Snappy Headlines, but No Substance

I understand that the world has bureaucracy –that there is often a chain of command and that people must play games to curry favor. That doesn’t mean I always like it.

Nebraska Wesleyan University even offers a class, Communication 225, which according to the course description explores the “theories and practices of persuasion within a variety of communication contexts.”

In truth, we all exercise persuasive skills to get what we want at times. The winter issue of Archways, the NWU Magazine, features a vision for the future of the campus. Available also on the NWU website, the piece is boldly titled “Taking Shape, Envisioning a Future Campus.”

The content is far less satisfying than its headline. Not far in, the writer emphasizes the campus master plan “is not a hard and fast document reflecting final decisions.”

Later the disclaimer continues, saying, “Nor is the campus master plan accompanied by a timeline or building sequence. The order and timetable is purposefully undefined, and will be dictated by the university’s changing needs and capabilities over many years.”

A hard and fast summary of the Archways article: we have considered the university’s future growth, but we won’t commit to anything.

In the Oct. 15 issue of The Reveille I concluded in my opinion piece “The Obstacle is Money.” To append my summary, I would add: To our wealthy readers, if you want to write a check for [insert building here], that project will move to the forefront in our implementation of the campus master plan.

I accept that the process of fundraising –especially when a university’s reserves are low –is difficult and compounded by the state of the economy. Persuading individuals to part with their money is a delicate task. However, I would argue that without a foreseeable return on an investment, donors will be less likely to give to the university. Even more detrimental, the only date noted is 2035-25 years from now. I would hazard to say that when Burt Hall (1956) and the Roy G. Student Center (1959) were built, solid projections for their completion had been made.

The Archways narrator asks “What forces will shape our campus from here?” None, if administrative personnel will not provide the aggressive leadership necessary and put aside the passive tactics evident in the Archways feature.

President Fred Ohles’s words conclude “Taking Shape.” He said, “It’s a big agenda, but one we’re ready to handle.” What agenda? Right now, all I see are words on a page.