Another long semester

Overall, the last few months haven’t been too bad but I am really looking forward for it to be over. I don’t remember a semester when both the class I taught and the one I am taking both met in the evenings. Now, it is generally not until 8pm or later when I get home  from Mon to Thu. The class I am taking is also keeping a bit busier than others but only because it prevents me from procrastinating much. It is a new course being taught by a faculty member who joined us in the fall. No book – all research papers. We generally get 1 per class and have to write summaries before we meet to discuss each. Some of those discussions are led by us too as we first ahve to present the paper. Might sound like a pain but here is the perk – no exams! For me this means that no more exams period. This is my last class – all that remains is for me to do my research project. For the first time, I even have some ideas for that.

My school continues its own level of chaos as our search for a new dean failed. Sadly it is all because of money. The budget model we are under doesn’t take into account the costs of running a school like ours and the research we do. The model was conceived several decaded ago when all they did here was teach. Now we are in the red do to some mistakes the former dean made. There does seem to be some good news on the horizon. We have a new acting dean, someone from within our school this time, who will make some changes that I think are needed. It also seems like the vice-chancellor and university preseident are listing to our financial concerns and may help us there too. Something needs to happen because at least from a staff point of view, morale has been very down. Time will tell.

Things have been hectic at home too. Girl Scout cookie time. My girls sold tons and thankfully the finished everything up last weekend.I am sure L is overjoyed too. She’s been helping out at the various tables they’ve set up to sell more cookies. She gets her break in a week when she and the girls leave for Florida. Looks like a week of frozen pizzas for me 🙂