Gov. Snyder announced as UM's Commencement Speaker
UM just annouced (hour ago) that Rick Snyder will be the speaker at commencement.
This is bound to get political, but at the same time is major UM news, so mods do with this what you see best.
Without choosing a political side, it is safe to say that UM is going to come under fire for having a Governor that is endorsing major cuts to UM speak at their commencement.
Now, Snyder is a 3-time UM grad, lives and built his business in Ann Arbor, and attends all MBB games, but some people in the education world are not going to be happy with this.
EDIT: Edited to clarify/tone down a point.
This may also be a great opportunity for Snyder to address the importance of public education and Michigan's role in the public education sphere.
March 15th, 2011 at 12:13 AM ^
a) I believe he, like all Commencement speakers, will be handed an honorary degree honoring his achievements
b) most speakers are selected because they have made some notable achievement or another
But seriously, I made a snarky reply to a snarky reply. Don't take it too seriously.
Get political?
<br>
<br>How is having Obama speak less political than Snyder?
Anyone who is opposed to this, stop and think about this:
Here is the governor of the state of Michigan, a man with two degrees from this school, who chose to continue living in Ann Arbor rather than move to Lansing. How the hell could we not invite him?
I don't disagree at all.
However, how am I supposed to feel as a future teacher when,at commencement, Rick Snyder inevitably talks about the importance of keeping us young professionals in the state of Michigan after he just slashed ungodly amounts of money from K-12 budgets?
Even worse: How are all the Screen Arts and Cultures (Film) majors and minors supposed to feel?
I am with you. Right now I am deciding whether to continue for another year at michigan to get a MA in education with secondary certification or to find an adjunct professor position at a small liberal arts university or community college. I just know I want to remain in education. I am disappointed in Snyder's budget plan for secondary and elementary education. It is a complete 180 from his stance during the election. Right now I feel a bait and switch occured. However, I am conflicted as his budget pours in education funding at the community college level, the other academic arena I am considering.
If you're considering the MAC program, I would suggest going to as many info sessions as possible, especially ones with current MACers.
When they say the program is highly intensive, it is. Some people didn't / don't take that seriously, but think about it: It's a program where you get a Master's degree and certified to teach (read: you're student teaching while taking several graduate classes) all in just one year.
It kicks your ass. I don't want to say if it's for you or not, but make sure you know that up front. I'm happy with my decision to do it, but it sure ain't easy.
I have a friend that went through it. I have already applied and been accepted to the program. Right now I am sitting on my decision so I can apply around the SE to central MI areas for part time teaching at the community college level. I would prefer go part time at Eastern while teaching at the community college. I am turning 28 and I want to get on with my life and my career.
I am actually dropping down from a PhD to get my teaching certificate. It is not that I could not hack it with research since I passed all of my quals and my prelim defense. I have a lot of qualms about our current higher education system and its primary focus on research as opposed to its original aim of education. I am fine with intensive programs.
Get me a beer and I could go on for hours about how f*ed up higher education is globally.
March 14th, 2011 at 11:48 PM ^
If your industry relies on gobs of government cash to survive, you have to learn to live with the ups and downs of the election cycle (in the same boat here - I work for a defense contractor). Sometimes the guy bad for your personal interests wins. Almost all states' budgets are hosed right now, and someone's ox is going to get gored.
That said, I was always curious while people think giving "corporations" tax cuts is evil, but handing out cash to the film industry is totally awesome. Hint: both are for-profit businesses with a few ridiculously wealthy employees and lots of just workin' folk.
ah that's refreshing... he can talk about education and then explain why he's increasing taxes on people who donate to public universities
For students who aren't okay with this: https://www.facebook.com/WeDontWantRick
This is a ridiculous post. It's not like they're going to change, so I don't quite understand the point.
What would the internetz be without protests and petitions that are doomed to fall on deaf ears?!?!
Ann Arbor Torch and Pitchfork needs patrons, even during the off-season.
In1991 when I was graduating we got a wildly unpopular G Bush I (gulf war time) and it spoiled the experience with all the political BS going back and forth. My girlfriend graduated in 1992 and got alum Carol Simpson and I thought that was lame until she gave an awesome speech and had Desmond stand up and promise he would kick ass fir the redskins. Never can tell how the speakers will do. Just thought I'd share that.
There is a petition you can sign if you are a student to reconsider him as a speaker. Over 2000 students have signed it already. Boo ya!
March 15th, 2011 at 12:04 AM ^
Be it finally resolved that the University of Michigan Regents and President should consider beginning a policy of not inviting sitting elected officials to speak at graduation ceremonies in order to reduce conflicts among the graduating seniors.
Where was this petition when Obama was the speaker? Or Granholm (who also cut University funding)? And how the heck would Spike Lee be any less of a politically charged choice (I think he'd be deserving, but then so is Snyder)? Having a President or a Governor speak at your graduation is an honor, no matter what letter is listed after their name.
Just because someone's politics don't align with yours doesn't make them an idiot, evil, whatever. Michigan has had a lot of left leaning commencement speakers - I don't think having to listen to a Republican for 15 minutes, most of which will be platitudes about how great Michigan students are, is going to kill anyone. If having to hear someone you disagree with speak (aka "diversity") will really truly ruin your graduation experience, I think you still have a lot of growing up to do.
March 15th, 2011 at 12:54 AM ^
Urgh. The student body's sense of entitlement is sickening. This sounds like a hangover from Obama coupled with having someone speak who you may not agree with. Politics is a sticky subject, but like it or not, he was elected by the population. By people making this a big deal about Synder makes this about him and not about the graduates (which is supposedly what they are trying to prevent right?). And doing the turn you back shit and cat-calling, really? grow up.
The petition: how many of the signees are graduating? hmmm
This reeks of "Oh's No's, a REPUBLICAN is coming!!@@one!!!!"
This great university is a place to exchange and debate ideas, not exclude people who don't share your ideas, which is the "only way" to too many today.
Nobody (well, relatively) cares he's a republican. Many students against Snyder speaking voted for him. The issue for most - me included - is that we invited him 3 weeks after he threw down devastating cuts to public education.
As people who obviously value education and are celebrating their education from a great university, having a keynote speaker who just cut so much money for education out of the budget is, well, controversial.
Damn it - you made me mention policy.
I'm taking an MGoTimeout.
Also, there's a difference between listening and not agreeing with viewpoints and refusing to listen to begin with. People that are against Snyder speaking are against it because they have listened to and strongly disagree with his policies and the timing of the annoucement of his invitation. If you aren't recognizing this, you're not reading what many of the students are writing/saying.
https://www.msa.umich.edu/upetition/p/ReconsiderRickSnyder/
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/politics/state_politics/u-of-m-stu…
http://www.facebook.com/#!/umspringcommencement/posts/158814604176592