I am constantly surprised by how many academics fail to take time to learn uni processes - particularly around travel and procurement.
The looks of astonishment on the part of students, early career scholars, and senior faculty when they learn they can’t be reimbursed are remarkable.
‘No one told me.’
‘What is the big deal.’
‘I should be treated differently.
The words they utter remind me of my teen, who has since become more responsible.
The worst offenders are usually senior faculty, who either skip meetings, fail to read the policy, or simply ask for help.
I have heard senior faculty rant about the injustice of not being reimbursed for violating rules - after the second or third exception not being granted.
Why does it matter?
Because when faculty fail to learn policy, they create extra work for their uni’s staff, department chair, and colleagues.
So what should we pay attention to?
First, our emotions.
Sometimes, I snap. I always regret it.
Quell the impulse to bite the staff member who says no.
That person likely has answers that you need.
Second, the staff.
Usually, if you are nice to admins, they reciprocate.
Sometimes, they will even share tips that improve your life.
Third, email.
Read the memos and ask for clarification.
Often that admin will happily give you the skinny on what must be done.
The skinny is easier to follow if you’ve done your homework.
Fourth, deadlines.
I once watched an endowed chair walk into the office the day before the end of the fiscal year with a box of receipts.
They complained bitterly about the work ahead.
That moment became a legend.
Fifth, responsibility.
Tenure is about intellectual freedom.
It comes with the obligation to adhere to uni policies.
Live up to that obligation.
But really, more than these reasons, you should pay attention bc the extra work, the complaining, and the conflict created when faculty fail to learn and comply with basic policies undermines organizational climate and collegiality.
A few bad seeds can make a department miserable for everyone - you, the dept chair, the admins, your colleagues and your students.
So learn your department’s policies & live with them.
And if you don’t like them, take a turn as dept chair & craft new ones.
Best of luck!
Comments