a systemic structure, a foundation of policies and principles, and a means of developing new leaders to carry on this important work long after we move on.

I sat down to write about the University of Maine System strategic planning initiative known as "New Challenges, New Directions."  This effort is more inclusive and less secretive than a similar attempt several years ago, partly due to the influence of MEA's higher education locals.  A much more transparent, public Task Force (on which I served) considered structure and governance.  Two other groups, financial and academic officers, were less open and inclusive, but made recommendations with potential significant and negative impact on our members and students.

AFUM has submitted comment on the process and content of university system plans.  We have articulated principles that should guide these efforts.  Our thoughts may be viewed at afum.org.  Our principles are very similar to those applicable to the K-12 environment.  Perhaps the greatest difference is our voice in educational policy.  Maine statutes require that higher education "faculty shall be consulted in the formulation of academic policies pertaining to it."  This voice is the basis for our shared governance.  We hope to see the day when our K-12 colleagues are respected enough to have equivalent rights.

I will continue my AFUM/MEA/NEA work to improve and protect educators and public education.  You will, too.  As we go forward together, let's enjoy the journey and remember to take the long view.  Our efforts set the direction are prepare the way for countless others who will carry on this important work.  Make it better for them.