Feedback May 2002 (Vol 43 No 2)

PAUSETHE LIFE CYCLE OF AN ADMINISTRATOROR TALES FROM THE DARKSIDETom Bohn, Ithaca Collegebohn@ithaca.eduFor many Chairs, Deans, and other assorted administrators of communicationprograms, there is no life cycle; their time in office is temporary at best — the “keepthe seat warm” position. They are there under duress and can’t wait to have their armand head back in their natural positions.However, for others, “administrator” is not another word for S.O.B. and theyactually aspire to the position, perspire in the position, and inspire with the position.They see administration as a career and a choice — perhaps not lifetime — but,certainly, a decision that involves thought and action, rather than simply drawing theshort straw.In a panel presentation at the 2002 BEA Convention on administrative lifestyles, weheard a number of stories from the front lines: tales of “getting started,” “settling in,”“cruising along,” and, in my presentation, “winding down.”First a disclaimer: despite the occasional prayer and possibly petition or two, I amnot returning to full-time teaching; but, if and when I do, I hope to follow theprinciples developed in this presentation. Usually when asked about stepping down orretiring, I indicate that I have a four-year plan and a six-week attitude.When is it time to return to full-time teaching from administration; especially whenit involves, once again, choice, fueled by thought and action, rather than the result of a“conversation” with the Dean or Provost or the dreaded NCV — “no confidence vote.”What are the warning signs or signals that it is time to really find the bottom of yourdesk, delete the “list serve memo-maker” function on your computer, and throw awaythe remaining 10,000 business cards you had made up five years ago?Signs of the Time(1) You think a five-day-a-week teaching schedule is “load relief.”(2) You think an 8am class is an opportunity to sleep in.(3) You think student complaints about faculty would be welcome relief fromfaculty complaints about students — or — is it the other way around?(4) You actually want to read the Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media,Journalism Quarterly and the Journal of Radio Studies rather than having yourDepartment Assistant stamp “circulate” on the cover before it even gets to youroffice.(5) You want to go to BEA to listen rather than recruit — or, worse yet — to givepapers on administrative lifestyles.(6) You never want to buy a suit again.Ultimately, the signs are individual and even idiosyncratic. Sometimes, there is the40Feedback May 2002 (Vol. 43, No. 2)