8/1/2011: This job posting from UO’s new VP for Research, Kim Espy, creates some hope that UO’s research priorities are going to move away from Provost Bean’s oversold “5 big ideas” towards something more like, uh, research. Not that we have anything against trying to base our AAU status on…
UO Matters
8/1/2011: The state and SEIU local 503 have signed a tentative agreement, which will go to the members for a vote, but there are still details to be worked out between OUS Chancellor Pernsteiner and SEIU. A union organizer sent me this notice of a rally, to be held today:…
7/31/2011: The most Eugene news story ever? From Saul Hubbard in the RG. Health officials confirm rabid bat Goats in Cottage Grove may have been exposed … should serve as a reminder to local residents to vaccinate their pets and take all close encounters with the flying mammals very seriously,…
7/31/2011: There’s really no other way to interpret this Oregonian story by Rachel Bachman: On online-auction site eBay Friday, 270 items purported to be signed by current or former Ducks were for sale. They focused on high-profile athletes, from a mini-helmet signed by senior tight end David Paulson (buy-it-now price:…
7/29/2011: Former UO journalism student and ODE reporter, now working for Insidehighered.com. She’s written a fascinating article on the politics behind the Ivy league’s recent decision to limit full contact football practice, and why they did not try to get the NCAA to go along.
7/28/2011: Dennis Thompson in the SJ reports on a debate among SEIU workers (including UO staff) on whether to vote no on the new contract. The SEIU facebook page is here, the “Vote No” facebook page is here. There is a robust debate on the pros and cons. Worth reading…
7/28/2011: UO General Counsel Randy Geller has no problem signing his name to a $150,000 contract appropriating state funds to hire “The Cleaner” to “investigate” UO’s NCAA compliance: But ask him whether the athletic department or the academic side is going to pay that bill? Now he’s counting pennies –…
7/27/2011: George Schroeder of the RG calls for more of it, regarding the NCAA investigation. The Maryland Board of Regents wants more too, after they discover their athletic department is a few million in the red – about as much as Oregon would be if not for the costs Mullens…
7/26/2011: Looks like Howard Slusher’s plan to divorce Duck football from the NCAA is gaining more traction. Sports Illustrated breaks the story. The key seems to be to make football independent, while leaving the NCAA with basketball and the non-revenue sports. The model for this is college rodeo. Many fine…
7/25/2011: He was a former NFL football star, suffering from football induced brain injuries, aged 50. He shot himself, in the heart, and asked that his brain be used for research that might help other players. Sort of puts Chip Kelly’s troubles in perspective. Goes along with a very well…
7/25/2011: Word from the SEIU union is that the state DAS has agreed on a contract, but the OUS locals are still negotiating with Chancellor Pernsteiner’s bargaining team on the OUS details. Staff making $25,000 a year will now have to pay 5% of their health insurance. The furloughs continue.…
7/25/2011: I’ve written before about the perverse “Directors Cup” incentives in the contract UO wrote for AD Rob Mullens last year. This is an NCAA competition between athletic directors for the most successful overall athletic program. UO ranked 30th, and now the bill is due. I can see why Mr.…
7/24/2011: This well researched ODE article by Thomas Kyle-Milward brings back a few memories. But these days UO Matters seldom goes bottoms up, except for the occasional bag of bagels, and then only if it’s on the top. Back problems. Of course, I do check the Johnson Hall paper recycling…
7/24/2011: Ron Mullens and his Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director for Finance and Administration Jamie Moffit brag about “zero-based budgeting” for the athletic department in today’s George Schroeder piece. Where did I last hear about zero-based budgeting? Oh, yeah, right. Jimmy Carter. Get real. The AD budget has grown 50%…
update: Thompson reports the state has reached a deal with SEIU, the UO staff union. 7/23/2011: Dennis Thompson of the SJ runs an excellent one. Today there is an angry debate between SEIU wokers on whether it is right for higher income worker to pay more for health insurance.