Shirvani’s right: N.D. universities need more oversight
July 29, 2012 at 1:00 am in Grand Forks Herald
Hamid Shirvani, the North Dakota University System’s new chancellor, has promised increased oversight. And if UND President Robert Kelley and the system’s other CEOs are smart (which they are), they’ll welcome Shirvani’s initiative because it’s exactly what the system needs. Continue Reading
The new guy has asked to DOUBLE the size of central government. As a Libertarian that mindset frightens me. That said, because I agree the SBHE has been woefully negligent in their oversight responsibilities, I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.
My question: where is the accountability trail. How do I, the taxpayer, know these people are earning their keep?
Thirty FTE is a huge amount. Before signing on to this, I want to know why 10 FTE would not be sufficient.
Since doubling the size of his department will probably not pass muster, I wonder if the new Grand PooBah is simply playing politics: asking for 30 when he really needs 10?
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“How do I, the taxpayer, know these people are earning their keep?” They aren’t and never have!
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I read alot about Shirvani a few months ago. The college he left was really really really glad to see him go. They wished the people in North Dakota luck. I guess we will see down the road if he will be good for higher education in the state.
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I think the fees are only the tip of the problem with ND higher ed. There is an insular mindset to the schools, where they are unwilling to seek out outside ideas. In many areas, there is a lack of innovation not because the people aren’t smart, but because the various departments and divisions don’t seek out employees who have worked in the private sector or who have less than a masters degree. It might be good to require a minimum of two years private sector experience for people applying for staff positions, so there is an understanding of where the money comes from and how to spend it more efficiently. It is not success if you’re hiring more people; it’s success when you have to hire more people.
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Hamid Shirvani-fox
universities-chicken coop
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