It is not uncommon to find competing interests within an institution. With limited resources and personnel, there can often be a sense of privilege given to one group or project over another. What can cause divisiveness is this perception of favoritism. While people instinctively know that not all programs and activities can be funded or undertaken, it is the responsibility of the leadership to articulate how decisions are made affecting the common goal. Issues of fairness surface frequently in this area. It is, therefore, mandatory that perceptions do not become reality, but rather that there s a clear understanding of how each project or program fits into the total scheme.
There are many divisive issues at NCSSM. In some ways, this contributes to a healthy sense of dialogue over priorities and the need to share resources. In other ways it promotes a sense of "us versus them" where members see favoritism bestowed on some departments or programs. Of special note is the sense of "old versus new", where there continues to be a division between veteran school employees and newer hires. Closure has not been brought to many past grievances, thus inhibiting the ability for those involved to move on with their personal work and the work of the institution. While many state their desire to get beyond the past, there is need for some leadership and sensitivity in this area to help accomplish this "dream."
Change does not come easily even on a unique campus like NCSSM, especially when the entire faculty and staff are not involved sufficiently in the development process. Such s apparently the case in the increased emphasis on distance learning. There is some tension on campus concerning the original mission of the school versus distance learning programs. Effective communication and work with the entire faculty/staff could have prevented some of the dissatisfaction and unrest about this shift in emphasis.
Distance learning will obviously enable the school to reach many more students, thus increasing its contribution to the improvement in student achievement across the state. This in itself is very important to the education process and should improve already good legislative support for the school.
Campus computing facilities are not on par with distance learning labs and equipment. The residential facilities are not as advanced in technology capabilities as many homes and schools from which the students come.
A widespread lack of sense of community is present, along with a lack of an enthusiastic commitment to a common purpose.
There are some who feel too much attention is paid to fundraising and external constituencies. However, the Commission recognizes fully the need for additional resources above the level of funds provided by the government.
Another competing interest is the perception by some, but not all, of preference for white personnel versus faculty and staff that are diverse. Without compromising quality, the school should have selection criteria which recognizes individual strengths and competencies as well as standardized measures.