I was very pleased to read that Fred Byron has been reappointed as interim vice chancellor for Research (Sept. 7), but why only "interim" vice chancellor? He has done an outstanding job and deserves the full and regular title. In addition, I wish you would emphasize that he is not just concerned with and successful at raising support for the sciences. He has been a great supporter of the humanities and the fine arts - would that all administrators would be, right up the line to Boston. In any case, five and a half cheers that Byron is willing to stay on the job that he does so well - we need him.
JULES CHAMETZKY
professor emeritus,
English Department
Interim Provost Charlena Seymour replies:
I agree fully with professor Chametzky that Dr. Byron has provided outstanding and valued service to the campus in this role. The interim nature of his appointment is appropriate because the campus's intention is to continue with the full formal search for a vice chancellor for Research. It should be clear that 'interim' reflects solely the length of service agreed upon; it does not diminish the duties of or qualifications for the office.
Isn't privatization grand! Last year, before the University Store was privatized, we were told repeatedly how much more efficiently the private sector could operate it. Whatever was wrong with the old University Store, at least we had one. First Follett - the company that took over the store - crammed the store into the Hatch for the summer, and then, once the semester started, divided it up hither and yon until renovations are complete.
What an embarrassment to the University for parents and new students to arrive and not even be able to take home a T-shirt or a UMass sticker to put on their car. I tried to buy some simple labels for my printer but ended up in town at Hastings, where there were many to choose from. While I was there I bought a couple of notebooks that had Amherst College logos on them. Sounds like Follett has come up with a real winner of a business plan to promote the University and the new store.
Maybe I'm being impatient. Perhaps the renovations, the array of products, and the low prices will be so dazzling that we'll forget about this temporary inconvenience. But I think there is an important lesson here. When we privatize, the University community loses control. Just when this campus needs to be projecting the strongest public image, we have a private company making decisions (poorly) that affect many people's first impression of our campus.
So, before we turn the rest of the campus over to Dunkin' Donuts, Starbucks and Marriott, let's think again about who should be calling the shots in providing services to students, faculty and staff. Before we rush headlong into privatization, let's take the time to carefully evaluate Follett's performance over the next several years and judge for ourselves.
TOM JURAVICH
professor and director,
Labor Relations and Research Center
Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Paul Page replies:
The current situation with the University Store is the result of the need to abate asbestos that was unexpectedly encountered during the renovations in the Campus Center. Professor Juravich inappropriately links this unfortunate situation to Follett and privatization in general. Follett Higher Education Group, as part of its contract with the University, has committed $875,000 for renovating the University Store and Textbook Annex. The store project was scheduled to be completed during the summer. That schedule has been dramatically altered as a result of the asbestos abatement. Nobody is pleased with the problems that this has created. Follett and Auxiliary Services staff have gone to extraordinary lengths to continue to operate in less than ideal conditions. We appreciate the understanding, cooperation and support of students, faculty, staff and visitors for the inconvenience and other difficulties encountered as we work through this difficult period.
