For the Love of the Work

2/13/12  For the Love of the Work

St. Valentine’s Day... We think about love this time of year. In English, we really have one word with multiple meanings. Love for significant other/s, friends and family easily (Greek-Agape).  But.. Don’t forget school, geographic location. Or, job and work (Greek-Philos)?  Is there a difference between “I love my job”, or “I love my work”? The semantics of language are as important as the time of year in directing when and how we think about things.  Certainly our job is the vehicle by which we accomplish our work.  We know our jobs because we have job descriptions. But our work is what we DO at our jobs and may be less easily defined though just as important to consider and define if we are to accomplish it. My work is the sum of the activities that I do to facilitate student success. Personally, I love (philos) the work that I do. This makes my job worth some of the hassles and pitfalls that go with a typical job. Also, though, I LOVE my co-workers (agape and philos). I don’t want to ever lose sight of the importance of doing the work with great and growing skill and in a loving way.  Consider this quote…”When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece.”- John Ruskin. Happy Valentine’s Day!        

ProBowl Dream Team

1/30/12 ProBowl Dream Team  

You are part of a “Dream Team” of staff who embody the best of Delta College’s values and commitment to service. There is almost no nobler cause than helping people find their career/life goals and jobs and thereby- freedom. As the College looks to update or change the mission statement, we can never allow ourselves to suffer from any sort of “mission creep”.  This office works for Student Success by facilitating processes for self-discovery in career planning and research along with the self-actualization that comes with the acquisition of job search skills leading to fulfilling and lucrative employment. You are super stars, “Pro Bowl” players (if you will), who do important work and do it so well.

MLK Day- A Day On

1/16/12 A Day On

Today we celebrate the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday by working for an institution that embodies the very values he gave his life for. Many places are closed in commemoration of MLK’s birthday, but Delta College has always chosen to stay open. Really, I can’t think of any better way to live his Dream except by making a difference for people from all walks of life. All are welcome; all races, religions, sexual orientations, criminal record, income level, country of origin, amount of tattoos, weight/stature, academic background/ability, technology access, the number and gauge of piercings, age and so many other modes of diversity. I’ve always loved the acrostic poem of the word D-I-V-E-R-S-I-T-Y: Different Individuals Valuing Each other Regardless of Skin, Intellect, Talents, or Years. I am also inspired by this quote by Dr. King, “Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'” Today is a Day On to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy. We are On to continue making a difference in the lives of our students, coworkers and community constituents. Thanks for making a difference every day! You really do!

Accommodations Requested

2/9/15 Accommodations Requested

 

In my mind, I draw a distinction between fairness and equity. It's a difficult distinction because we usually think of them synonymously. I believe that we should all have the opportunity to get to the same playing field so we can be treated fairly. But, I perceive that a fairness doctrine requires treating everyone the same. It is best when we are treated equitably; when our individual needs are considered equally. This keeps everyone on the same playing field. Really, a community college is an epitome of equity. We provide a great service and opportunity that almost anyone can afford with the progressive and equitable help of financial aid. Once people can get to the game and onto the field, they can show their desire to play hard and perform well. They may still need further accommodations as tools to be successful, but those don’t give an advantage. They make the playing field level.

 We have rules in our work and other parts of our lives as well. All of us ask for accommodations or exceptions depending on our special circumstances. And, hopefully, those are granted when we need them because, according to Derrick Bell, “A rule without exceptions is an instrument capable of doing mischief to the innocent and bringing grief -- as well as injustice -- to those who should gain exemptions from the rule's functioning.” We sometimes need that extra consideration. As a leader, I must always work to find a balance between the varied needs of the varied interests and stakeholders. I don’t like to get caught up in a fairness game, because it may not be to everyone’s advantage to treat everyone the same. I must make accommodations where possible to find equity.