Category Archives: SIU

Streamlined? Graduate Student Futures

Posted on May 3, 2012 by

Following the corporate model of undergraduate studies, it is no surprise that universities are now thinking about restructuring graduate studies. This includes the hiring market. As I apply for jobs, I can feel the dichotomy of research versus teaching. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Corporate Education, dissertation, Graduate School, Public Education, SIU, Teaching, Tenure | Leave a comment

Presidency at an End: My Reflection

Posted on May 2, 2012 by

For the past year, I have had the honor of serving as the President of graduate and professional students here at SIU, and it has really been wonderful. It has also brought many of my concerns about SIU into clear … Continue reading →

Posted in Activism, Graduate School, Public Education, SIU | Leave a comment

Letting the Heat Out: Not Really a Vent

Posted on March 21, 2012 by

On my recent visit to Coe, I had the cost of higher education on my mind. There were some new buildings, I noticed, over the twenty plus years since I was a student. On the other hand, the same buildings … Continue reading →

Posted in Bangladesh, Coe College, Corporate Education, Graduate School, Graduate Student fees, North South University, Public Education, Rita Cheng, SIU, Student Loans, University Sports, US Government | Leave a comment

Elitist School, Local Students: SIU’s Dilemma

Posted on March 10, 2012 by

Last week was jam-packed with events, and discussion around the fees issue we’ve been pushing at GPSC. Obviously, those who control the media are controlling the spin, and as my presence in that space, I wanted to reflect on how … Continue reading →

Posted in Bangladesh, Corporate Education, Graduate School, Graduate Student fees, North South University, Public Education, Rita Cheng, Saluki Stadium, SIU | Leave a comment

Futile to Fight? No!

Posted on February 27, 2012 by

My term as president of graduate students is coming to an end, and some might think this is the perfect time to let time slide by and let those who are going to stay here, worry about things here in … Continue reading →

Posted in Activism, Corporate Education, Graduate School, Graduate Student fees, Public Education, Rita Cheng, Saluki Stadium, SIU, Student Protest, Teaching, University Sports, US Government | Leave a comment

Restructuring, Fiction and the Dissertation

Posted on December 26, 2011 by

After a year of writing my dissertation, I contemplate the freedom of writing. I’ve been following certain writing rules, common rules, fairly rigid rules, MLA formatted and citation rich rules, lovely rules, for writing dissertations. Somewhere in the middle of … Continue reading →

Posted in American Literature, Blogging, dissertation, Literature, SIU, Three Girls Novel, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

What Kind of Public University Do We Have?

Posted on November 22, 2011 by

At our recent budget meeting with the Chancellor, I learned some startling facts about the state of finances at the university, and it has nothing to do with the administration hiding money. We at SIU are considered a public university, … Continue reading →

Posted in Corporate Education, Public Education, SIU, Student Loans, Teaching, US Government | Leave a comment

$13 a month…

Posted on November 1, 2011 by

As our potential strike looms at SIU, I want to consider the administration’s offer for a pay raise (one of the few things they have offered). For graduate assistants, they want to offer a 1% raise per month, starting in … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging, Graduate School, Labor, SIU, Teaching, Unions | Leave a comment

Play! Fight!

Posted on October 16, 2011 by

In a few weeks, I’ll be presenting a paper at the MMLA in St. Louis on “Play” in American Fiction, specifically the stories of Margaret Deland, in her book Old Chester Tales. In thinking about play as a theme, it … Continue reading →

Posted in Activism, American Literature, Blogging, Corporate Education, Graduate School, Interactive Education, Literature, Little Grassy Lake, Margaret Deland, North South University, SIU, Teaching | Leave a comment

Public Servants, or Public Slaves

Posted on September 26, 2011 by

Our university is moving closer to a strike, and the calls for action are everywhere–though some call for inaction as their call to action. The vote this Friday, by GA United, will set the stage for a possible strike, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Activism, Corporate Education, Labor, Rita Cheng, Scott Walker, SIU, Unions, US Government | 2 Comments