I'll keep trying, Sam

Well, after setting up this blog and noticing that it hasn't gotten much play, I've neglected it. But Sam is bringing me back to to myself with his last couple of posts. And Ben Feinberg, to, with his "Jensensual Relations" Social Science Div blog (inspired by me, I must boast). Ben keeps plugging away with terrific posts--get some replies, too. So I'll keep trying.

Ben brought up the idea of opening the SocSci blog to the faculty to read--but only those in his division can make posts or comments. I like that idea as opposed to a completely closed conversation, but I wonder what others may think. Hello? Anybody there? If I can figure out how to do it, do you think it's better to let others observe any conversation that may happen here, or is it better to keep the whole thing private (limited to FAH faculty)? I like the idea of openness but what are the drawbacks? Of course, the question is relevent only if this blog becomes a forum for conversation about FAH-related issues. If it does, then would such a conversation be inhibited if we knew that "outsiders" (yikes!) were able to read it? Maybe I'll attach a poll to the blog.

Sam's recent post, "Sustainable Converse-action," is inspiring. Of course, he's been trying to promote such a conversation on faculty-l for years now--I'm in awe of his perseverance. It may be that email conversations work better than blogs like this--not really important (unless it says something important about the confidentiality aspect)--but I sure hope that we can enrich the opportunities for such conversation one way or another. Well, but multiplying the ways, I guess. As one who doesn't make it to Gladfelter often enough, that would be good.

Thinking about Ben's "Jensenual Relations" blog: The title is great, and alludes to the fact that most of the Social Science division (but not all) is housed in the asbestos-scented garden of earthly delights that is Jensen. Not true of FAH. True of H but not FA. This geographical split may indicate the oddity of merging Fine Arts with Humanities, or at least accentuate our possible distance from each other. True? If that's the case, would virtual conversation help?

I want to post here regularly as a way of thinking out loud about issues--regardless of whether anyone is reading at the moment--and soliciting reactions. Email is better for important info out to chairs and faculty, and ensuing email conversations will be good, too.

Topics to write about on future posts:

• more on reactions to course evaluations (especially online version);
• how "sustainablilty" relates to FAH and if answering that question will lead to more visibility and clout for division;
• program reviews: purpose and timing
• more on ARSE: process and instrument
• Ben F's "ENS as Walmart" question